Local high student wins first place at competition in Washington DC

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - From a small town to the national stage, one high school student was able to demonstrate her skills at the family, careers and community leaders of america nationals.

Janessa Rodriguez, a local student at Cibola High School recently traveled to Washington DC to compete against other students from across the country.

The result: first place in the early childhood development category.

“When I found out I placed top ten, I was so shocked. But the next day when they announced on stage, ‘Janessa Rodriguez from Cibola High School,’ it was just truly amazing. I was just amazed and beyond proud of what I did," Rodriguez said.

In her competition, she was tasked with only 20 minutes to complete a lesson plan and then present it to the judges.

Janessa calls it an unforgettable experience with two years left in high school.

"It’s just incredible. The fact that I’m just going to be a junior, that means there’s a lot of opportunities that are left in store for me and what to accomplish as well. I look forward to what my future looks like and my plans as well," Rodriguez said.

Janessa wouldn't have gone far without her teacher, Shawna Perry.

Perry has been teaching at Cibola Perry High for over 20 years but this her second year teaching F.C.C.L.A. Perry said that Janessa is one of the most deserving students she’s ever had.

“The fact she did so well, it goes back to everyone that helped and all the time everyone putting into helping her succeed. In the end, she came to class and I did my job but she really had to do hers."

Despite it still being summer, Janessa was able to showcase her skills and it paid off in the end.