Balancing Ambitions: Fort Frye’s Janessa Ross Juggles Graphic Design Passion and Future in Law

Janessa Ross in her senior portrait. (Photo provided)

Janessa Ross, a senior at Fort Frye High School, is making her mark as a dedicated student. She’s also studying graphic arts and video production at the Washington County Career Center.

Janessa has a passion for helping others. She volunteers her time, donating food and clothing to local shelters. She also recently created a logo for a non-profit organization, showcasing her graphic design skills.

At her career center, Janessa is not just a student but also a leader. She serves as the class president for graphic design and co-president of the Business Professionals of America chapter. Her hard work paid off this school year as she achieved impressive results in competitions, finishing first in the regional graphic design promotion and fifth at the state level.

Janessa Ross with her awards and fellow students. (Photo provided)

“I received second place in business law and ethics and first in prepared speech this year,” Janessa shared. She is excited to compete at the state level in prepared speech.

Janessa loves art. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and reading. She cherishes family moments, spending time with her younger stepbrother, nephew, and soon-to-arrive niece. Family trips and cozy evenings at home are her favorites.

Outside of her family, Janessa loves hanging out with her best friend Summer and her boyfriend Elias. “Summer and I are inseparable,” she said. “Elias fits right in with my family, which means a lot to me.”

Janessa Ross and her peers at a competition. (Photo provided)

Janessa looks forward to an art class she’s taking this semester at Fort Frye, taught by Kathy Allen. She enjoys the hands-on graphic design work in her program and often helps friends and family with their design needs.

Recently, she designed a logo for a local group called B&W Gro. “When the organizer reached out to our teacher, I volunteered to help,” she explained. It took her about four days to finalize the design.

Janessa Ross showcasing her creative side. (Photo provided)

She typically starts her designs on paper, sketching out ideas before moving to digital tools like Photoshop. “I like to experiment with colors and designs until I find the right fit,” she said.

Though Janessa enjoys graphic design, she is still exploring her future career path. “I might do freelance design work to earn some extra money, but I plan to focus on law after graduation.”

Janessa hopes to study political science or pre-law at Marshall University or Walsh University. She believes that her graphic design skills could help her in the future, especially working with smaller clients who need affordable design services.

As a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, she’s also preparing for her confirmation this May through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Janessa Ross with her mom at Muskingum Park. (Photo provided)