Senior Spotlight: Jaqueline Patino

By: Jose Reyes Cornejo

Jaqueline Patino has made a name for herself during her thirteen years at Collinsville High School, Alabama. Her involvement in various clubs such as FBLA, FCCLA, FCA, Panther Press, and Teens Together showcase her commitment and involvement in school activities. Her athletic accomplishments are also noteworthy. For five years, Jaqueline has played on the Varsity Girls Soccer team and for two years has ran on the Varsity Girls Cross Country team. Jaqueline is also a member of the first team to advance as state qualifier for Class 3A Section 3, ranked #2. She has excelled in both soccer and cross country, winning top honors and first place in the 2024 Northeast Alabama Championship for Dekalb County, making history as the first senior in school history to advance to state.

Jaqueline’s dedication and success are not limited to school activities alone. She is also a successful entrepreneur, having already founded a floral business that has been in operation for two years. In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, she has also shown an impressive academic record. Teachers and students mention that she is a great student and a girl with a positive attitude; someone you can always count on at any time. Jaqueline is a dual enrollment student with Northeast Alabama Community College and has her sights set on attending Gadsden State Community College after high school to complete her two years and then transfer to a four year. 

Jaqueline’s journey throughout high school has been marked by growth and learning, as she has grappled with the challenges of prioritization and procrastination. She acknowledges that she has mixed feelings about graduation and that she will miss the sense of community and the freedom to roam the halls, greeting everyone with a warm contagious smile. However, she embraces the future with excitement and confidence. She encourages younger students and upcoming seniors to take note of the wisdom that ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ She mentions it is best to be kind and confident, to get involved, never be afraid to ask questions, think about their goals, and step out of their comfort zone, knowing that time is fleeting and to always cherish every bit of the memories that are being made in the school year.