Community Service

AVANTI HIGH SCHOOL

KELLEY STAVISH

Parent /Guardian(s): Jane Stavish

Achievements in Category: 4-H Veterinary Science Club, president/treasurer. Volunteered at Mother Joseph Care Center; awarded volunteer recognition certificate. Wolf Haven International and Greyhound Rescue Group volunteer.

Other Achievements: ASB officer, New Market Skills Center.

IAN BRINKER

Parent /Guardian(s): Hilary Lewis

Achievements in Category: Volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for several years, building homes for low-income families and procuring resources. Volunteered at KAOS as a radio DJ.

Future Plans: Radio announcer

BLACK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

JENNIFER LLAMAS

Parent /Guardian(s): Raul and Maria Llamas

Achievements in Category: Delegate to Legislative Youth Council, 2 years (involves meeting with lawmakers to represent youth and have a voice in government). Traveled to Washington, D.C., for National Youth Council to meet with political leaders and other active youth.

Other Achievements: Full-time Running Start student; will receive her Associate of Arts degree from South Puget Sound Community College at the same time as her high school diploma, in June 2010.

Future Plans: Attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona and major in political science.

REID MILLER

Parent /Guardian(s): Robert Miller and Holly Munroe

Achievements in Category: DECA president, Region 8. Threw opening pitch at 5/20 Seattle Mariners game. Math center tutor, 3 years. Honor Society vice president. FBLA participant. Boy Scouts, 9 years.

Other Achievements: Baseball, track and football, 2 years.

Future Plans: Attend the University of Washington and major in business and marketing.

CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL

HANNAH LYNN

Parent /Guardian(s): Valerie and Brian Lynn

Achievements in Category: Volunteer with peer education group Teen Council for past 3 years, teaching middle- and high-schoolers about HIV, reproductive health and other issues. Through this, has developed passion for social justice and education along with an understanding of how to work toward these goals.

Other Achievements: Participates in theater. Will receive International Baccalaureate diploma at the end of this year. 3.89 GPA.

Future Plans: Attend George Washington University and major in public health.

PAXTON RICE

Parent /Guardian(s): Cliff and Ellen Rice

Achievements in Category: BSA Eagle Scout project: Worked with Griffin Fire Department to design and implement a traffic safety program for Steamboat Island area; distributed bumper stickers, installed safety signs using historic Burma Shave jingles, and wrote an article describing accident-prone areas. Assist with Cub Scout events at Camp Thunderbird and with the mail carriers’ drive for the Thurston County Food Bank.

Other Achievements: Capital Knowledge Bowl, 4 years; captain of Knowledge Bowl team, senior year. Capital Debate Team, 3 years. Dungeon master for a Dungeons & Dragons gaming group. Designed a board game based on ant behavior for senior Culminating Project and evaluated mathematically what makes a game fun to play.

Future Plans: Attend Western Washington University. Plans to major in chemistry and take creative writing classes. Would like to be a writer.

CENTRALIA HIGH SCHOOL

ANGIE ANDA-BARNES

Parent /Guardian(s): Susan and Dan Barnes

Achievements in Category: 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist; 2010 Presidents Volunteer Service Award; Salvation Army volunteer work, including food bank for the past five summers, bell ringer and toy shop helper; camp counselor at summer camps, organized Christmas caroling, toiletry and food drives; delivered meals to flood relief workers. Helped organize fundraisers for flood victims. Has done over 400 hours of service above self at The Salvation Army since an early age.

Other Achievements: Active in FFA since 2005; current FFA district president and chapter vice president; past district FFA vice president, treasurer, secretary and reporter. Earned FFA State Degree (highest award in high school) and superior leadership awards in 2009. American Legion Girls State delegate in 2008. Orchestra participant for 3 years, track 2 years, soccer 1 year.

Future Plans: Attend Washington State University animal sciences pre-vet program in the fall. Wants to be a doctor of veterinary medicine for large rural animals and to earn a master’s degree in animal genetics.

STUART MARLANTES

Parent /Guardian(s): Shane and Marin Marlantes

Achievements in Category: Head of Grange for Lincoln Creek, licensed amateur radio operator, founding member and cadet of local Junior Volunteer Fire Department, ASB president, Environmental Club historian, student representative for school Technology Committee.

Other Achievements: Junior class president. First in regional FBLA conference for Public Speaking II, Technology Concepts, Global Business, and Computer Problem Solving. First in state FBLA for Global Business, in the top 15 for Impromptu Speaking. Won United Nations Youth Pilgrimage to East Coast.

Future Plans: Attend the University of Washington, majoring in computer science and electrical engineering, then pursue a master’s degree. Wants to develop green technology business.

NORTH THURSTON HIGH SCHOOL

KAREN WALKER

Parent /Guardian(s): Cynthia and Christopher Walker

Achievements in Category: Anchor Club and Dream Organization (Alabama); Reading Buddies and Youth Leadership Conference (both in North Carolina); Providence St. Peter Hospital volunteer.

Other Achievements: Science Olympiad; yearbook; choir; French Club; Link Crew; cross country; “Beauty and the Beast” cast; state solo and ensemble (Washington); Saint Martin’s Church choir.

Future Plans: Attend Saint Martin’s University and obtain a bachelor of science in pre-med; study neurosurgery.

MICHAEL KOEHLER

Parent /Guardian(s): Matt and Marie Koehler

Achievements in Category: Camp counselor, Trinity Lutheran Bible Camp, 2007-09. Volunteer for Lacey Police Department, tobacco compliance check operative and training scenario actor. Involved in different activities throughout church and church youth group. National Honor Society; Key Club; Interact Club.

Other Achievements: ASB secretary; student senator; Link Leader/freshman mentor, 2008-10. Baseball, 2007-10. Football, 2006-09; team captain, 2009; WCC All-Academic award, 2008 and 2009; All-League honorable mention, 2009; RAM of the Year, 2009 (given to a player who excels both on and off the field). Scholar Athlete Award in both football and baseball, 2006-10.

Future Plans: Attend Western Washington University, majoring in education, then possibly becoming an elementary school teacher.

OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL

LEAH RICKS

Parent /Guardian(s): Mary Beth and Bob Ricks

Achievements in Category: Member of Olympia High School Earth Corps and YMCA Youth Earth Service Corps for four years; removed invasive species and planted trees on Meyer’s Point to prevent erosion, collected and sorted school’s recyclables, maintained campus pond and promoted environmental education with OHS Earth Corps; co-wrote an environmental sustainability grant that earned $1,000 for Olympia High School.

Other Achievements: AP Scholar, Commended National Merit Scholar.

Future Plans: Will attend the Western Washington University Honors program next fall. JACKSON PARMA

Parent /Guardian(s): Tom and Laura Parma

Achievements in Category: Member of the Olympia Police Explorers, about 6 months. Gives viola lessons to struggling students. Tutors in subjects from algebra to calculus.

Other Achievements: State viola solo participant. Rower for Olympia Area Rowing, 6 years. Black belt in tae kwon do. Member of Olympia High School chamber orchestra, 3 years.

Future Plans: Attend the University of Washington and study engineering. Continue playing the viola.

RAINIER HIGH SCHOOL

WENDY JOHNSON

Parent /Guardian(s): Jeff and Sheila Johnson

Achievements in Category: Accumulated more than 300 hours of community service through activities such as church club leadership of elementary students. Also organized a toy drive as a part of Operation Christmas Child, a change drive to assist teen parents in need, and a clothing drive for Haitian earthquake survivors, through Rainier High School’s Interact Club. Currently working on a fundraiser for water development in Africa with Interact Club.

Other Achievements: Received awards of academic excellence in English, math, science, social studies, music, Spanish and business. On the high honor roll throughout high school. Earned Awana Citation Award and lettered in band. Participated in sports, clubs and organizations.

Future Plans: Will attend Multnomah University in Portland, Ore., and major in elementary education.

RIVER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

CAROL LUONG

Parent /Guardian(s): Tien Luong and Thu-Ha Luong

Achievements in Category: Volunteered for Hands On Children’s Museum and worked at Sand in the City event for more than 50 total hours. Volunteer camp counselor at All Sports Camp in DuPont for more than 100 hours total. Involved with Key Club; was lieutenant governor of Division 38 Key Club International. As part of Key Club, helped with UNICEF, March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network, Kiwanis and The Salvation Army.

Other Achievements: Finalist for Wendy’s Heisman High School Award scholarship, senior year. Received Olympia Lodge award for community service work, the only student from River Ridge to receive this honor. Evergreen State Award for Athletics for varsity swimming, and placed 15th in the 200 freestyle at districts. 3.867 GPA.

JOHN MY

Parent /Guardian(s): Chhum My and Khampin Man

Achievements in Category: Has volunteered for Providence St. Peter Hospital since junior year, mainly working with patient admission and discharge, accumulating more than 500 total community service hours. In 2009, served on the St. Peter’s Review Board for achieving MAGNET Award, the highest award a hospital can receive. Selected to train new volunteers starting out at St. Peter’s. Tutors students at Seven Oaks Elementary School. Helps former teachers in their classrooms.

Other Achievements: Vice president of school ASB. President of FBLA club. Member of National Honor Society and SkillsUSA club. Involved in student council, which trains future community leaders.

Future Plans: Will attend Saint Martin’s University next fall and major in chemistry. Plans to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist.

ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

JACQUELINE VAUGHN

Parent /Guardian(s): Rose Ann Kemmerer and Greg Gadd

Achievements in Category: Honor Society, 3 years; vice president, senior year. Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer in Centralia.

Other Achievements: ASB; varsity volleyball, 3 years; AAUW math honor; Washington Scholars award; valedictorian.

Future Plans: Attend Willamette University and enter the medical field.

ALEX SANCHEZ

Parent /Guardian(s): Karen and Roberto Sanchez

Achievements in Category: President of Rochester High School chapter of National Honor Society. President of FFA. Has completed hundreds of hours of service for his school and community through these two organizations. Worked on his own time to promote passage of school district levies. Active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish; volunteers there as an altar server.

Other Achievements: Strong grades; winner of many departmental awards, including in mathematics, social studies, science, agriculture and drama. Has one of the best records of academics and leadership in the school.

Future Plans: Obtain a degree in mechanical, chemical or biochemical engineering.

SHELTON HIGH SCHOOL

JESSICA TRONDSEN

Parent /Guardian(s): Robert and Michele Trondsen

Achievements in Category: Key Club, three years, senior representative/secretary, 2010; Climber Crew Link Leader, 2009-2010; nursery volunteer at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton; Timberland Regional Library volunteer, 2004; helped organize Blood Drive; organized school supply drive; coordinated Great Test Phantasm to recognize student achievement.

Other Achievements: National Honor Society, 2008-2010; junior class secretary; senior class secretary; girls tennis team member, 2007-10; Tolo Dance chairperson; helped plan Junior Prom, Senior Ball; Honors classes (biology, chemistry, world study, English, literature)

Future Plans: Attend Pacific Lutheran University to pursue a career in the medical profession, possibly as a dietician.

JOE MARTINEZ

Parent /Guardian(s): Jose Martinez and Lisa Garner

Achievements in Category: (2006) Habitat for Humanity volunteer; (2006-07) Shelton Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School volunteer; (2006-present) collected and delivered gifts for Aging Angels program, Shelton Community Dinner volunteer; (2007) organized pancake breakfast to raise funds for Ugandan youngster, passed out sack lunches to Seattle needy; (2007-08) helped with food drive/assembly of Easter baskets); (2008) One week in Seattle during Christmas break doing mission work; (2009) helped plant, tend, distribute produce for Shelton Presbyterian Church community garden.

Other Achievements: National Honor Society; Key Club member; Student of the Week; Senior Spotlight; Shelton Youth Summer Soccer (200-2009); Mason County Youth Baseball (2002-2007); Mason County Fall Soccer (2003-2007)

Future Plans: Attend the University of Washington and pursue a medical career.

SOUTH SOUND HIGH SCHOOL

JENNY GONSALVES

Parent /Guardian(s): Tracey Pereira and Ron Gonsalves

Achievements in Category: Since 2008, has been a volunteer caretaker for family friends on L&I. Work for them includes cooking, shopping, housekeeping, yard work and other errands, and bringing their grandchild to them for visits. Serves them 10 to 15 hours a week. Also volunteers at Roosevelt Elementary School, helping with learning and play stations.

Other Achievements: Obtained GED while continuing to earn high school diploma. Also working toward getting cosmetology license through New Market Skills Center. Perfect attendance; honor roll; U.S. Academic Achievement. Basketball through sophomore year.

Future Plans: Continue cosmetology and become a kindergarten teacher.

JASON MCDOWELL

Parent /Guardian(s): Linda & Gary McDowell and Lissa & Don Whitwam

Achievements in Category: Volunteer for the Thurston Group, 2001 to present, working with Larry Jenkins on a variety of organizational, promotional and clerical activities. Volunteered about 15 hours cleaning and washing buses for North Thurston Public Schools for 4 months. Active at school through the ASB both in and out of school. Donated time to pick up and deliver furniture for a needy family twice. Helped set up and clean up for school open house. Attended district board meetings three times to make presentations, host or be recognized.

Other Achievements: ASB president and Student Summit leader. Always willing to lend a hand when asked or when a need is seen. Proud of cleaning up his act, going back to high school and earning his high school diploma.

Future Plans: Attend Bates Technical College for automotive/CDL training.

TENINO HIGH SCHOOL

ALYSSA MILLER

Parent /Guardian(s): Bob Glenn and Samantha Glenn

Achievements in Category: Has belonged to International Order of the Rainbow for Girls for 8 years. For past two years, was camp counselor for Tenino Fort Flagler sixth-grade camp. Raised 909 pounds of food for Northwest Harvest. Served many dinners for Masons. Helped with CHIPS program at Lewis County Fair last year. Helped teacher clean up band room during the summer.

Other Achievements: Cross country girls captain, 2007-09; cross country Most Inspirational Girl, 2007 and 2008. Most Distinguished Drum Major, 2009. Student of the Month, September 2009. Junior varsity girls basketball, 2008.

Future Plans: Attend Centralia College in the fall while working part-time at Dairy Queen.

JARRAN HARRIS

Parent /Guardian(s): Chimene and Harold Kirkham

Achievements in Category: Recipient of “Most Involved Award” twice. Completed 200 hours of community service during high school years. Wolf Haven International volunteer. Volunteered for past 2 years on Earth Day at the Department of Transportation. Involved in Make a Difference Day at Tenino High School.

Other Achievements: Senior class president. Honor choir. Qualified for state 4 times in cross country, twice in track and twice in cheerleading. Ranked 3rd in state for the 2 mile and the 12 mile. Captain in track and cross country.

Future Plans: Go to a community or technical college.

TIMBERLINE HIGH SCHOOL

POGISA FAUMUINA

Parent /Guardian(s): Peter and Tia Faumuina

Achievements in Category: Has dedicated many hours to the community. Organized local charity events to help those in need. Took on leadership roles. Big sister for the Boys & Girls Clubs. Volunteer at Providence St. Peter Hospital, the food bank, Barb O’Neill’s dinner and various charity events for church. Enrolled in leadership class, taking part in fundraising events such as the food drive and the giving tree. Took part in blood drive. Has been honored for involvement in the community.

Other Achievements: An active member in various school activities, including being a blazer citizen, peer tutor and senior class treasurer, among others. Also part of the cooperative program at school. Worked in three state agencies: Department of Corrections and Department of Revenue, and is an intern at the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Has taken many business, AP and honors classes. Has been honored for academic achievement.

Future Plans: Join the Air National Guard. While a member of the Air Force, attend Pierce Community College for 2 years then transfer to a four-year university to obtain a degree in nursing.

STAN THOMPSON

Parent /Guardian(s): Stephen and Mija Thompson

Achievements in Category: Participated in a 30 Hour Famine fundraiser; multiple activities through National Honors Society; a lot of fundraisers/drives through Leadership class and ASB; has committed time and effort on the Athletic Code Review Committee. Facilitator at various events such as the College Career fair sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the Student Safety Summit, and as a Blazer Citizen for the past two years. Acts as a good role model.

Other Achievements: AFROTC Scholarship Recipient; ASB Vice President; voted “Class Clown”; Student Senate secretary; freshman class officer; National Honor Society member; Distinguished Scholar (Honor Roll) for past 3 years; Outstanding Mathematics Student – Algebra 2007; Western Cascade All-Academic Award 2007-09; Certificate of Graduation American Legion Evergreen Boys State; varsity letters in cross country, basketball and track.

Future Plans: Attend the University of Portland and participate in its AFROTC program studying computer science.

TUMWATER HIGH SCHOOL

BRENNA WOOD

Parent /Guardian(s): Melissa and Craig Wood

Achievements in Category: Junior year ASB Social chair; senior year class vice president; Community Service Group in Leadership; have worked with Habitat for Humanity, Help 4 Hard Times, Puget Sound Blood Drive and Thurston County Food Drive; former Servant Disciple Leader at youth group.

Other Achievements: Built homes in Tijuana and worked in an orphanage with SERVE; worked in orphanages, detention centers, and loved people in the slums of Sierra Leone, west Africa, for six weeks.

Future Plans: Youth With a Mission, spending six months in Cambodia, Thailand, Afghanistan and Rwanda working against injustices of the world, then attend a four-year university.

DEVIN WHITE

Parent /Guardian(s): Perry and Lara White

Achievements in Category: Link Crew – mentoring freshmen orientation for two years. Cispus counselor – 3-day, 2-night sixth-grade camp; was fun setting a good example and being a role model for younger students. Leadership class – helped organize Puget Sound Blood Drive.

Other Achievements: Fulfilling and exciting job as a lifeguard at The Valley Athletic Club.

Future Plans: Attend Centralia College, then transfer to a four-year university, majoring in medical science. Plans to be an anesthesiologist.

W.F. WEST HIGH SCHOOL

ALI KIRSCH

Parent /Guardian(s): Dr. Greg and Katrina Kirsch

Achievements in Category: Chair of American Red Cross blood drives each year of high school. Co-coordinator of Sea Hawk’s Challenge, a book drive for the Lewis County Literacy Foundation. Volunteer at L’Arche Community House for developmentally disabled residents. As a current member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Youth Group, has coordinated the preparation and delivery of Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to needy families for past 4 years.

Other Achievements: 4.0 GPA student all 4 years of high school. Involved in school leadership roles and community services. Freshman class secretary; sophomore class treasurer; junior class vice president; senior class ASB treasurer. Delegate to Girls’ State at Central Washington University, June 2009.

Future Plans: Attend the University of Washington to focus on English literature and law studies.

BLAKE RASMUSSEN

Parent /Guardian(s): Kyle & Joanne Rasmussen

Achievements in Category: Makes videos and montages for school and church. Very involved in church’s worship band, playing both guitar and piano. Recently in charge of coordinating the videos for school’s Biotech Day, an event that teaches students about working with DNA.

Other Achievements: Involved in band and other musical outlets. In the spring musical, sophomore year. First place in oboe duet at State Solo and Ensemble contest, 2008. Leader of school’s Christian club, “Ignite.”

Future Plans: Attend Northwest University to pursue God’s will for his life.

YELM HIGH SCHOOL

ESTHER LEE

Parent /Guardian(s): Simon Lee

Achievements in Category: Yelm Community Food Drive: Raised $1,000 and 5 tons of food. International Mission Board: Volunteerd in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and Jejudo, South Korea, as a music leader. At Evergreen Church of Yelm, translates the Korean sermon every Sunday since January 2009. Native American Mission Trip: Served as Bible study leader for the camp. Volunteered to help students with homework at Tyee Elementary School and Summer Leap summer school at Tacoma First Baptist Church.

Other Achievements: At House of Sharon, was an assistant caretaker for children of single- mother families. Led a dance group for Thanksgiving event.

Future Plans: Major in English education, then possibly obtain a master’s degree.

DONALD WILCOX

Parent /Guardian(s): JT and Kathy Wilcox

Achievements in Category: Assisted in remodeling of Yelm home to be converted into a museum. Campaign work for local officials. Participated in beautification of a Yelm senior’s home. Assisted in logistics, Yelm Dollars for Scholars, Yelm Home & Garden Show. Adopt-a-Road program.

Other Achievements: FFA officer, 2 years; national sales winner. Baseball, 2 years. Wrestling, one year, varsity letter. Lead in drama “Little Women.”

Future Plans: Attend the University of Washington and pursue a degree in business.

This story was originally published May 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Community Service."