Cross Bay Boulevard High School Students Encouraged by NCWU Commencement Speaker Jessica Harrison's Rise to Mayoral Office

Queens, NY – High school students and educators along Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens are finding inspiration in the announcement that North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has named alumna Jessica Harrison '10, currently the Mayor of Zebulon, NC, as its 2026 Commencement Speaker. Her journey from college graduate to municipal leader serves as a powerful example for local youth considering careers in public service, community development, or seeking to make a tangible impact in their neighborhoods.

While Zebulon, NC, is far from Queens, the narrative of a young alumna achieving a significant leadership position resonates deeply with the aspirations of many students attending schools in the Cross Bay Boulevard area, such as Scholars' Academy and Thomas Edison Career and Technical Education High School. Her story underscores the importance of education, civic engagement, and persistent dedication in achieving community leadership roles, regardless of geographical location.

Inspiring Local Leadership and Civic Engagement

Jessica Harrison's career trajectory, culminating in her mayoral role, offers a tangible model for young people contemplating how they can contribute to their own communities. For students in the diverse and bustling neighborhoods along Cross Bay Boulevard, opportunities for local leadership are abundant, from student government and community board roles to volunteering with local advocacy groups. Her address at NCWU's commencement is anticipated to highlight themes of responsibility, vision, and the power of local governance.

“Seeing someone like Jessica Harrison rise to mayor at a relatively young age is incredibly motivating,” commented Sarah Chen, a guidance counselor at a local Queens high school. “We constantly encourage our students to think about how they can effect change right here in their Cross Bay Boulevard communities, whether through organizing local clean-up events, advocating for better public spaces, or eventually running for local office. Her success story reinforces that these ambitions are achievable.” This narrative encourages students to recognize the value of their education in building a foundation for civic participation.

Education as a Pathway to Community Impact

Harrison’s selection as commencement speaker underscores the principle that higher education provides not just career skills but also a framework for understanding and addressing complex societal issues. For many families along Cross Bay Boulevard, investing in a college education is seen as a key pathway to upward mobility and opportunities for their children to contribute meaningfully to society. NCWU’s choice emphasizes that alumni success can extend beyond traditional corporate roles into vital public service positions.

The message that a college degree can open doors to significant community leadership, including elected office, is particularly relevant in areas like Cross Bay Boulevard where local issues often demand dedicated and informed advocacy. Harrison’s journey illustrates that the foundation laid in higher education can directly lead to opportunities to shape policy, improve services, and enhance the quality of life for residents, a lesson that can profoundly impact the career choices of future leaders from Queens.

Key Points:

• NCWU announced alumna Jessica Harrison '10, Mayor of Zebulon, NC, as its 2026 Commencement Speaker.
• Her story inspires high school students along Cross Bay Boulevard to consider careers in public service and local leadership.
• Educators highlight the importance of civic engagement and community impact for local youth.
• Harrison's journey demonstrates how education can pave the way for significant leadership roles.
• The narrative encourages Cross Bay Boulevard students to pursue ambitions in local governance and community development.