Super kid
Published 9:00 pm Monday, April 9, 2007
Mechanically minded: Serves as president of the school’s competitive Agricultural Mechanic Club. Gives the American Welding Society Puget Sound Section 41 a student perspective as chairwoman of her school chapter. Volunteers at her school to teach community members how to weld.
Ambassador: Was the only girl in agricultural mechanics when she enrolled in the junior-level class as a sophomore. The following year she recruited a female friend to join the club. This year, about five girls are involved. “We’re the only team in our district with girls on it and one of only a few in the state. There aren’t that many.”
Honored: Named the Technology Student of the Year by the American Association of University Women.
So what’s ag mechanics? “It’s anything you do on a farm,” which is “a little bit of everything,” including knowledge of how to use and repair tractors, balers and other equipment, welding, house construction, concrete work and more.
How it started: “I like engineering and since I wasn’t able to do Science Olympiad anymore I chose agriculture mechanics because it was the closest thing. I was having fun in class, and all my friends were doing it, too.”
Other activities: After competing in Science Olympiad as a freshman and sophomore, transitioned to FFA, where she’s now the club’s vice president. Also started the school’s Envirothon Club to draw attention to the competitive event. And is a varsity golf player.
Besides that: Takes tough courses such as college-level Advanced Placement classes in calculus and physics. Volunteers to fill sandbags for flooding disasters. And has worked as a youth- and adult-league soccer referee for six years.
Senior project: Took water samples of Church Creek and a retention pond to measure the impact of a new housing development. Requirement was 15 hours, but it stretched to 250. Results were inconclusive, but it appeared the development had minimal effect on the creek.
Phew! “I like being busy. I like having something to do.”
Fun fact: Helped her brother build a 7-foot trebuchet with a 300-pound counterweight for an FFA Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest. But they ended up being the only ones to build one, and the contest was cancelled. Still had fun in the rain watching pumpkins explode as they were launched more than 245 feet. “It was pretty cool.”
Mentors: Has many, but this year has especially looked up to agriculture teachers Darryl Main and Ryan Ovenell. “They push me to do better and help me to get involved in stuff.”
College plans: Accepted to Montana State University’s honors and engineering programs. Plans to enter the mechanical engineering program, following in the footsteps of both her parents, who are mechanical engineers.
Future is bright: “I like being at school. But I’m excited to go on to college and try something new.”
Know a super kid? Contact us as 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
