For Jack McKnight, the youngest of seven siblings, growing up in Mercer County has been a journey shaped by family, community, and a steadfast faith. Now a senior at Mercer County High School, Jack is preparing to take his next steps toward becoming an educator, while reflecting on the influences and experiences that have guided him.

Jack’s future plans center on Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, where he intends to study English, philosophy, and education. His goal? To become a high school teacher, sharing his passion for literature and critical thinking with the next generation. The decision to attend Franciscan was deeply personal. “My faith is a big part of my life,” Jack explains. “I wanted to go to a school where that presence would be strong.” He first discovered the university through a youth group conference hosted there and was drawn to its reputation as one of the nation’s top Catholic institutions.

Though neither of Jack’s parents are educators—both are pharmacists—teaching runs in his family. His grandmother on his mother’s side was a teacher, and Jack has long admired her impact on students. But it was his own high school English teachers who ignited his love for the subject and inspired him to pursue it as a career. “Taking English Composition this year, a college-level course, really opened my eyes,” Jack says. “I love the discussions, the analysis—it’s a different way of thinking, and I want to bring that to high school students.”

Jack’s passion for learning extends beyond academics. As a runner for Mercer County’s cross country and track teams, he’s experienced firsthand the discipline and mental fortitude required to succeed. But running wasn’t always his strength. “In junior high, I wasn’t very good,” he admits. “I never made the top seven on the cross country team.” That changed when Jack entered high school and began taking the sport more seriously. “I started training year-round, putting in effort during the summers and winters, and focusing on my mentality. Running is such a mental sport—you have to push yourself even when it hurts.”

That perseverance paid off. Jack not only improved as an athlete but also learned valuable life lessons about resilience and hard work. “Cross country taught me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” he says. “It’s about showing up, doing the work, and sticking with it even when it’s tough. Those lessons apply to everything in life.”

Jack’s sense of community and gratitude is deeply rooted in his upbringing. As the youngest in a large family, he’s benefited from the wisdom and support of his older siblings, who are now spread across the Midwest. His parents have been equally influential, particularly his mother, who raised Jack and his siblings in the Catholic faith. “My mom has always been the one to bring us to church and teach us the importance of faith,” Jack says. “It’s the foundation of everything I do.”

That faith, combined with the encouragement of role models like his parents, teachers, and friends, has given Jack a strong sense of purpose. He speaks fondly of his close-knit AP Chemistry class, where camaraderie turned a challenging subject into a rewarding experience. “We were a group of six, and we became friends,” he recalls. “That made learning fun and helped me succeed. I even got a 5 on the AP Chem test.”

Jack’s appreciation for Mercer County extends to its landscape, which he describes as underrated in beauty. “People see cornfields and think it’s boring, but I think it’s stunning,” he says. “There’s something peaceful about the sunsets on the horizon, the creeks with clear water, and the simple charm of a farmhouse with a tire swing. It’s the kind of beauty people overlook.”

As Jack looks toward the future, he’s eager to expand his horizons at Steubenville while carrying the lessons and values he’s gained in Mercer County. “This community has shaped me in so many ways,” he says. “From the support of my parents to the inspiration of my teachers and the friendships I’ve built, I wouldn’t be who I am without this place.”

Jack McKnight’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and a deep connection to his roots. As he prepares to leave Mercer County and pursue his dreams, he carries with him the lessons of hard work, community, and the power of a strong foundation. With his heart set on making a difference, Jack is ready to inspire others just as he’s been inspired.