Eastland Career Center senior Jael Haynes-Lee took part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience through a leadership academy hosted by West Point Military Academy, this summer.
What do you get when you combine strength, perseverance, dedication, and a strong set of goals? Jael Haynes-Lee.
Even West Point recognized her innate qualities. Earlier this year, she was selected from among thousands for the West Point Summer Leaders Experience, a weeklong journey that gives students a behind-the-scenes look at what being a Cadet is all about.
Throughout the week, Jael had the opportunity to learn more about West Point and the morals and discipline that build a strong leader, how to train her body and mind, and bond with teammates through competition.
“It was a fun but hard week. It really makes you think about what you want to do with your life. It was the first time I’ve had to live for myself and be my own person,” she said. “I love what they teach. They make you feel valued and respected.”
Thanks to Jael’s mom, who she said is always finding new activities for her to expand her horizons, this isn’t the only leadership opportunity she’s had. In addition to being a 4.0 student at Hamilton Township High School and a student in the Eastland Career Center Criminal Justice program, she plays AAU basketball, works as a basketball referee and a lifeguard, and is an active participant in two Ohio State University programs, the Youth Leadership Sports Academy and the Law & Leadership Institute. She was also presented with a City of Columbus-Mayor Ginther 20 Under 20 Award.
The Law & Leadership Institute is a four-year program run by the OSU Moritz College of Law. Based on your year in school you do a different event or activity. In the student’s senior year, they study an appellate court case, then show what they’ve learned in Moot Court competitions at the local and state level where they present to a panel of judges. This aligns with Jael’s career goals.
“I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was four years old because even then, I realized that people weren’t getting the justice they deserved,” she said. “I’ve always been a protector. I love my family and others and hate bullying or seeing people discriminated against because of who they are. We are all destined for greatness and making this world better.”
This is what led her to Eastland-Fairfield where she has enjoyed building relationships with fellow students and her instructors and learning in an interactive environment.
After high school, she hopes to continue her basketball career at the collegiate level while working her way toward a master’s in criminology. She also hopes to one day serve her community as the first African American SWAT officer for the Columbus Police Department.
You may wonder how she accomplishes it all. She gives credit to her faith in Christ, which she says keeps her structured. “I know I’m going to be blessed for doing what’s right.”
