Honor Society® member
Jessica Kettelhut
- Civil Engineering
- Class of 2025
- Deerfield Beach, Florida
Member since March 2025
About
I am a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Central Florida, with plans to minor in Business. My experiences in engineering, leadership, employment, and more than 600 hours of community service have taught me to approach challenges with determination, creativity, and compassion. At UCF, I am involved in Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Gamma, LEAD Scholars Academy, Rotaract, and Knight’s Pantry. I have also developed technical skills in AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, Rhino 3D, and 3D printing. I hope to use my education to design practical infrastructure solutions that strengthen communities and improve people’s quality of life.
Education
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the university of texas at arlington
civil engineering
2025 – Present
Honors and awards
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Hagan Scholarship Recipient
Selected for a competitive, nationwide need-based merit scholarship that provides financial assistance, leadership development, financial literacy training, and career preparation throughout college.
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National Honor Society Scholarship Semifinalist
Selected as a national semifinalist in recognition of outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Received a $3,200 scholarship award.
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City of Pompano Beach Environmental Services Scholarship
Awarded a $3,500 scholarship in recognition of academic achievement, community involvement, and interest in creating environmentally responsible communities.
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Soroptimist International of Pompano Beach Scholarship Recipient
Selected as a scholarship recipient in both 2025 and 2026 based on academic achievement, leadership, community service, and commitment to future goals. Received $1,500 each year.
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Senior Leadership Award
Recognized by Pompano Beach High School for exceptional leadership, school involvement, service, and positive contributions to the student community.
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Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars Award
Earned a Florida merit-based scholarship by meeting the program’s academic, testing, and community-service requirements.
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National Honor Society Member and Recording Secretary
Selected for membership based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Served for two years as Recording Secretary and helped maintain chapter records and communications.
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RYLA Participant and Junior Counselor
Selected to participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and later returned as a Junior Counselor to mentor students and support leadership-development activities.
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LEAD Scholars Academy Member
Selected for UCF’s leadership-development program focused on academic success, community service, leadership, and campus involvement.
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Industry-Recognized CAD Certifications
Earned certifications in Rhino 3D, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD through four years of engineering and design coursework.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I intend to become a licensed civil engineer specializing in sustainable infrastructure, coastal resilience, flooding mitigation, and transportation. After graduation, I plan to begin my career with an engineering firm where I can gain hands-on experience designing and managing projects that address real community needs. I am especially interested in helping Florida communities prepare for population growth, severe weather, rising sea levels, and increasing transportation demands. As I gain experience, I hope to earn my Professional Engineer license, pursue a master’s degree, and advance into a project management or leadership role. My long-term goal is to combine engineering knowledge, business skills, and community-centered leadership to create safer, stronger, and more sustainable places to live.
- Graduate school interests
University of Central Florida
Experience
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Summer Camp Counselor | Pine Tree Camps, Boca Raton
Supervised and supported campers during daily activities at an overnight summer camp. Helped create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment while leading activities, resolving conflicts, encouraging teamwork, and responding to campers’ individual needs.
May 2026 – Aug 2026
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Busser | Trattoria Nonna
Provide attentive support to servers and guests in a fast-paced restaurant. Prepare and reset tables, maintain clean dining areas, assist with food and beverage service, and work closely with the restaurant team to provide a positive guest experience.
Jan 2021 – May 2025
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
