FRANKLIN

A local teen’s continued involvement with the Franklin Unit of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia has again qualified her for its $25,000 scholarship. If the 18-year-old wins, that could go a long way toward her career goal in the health field.

“I see myself as an RN. I want to help other people,” said Jabria Cross, who added that learning physical therapy is another option for her.

While she’s certainly never had to perform actual nursing duties at the club, Cross has found the place to be suitable training ground. She serves as a mentor to the youngsters at the site, located in S.P. Morton Elementary School. Now in her third year as a teen leader, Cross knows much is expected of her, and demonstrates guidance by working with the students, particularly when it comes to homework. She also helps her father, Eric Taylor, who is the local club director, with desk work and guiding the youngsters when it’s time to go home. Cross figures she puts in about nine hours a week on average for the club.

For herself at Franklin High School, the senior said, she also has earned a 3.3 GPA, and her class rank is 10. Not surprisingly, her subject strength is in biology.

The choices for post-graduation include NSU, Chowan, ODU, VSU, Mary Baldwin, Bridgewater or Ferrum. She’s thinking between the first two, but a decision isn’t necessary right this minute.

Cross, also the daughter of Kurtisha Wilson-Taylor, is sister to Jakayla Brown and Jahein Wilson. The family is also active at Tabernacle of Praise Church in Zuni.

Thinking about how she can mature as a young adult and in her future career, Cross has adopted a motto for herself, which she shares with other people wanting to grow.

“Always try,” Cross said with a smile. “You never know it until you try it.”