Named Valedictorian of the Woodlands High School Class of 2026, Jake Morton is a student who sees the big picture while also attending meticulously to the steps and details required to bring it to life. Across his school experience, he is guided by a strong sense of ethos, deep engagement, and a genuine love of learning.
When Jake learned he had earned this distinction, he described the feeling as elation. “I pushed myself to the limit. This makes all the years of hard work very rewarding,” he said. Acknowledging the environment that supported his success, Jake credits both his school and the broader community. “The beauty of growing up in Greenburgh Central schools is the sense of inclusiveness. I’ve never felt excluded here; the unspoken rule is always, ‘We have a spot for you.’”
Reflecting on his growth and success, Jake also points to his family, which has always served as a North Star in his life. “My parents instilled in both me and my brother the concepts of trust and responsibility. It’s helped me conduct my life intentionally and seek understanding so I can make sound decisions for myself,” he said.
A lifelong Greenburgh Central School District student since kindergarten, Jake shared that his school experience has been unforgettable. “In many ways, it has shaped me into who I am today, not just as a student, but also as a musician. The music program, going back to kindergarten, exposed me to an array of instruments and musical experiences.”
Jake has fond memories of playing the recorder at Highview Elementary School, which eventually led him to choose the trumpet in third grade. Because of his ability to read music, he was invited to join the jazz band in fifth grade. To hear Jake talk about music is like listening to him describe one of his closest friends. “Music will always be a part of my life,” he said. “It’s way too important to me.”
He is quick to credit the district-wide music program and the educators who supported him along the way. “I have to give major credit for my success in music to the program and the teachers within GCSD,” Jake shared. “No teacher has supplemented my learning more than Mr. Kennedy. He has helped me significantly develop as a musician, teaching me how to sight-read complex jazz charts and articulate better. Mr. Kennedy is always open to helping students be the best at their instruments.”
In addition to his growth as a musician, Jake notes that during his years at Richard J. Bailey Elementary School, he found his academic footing. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities I received at RJB. It was when I became part of the Advanced Learning Program (ALP) that I started reaching my full potential. RJB gave me the discipline to stay consistent. ALP turned everything around for me and opened up the box.”
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme student at Woodlands High School, Jake not only rises to academic challenges but also relishes them. “IB DP has a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, yet it’s malleable and applicable to our lives. I think that’s why I remember so much more from my IB classes.” He points specifically to IB Higher Level World History with Mr. Holland. “In his class, we were encouraged to make our own connections. Mr. Holland is a charismatic teacher who has a way of energizing students. I feel smarter after every conversation I leave with him.”
Clubs have also played an important role in Jake’s school experience, particularly the Mandarin Club and the Lunar New Year Celebration. “Chinese culture is so rich and varied, and our Lunar New Year performance celebrates different cultures and customs so everyone can appreciate each of them.” Jake credits the club’s advisor, Dr. Yang, with the success of the production year after year. “Having worked with Dr. Yang on the productions, I have seen how extremely dedicated she is to her craft. She puts 110 percent into everything she does. It inspires me to do the same.”
When asked what he does for fun, Jake listed the swim team, golf team, drama club, Key Club, and Mandarin Club. Noting that his interests remain closely tied to school, Jake reflected, “I think school is incredibly undervalued. There is so much available to take advantage of not just academics. Whether it’s music, debate, or something in the arts.”
While Jake feels a strong connection to organizing and behind-the-scenes work, he is also comfortable being on center stage. He has performed in several musicals and Lunar New Year celebrations. “There’s a certain energy to performing; it’s almost inexplicable,” he said. “It’s something that comes over you, almost like a heightened sense of intuition.”
Understanding what it takes to launch an event, manage backstage operations, and perform onstage has given Jake a comprehensive view of how creative productions come together. That experience has sparked a producer-like curiosity in him. “Producing is something that definitely interests me,” he said.
After he graduates this June, Jake is setting out to chart his own course, which includes college and studies in communications and media. Looking further ahead, he is considering pursuing a master’s degree. Much like his time in the Greenburgh Central School District, the driving force behind his vision remains consistent. “As a principle, I just love learning,” he said. “I will always chase something to find something new to learn.”