February Awards

 

Our club celebrated a pretty long list of individuals this month. We recognized two Rotarians of the Month from the end of 2015 as well as Jackson Hole Community School and Journeys School outstanding students, which only happens 3 times per year. As always, it is very inspiring to hear from all of our award winners.

 

Rotarian of the Month (October):  Hailey Morton Levinson for her work as our club’s Rotary Youth Exchange Officer. In light of the recent birth of her baby Ari, Hailey has passed the baton to Melissa Turley as our new Youth Exchange Officer.

 

Rotarian of the Month for August – Hailey Morton Levinson

 

Rotarian of the Month (November): Kevin Olson was recognized fot graciously hosting 6 Brazilians on a Rotary Exchange Visit in November... and who always says "yes" when asked to help.

 

Rotarian of the Month for September – Kevin Olson

 

Citizen of the Month (January): Arla Burbank for touching the lives of thousands of children during her 30 years as music teacher and other involvement in the community.

 

 

Citizen of the Month for January – Arla Burbank

 

 

Summit High School:  

Katie Bell:  an 18 year old senior at Summit High School, Katie is active with Sean's Club (a program of PAWS and the Animal Shelter), is recognized among her teachers and peers for her strong Wyoming roots (including a love of bowhunting), and hopes to make a career as a chef or baker.  In accepting her award, Katie thanked her parents as well as everyone at Summit. "Summit makes it easier for teens like me to go to college."

 

Summit High School Student of the Month; December 2015; Katie Bell

 

Cheyann Galicia:  Also an 18 year old senior at Summit High School, Cheyenne is also active with Sean's club and is recognized among her teachers and peers for her creative talents.  She hopes to eventually attend the Art Institute of Fashion in Las Vegas.  In accepting her award, Cheyann thanked everyone at Summit, saying "Summit taught me how I can be myself and not be afraid. I admire everyone at the school."

 

Jackson Hole High School:  

Emily Jennings:  A Senior at JHHS, Emily is enrolled in 4 Advanced Placement courses, is an active athlete (hockey & golf), and is involved in the "Best Buddies" program and National Honor Society.  In addition, she is an intern at First Western Trust.  Her teachers and peers recognize her for her presence, positive attitude, and participation, as well as her ability to always see both sides of an issue.  Emily plans on getting a degree in finance.  She has already been accepted to the Marquette College of Business and is awaiting acceptance to several other universities. In accepting her award, Emily thanked her parents for their inspiration.... her father who, before being tragically taken away in a car accident, taught Katie to always follow her dreams... and her mother who "gives me the confidence to follow my passions."

 

Jackson Hole High School Student of the Month; January 2016; Emily Jennings

 

Laura Perez Garcia:  A Senior at JHHS, Laura is known for her presence and for being a model to other students. In addition to her academic achievements, she is a leader in the "Latina Leader Club", is a member of the Forensics club, and works at St. John's Hospital.  Laura's family moved to the valley from Mexico when she was 1 year old.  Despite speaking no English when they arrived, Laura thanked her parents for "giving me everything even though they had nothing."  Laura plans on attending college and, in accepting her award, said that "It's my turn to give back. That's fair." 

 

Jackson Hole High School Student of the Month; December 2015; Laura Perez-Garcia

 

Ellie Dunn:  Ellie is considered by her teachers as "one of those rare students who is gifted in all disciplines."  In addition to her academic success, she is active in multiple community service projects and is an athlete; competing in big mountain ski racing and mountain bike racing.  She served on the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole grants committee and has volunteered with Friends of Pathways.  In accepting her award, Ellie said "I realize that in my future, I will be better off coming from here (Jackson)."

 

Jackson Hole Community School Outstanding Student; Winter 2016; Ellie Dunn

 

Luke Gannon: An 11th grader at Journeys School, Luke is a straight-A student, is an active athlete (lacrosse & hockey), and is a musician (guitar & mandolin). She hopes to pursue her passion for music in her future college studies.  She is also an active member of 4H, and a volunteer at several animal shelters, the ice arena in Victor, and is starting a project with friends to connect food waste and food insecurity.  She is known among her teachers and peers for her "can do" attitude, for her optimism, and for her balance of confidence and humility.  In accepting her award, Luke thanked her mom, her teachers, and her peers, saying "I didn't get here on my own."  She also promised to, as her mom taught her to do, "always bring something to the table."  

 

 Journeys School Outstanding Student; Winter 2016; Luke Gannon

 

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