Those who know Jazmor Jennings describe him as an “All-Star,” both on the field as an athlete and as a student in the classroom.
However, his dream of obtaining a higher education and using it to help others is in serious jeopardy. Family, friends and mentors are asking the community to come forward and help make Jennings’ dream a reality.
“I’ve worked very hard as a student, and now my goal is to just continue to do positive things as a young Black man,” said Jennings, 18. “Having support right now is important if I’m going to have the education needed to help someone else.”
Jennings would like to major in physical therapy at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU.) He was accepted into Tennessee State University (TSU) and is scheduled to begin his freshman year there in August.
Unfortunately, there are not enough resources to cover the costs needed for Jennings to begin.
Jennings, with the help of his high school counselor, submitted his Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on time, several days before the deadline. However, government aid is offered on a first come, first serve basis, so those who submit the FASFA early have a better chance of receiving a full allotment of funds than those who send it closer to the deadline.
Jeanette Lackey, director of human resources at Mays Chemical Co. and an advisor of Jennings, said it would be a shame for a shortfall in the financial aid process to keep someone with academic talent from reaching the next level of their education.
“Jazmor is a wonderful and hard working young man who is trying to make a positive contribution to society,” said Lackey. “He has faced challenges in his life that could have caused him to do something destructive. Instead, he chose the path of success.”
Jennings had to overcome difficulties in his family while working to graduate from Anderson High School. He was raised primarily by his grandmother, Ruth, who describes him as a quiet and thoughtful teenager.
“He is a good boy, and a very caring person who gives a lot of his time and guidance to some of the little kids in the family,” she said. “He also works very hard at whatever he chooses to do, and really wants to get a good education.”
Lackey took an interest in Jennings after meeting him through her daughter, India, who was a classmate at Anderson High School.
“He is a good all around student who does good work and stays on top of his grades,” said India Lackey, 18. “It would be nice if he could continue in his studies.”
“Jaz,” as Jennings is known to friends, excelled at Anderson High, taking Advanced Placement courses in complex subjects such as statistics and trigonometry, and serving as a member of leadership programs such as the Talented 10.
He was also a popular athlete throughout high school, playing on the basketball, football and track and field teams.
Jennings was among five Anderson High seniors honored in February after playing in the last basketball game at the historic Wigwam arena, which will close down this year. Anderson beat Chatard that historic evening, 47-42.
Jennings’ supporters are seeking donors who are willing to assist him, at least in his first year of studies.
Their request, however, is not a plea for help, but an invitation for people to make an investment into the future of a student who will in turn invest his skills into the health of the community.
Jennings chose a career in physical therapy in part due to his interest in athletics, but he also has a desire to help patients with physical injuries regain their mobility and stability.
“More people are needing physical therapy today, and I would like to assist them,” he said. “It would be great to tell someone specifically what’s wrong with them and then be able to fix it.”
Jeanette Lackey said TSU has been helpful in reducing some of the costs of tuition this coming semester, but funds are still needed. She remains optimistic about Jennings’ future.
“In the community we talk a lot about how it ‘takes a village to raise a child,’ and sometimes the village is needed for young people who are productive,” she said. “This is an opportunity for those with the financial ability to reach out and help someone who can make a positive impact.”
Contributions to the Jazmor Jennings Education Fund can be made to Key Bank. For more information about contributions, call (317) 558-2144.
