Mason High School senior Jaimen Hood was recognized as The Kiwanis Club of Mason's November Student of the Month. Hood was nominated by MHS business teacher Craig Murnan.
"Jaimen’s personal strength is leadership, problem solving, work ethic, and time management. His leadership is evident as he serves as a role model to his adopted siblings and foster-care brothers. His work ethic is demonstrated through his financial contributions to a household led by a single mother," shared Murnan. "Jaimen has worked outside the home since the age of 14 to help support the family. He has done all this while actively participating in volunteer opportunities, competing at state level competitions, and maintaining above a 4.0 GPA."
Hood is a second degree black belt in Tae Kwo Do and a member of the Varsity Wrestling Team. Last year, he qualified for the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament at the 113 pound weight class for the comets. He was recognized as an All-Ohio Academic Award winner by maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher while competing at the State Tournament. Entering his senior season, Hood is one of the top ranked wrestlers in the State of Ohio and will be a senior captain on the wrestling team. He is also active in his community, and solicited and delivered two cars filled with Christmas gifts for children in foster care at ST. Joseph orphanage and Presley Ridge Foster Care Organization.
"Jaimen constructed a focus group that entailed the Men’s Ministry at Zion Global Ministries that evaluated various engineering careers. This focus group included Mechanical, Chemical, Biomedical Engineers along with young adults," explained Murnan. "The purpose of the group is to establish an open forum in which young adults can receive guidance from experienced professionals in the field of engineering, allowing them to act as mentors."
Throughout his high school career, Hood has taken more than the exceeded amount of math and science classes. Currently, he is in AP Physics and Calculus. Hood shadowed several engineers and has gained first-hand knowledge of the engineering field through extensive questionnaires and light shadowing during their time at work.
"My knowledge of Jaimen stems from the classroom, athletic arena, and peer mentoring. Having taught and coached Jaimen in the past, I am impressed by his determination and desire to achieve both in the classroom, as a leader, and man of character," added Murnan. "Jaimen is one of the unsung hero’s in this school. Very few people know the depth of his story. He is humble, kind, and has a work ethic matched by very few."
On November 17, the Kiwanis Club presented Hood with $100 and a certificate commemorating his achievement. Hood's mother Marie, assistant principal Dion Reyes, and nominating teacher Murnan joined the Kiwanians in recognizing Hood's accomplishments. The Mason Kiwanis Club meets weekly at noon at the Houston Restaurant in Mason.