Jessica Whitaker

Intelligent and Independent: Jessica Whitaker, Hamilton, Mo., junior, was the valedictorian or her small high school. She graduated from Penney High School as the best of 52 classmates. The print journalism major, with a technical writing minor, is paying for her own school, and despite her financial strain she always makes time for others.
Great with Geezers: Whitaker works at the Cracker Barrel, a restaurant laden with the elderly, in order to continue working with the elderly. Her previous job was at a nursing home. “I enjoy working with old people. I don’t think they should be brushed aside,” she said. Whitaker worked at the nursing home for near minimum wage because she was not in it for the money. “I wanted them to have an employee who was compassionate,” she said.