For Jackson Chen, Coppell High School’s class of 2025 salutatorian, academic success did not come from late-night cramming or chasing perfection. Instead, it came from something simpler — consistency, curiosity and an unshakable work ethic.
Chen, known for his calm demeanor and sharp intellect, did not initially set out to become one of Coppell’s top students. In fact, according to close friend senior Mihir Thakur, his journey began with a wake-up call.
“He used to play Clash Royale in class,” Thakur said. “But, after getting a 70 on a test in Algebra II, he really locked in. That’s when everything changed for him.”
That moment of reflection prompted Jackson onto a path of discipline and growth. He began pushing himself academically, not just for achieving high grades, but to truly understand the material.
“Jackson doesn’t just memorize content,” Thakur said. “He learns it for life. He learns it for his future.”
Chen’s classmates often turned to him for help, not just because he was knowledgeable, but because he explained concepts with patience and clarity.
Chen’s academic journey is not driven by pressure to be number one, but by a genuine love for learning. Whether it is memorizing complex biological processes or solving intricate math problems, Chen approaches each subject with the same focused mindset.
Science, especially biology, quickly became Chen’s favorite subject. In AP Biology during junior year, he stood out not only for his academic ability but for the calm confidence he brought to group work and discussions.
“Jackson is a quiet force in the classroom,” AP Biology teacher Sarah Grover said. “He leads by example, not volume. His thought process, depth of understanding and natural curiosity make him someone people look up to.”
Beyond academics, Chen has been involved in extracurriculars, including basketball and band, showing that success does not have to come at the cost of enjoying high school. Still, his steady presence and humility remain what he is known for.
“He’s not loud or flashy,” Thakur said. “But when he speaks, people listen. He’s confident in what he knows, and he’s not afraid to be wrong — that’s rare.”
A key part of Chen’s growth comes from the mentors and friends shaping his journey.
“I’ve learned a lot from the people around me,” Chen said. “They’ve helped me stay grounded and focused, even when things got overwhelming.”
One of the most defining qualities about Chen is humility. Despite earning one of the highest academic honors, he rarely talks about it unless asked.
“Jackson’s the kind of person who would rather celebrate other people’s achievements than his own,” Thakur said. “He doesn’t need recognition to feel fulfilled; he just wants to keep improving.”
While the demands of being salutatorian are high, Chen finds the experience rewarding. It has taught him how to manage pressure, stay organized and most importantly, trust in his own process.
But, what does he value most? The journey itself.
“Getting here wasn’t about chasing a title,” Chen said. “It was about learning how to stay consistent, how to challenge myself and how to grow from every experience.”
Chen’s quiet leadership and academic discipline have left a lasting impact on CHS. As he heads to Rice University in the fall to study biology on a pre-med track, those who know him are confident he will continue to have great success.
“Jackson’s not just intelligent. He is dependable, kind and self-motivated,” Grover said. “He’ll do incredible things because he never stops learning.”
For Chen, the future holds many possibilities. But no matter where his path leads, he will carry with him the lessons of hard work, community and self-belief that defined his high school years.
“Success isn’t about being the loudest or the fastest,” Chen said. “It’s about being steady. It’s about showing up every day, doing the work and staying true to yourself.”
