Jo'Quisha Hilliard
2011 Talented Teen

Jo’ Quishia “Jo’” Hilliard was a junior attending Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge during her reign as the 2011 Talented Teen. She was a member of the National Honor Society and maintained a 3.6 GPA. Jo' Hilliard was chosen to represent Episcopal High School in the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). She plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana following graduation in 2012. Miss Hilliard plans to major in Biology Pre-Med or Psychology. Her career plans include working in the medical business caring for the youth or pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming an icon in the entertainment industry.

At Episcopal High School, Jo’ was involved in many activities and received recognition for them. During her sophomore and junior years, she served as a varsity cheerleader actively helping to raise school spirit. Jo participated in the BETA Club and in spring musicals. Jo' served as the lead in "Once upon a Mattress” in which she played the role of Winifred. She was also involved in her school's fall and spring dance concerts.

Aside from scholastic achievements, Jo' Hilliard also served as the Student Body President at The Louisiana Leadership Institute under the leadership of Retired Congressman Cleo Fields. She also was involved in her community. She enjoyed visiting nursing homes and spending time with the elderly, singing at various churches, weddings, and dedication ceremonies. She is always thinking of ways she can help to inspire and better our youth.

Her platform was centered on Anti-Violence and Youth Empowerment. She wants to help encourage the youth to be the best that they can be. She also wants to act as a catalyst in decreasing the amount of gun violence, verbal/physical abuse, and suicide happening with our youth today. She encourages self peace and speaks out about self value. She firmly believes in the love of God, loving yourself, and loving your neighbor.

"Success is not the key to happiness...happiness is the key to success."