Cayden Jones, 17, is a senior at Mineola High School, where she is active in dance, color guard, student council, FFA and academic competitions.

Jones serves as co-captain of the Sound of the Swarm Color Guard and captain of the Rhythm Elite Dance Team. She also dances competitively with Dance Dimensions Studio.

Jones has served as parliamentarian, secretary and treasurer of the Mineola High School Student Council over the past three years, and is also a member of FFA, the UIL accounting team and Spanish Club.

She has earned numerous awards in dance and color guard, including first place overall in a color guard solo competition and multiple competitive dance solo awards.

In FFA, Jones competes in forage evaluation and floral design. She has earned first-, third- and fifth-place finishes in forage competitions, along with a first-place finish and two second-place finishes in floral design.

Jones ranks among the top 10 students in her graduating class and has earned All-A Honor Roll recognition and numerous academic awards.

Outside of school, Jones works with her father at his business, assisting with payroll.

Jones plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler after graduation, where she said she hopes to join the dance team and study kinesiology. She plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

“Above all, I love the Lord, and desire to glorify Him in everything I do,” Jones said. “I am grateful for the opportunities, talents, and accomplishments he has blessed me with, and I hope to use them to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As I continue my education and pursue my dreams, my greatest hope is to honor God through my work, my achievements, and the way I serve those around me.”