Rewriting Valedictorian
How Addison Jackson, Manteca High School 2026 Valedictorian redefined what it means to lead her class
Manteca High School 2026 Valedictorian, Addison Jackson, breaking the cliches breaking the clichés and standing out due to their atypical profile (Photo Contributed)
By ELISE DELEO
The Tower
When people think of a high school valedictorian, they often think of a bookworm, very reserved and shut in at home all day long to study.
Manteca High’s 2026 valedictorian breaks those clichés.
To be certain: Don’t judge this book by its cover.
Addison Jackson is not simply a good student. Like Andrea Hiatt, Chair of the Department of Physical Education at Manteca High School, said: “She’s not just smart. She is outgoing and athletic. ... She checks a lot of boxes off and that is not what we usually see from valedictorians.”
Becoming a Valedictorian has not always been a dream for Jackson. It’s in 8th grade, when she saw Rory’s graduation speech in Gilmore Girls, that it became a dream of her.
Just like Rory Gilmore, Jackson explains that her desire of pushing herself until achieving the highest academic distinction is her mom.
“My main source of motivation for my academic success has definitely been my mom. I have learned a lot from her. She is very disciplined and she always pushes me to do my best. Even if it is not perfect, just try your best no matter what,” she says.
On top of her mom, Jackson found motivation in her desire to achieve her dreams.
She always knew she wanted to do engineering-related studies. In such a competitive field, you must stay focused and stand out. Jackson understood that very early on.
“I know I needed to push myself as hard as I can to give myself the best opportunities,” she says.
Success is not easy. Everyone fights in their own way to achieve their goals.
Jackson got A's in AP Stats and Honors Chemistry, but that doesn't mean everything was easy.
A school experience would not be fun without its share of misadventures. For Jackson, the important thing is to gather everything you can to succeed.
“Supply yourself in your classes. If you are struggling, go to your teachers, after school tutoring, and practice those questions that you are confused about, don’t just give up. Focus on the details,” she says.
More than having good grades, Jackson is really invested on the Manteca High School’s campus.
We all have 24hours day but Jackson but it feels like Jackson's ones are longer.
She played basketball for 4 years, is currently the Secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of the Black Student Union and was formally the secretary of the California Scholarship Federation. All that on top of his AP classes and a social life.
“She works hard, is generous, gracious, and outgoing. She is doing all those things at the same time and for that I’m very proud of her,” said Ms. Hiatt.
Jackson proves once and for all that success is not a gift but an effort.
Manteca High School 2026 Valedictorian, Addison Jackson, breaks the codes and brings this fresh wind of renewal to the top students at this school.
Even if next year Jackson will study at Cal Poly, she will stay in the History of Manteca High as “a well-rounded, strong woman who can do it all,” said Ms. Hiatt.