EPCHS Alum In The Spotlight: Jessica Knight, Class Of 2005

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Her billboard is one that can’t be missed by anyone who has rode by 103rd and Kedzie lately, but did you know that local State Farm agent Jessica Knight graduated just a few blocks away from Evergreen Park Community High School?

Knight, a 2005 alum, remembers her time at EPCHS as “some of the best 4 years” of her life.

“I not only carry the memories from high school, but the life lessons I learned from my time at EPCHS throughout my life today,” said Knight, who works as the State Farm insurance agent for her hometown Evergreen Park.

It was the “structure, knowledge and experience” she gained from her business classes and through her involvement in volleyball that “provided me the foundation for my success today.”

Knight went to college at Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois, which wound up paving the way for her career with State Farm. State Farm’s corporate headquarters is located in Bloomington, and Knight started working for the company while she was still a student at ISU.

“EPCHS very well prepared me for my college experience,” she said. “From ACT prep, guidance counseling, and college prep, I am forever grateful for all of the life experiences and knowledge I acquired through my four years there.”

After graduating from college, Knight started working as an agent aspirant for a local independent State Farm agent. But when a position to open a new agency became available in Evergreen Park, she jumped on it.

“I went through an extensive interview process, and opened my doors to my agency on January 1, 2013,” she said.

Serving her hometown as an agent is "rewarding," Knight said.

“It is so nice to be able to connect with people from EPCHS and throughout the community today!” she added. “You may find me making an appearance at the drivers ed class talking about insurance, and I always enjoy hearing stories and memories about my cousin, Tony Knight.”

Tony Knight, a 2004 EPCHS alum, was a proud Mustang who played football and baseball at the school. He died suddenly at age 29, but will be remembered forever at his alma mater after the school retired his baseball number this past spring.

For current Mustang students and recent graduates, Jessica Knight is happy to help.

“I’m always available to help anyone with their insurance, and anyone who may be interested in a career with insurance,” she said. "And, as always, Go Mustangs!"