South Sound Awards of Excellence winners shine in face of adversity
Together’s Awards of Excellence honors and celebrates youths in South Sound whose paths have been marked with adversity and whose grace and strength have shone through. These young people have been nominated and selected for their leadership, resilience and contributions to the community.
Through the support of this year’s scholarship sponsors — Gateway Rotary, South Puget Sound Community College Foundation, TwinStar Credit Union and Tumwater McDonald’s — eight honorees will receive scholarships. Other event sponsors and contributors include Forrey’s Forza, DZines, The Olympian, The Bridge, TAGS Awards and Specialties and Shanna Paxton Photography.
Below are the 35 students being recognized, along with the nominating group and an excerpt from the letter nominating them.
Rising Stars (ages 15 & younger)
Marissa Aguilar-Arana,
Evergreen Villages Community Center
Staff at Evergreen Villages recognize Marissa to be a self-motivated leader. Without prompting or reminders, Marissa uses the homework help and computer lab to finish her homework daily. Marissa has brought multiple friends to the center to work on school projects and encourages them to participate in the center’s daily activities. Marissa has been a great role model to our younger youths as she is always willing to help them with their homework and assisting staff in activities. Marissa aspires to attend college after high school.
Phoebe Lyhne Brown,
Tumwater Middle School
Phoebe Brown is an excellent student and a role model for her peers. She belongs to our leadership class responsible for assemblies and school spirit activities. Phoebe plays volleyball and participates on our school dance team. You can always count on Phoebe to be there for her friends and family whenever a need arises. She is a most deserving candidate who perseveres through challenges and makes our school a better place. Phoebe loves animals and wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian or vet tech (since they don’t do surgery).
Abby Buckley,
Washington Middle School
Abby is a kind and compassionate soul with a quick smile and quiet presence, but don’t let that fool you. She is quick to stand up and help anyone who is being treated unfairly, due to issues such as limited English, friendships, physical and emotional challenges, or bullying and discrimination. She is a very special person who faces challenges of her own, including health issues that cause her to miss school more than she would like, including a lengthy recovery from a required surgery. When she returned, she had quite a bit of catching up to do, but she dug deep and got it done. Abby plans on participating in Running Start in high school. She aspires to be a veterinarian that practices Eastern and Western medicine.
Nathan Castro,
Lydia Hawk Club House
Nathan comes from a low-income family that has taught him to always keep trying when situations become difficult. Nathan has proven to be an ideal role model for other children his age. He goes the extra mile to meet Club House expectations and does so with a smile on his face. Nathan deserves to be recognized for his positive attitude and decision-making skills. He does his best to resist peer pressure and encourages his peers to be better versions of themselves.
Kori Dyer,
Jefferson Middle School
Kori has overcome a number of obstacles. She was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at 17 months old. Her biological parents struggled with addiction and she was bounced around until the age of 3, when her aunt was granted full custody. Kori is responsible for helping at home with her younger brother, who is autistic and battling leukemia. Throughout, Kori remains positive and outgoing, always working toward personal best, maintaining A’s and B’s in all classes. Kori would like to attend law school and become a defense attorney.
Destinee Farler,
Meadows Club House
Destinee is from a family that includes six children, ages 15 years old to 2 months old. She has learned patience and independence skills at home that has transferred to her school life. She is a hard-working student who enjoys helping others to be successful in school and in a after-school program. Destinee is quick to assist the staff in implementing daily activities and weeklong projects. She would like to work with kids when she grows up.
Zahmira Franklin,
Pleasant Glade Club House
Zahmira Franklin is a leader in learning. Zahmira takes advantage of her learning by asking thoughtful, inquiring questions. She leads quietly in school and Club House by working hard every day, contributing to her groups and she always ready to lend a helping hand. Zahmira makes her school and Club House friendlier place to be. Zahmira has great plans for her future. She may become a dancer or a gymnast — you can always see her doing cartwheels wherever she goes. Zahmira is an aspiring doctor or veterinarian. She likes to help people and she loves animals.
Kiana Gonzales,
Boys & Girls Club of Tumwater
Kiana is our 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 youth of the year for the Tumwater branch. She has become a leader in our club and has stood above other teens. She attends regularly and serves as a role model and mentor to many young club members. She has done many community service projects in the club and out in the community. This year, she will represent the Tumwater club at many local events such as Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce meetings, city council meetings and school board meetings. She plans to finish high school and become a teacher.
Serenity Molina,
Evergreen Villages Community Center
Serenity has been confronted many obstacles in her life, including bullying, poverty and traumatic experiences. Through it all, Serenity persists with a smile on her face. We recognize Serenity to be a leader and count on her positive attitude to guide and influence the rest of the students. She takes a stand against teasing and negative treatment of others, offering herself as a friend to all. She enjoys playing games with others and encourages everyone to participate and have a good time. When we asked Serenity what she wants to be when she grows up, she said she wants to work for Evergreen Villages Community Center.
Micah Stemwell,
Reeves Middle School
When Micah first attended middle school, he had a very difficult time dealing with things that did not go his way. He often became frustrated and voiced his anger at students and staff. In the past two years, Micah has gone from a student who was visiting the main office regularly to a student on the honor roll with many friends and school accolades. He has learned to deal with adversity in a healthful way, with a positive attitude and demeanor. Micah plans on attending Olympia High School next year with the goal of attending college or university after graduation. He plans to focus his studies on science with a focus on entomology.
High School & Community Stars (ages 16-20)
Mikayla Arnett,
Black Hills High School
After early academic challenges and multiple moves, Mikayla faced difficulties with drug use during her early high school years. She never gave up on herself, attending treatment twice and re-focusing on her overall health so she could realize her personal goals, make school a priority, and connect herself with positive, supportive friends and caring adults. Now, she is working hard to complete high school and approaching graduation. She is a problem-solver and a kind, generous and strong person. Mikayla plans to attend South Puget Sound Community College with the goal of transferring to ASU. She wants to be a special education teacher with a focus on sign language.
Josh Bruland,
Shelton SADD Club
Josh is a junior at Shelton High School and an officer in the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club. He has a 3.5 GPA and has played varsity football the past two years. He has attended two national youth conferences, three state prevention summits in Yakima and three youth prevention summits at the Great Wolf Lodge in the spring. He is involved in several SADD club projects such as the Relay for Life, TAMATU (Teenagers Against Marijuana and Tobacco Use) and Little Stars (presentations to first-graders). Josh wants to be a firefighter or policeman.
Ashley Carter-White,
CYS Transitional Age Youth
Ashley would like to share that she hopes to attend SPSCC and obtain an information technology computer support certificate. She is interested in building props, learning more about theater production and participating in cosplay. She is interested in games such as “King of Hearts,” “Fallout,” “Pokemon” and “Portal.” Ashley wants to have an open mind for her future and see what comes from achieving her goals. Ashley believes, “As long as you don’t give up the fight, you will get better through hope and you’ll get through your challenges.”
Autumn Denny-Bustos,
GRAVITY Learning Center
Autumn is a nontraditional student, a first-generation college student and a low-income student with a family history of homelessness. In her own words: “Witnessing both of my parents relapse on separate occasions, I’ve seen how harmful substance abuse can be. As I was forced to watch my parents self-destruct, I struggled with anxiety and depression. But I couldn’t do anything about my situation, as I was only a child.” She hopes to attend SPSCC to study psychology, so that she can help other children who are going through the same things she did. She writes, “As an adult I have a voice, and I would like to advocate for those who do not.”
Josefina Mercedes Gaspar Montejo,
CIELO Project
Josefina came from Guatemala a year ago. Now, she is in 10th grade at Capital High School. She came without any English proficiency and received a poor education in her home country. Although she is facing many barriers, she displays a constant diligence and persistence in her efforts to succeed at school. She is improving in her education very much. CIELO’s Homework Club tutoring is supporting her. She is a good role model for her 12-year-old sister and inspires other kids. Josefina’s greatest wishes for her future are to continue learning English, continue her education and obtain meaningful work in the future. She would like to be a dental hygienist or nurse.
Taylor Paige Holmes,
Rainier High School
Taylor’s is a story of neglect, foster care and turning her dysfunctional family back into a real family. Through it all, she has managed to be an honor student at Rainier High School. After graduation, she would like to be a police officer or sheriff’s deputy.
Lelh Inman,
The Bridge (CYS)
Lelh came to the Bridge program about a year and a half ago. She is in her third session of the Bridge Workshop. Lelh is a person who shows up on time and is ready to work. She is kind to her peers and staff, dedicated to the program and aims for perfection in her verses, songs and performance style. Since Lelh has been in the program awhile, she is a part of the Bridge performance group that performs at a variety of events. She is working toward completion of beauty school.
Sascha Kost,
North Thurston High School
Sascha is an incredible student who has been dealt a bad hand. Most recently she is dealing with her father passing away unexpectedly this past Christmas Eve. Despite grieving, Sascha has kept her grades up. She has found a passion throughout her life in music and art. Her artwork is featured at the Dancing Goats Coffee Shop in Olympia. Sascha has been accepted at The Evergreen State College, where she plans to study art and education so that she can become an art teacher.
Tiffany Trudy Lewis,
River Ridge High School
Tiffany is an amazing, resilient young lady. From a young age, she has lived withdifferent families, in a juvenile detention center (while waiting for a family to take her in) and at a boarding school. River Ridge is the fourth high school she has attended. During her freshman year she failed several classes, but she decided to change because she wanted to be the first in her biological family to graduate from high school. During her sophomore year, Tiffany turned her grades around and last semester, she earned a 3.6 GPA. In June, Tiffany will graduate. Her plans are to attend SPSCC. After earning her associate degree, Tiffany plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a degree in social work. She wants to provide stable and reliable help for children who have faced similar problems.
Miguel Martinez,
Evergreen Villages Community Center
Miguel is one of our older participants at the Community Center and has been such a great role model for his peers. He doesn’t hesitate to help someone, whether it’s with their homework, tying a shoe or giving them a positive pep talk. Miguel recognizes the pressures that other kids his age fall into and strives to make good life choices. His future plans are unknown.
Artanian Shaw,
Community Youth Services
At the time Arty had entered our program he had not attended school since the seventh grade. He had suffered severe neglect and mental health challenges that were barriers to him engaging in society. Arty has risen above everyone’s expectations. He now consistently attends The REACH center and is making progress toward earning his GED. He has formed lasting relationships through The Mockingbird Society and The Bridge Music Program. Arty is a true inspiration. Arty plans to finish his GED, develop his job skills and attend college.
Jaclynn Mae Titus,
South Sound High School
Jaclynn started school at South Sound in the fall of 2013 while also caring for her infant son, Isaiah. She focused on school while juggling parenting demands, showing a great deal of maturity and persistence. Her son attended the school’s day care, and it was a pleasure to see him develop his love for books and sports and observe Jaclynn’s calm, gentle parenting style. Staff later encouraged Jaclynn to attend Running Start and she has almost completed her associate’s degree. Jaclynn graduates in June and will complete her associate’s in December. She plans to transfer to WSU’s Vancouver campus next spring.
Emily Todd,
Boys and Girls Club of Lacey
Emily has been a Lacey Boys & Girls Club member for eight years. She has matured into a leader inside and outside Club. Projects that Emily has been responsible for include volunteering at a retirement home, raising money for a pet adoption nonprofit organization, and organizing a career fair for teens. Emily was recently elected the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County’s Youth of the Year for her academic record, community service and leadership within the Boys & Girls Club. Emily plans to be a social worker or to work for the Boys & Girls Club at a management level so she can continue to help youth.
Isabel Valdez,
YouthBuild
Izzy applied to YouthBuild after three years of being out of school. Affected by anxiety and depression, she was hesitant to look into our program. However, she has been incredibly determined and dedicated to her team and the projects in the program. More than willing to participate in volunteer events, too, she has applied passion to all that she does. She has been integral to the productivity and direction of YouthBuild this year, displaying leadership, accountability and drive. Izzy plans to attend The Evergreen State College in the fall as she continues learning and growing as an individual. She has said, “I’d love to continue working in programs like YouthBuild, helping youth make futures for themselves.” She plans to study Spanish, which will help her to serve her community.
Alexander Villarreal,
ESD113 True North ROSC Program
Alex has worked very hard over the past two years to overcome several obstacles that have built a personal core of resilience and perseverance. THS Principal Jeff Broome said, “Alex is one of the most engaging students on campus, and many of the staff appreciate that kindness on a daily basis.” THS Football Coach Rick McGrath said, “He demonstrates a high level of dedication, hard work and personal sacrifice to be a great leader both on and off the field.” Alex shows caring and respect to his family and friends and his level of compassion should not go unrecognized. Alex plans to attend SPSCC in the fall, then transfer to the University of Washington nursing program.
Alex Wishart,
The Bridge
Alex has shown a great deal of growth during his time working with The Bridge Music Program. The first time Alex participated in our songwriting workshop, he was not interested in collaborating with his team. Over the past year, Alex has come to recognize the importance of community. He works with several of our small groups as a beat maker, creating and customizing music for them to write to. Alex took the initiative to create his own workshop teaching music production to other youths. He plans to continue pursuing his interest in music production at Western Washington University in the fall.
Chanlar Worthey,
Secondary Options
When Chanlar was 6, her father was deported and her family experienced poverty and hardship. At 15, she was discouraged from high school and began making poor choices. Through her own self-determination and the desire to be a good role model for her younger sister, she changed her life and now sees a future for herself as a vet tech. She has displayed the ethics of hard work, leadership and persistence, demonstrating that she is capable of guiding her own future. She plans to attend SPSCC, then transfer to Pierce College to obtain a veterinary technician license.
Scholarship winners
Ikechi Nwankwo,
Olympia High School
▪ $1,000 Service Above Self Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Gateway Rotary)
Following the May 2015 shooting of two black males by a white police officer, Ikechi was part of a team that used a structured method of conversation — a community café — to bring nearly 250 students together to engage in a conversation about race. The event went so well that the group decided to host an evening café for our community. Leaders of the police department, school administrators, community leaders, parents and students came together to lift up our community and make recommendations for healing. Ikechi has been accepted to the University of Washington and plans to major in computer engineering.
Isabella Torres,
Capital High School
▪ $1,000 Service Above Self Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Gateway Rotary)
Isabella is one of the strongest students mentally who I have come across as an educator. She has struggled with her body image since she was a young teenager, fighting through self-acceptance and eating disorders. She has learned to overcome and take her experience as a growth in her life. Through this struggle and personal challenge, she has dedicated her time to advocating for those students who had or have similar obstacles. Isabella will attend The College of Idaho next year and run on its team.
Kaylynn Hernandez,
North Thurston High School
▪ $1,000 Awards of Excellence Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Tumwater McDonald’s)
Kaylynn deserves an award of excellence because she’s endured and overcome some significant challenges. Her school counselor reports that Kaylynn is by far one of the most resilient students she’s met. She is the oldest of four in her family and supports her siblings and family. On top of that, she works part time in a child care center, takes rigorous courses, including several Advanced Placement classes, and maintains a 3.5 GPA. Kaylynn will attend Central Washington University in the fall to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Melissa Mackintosh,
Shelton High School
▪ $1,000 Awards of Excellence Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Gateway Rotary)
As a newborn, Melissa was abandoned in China. Coming to America, she was ill and not accustomed to much human interaction. She suffered from fear and anxiety. While in seventh grade, her father’s health was gradually deteriorating, which put a strain on their family. To compensate, she fought against the challenges she faced as a child and worked hard to alleviate the stress in the household. Melissa hopes to earn a college degree in history, with a special interest in Holocaust and genocide studies.
Jenny Mattox,
Timberline High School
▪ $1,000 Awards of Excellence Scholarship Winner (sponsored by TwinStar Credit Union)
Jenny would be the first to tell you that growing up, she did not have the support system in place to make school a priority. She missed school and struggled. After leaving foster care and moving in with her aunt and family, she decided to focus on school in order to achieve her goals. She has transformed into a remarkable student. Even though things do not always come easy to her, she perseveres and works hard through every situation. Jenny plans on attending Central Washington University in the fall to pursue a career as a registered nurse.
Jaden Sanchez,
Tumwater High School Community Schools Program
▪ $1,000 Awards of Excellence Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Gateway Rotary)
Jaden spent 9th through 11th grade living in the family car or couch surfing. He often struggled to decide whether to go to school, or to try to help his single mom earn an income and work toward citizenship so that they would no longer have to live in fear of her deportation. Earlier this year, Jaden’s mom became a citizen. They live in stable housing, and Jaden has been able to focus on school and planning his future. He not only maintains good attendance and grades, but was a leader on the THS football team, and is this year’s senior class president. He will attend Hartland College this fall, where he will pursue a degree in architectural engineering and then his pastoral degree so he minister through community outreach.
Alex Stephens,
YouthBuild
▪ $1,000 Awards of Excellence Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Gateway Rotary)
Alex applied to the YouthBuild program after spending too much time out of school, on the streets of Olympia or in juvenile detention. He knew he wanted more. Taking charge of his education, he has been relentless in the completion of online academic classes. The progress he is making is inspiring. Jumping into the other side of the program, Alex can now speak to the positive effect he has had on our community by building low-income housing. Beyond working toward job skills and being on track to graduation, he has taken ownership of his actions and his life. He has repeatedly expressed interest in community involvement and the support of younger kids. He is looking into AmeriCorps service and, in the long term, aspires to be a drug and alcohol counselor.
Quanah Parker,
Tumwater High School
▪ Full-year Tuition Waiver to SPSCC Winner (sponsored by SPSCC Foundation)
Quanah has persevered through medical and social adversity with an optimistic, resilient, and grateful attitude. He has health issues which require frequent hospitalizations and constant monitoring. His father died and he is estranged from his mother. His grandparents cared for him, but his medical needs were too much and he entered the foster system. After a few placements, he was placed with his current family, who are “like parents to him.” School has not been always easy, and he has attended at least three high schools, but he continues to do his best, make good choices in friends and activities, and be focused on his goals. He loves learning, at THS and New Market Skills Center, where he took the criminal justice course. He hopes to attend SPSCC next fall.
Two of last year’s scholarship winners, Aylin Gonzalez and Charissa Dewitt, will each be receiving continuing support from Awards of Excellence in the form of a $1,000 scholarship.
This story was originally published May 12, 2017 at 4:49 PM with the headline "South Sound Awards of Excellence winners shine in face of adversity."