Luca Derrick Leads By Example At JCHS

JERSEYVILLE – From the classroom to cross country, Luca Derrick demonstrates Jersey Panther excellence.

For his hard work and consistency in athletics and academics, Derrick has been named a March 2026 Medford Wealth Management Student of the Month for Jersey Community High School.

As a freshman at JCHS, Derrick is a multi-sport student-athlete who’s been involved in basketball, tennis, and cross country. This year, he set a new Personal Record in the 3-mile race for cross country with a time of 18:29.

When he’s not practicing his sports skills, Derrick said he can usually be found playing video games or putting on his headphones and listening to music.

Geography Teacher Shelly Diamond, who has taught Luca in AP Human Geography and coached him in both cross country and tennis, said she’s “seen firsthand how his 'all-in' mentality transcends the classroom.”

“Luca brings the same grit and focus to a complex geographic analysis that he does to the final mile of a race or a tie-breaker on the court,” Diamond said. “He is a rare student who pairs high-level academic excellence with a genuine, respectful nature and top-tier communication skills.

“Whether he’s leading by example during a grueling practice or participating in a deep class discussion, Luca’s consistency, hard work, and integrity make him a standout member of our school community.”

Principal Thomas Leslie added: “I've known Luca for a long time and observed him in all settings. Luca gives 100% in everything he does. He is a genuinely nice person who lifts up those around him. He is what it means to be a Jersey Panther.”

Congratulations to Luca Derrick for being recognized as a March 2026 Medford Wealth Management Student of the Month for Jersey Community High School!

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