Where are they now: Monroe grad serving state, country and community
Jere’l Hough’s journey from Monroe High School to serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps is impressive. However, his commitment to empowering youth through his nonprofit, State of Success, Inc., best defines his legacy. Born and raised in Union County, Hough’s experiences and values have shaped a vision dedicated to unlocking the potential in students.
From a young age, Hough knew he wanted to be a lawyer. In fifth grade, he discovered a love for civil rights and history, believing that the best way to create change was through understanding the laws that govern society. As he grew older, even teachers in subjects unrelated to his dream left him with valuable skills for his career and life.
Hough graduated from Monroe High in 2005, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track.
Reflecting on his academics, he emphasized the impact of teachers like Ms. Washburn, who taught Advanced Placement (AP) English, and Ms. Brantley, who taught AP Biology. Washburn invested time in getting to know her students and genuinely wanted the best for them, inspiring Hough to strive for excellence and his love of reading. Meanwhile, Ms. Brantley encouraged him to explore different possibilities, igniting his passion for learning and curiosity.
“My teachers cared and had a passion for teaching,” Hough said. “Learning, reading and absorbing information taught me about life. There is power in knowledge. Every experience at Monroe taught me something of value.”
Speaking on his background, he said, "My mother and father also graduated from Monroe High, so in a way, I was a legacy student. At the time, there were only five high schools in the area, so many students at Monroe High had parents who had also attended the school."
His grandfather, Carl Sylvester Watts, was a significant inspiration for him. Despite never learning to read or write due to the oppressive times he lived in, Watts owned acres of land in Marshville, North Carolina. Hough learned the value of a contract by watching and helping his grandfather manage his farm. After long days of driving trucks, Watts worked on the farm and then relaxed in his favorite chair, where he bonded with Hough.
"He would teach me valuable life lessons. Much like train tracks, they click into place as I get older. He was passing me knowledge that I might get then and comprehend later," he said. He told me that I had the ability to define my own destiny and to do so by serving my state, country and community."
Watts also taught Hough to love everyone equally. Hough’s mother was his hero. She instilled in him the importance of hard work, overcoming adversity and believing in oneself. These values shaped his path in life and continue to guide his efforts to support and inspire others.
"I had a live-in superhero, my mom. My grandfather passed down the same lessons he gave me to her," he said.
After completing a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hough worked a year as a substitute teacher in Union County Public Schools. During this time, he gained valuable insights into teacher needs and formed connections with students. After earning his law degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in Union County. His love for his hometown and commitment to justice were evident in his work.
"Criminal law was my calling. As an ADA, I was a litigant and served as one of three members of the Superior Court Trial Team. I was trying cases day in and day out. Our job was the protection and safety of the citizens of Union County. Being a prosecutor meant being an administrator of justice and following the facts and the law without fear or favor. It felt good to be an instrument of good in my county."
Remembering his grandfather's words, Hough wanted to serve his country. He applied to be a Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) and was selected. In this role, he recently received the 2024 National Bar Association Veterans Affairs and Military Law Section Outstanding Young Judge Advocate Award.
"Receiving this award exemplifies something I tell my sons: we must be the change we want to see in our communities. The good work we do to help others today leads to creating a better tomorrow for us all. It is an honor to receive this award and serve with my fellow sailors in the Navy daily."
His passion for helping others also led him to establish State of Success, Inc., an organization focused on providing young people with the tools they need to succeed. Since its founding, State of Success has impacted over 1,000 elementary, middle and high school students, helping them achieve success, unlock their potential and transcend barriers placed in their way.
State of Success offers various programs, including the Student of Success Scholarship for rising seniors, which awards $1,000 in scholarships to recipients in three regions: Union County, Wilson County and Mecklenburg County. The Rising Redhawk Award is part of the Student of Success Scholarship and is dedicated to the memories of three of Hough’s classmates. It is awarded to a Monroe High School senior each year.
“The scholarships are for students in the community but also supported by community donations,” Hough explained. “That’s why it means so much.”
The scholarship program began as community work during Hough’s tenure in the Union County District Attorney's office, where he collaborated with local law enforcement to engage with students and bridge community gaps. They organized backpack drives and held discussions on making good decisions. These initiatives laid the groundwork for State of Success, Inc. by building relationships that have allowed Hough to continue serving students through scholarships and mentorship.
On State of Success, Inc.’s website, Hough features a section called "Had I Known," where professionals share advice they wish they had received in high school. This resource, along with personal connections Hough facilitates, helps students explore various careers.
“My advice is to know your purpose, define your purpose, and walk in your purpose,” said Hough. “You have to know what you want to do, but it does not need to be exact. You can have an overall goal. My goal was to leave this world in a better place than when I entered it. Then, you define what that means. For me, that meant positive action within my community. Then go and do the thing, act. Ultimately, pay it forward. No one achieves anything great alone.”
Through State of Success, Hough is making a lasting impact, empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams.
"Students should have pride in where they are from," said Hough. "When they go out and accomplish great things in the world, they will bring recognition to their city, building even more pride."
Hough also wanted to leave students with words of wisdom that his grandfather gave him, "Do not let others sow seeds of doubt in your mind. As long as you are doing things for a positive impact, do not listen to the voices telling you that you can’t. Doubt will produce fields of failure and not forests of prosperity."
The views and opinions are not sponsored or endorsed by the U.S. Navy and do not represent the views of the U.S. Navy, DoD or any of its components.
07/31/2024