Polk State SGA leader remembered for passion and perseverance

As a student leader at Polk State College, friends and peers remember Aalayah Jones for her uplifting personality and drive to help others, even as she battled sickle cell disease.

A former student worker, Student Government Association President for the Lakeland Campus, and a part-time employee of the College, Jones passed away on September 20 at just 27 years old. Friends and family gathered at Turning Point Worship Center in Bartow on September 26 to celebrate her life and pay their last respects.

“She had a very passionate, vibrant personality,” reflected Amanda Paige-Morris, Coordinator for the Polk State Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO). “She was very extroverted and outgoing. Aalayah always advocated for fellow students and stood up for what she thought was right.”

Paige-Morris and Jones first met when Jones was a student worker. It was Jones’ infectious personality, creativity, and genuine care for others that led Paige-Morris to insist that she join the Student Government Association (SGA). Jones held multiple roles within SGA, including President for the Lakeland Campus.

“Her greatest assets were her passion and her confidence,” recalled Blessen Jacob, former SGA Vice President and later Coordinator for SALO. “She was never afraid to talk to anyone; it didn’t matter who it was. She always held her team accountable when she was part of SGA. She would always do her best to instill confidence in fellow students who were doubting themselves. If there was ever a wrong being done, she wasn’t afraid to call it out and get it addressed.”

A 2018 graduate of Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Jones spent her life battling sickle cell disease (SCD). Jones used her SGA platform and social media to raise awareness and address misconceptions about the disease and to inspire others who were battling SCD or other ailments. Symptoms include anemia, pain, swelling, frequent infections, and vision problems.

“Not many of us knew much about sickle cell until Aalayah came to us,” Paige-Morris explained. “She was an advocate for herself and others. No matter what she was going through, she always found a way to attend meetings or stay involved – even when she was in the hospital. She was a fighter; she wanted to be here. This was a second home to her.”

Jacob recalled meeting Jones in 2018 when the two were running for SGA positions on the Lakeland Campus. At the time, Jacob was running for Student Engagement Specialist while Jones ran for Vice President. In 2022, the two helped SALO win the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA)’s Marjoree Harper Event of the Year Award for the Polk State College Block Party hosted in November 2021 – the first major on-campus event following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She loved being part of SGA and SALO,” Jacob added. “It didn’t matter if she was in the office or the hospital – when it came to getting things done, she found a way to help do it. We had many FaceTime conversations where we would spend late nights where I was at home or the office and she was in the hospital planning events. She was dedicated and didn’t let anything hold her back.”

Partially because of SCD, Jones was forced to overcome numerous challenges, including having her gallbladder removed when she was just 3 and her spleen removed at the age of 5. In 2022, Jones was diagnosed with Category 3 pulmonary hypertension.

“I’ll always remember Aalayah’s energy and her way of impacting a room,” Jacob shared. “If you met Aalayah just once, you never forgot her.”

In May, Jones graduated with her Polk State Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, fulfilling a promise to her late mother. A single mother, Nikia Leonard-Jones died from complications from sepsis on Thanksgiving 2015 when Jones was just 16 years old. Leonard-Jones spent time as a student at Polk State and often emphasized the importance of education to her children.

“Aalayah knew how to get things done,” Paige-Morris said. “Aalayah was always coming up with new ideas. She didn’t mind taking the lead or helping out with whatever she could. Aalayah was helpful in several areas and was someone we always knew we could trust.”

“Aalayah Jones embodied what it means to be a Polk State student and leader,” said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. “She faced extraordinary challenges with remarkable perseverance, while continuing to lead, serve, and encourage those around her. We are grateful for the lasting impact Aalayah made on our College community, and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who loved her.”

In addition to SALO, Jones also had a passion for the performing arts. She spent many years with “Crystal’s World of Dance” in Lakeland, performing in numerous events. Jones also played the viola in her high school orchestra. Paige-Morris said the two watched live performances of the hit Broadway musicals, Hamilton and Wicked.

“With all that she went through, she tried to live her life as normal as possible,” Paige-Morris concluded. “She loved musicals and she loved dance. I’ll always remember her as a great example of perseverance and overcoming obstacles to accomplish her dreams.”

Despite battling a debilitating illness, Jones was one of the most visible students on campus, assisting in events like Welcome Week and even giving the invocation at past Polk State commencement ceremonies. After graduation, Jones was hired by SALO as a part-time employee, helping with campus clubs and events.

“I’ll never forget the way she cared about people and am glad to have called her a friend,” Jacob shared. “Our last conversation was about how important our faith was to us. One of the lessons that I take from her life and friendship, is that no matter the struggles, pain, hardship, or the curveballs that life throws at you, you never give up and always keep fighting. In the end, it will all be worth it.”