EDITOR’S NOTE:
This is the second in a series of 10 articles honoring the top 10 academic seniors at Carthage High School.

Jacob Martin, the 9th ranked academic senior at Carthage High School, is following a tradition established by both his parents and both his brothers.

Following graduation, Jacob will attend Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. While his major is yet undecided, Jacob has a few ideas.

“I may go into engineering, specifically computer engineering,” said Jacob. “I’m just not yet sure. I’m just glad to be going to BYU and keep the tradition going.”

Having lived in Carthage since 1997, Jacob looks back at his high school career with moments of elation, especially on the many opening nights of plays in which he has performed.

“Opening nights are awesome, especially this past year when I played Danny Zuka (the lead) in ‘Grease’,” said  Jacob. “That was really special to me. I also enjoyed Show Choir and those four-hour bus rides.”

When it comes to his senior year, Jacob said he has mixed feelings regarding his class being the last graduating class from the current building.

“I think it’s great because we will be the last class with open lunch,” said Jacob. “But it would be exciting to be in the new school. I’ll come back to see it.”

Throughout all his years, but especially his high school years, Jacob has been proud of t he support he has received from his parents, Derek and Sheri Martin.

“My parents have always encouraged me through my grades and in theater,” said Jacob. “They have supported me in all that I’ve done. I’m also grateful to many of my friends for helping me, even when I didn’t want it.”

Looking 20 years down the road, Jacob sees himself out of school – hopefully, he says – married and with kids.

“I’m just wishing for a happy old life,” he said.

As he readies for graduation in just a few days, Jacob wants to be remembered by his classmates as a “guy that was nice to be around and the one with whom they had all the crazy times.”