By Ngoc Vo

For Patrick Jackson, a senior from Charles Henderson High School, the arts and sports are not mutually exclusive.

Jackson said he did not want to fall into the stereotypical high school groups, rather, he strived to excel in all aspects: music, theater and tennis.

“I plan to be in band when I go to college,” Jackson said. “I want to minor in theater, and if I can play tennis for the school, it’d be great.

“I love all those things. I’ll try to do all three even though I know it’s hard. You just have to balance your time.”

Jackson has been playing the saxophone for seven years and is in the CHHS Blue Machine band. He was selected to play in the Alabama All State jazz band last year.

His passion for performing arts goes beyond his musical instrument and theater. He is playing a role in the CHHS original play Lakeview’s Circle. The theater crew will be competing at the state level in December at Troy University.

As for tennis, Jackson is part of the U.S. Tennis Association, which plays tournaments all around the South. He is No. 8 in the state ranking list for high school senior class, and he is trying to get into the top five, he said.

Jackson’s talent is recognized in CHHS and around local areas. He has music in his blood, said Dr. Boyd English, CHHS principal.

“[Jackson] is one of the top three band students I have ever seen,” English said. “You will hear about Patrick Jackson when he’s gone from here. He is an excellent student and a great character.”

Jackson said he enjoys performing with his mother, Sheila Jackson, and her band.

“There are some really talented people in the band,” he said. “Anytime I’m in that environment, it makes me a better player.”

Jackson said usually wherever the band has a gig, he would be there performing. He has traveled to various states across the South to showcase his musical passion. Jackson said it would hurt him not being able to take part in the arts, because that is what he has grown up being around.

“When I play my instrument, nothing else matters,” he said. “There is nothing better than the feeling of being on stage, either acting or music … I enjoy a little bit of both being able to perform and being the center of attention and appreciation.”

Jackson said he is very competitive and his drive is to be the best person he can.

“One day, I would love to have a solo career and a theater career,” he said. “I cannot choose between the two. I’m trying to be versatile and be good at everything. That’s my goal.”

Jackson is considering Troy University, the University of Alabama and the University of Montevallo for his future education, he said. He is looking for a university that is really diverse and has a good art program.For Patrick Jackson, a senior from Charles Henderson High School, the arts and sports are not mutually exclusive.

Jackson said he did not want to fall into the stereotypical high school groups, rather, he strived to excel in all aspects: music, theater and tennis.

“I plan to be in band when I go to college,” Jackson said. “I want to minor in theater, and if I can play tennis for the school, it’d be great.

“I love all those things. I’ll try to do all three even though I know it’s hard. You just have to balance your time.”

Jackson has been playing the saxophone for seven years and is in the CHHS Blue Machine band. He was selected to play in the Alabama All State jazz band last year.

His passion for performing arts goes beyond his musical instrument and theater. He is playing a role in the CHHS original play Lakeview’s Circle. The theater crew will be competing at the state level in December at Troy University.

As for tennis, Jackson is part of the U.S. Tennis Association, which plays tournaments all around the South. He is No. 8 in the state ranking list for high school senior class, and he is trying to get into the top five, he said.

Jackson’s talent is recognized in CHHS and around local areas. He has music in his blood, said Dr. Boyd English, CHHS principal.

“[Jackson] is one of the top three band students I have ever seen,” English said. “You will hear about Patrick Jackson when he’s gone from here. He is an excellent student and a great character.”

Jackson said he enjoys performing with his mother, Sheila Jackson, and her band.

“There are some really talented people in the band,” he said. “Anytime I’m in that environment, it makes me a better player.”

Jackson said usually wherever the band has a gig, he would be there performing. He has traveled to various states across the South to showcase his musical passion. Jackson said it would hurt him not being able to take part in the arts, because that is what he has grown up being around.

“When I play my instrument, nothing else matters,” he said. “There is nothing better than the feeling of being on stage, either acting or music … I enjoy a little bit of both being able to perform and being the center of attention and appreciation.”

Jackson said he is very competitive and his drive is to be the best person he can.

“One day, I would love to have a solo career and a theater career,” he said. “I cannot choose between the two. I’m trying to be versatile and be good at everything. That’s my goal.”

Jackson is considering Troy University, the University of Alabama and the University of Montevallo for his future education, he said. He is looking for a university that is really diverse and has a good art program.