Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjelica Jones
Hi Anjelica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a fifth generation Jacksonville native, my love for this city and serving the community has been an integral part in my life growing up. Being a Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleader, Jacksonville University law student, and being Miss Jacksonville 2025, I love everything about being surrounded by all the “904” has to offer. Let me start at the beginning: My parents, both dancers, own Scott Jones School of Dance—the place I spent most of my time for 18 years. I loved dancing and performing, but more so, I loved the incredible friendships and opportunities that the dance studio brought me. I grew up performing all around Jacksonville, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Carnegie Hall, and Carnival Cruises. My summers I spent away from my parents, studying and training at world renowned ballet intensives, including American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, The Rock School, and The Rockettes. My love for dancing and performing took me to places I never thought possible and rewarded me with skills that propelled me in life. I created and trademarked my own organization, Grand Jeté Everyday in 2012. I partnered with Girls Inc. to bring my message to dream big and the gift of dance to girls in Duval County. This organization and the girls I met truly changed my life. In 2015, I became Miss Jacksonville’s Teen, a local preliminary competition to Miss Florida’s Teen. I served my community, gained scholarships, performed for a vast number of people from across the state, and went on to achieve the title of Miss Florida’s Teen 2016. I served the entire state and brought Grand Jeté Everyday to every corner of Florida. I competed at Miss America’s Teen, placing in the Top 5, winning talent and overall dancer awards. Truly, I’ve never felt more humbled. I went to the University of Florida and graduated debt free because of my academic scholarships and the ones I gained from competing in the Miss America Organization. I lived in Washington, D.C. for two years and worked in political communications. This opportunity piqued my interest in our legal system, introduced me to our nation’s most powerful leaders, and made me realize my desire to become a lawyer. Not wanting to compromise my goals in life, truly everything fell into place for me back home in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville University College of Law was fresh, and an anniversary year of the Jaguars was upon us. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and see if these two dreams would work out, let alone simultaneously. I got into law school, on the very campus where my education began in 2002 for pre-school. Next: The ROAR of the Jaguars auditions. 30 years ago, in the inaugural year of the Jags, my mom cheered on the sidelines as ROAR captain. A childhood dream of mine is to follow in her footsteps. I was beyond excited to make the team, experience the thrill of being an NFL cheerleader just like her, and we even cheered together this season during the 30-Year Anniversary Alumni game. As if that wasn’t enough, a little voice in my head told me to compete for the title of Miss Jacksonville, and hope for the honor to serve this city in even more ways. Life comes full circle and for that I am forever grateful. Through all my endeavors, I get to meet and laugh with even more people, dance and perform for crowds, while volunteering and giving back to the city that means the most to me. My days are busy, chaotic, but so exciting and I often remind myself how lucky I am. It is truly dance that has connected every dot in my life, made me feel whole, and brought me the most incredible memories.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At the age of 15, after dancing for hours that day and doing skills I had done for years, I broke my pelvis. I could barely walk, sit, or frankly move. Let alone dance. This was at a time where I needed to be my healthiest. I had goals I was planning to achieve in a mere matter of weeks, and yet my body was forcing me to take a break. I did what I could and learned through this setback that dance transcends skills, tricks, and flexibility, but embodies artistry and passion. I could go on and on about how breaking my pelvis was a pivotal moment in my life, but I can sum it up this way: unexpected things will happen in life, you can only control how you handle them. I rose to the occasion and let courage, grace, and passion guide me. I achieved everything I wanted to that year, demonstrating that setbacks can evolve into stepping stones towards personal growth. This valuable lesson has continued to guide me in all of life’s challenges since. Amid the pressures of balancing the demands of law school and NFL cheerleading, I’ve always remembered to stay intuitive with my body. Knowing when to rest, when to recalibrate, and when to grant myself grace is pivotal in navigating life’s curveballs. Through my entire life, I am grateful to lean on friends and family that cheer me on and push me to persevere with unwavering determination.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
To the women who want to do it all, I say do it all. I am a law student, Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleader, and Miss Jacksonville. I am embracing the chaos and loving every adventure that comes my way within these opportunities.
What were you like growing up?
My life growing up was characterized by schoolwork in the car, non-stop laughter with friends, and two-minute ballet buns. I was busy, outgoing, and dedicated. I tried everything: from sports, to modeling, to singing and acting, and of course dancing. My parents made sure I tried each of life’s endeavors and I am grateful they put me on a well-rounded path. I give major kudos to my parents for driving me all around the city to make my dreams a reality. I was always a happy and giggly girl, surrounded by friends. I was super outgoing and loved making other people laugh and smile. One of the highlights of my life was being a morning news anchor in 5th grade for my elementary school’s news show. A chance to talk and the whole school had to listen—probably the best job I will ever have!! I was enthusiastic about every endeavor I was a part of and tried to excel in everything. I worked really hard in school and loved learning. I’ve carried this busy lifestyle with me throughout my entire life and I truly enjoy being a law student, while balancing NFL cheerleading and being Miss Jacksonville. Nothing brings me more joy than being able to do everything I’ve ever wanted all at the same time with the incredible people around me. It truly mirrors the life I lived growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@anjelicapjones
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjelicapjones/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjelicapjones/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/missjacksonvillefl/
