Every year, each school from the Central Valley nominates one senior girl for the 2002 Senior Girl Athlete Award, and is sponsored by the Junior League of Fresno. Senior Jennifer Jesser was nominated by Scott Callisch, campus athletic director and received her award in front of family, friends, faculty and other nominees on April 15 at a special dinner at Pardinis Restaurant.

All nominees qualified with honors in academic and athletic events. Jesser, a three-sport athlete, had been named WSL first team in basketball and volleyball and has a 3.7 overall grade point average.

At the awards dinner, each nominee received $200 scholarship money to the college of their choice, a medal, plaque, certificate and a personal portrait. Mayor Alan Autry signed the certificate and nominees received a portrait from Riverview.

“The night was very exciting and well put on,” Jesser said. “It was an honor to receive this award and everything that came with it. The dinner was very good and the guest speaker was inspiring.”

Jesser was taken aback when informed about her nomination.

“I was very honored to have been nominated and to receive this award,” Jesser, ’02, said. “I’ve worked hard these past few years to get to where I am now. I never thought I would be a candidate or win something like this.”

Jesser, who has been involved in different sports activities for most of her life, started her athletic career with basketball in kindergarten and then began volleyball and softball in fourth grade. In all her sports, Jesser has received countless hours of sports tutoring and instruction from her dad, Steve, and he has been a major sports influence in her life.

“He has often been my coach not only on the field or court but also off it,” Jesser said. “He has taught me many valuable lessons, including teamwork, unselfishness and that I can make everyone around me better. I know I have to work with others even though I might not agree with them because of him.”

Jesser, who has been involved in student leadership on campus as well as athletics, is a primary example of what it means to be an involved student who still excels in the academic realm.