They’re star pupils in the Everett mayor’s eyes

Published 10:23 pm Wednesday, May 27, 2009

EVERETT — Seven students were recognized this month with an Everett Mayor’s Youth Achievement Award.

The winners of the 20th annual award were selected for qualities including academic excellence, volunteerism and perseverance in the face of adversity.

A selection committee, comprised of government and community leaders, reviewed nominations and selected the winners, who either live or attend school in Everett.

Here are the winners:

Hailey Nelson

After Hurricane Katrina, Hailey worked to help victims of the natural disaster.

When the fourth-grader at Cedar Wood Elementary School learned that the Pass Christian Library on the Mississippi was in ruins, she called the library’s director, who was brought to tears over her willingness to help. She then organized a book and video drive at her school and collected items to send to the library.

She also raised money to buy supplies for a poor school in South Africa.

Hailey is the editor of her school newspaper, the Seawolf Signal, and she has won several art contests.

She hopes to one day be a veterinarian.

Conrad Kurrle

In November, Conrad recognized that Clothes for Kids, a nonprofit organization in Lynnwood, was in dire need of donations. With the holidays fast approaching, the Northshore Christian Academy eighth-grader set up collection bins throughout the community and at his school, where he rallied students to participate in a sock drive. More than 800 pairs of socks were collected as a result of his efforts.

Conrad has helped the community as a Boy Scout on various service projects. He is involved with his church and says God gives him inspiration. He hopes to become a filmmaker.

McKenna Gorena

McKenna is an eighth-grade honors student and a third-year clarinet player in the Evergreen Middle School band.

She competes in short-track inline speed skating and practices at least eight hours a week. She does this while battling asthma.

McKenna works part time at Everett Skate Deck skating rink. In addition, she often extends a helping hand to fellow students by assisting with homework. She is also a role model for her younger sister, Lauren, who also skates for the Everett Express speed team.

Next year, McKenna will attend Cascade High School. McKenna would like to pursue a career in crime scene investigation.

Ryan Hooper

Ryan is an honors student freshman at Kamiak High School who wrestles and plays football and lacrosse.

He recently received an Eagle Scout award, Boy Scouts’ highest achievement. His Eagle project at Howarth Park in Everett involved removing the old stairs on the beach access trail and building new ones.

Ryan built new stairs, a handrail and a dog run. He volunteers with the Washington Trails Association, Everett-based Friends of Forgotten Creek and the Mukilteo Trails Group.

He is a youth lacrosse referee and a snowboarding instructor. He hopes to attend Stanford University.

Adrianna Aroche

Adrianna’s move from the San Francisco Bay area to Everett two years ago was difficult. Despite being a gifted student, the Everett High School sophomore’s grades began to suffer.

With the support of her family, she earned straight A’s during the fall semester. She serves as the team captain and founder of her school’s Volunteers of America youth auxiliary.

Last year, Adrianna helped organize a holiday party for 300 homeless children. The event included pictures with Santa, distribution of gifts and a meal. She is a member of Everett High School’s swimming and basketball teams. She plans to study business and dance in college. She hopes to one day own her own dance studio.

Claire Murphy

At Lakeside School in Seattle, Claire participates in basketball, crew and volleyball, where she has been captain for the past two years. The junior recently landed a position on the varsity squad. She serves as the treasurer of her school’s Amnesty International chapter.

Claire spent last summer on a service learning trip in Morocco.

During her stay, she learned about her host family’s Muslim culture and helped villagers build a sewer system. She volunteers at the Pavilion for Women and Children at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.

She hopes to combine her love of helping children with her fascination for medicine.

Benjamin Todd

Benjamin’s classes have included several honors and college-level classes. The senior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is the lead trombonist in Henry M. Jackson High School’s jazz band. He is also first chair in the honors wind ensemble.

Benjamin is the president of the HiQ Club and an officer in the math club, where he has placed first and fourth in competitions this year. He is active in the National Honor Society.

He was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and had to learn to control and monitor his blood sugar level. He says his experience with diabetes has taught him to take nothing for granted.

Benjamin will attend Stanford University in the fall. He hopes to pursue a career either in engineering or research science.

David Chircop: 425-339-3429, dchircop@heraldnet.com.