Published 11/23/07

Student Spotlight

Tennis, band give AHS student reasons to smile

by Beckye Randall

Arlington High School senior Jacob Aylesworth had a little accident while completing his senior project.

He’s building a storage shed for his aunt with the help of his dad, a construction professional. A big white bandage on Jacob’s middle finger is evidence of a slip of the table saw.

“It only cut about halfway through,” said Jacob, a personable young man with an engaging smile. “The nail’s growing back already.”

When Jacob isn’t busy hammering and (carefully) sawing, he concentrates on his studies and other extracurricular activities. He plays tuba in the school orchestra and trombone in the elite jazz band, and has been honored with election to the All-Northwest Orchestra and the State Solo Ensemble. He is one of three drum majors for the 170-piece school band, a responsibility he enjoys but also takes seriously.

Jacob is also a serious tennis player. A member of the school’s tennis team, he plays singles during the season and participates in doubles matches at the district level.

“My dad used to play pickle ball with me,” he explained. “I guess his tennis background rubbed off on me.”

A 4.0 student, Jacob is most interested in math and science classes. His interests are leading him to a career in engineering, and he hopes to attend the University of Washington so he can stay close to home while completing college.

“I’m really interested in finding environmental solutions to things like Styrofoam, which take centuries to break down in landfills,” said Jacob, “so I may go into chemical engineering.”

His community conscience was demonstrated this Halloween, when he joined other young people from Our Savior Lutheran Church and Arlington United Church to “trick or treat” for canned goods that were donated to local food banks.

The young man also has a great sense of humor and enjoys the fun of juggling. He’s even taught the skill to other Band members and friends.

Jacob is a big brother to Josiah, a sophomore at AHS, and sister Evie, an 8th grader.