2023 Hamilton Scholar Jessica Ton is a highly motivated, hardworking, and ambitious student hailing from a family of Vietnamese immigrants. Through her fierce determination, leadership, and dedication, she seeks to create change in her community and bridge the gaps that underserved communities face in healthcare and education.

Jessica takes pride in her commitment to closing these gaps, considering her community service work to be among her most meaningful achievements. As a leader of Rotary Interact, Jessica organized the school-wide “International Festival,” raising $20,488 to support impoverished schools in Houston. Her organization of a donation drive also collected over 1,500 hygiene products to be distributed to low-income families. For her leadership and efforts, Jessica was awarded the Rotary Youth Leadership Award by the Interact District Governor.

Over the past three years, Jessica volunteered with the American Red Cross, garnering over 550+ hours; her dedication earned her “Youth Volunteer of the Year.” Through her work with ARC Youth Service Council, Jessica has collaborated with Tiffany's Circle and supported their region-wide fundraiser to assist new mothers with the financial burden of caring for their newborn babies.

In addition to her participation in National Honor Society and Houston’s Emerge Fellowship, Jessica is a leader in her school’s environmental club. Here, she’s coordinated campus beautification events and initiated a school-wide recycling program that promotes environmental awareness. During the summer, Jessica volunteers at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where she leads exhibition tours, presents patrons with museum artifacts, and assists staff in summer classes.

Jessica’s inspiration is her mother, who encourages and supports Jessica in all her endeavors. Jessica plans to study entrepreneurship with a minor in finance, as she is determined to establish her own company that will empower youth on their path to success and make a lasting impact on the world.