Upon first meeting Jacob DePottey, he was polite and well-mannered. He also seemed quiet and reserved.

But as I started conversing with him he became more laid back and outgoing.

DePottey is a junior with dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, and a stocky build. With a timid smile, he portrays himself as a shy individual.

But as you get to know him on a more personal level, he is easy to connect with.

“Jacob is one of my best friends,” junior Jacob Rhoads said. “He always makes me laugh and is fun to hang out with.”

DePottey enjoys playing tennis, video games, and spending time with his friends and family. He is also a member of the Forensics Club and the Robotics Club.

“I have just recently started playing tennis this past year,” DePottey said. “I am really enjoying the sport and it has become one of my favorite hobbies.”

Jacob plans on joining the boys’ tennis team in the fall. He currently participates in tennis lessons on Sundays, as a means of preparing for the upcoming season.

DePottey enjoys the classes he is taking, especially trigonometry/pre-Calculus and physics.

Mr. Chris Torok, math teacher, said DePottey is a good student.

“He is very studious,” Torok said. “He is always doing what is asked and never needs to be asked twice.”

When asked why he enjoys physics, DePottey explained how he found the class to be “interesting and challenging,” which drives him to be a successful student.

DePottey hopes to become an astrophysicist after attending Oakland or Michigan State University.

Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that focuses on the physical nature of planets, stars, and other celestial bodies in space.

“Astrophysics just seems so intriguing to me,” DePottey said. “I love the idea of studying the vast and infinite universe.”

When asked how he prepares to reach his future goal, Jacob said that he focuses on his grades and makes them a top priority.

Currently, DePottey is enrolled in the ACT prep class provided by the school in efforts to receive a high ACT score.

He plans on taking the ACT at least three times to increase his chance of getting a valuable score.

With a lot of support from his parents, he has high hopes for his future.

“My parents are my greatest role models, without them I wouldn’t be able to achieve such high goals. They give me confidence to excel in everything I do,” DePottey said.

Jacob’s parents conference with him weekly about his classes and are always willing to help with homework.

They are very pleased with his academic performance and involvement with the school.

“We are very proud of Jacob,” Mrs. Bridget DePottey, Jacob’s mother said. “He is a very hard-working and driven student that sets goals, which he then achieves.”

DePottey is not only intelligent, but he is also a good friend that treats others very well.

“At first he may be quiet and seem shy,” Rhoads said, “but once you become close, it will be a friendship that lasts a lifetime.”