JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Rotary Lunch Club presented its “Students of the Season” awards virtually through Zoom on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. The awards recognize outstanding high school students from Jackson Hole High School, Summit Innovations High School, Jackson Hole Community School and Mountain Academy.
Kelsey Mitchell from Mountain Academy kicked off our Students of the Season recognitions by introducing us to sophomore Sophie Nielsen. Mitchell remarked that Sophie is an exceptional student who serves on the Student Leadership Council. Both faculty and students describe her as a compassionate and thoughtful leader.
Nielsen, who is involved locally with the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, spoke about the importance of giving back to her community and what it means to her to help support others in their efforts to give back.
Piper Lee was honored as the student selected from the Jackson Hole Community School by Kate Schelbe. Kate talked about Piper as an organized and dedicated student who has a passion for creativity.
Lee gave Rotary insights on why creativity has never been more important to herself and all of us. As we become more reliant on technology and so much of our lives are automated, it is essential to create. For Piper, she loves to make jewelry and express herself and her memories through constructing earrings and necklaces.
Jackson Hole High School’s assistant principal Laura Creager-Markman introduced us to senior Belen Carrillo-Flores. Creager-Markman remarked that Belen excelled at her studies while navigating the pandemic, a baby and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses at Central Wyoming College.
Carrillo-Flores, who grew up in Tetons with two older brothers, told Rotary of learning French, her third language and visiting France through a school trip. She remarked how JHHS taught her to be independent and reach her goals as both a student and a mom. Belen is working to be a Medical Stenographer and inspire her daughter.
Pier Trudelle from Summit Innovations High School presented senior Monica Almanza as their Student of the Season.
Monica remarked how college was not a priority; however, with the guidance of her counselor Pam and talking with Officer Matthews from the JPD, she started to investigate the possibilities. Her goals include serving her community by becoming a police officer. Almanza will be attending CWC, working towards an associate degree in Criminal Justice, followed by a bachelor’s at the University of Wyoming. She hopes to work at the Jackson Police Department and put an end to human trafficking.
“We look forward to our Students of the Season program every quarter. Rotary hears inspiring stories of high school students, their contributions to our community, what inspires them and how they bring positive change to their school,” says JH Rotary Lunch Club president Jim Waldrop. “These students, along with many of their peers, serve our community and have motivating goals for how they will continue to make the world better. We are grateful to every school for honoring their students.”
