Jones Howard isn’t one to seek the spotlight, but the GRC senior is well deserving of it as Clark County’s only and one of the state’s few 2025 National Merit Finalists.
This extremely elite academic designation didn’t come without hard work and focus.
“I put a lot of work into getting this great honor and I’m happy that all of my hard work has paid off,” he said.
Known as focused, humble and servant-hearted by his teachers and classmates, Jones credits his mom, Rachael, a high school counselor, for making him aware of this opportunity.
“My mom inspired me and allowed me to pursue this goal,” he said. “She is the one who helped me every step of the way and pushed me to study.”
Exceptional as it is, Jones’s academic prowess represents just a fraction of who he is.
He was a captain and starting linebacker for the GRC Football Cards. He’s a captain of the Mock Trial team that just won runner-up in the state competition. He’s an accomplished welder who has earned numerous welding certifications and serves as the Skills USA vice president. He was a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar, and is an active member in the National Honors Society.
Outside of school, Jones is an active contributor to his community through serving as a presiding officer for the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association, and he volunteers regularly at his church.
Jones would much rather be a leader in tons of groups and activities than talk about himself, so we found some others who were happy to help us learn more about this high-level young man and student.
“In my 21 years of teaching and working with exceptional students, Jones stands out as a young man of remarkable character, leadership, and drive,” said GRC science department lead Stephanie Jefferson. “He is not only an exemplary student, but also someone whose humility, compassion, and determination inspire those around him.”
Teachers agree what’s particularly distinctive about Jones is his powerful impact on others.
“Whether he’s coordinating a team, solving a complex math problem, or simply chatting with a friend, Jones radiates positivity and calm, even in the face of challenge,” Mrs. Jefferson says. “He is driven, but he never lets ambition overshadow his humanity. He is not named the captain of teams and the leader of organizations just because of his skill but because of the example he sets for his peers—dedicated, hard-working, and always ready to lift others up.”
Jones’s welding teacher for four years, James Willoughby, echoes these sentiments.
“Jones is caring and thoughtful and enjoys helping others when needed,” says Mr. Willoughby. “When he sees someone struggle, he is the first one to jump in and help. Jones is one of those students that you will remember.”
Though already a top-tier student, Jones continually pushes the bar higher.
“Jones is always smiling and full of energy when he walks into the classroom,” Mr. Willoughby says. “When working on a task he strives to not only complete it but to be the best at it. He never gives up when things get difficult but always finds a way to make the best of every situation. I have always been able to count on Jones in every task I have given him.”
The journey to becoming a National Merit Finalist began last fall when Jones took the challenging Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This standardized assessment evaluates students’ knowledge and reasoning abilities in critical reading, mathematics, and writing.
Jones’s performance on this exam, combined with his strong academic record and glowing recommendations, earned him a spot in the finalist pool. While 1.5 million students take the test, only around 15,000 advance to the finalist stage.
With a plan to study mechanical engineering in college, Jones hasn’t made a final decision on where he will land. As a National Merit Finalist, Jones is eligible for one of more than 7,500 scholarships.
“I find math and science the most interesting,” he says. “I enjoy that there is an order to it and there’s one right answer that’s concrete.”
Jones says he is thankful for the teachers and coaches who helped shape him through the years. He sends a special shoutout to the many friends who are always there for him, and to his family -- his dad, CCPS Superintendent Dustin Howard, mom Rachael, sister Bailey, and his grandparents.
“I appreciate my family and friends for supporting me in everything and pushing me to be the best I can academically and personally,” Jones says. “I couldn’t have done any of this without them.”