The stereotype of the apathetic teenager just doesn’t hold up when you meet Jennifer Vettel.

The Gainesville High School junior is taking a rigorous course load, including five Advanced Placement Courses and Symphonic Band, and has a weighted grade point average of 4.44. She plays the trombone and the baritone in GHS’ prestigious band program. She’s a leader in the school’s March of Dimes Chain Reaction Youth Leadership Council and has been involved in community service projects through Rotary Interact. She even holds a part-time job.

Jenni has a lot on her plate, but she does all of it very well, which is why she was named the Governor’s High School All-Star for Alachua County. The All-Star program honors high school juniors across the state for academic excellence, leadership and community activism. She and her fellow All-Stars will be recognized by Governor Jeb Bush during a special ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in the spring.

“I’m so honored,” said Jenni of the recognition. “There’s such a high caliber of high school students in Alachua County, so this really means a lot to me.”

“She’s a true leader,” said guidance counselor Ken Mercer, who nominated Jenni for the award. “She’s very visible on campus, she works well with other students and is always able to motivate them.”

Jenni’s work with Chain Reaction Youth Leadership Council takes up much of her spare time. Chain Reaction is the student arm of the March of Dimes, a national organization that raises funds and awareness for the prevention of prematurity. As a leader of the GHS council, she’s represented the state at national conferences, lobbied Florida legislators and raised lots of money. Last year she collected more than $3000, which made her the top public high school fundraiser in the county and fifth in the entire state.

“As I learned more about prematurity and the mission of the March of Dimes, I became really passionate about it,” said Jenni. “It’s not work for me, it’s something I love to do.”

“We’re so proud of the work Jenni is doing,” said Alachua County school Superintendent Dan Boyd, who is serving this year as the honorary chair for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. “She’s really making a difference in her school and in the community.”

Jenni admits that balancing her busy schedule is not always easy, and that some nights she doesn’t get a lot of sleep. But she says that being involved is what she loves most about high school.

“I’ve been able to have so many different experiences,” she said. “I have so much that I’ll remember and take with me when I leave.”