For his accomplishments in the classroom and athletic endeavors, Peabody High’s Alex Jackson, a nationally-known track and field star, has been chosen as the Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Month for March.
Jackson, a senior captain in Peabody with 11 state titles, was undefeated in Massachusetts shot put and weight throw competitions during the indoor season. The double All-America – whose best throws are 66-6 in shot put and 74-0 in weight throw – finished the season No. 3 nationally in shot put and No. 8 in weight throw.
“Alex continues to grow and mature as a competitor, while refining his technical model,” said Peabody throw Coach Jay Smith. “It’s going to be an exciting spring season.”
Jackson has accepted a full scholarship to study and throw at the University of Virginia.
“I’m super excited. It was between a couple of schools, but once you step on campus, there was a certain vibe to the school – it felt like home,” he said. “The people were great and they have a top-10 track team in the country.”
But his success didn’t come overnight. Jackson practices six days a week and could rival a starting pitcher when it comes to balls thrown.
In the classroom, he sports a 3.1 GPA and his favorite class is AP economics.
“School is all day, every day, and it’s important,” Jackson said.
As if his workload wasn’t enough, Jackson volunteers with the City of Peabody Summer Recreation Track Program, Haven for Hunger food drive, and PVMHS Christmas Present Drive.
“It’s really rewarding,” Jackson said of the Moynihan honor. “I feel like it shows a certain level of excellence across all aspects of life – to be selected is special.”
