Jessica Lynn Perkins was recently chosen by the Gloucester High School faculty as the 2012-2013 Duke of the Year. Perkins is the executive officer of the GHS NJROTC Corps and commands 178 cadets.

Perkins has received the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Organization Award and was the color guard commander and an Honor Cadet during the 2011-2012 school year. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the GHS BETA Club, serves as the school’s costumed mascot and represented GHS at Girls State. She has additionally completed over 890 hours of community service and is employed part-time.

Perkins credited her grandmother, the late Cora Aiton, for fostering her into the person she is today and her entire family for the strength she carries.

GHS assistant principal Carol Belvin said the Duke of the Year displays qualities such as leadership, patriotism, respect, citizenship and good character.
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