MEDORA

Jonathan Cobb always has a smile on his face.

That’s one of the things Cobb’s classmates and teachers at Medora High School will remember most about him.

"What I liked best about going to school at Medora was seeing all of my friends and getting closer to them," Cobb said. "Medora is a smaller school and was really fun."

One of Cobb’s favorite teachers was Reuben Nehrt, who taught an economics class.

"He went above and beyond besides teaching the class," Cobb said. "He would take time to talk to us and would really go above the standards."

During Cobb’s high school career, he has been involved in several sports and activities.

He was on the student council for three years and Bible Club for two years. In the latter, Cobb got the Bible lessons together, taught the lessons and then the group would have discussions.

He also participated in basketball and cross country for one year and FFA for two years.

"I wasn’t going to join Future Farmers of America, but some of my friends signed up, so I joined and was in it for two years, and it ended up being really fun," he said.

Cobb also was in Beta Club for a year because he was able to keep an average of A’s and B’s in his classes, which was a requirement.

Other organizations included DELTA Club and junior rodeo.

"It’s like a rodeo for younger people and I did the barrel races and rode some steers," Cobb said.

He enjoys playing the drums and has always been interested in the military, history and criminal justice.

Some of his other likes include spending time with his family and friends, eating and reading.

"My plans after high school are going be to join the military and become a United States Marine," Cobb said. "I guess I just wanted to do something bigger."

Cobb said he will be heading to California for basic training sometime in September.

"My family encouraged me to sign up, and I believe they are pretty proud," he said.

Cobb, one of nine siblings, said one of his proudest moments was being adopted by his mother, Jessica Cobb, who passed away two years ago.

He lives in Vallonia with his uncle and aunt, Jason and Amy Dean, and is thankful he was able to live with them and get to know them better.

On Friday, Cobb and the rest of Medora High School’s Class of 2020 will graduate.

The eight seniors’ graduation will be unlike any other Medora student has experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A virtual ceremony at 7:30 p.m. will be uploaded to YouTube and Facebook at the time of graduation.

"The pandemic caused our school year to be cut short, and I wasn’t able to see my friends," Cobb said. "But what kind of changed in me was I used to think school was OK, but when you get away from it, you really appreciate it."

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What: Medora High School graduation

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Virtual ceremony will be uploaded to YouTube and Facebook at the time of graduation; it also will be posted on the school website, medora.k12.in.us, in the form of a YouTube link

Who: Eight members of the Class of 2020

Valedictorian: Kelsey Turner

Salutatorian: Jack Combs

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Name: Jonathan Cobb

Age: 18

Residence: Vallonia

School: Medora High School

School activities: Student council, Bible Club, FFA, Beta Club, DELTA Club, basketball, cross country

Future plans: Join the U.S. Marine Corps

Family: Uncle and aunt, Jason and Amy Dean; eight siblings

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