The 15-year-old began classical ballet training when aged 3,and modern jazz at 7, and has since appeared in numerous primary and secondary school, and dance school and community productions.
She enjoys modern jazz dance, and performed at the Queenstown Winter Festival in 2006 and 2008, and received an award for her role as lead dancer in the school's 2006 Stage Challenge.
Earlier this year art imitated life, when she appeared in the school's production of musical Fame.
But Jessica is also at home in the orchestra pit and is saxophonist in the school's jazz band.
When interviewed for Class Act, she said she was looking forward to representing the school at the South Island Secondary Schools Jazz Festival in Blenheim for the second year.
Jessica says a recent musical highlight was playing guitar in the school's all-girl rock band, The Fence Police, in this year's Smokefreerockquest event.
"We were really pleased with how it came together. The band was formed in a bit of hurry and it took a lot of practice to get to the event. But I really enjoy the challenge, and playing a different style of music."
Achievements: Otago Daily Times Extra! Spelling Quiz 1st place (2005); 1st place Tournament of the Minds. (2007); Year 9 all-round participation award (2006); Wakatipu High School production Fame(2008).
Role model: Anyone who shows enthusiasm. I think its important to strive to reach your goals. Musically, I really admire Brooke Fraser.
Hopes for the future: "Obviously to pass NCEA and to study at the University of Otago further down the track. I would like to keep performing and doing what I enjoy."