Jackson Booth graduated from Bellevue East in 2011. Booth was Editor-in-Chief of the Tom Tom, and was in a club called “Young Politicians”. Booth also participated in the drama department at East.

“ I enjoyed my time as a student at Bellevue East. The teachers, staff, and fellow students made my experience at East memorable and it has influenced many of my interests and my career today,” Booth said.

Booth went to UNO (University of Nebraska Omaha), for his masters and bachelors degree in Political Science with a concentration in Foreign and National Security Affairs for both of my degrees.

Currently Booth works in the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C, and works within the office of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. This implements the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Program (PEPFAR). Booth is the Congressional Relations Specialist and PEPFAR Program Manager for Malawi.

Usually Booth manages the HIV Program in Malawi, which is a country in South Africa. Booth also liaises with various committees within the U.S. Congress to ensure the program meets their legal and budgetary mandates set by Congress.

With that being said, 2020 has affected everyone including Booth and His Co-workers. Booth and his team have their own onset of struggles they have to face since the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The onset of COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone, myself included. I have been working from home since March and all work related travel has been suspended. As a result of the pandemic, many of our team members serving overseas have had to be creative about how to provide HIV services in the midst of various lockdowns and safety protocols.” Booth said.

It is our job as a people and community to help stop the spread of COIV-19 and it is affecting everyone. Times have changed so much in society and we are all doing our best to adapt.

Booth said“The guidance put forward by CDC and other health agencies is absolutely critical for all Americans to follow. Those that work at CDC and throughout the federal government working on this response, as well as those at the state and local level, are doing their best to keep our communities safe. I think the real burden is on all of us to protect our fellow citizens by following those protocols: wearing masks, socially distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and taking the COVID-19 once available,”.