HOLLIS – Graduating senior Cameron Jackson has emerged as a leader in the Hollis Brookline High School community, using his talents to best represent the district as a student councilor, an avid athlete and an academic success.

But the 18-year-old from Hollis, who constantly would attend classes in a suit and a tie, smiles when he lists off a few other superlatives.

“I was nominated for best-dressed, most likely to succeed and best person to bring home to the parents on date night for the yearbook, so I guess there’s a lot of things that people look up to me for. And really, I enjoy looking nice,” he said. “I enjoy dressing for success because it’s a mental thing – if you’re dressed nicely and look nice, you feel better, and you’re more likely to do your best work at school, and you’re more likely to succeed at what you do.”

Poised, polite and articulate, Jackson will report to the U.S. Naval Academy at 7:30 a.m. June 30 for six weeks of boot camp before the start of the year.

He will join a more than 170-year tradition with about 4,000 students comprising the Brigade of Midshipmen. On his right arm is a blue wristband from the Travis Manion Foundation, a charity named after a fallen veteran whose motto was “If not me, then who?”

Jackson was also nominated by the state’s congressional delegation to the Air Force Academy, but from a young age, he was groomed to join the Navy. He grew up around stories from his grandfather, a Navy veteran who served during the Korean War, about traveling the world.

“There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to pursue a career in the Navy. So I took a tour,” he said. “I took four tours, actually, when I was younger, and I was just facilitated with the place.”

The day-to-day discipline, the academic and physical challenges, and the ability to serve one’s country all appealed to Jackson. It helped set a path during his high school tenure that would lead to Annapolis, Md., and the academy.

He said he is indebted to the high school staff for their interest and passion, which gave him the assistance in “driving you as a student.” They knew of his goal, Jackson said, and they did everything they could to accomplish it.

And while other students tend to slide during their senior year, Jackson picked up extra AP courses and an engineering class so the academy’s rigorous schedule would not come as a shock to his system.

“I think part of the reason I challenged myself senior year – and I do not feel it was a breeze – was that desire to continue to learn and continue to acquire knowledge and continue to be active in my academic studies,” he said.

Outside of his academic studies, Jackson’s extracurricular activities list is extensive.

He was a two-year captain on the cross-country team and received All-State honors. He has also participated in swimming – he worked as a lifeguard with the YMCA of Greater Nashua – and track and field.

Jackson plays trumpet in the school’s honors jazz band, concert band and wind ensemble. In the previous two summers, he served as an intern with U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.

“For me as a person, it’s always been a level of excellence that I just strive to achieve,” he said. “I tried these last four years to become a leader and embody the characteristics that we at Hollis Brookline try to hold and set as an example for others.”

The Hollis Brookline graduation for the Class of 2016 will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the high school campus.

Chris Garofolo can be reached at 594-6465, cgarofolo@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_Chris.

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