Highlighting Great KU Students- Jacob McGonigle

Every high school might have a few students to brag about, but here at Klamath Union, we are sure we have some great ones! Get to know KU senior Jacob McGonigle and why he makes KU shine.

A disciplined, dynamic and caring individual, Jacob attributes his success in high school to his coach teacher and mentor Rob Coffman. Jacob states “Coffman has always been a positive role model for me and has pushed me hard and helped me build character. Though, academically, my friends have been my driving force because they instill the definition of hard work. We always strive to be our best.”

Social Studies teacher, Cross Country, and Track coach Rob Coffman has this to say: “Jacob is one of the best cross-country leaders I’ve had at KU. The kids admired and respect him, and he always makes everyone on the team feel equally important no matter how slow or how fast they are.”

Jacob as Mr. Pelican 2018

Throughout his high school career, there have been a fair share of challenges but he has had more motivation to persevere and go out of his way to make his time at KU memorable and worthwhile. Involved in many extracurricular activities at KU, Jacob has juggled being  Co-president of the KU All Student Body, a DECA officer, a four-year cross country and swim athlete, and three-year Track participant. All while still managing to make room for his part time position as a lifeguard at the local community pool since freshman year.

KU Media Design teacher Dan Stearns mentions “Jacob represents what a great senior is at KU. He has been very successful during his time here and is involved in everything under the sun. He is what KU strives for.”

Additionally, KU DECA Advisor and teacher Nat Ellis shares “Jacob is very creative and unique. He has been able to come up with great ideas quickly. But also, when you have a big group of people you always want Jacob around because he is a good leader to serve as the glue to keep people working together.”

So what are the future plans Jacob McGonigle has after graduating high school? When asked, without a doubt in his mind he answered “I want to go to college and major in Political Science. I want to become the next President of the United States.” He is still waiting to hear from his top three colleges (California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, & University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado) to decide for certain where he will start is post-secondary education in the fall of 2019.

As Jacob’s final year at KU rapidly comes to a close, he shares one of his favorite quotes “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while you might just miss it.”

Jacob on the Swim Team

We congratulate Jacob on all of his successes and accomplishments during his time at KU and are eager to see what this future politician has in store for us.


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