Jai-la’ Bush is fun to be around. The Huntington High School senior has a bubbly personality and a quick wit. There’s always something happening with her and it’s that energy that’s contagious. The teenager plans to study at SUNY Old Westbury for an undergraduate degree in preparation for an eventual career as an attorney.
“I chose SUNY Old Westbury because I knew I could get a great education going to a SUNY school,” Ms. Bush said. “I will be taking politics, economics and law to prepare for a career as a lawyer.”
The teenager has been active in the high school’s club program as a member of AWOD (A World of Difference) and the Yearbook Club. She volunteers with Young Leaders, a community based youth development organization.
Huntington High School senior Jai-la' Bush.
“Huntington has helped me prepare for college with multiple teachers and friends and family supporting me throughout the college process,” Ms. Bush said. “I think I’m ready for anything in life. Having challenges thrown at you will show that you can accomplish anything in life, whether it’s a hard task or easy task.”
Ms. Bush is a determined young woman who can be tough when she needs to be or very caring and compassionate when one of her friends seeks her out for comforting.
“African American Politics and Holocaust Literature were two classes that I enjoyed taking,” Ms. Bush said. “Taking African American Politics taught me more about what’s going on with the world and aspects of people’s lives.”
The teenager loves to perform and thrives in the limelight. She is a longtime member of the high school’s Ready Step team and she has been spectacular on vocals at many public events.
Ms. Bush’s favorite activity has been the Key Club’s K-Factor talent show. “I’ve performed at K-Factor since I was a Huntington freshman,” the teenager said. “I enjoyed singing to people with a different type of genre of music.”
The senior’s advice to incoming ninth graders? “Don’t wait so long to make a decision for college and make sure you choose the college that fits you the best,” Ms. Bush said.
Huntington’s Class of 2020 named her the senior with the Best Smile. She an approachable teenager and is always looking for a new adventure. While Ms. Bush welcomes a challenge she has never been known to be reckless.
“I would say my mentors have been Mrs. Rhonda [Nixon] and Mrs. [Patricia] Avelli and other teachers that I talked to on a daily basis,” Ms. Bush said. “I picked these two ladies because they have helped me with numerous things. Going into Mrs. Avelli’s Financial Algebra class was a great change for me because she helped me realize things that will help me in the real world. Mrs. Rhonda showed me that I shouldn’t trust a lot of people and that I could succeed at anything in life.”
When Ms. Bush sets her sights on a goal she is virtually unstoppable. She loves her family and her loyalty cannot be surpassed. She will be missed as she heads off to college in the fall.
“I think what makes Huntington High School special are the teachers who are there to support you until it’s time to graduate,” Ms. Bush said. “My experience at Huntington High School is something that I will always remember along with the friends that I have made here.”
