J’D Hook found her passion for electrical engineering early in her time at IDEA High School, and she’s been building on it ever since. After years of hands-on learning and dedication, she earned her level-two certification in electronic circuitry, an impressive achievement for a high school student. Along the way, J’D has taken on leadership roles, explored her love of music and roller derby, and discovered new ways to combine her interests. Now, she’s preparing for a gap year of service and growth before heading to Colorado School of Mines to study electrical and computer engineering. 

This is what J’D had to say about her experience. 

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?       

I am very proud of being the first female multi-racial student at IDEA to receive their level-two certification in electrical engineering. I've been involved with electronic circuitry with Mr. Rutter since my freshman year, and I developed a big passion for it. When I started out, I was not good. I burned so many circuit boards, and so it’s been really cool to see my progress. 

Last semester, I earned my level-two certification in electronic circuitry. It was so rewarding because I worked so hard for it, and because most students can earn their level one certification, but I wanted to take the next step. Level two covers digital circuitry, which we don't go over in class. So, I studied night and day, and Mr. Rutter helped me through the process. I ended up passing with a 98%.  

What are your plans for next year?  

I'm going to Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo., where I plan to double major in electrical and computer engineering. But first, I’m going to take a gap year. I'm going to work with Washington State Service Corps and continue competing in the Miss America organization’s local pageants. They offer scholarships, and so far, I have over $3,000 in scholarship funds from the two pageants I competed in. I also play junior roller derby on a national level so I’m looking forward to taking the next step and joining adult roller derby.  

How has your school experience helped prepare you for that pathway? 

Ever since I was younger, I knew I wanted to do some sort of engineering. My aunt is a mechanical engineer, and so when I first came to IDEA, I thought that’s what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to build things, but I didn’t really know how, so I came to this school to learn.  

I learned about the electrical engineering field here and I was like, ‘wow, this is so cool.’ I want to do this. I already loved music, playing guitar, drums and singing, so during my time here at IDEA, I learned how I can combine music with the engineering field.   

All the teachers and adjuncts here come from many different fields and their support and experience really helped me figure out what I want to do. The support by our co-directors and all the teachers has been amazing. They’re all role models in my life.  

Where have you shown the most grit in your high school career?      

We have a little over 80 students in our graduating class, and there are only 12 girls. I’ve been showing up and being a proud female at the school and trying to be the best role model I can for other girls out there. Even though the STEM field has more men, girls and women can still be here and be successful. It was hard at times because I didn’t see people who looked like me, especially on the engineering side of IDEA. But, I showed up, ran for ASB President, founded a social-emotional learning club, was head of the prom committee, led IDEA’s 2025 camp, and I’m proud of all those things.   

What are you looking forward to next year?  

I'm really excited to go to Colorado School of Mines after my gap year. I’m a first-generation college student. My mom didn’t graduate high school, but she’s always been there for me and is one of my strongest supporters.  

I’ve also been a ski and snowboard instructor at Snoqualmie Pass for the past two years, and now I’m going into a management position. I’m really looking forward to having more time to be up there during the snow season.  

What’s something your biggest fan would say about you? 

My biggest fan is probably my Nana. Unfortunately, she passed away last year in August. She was everything to me. She was my cheerleader. She was there for me no matter what. I think she would say that she’s just so proud of me. No matter what was happening in my life, whether it was sports or school or clubs or volunteering, she would always tell me to keep on going. 

Describe yourself in three words.       

Ambitious, passionate, witty.