Super Kid

Sno-Isle split: Spends her mornings in medical assisting classes at Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center before coming back to the high school campus for other classes. Recently elected Sno-Isle’s student-body president.

Motivated by ideals: Ran for the position based on her cultural experience as an Iraqi immigrant. “Since Sept. 11, everyone from Iraq backed out because of the racial issues. I thought, well, maybe I can prove some people wrong.” Also a way to find if she wants to run for a similar position at Cascade next year. “I wanted to test out my skills.”

Middle East ties: Family moved to the United States 12 years ago. Born in Iraq, her family moved to Saudi Arabia nine months later because of the war with Kuwait. On a visit to Iraq with her family a year ago, she saw unrest again. “It was scary. Pretty much you’re in a battlefield.”

New home: “I guess it’s the way God wanted it to be. Maybe if things weren’t that way, I wouldn’t be here. Every day something new comes up.”

S-what? Tip for pronouncing her first name: Pretend the “a” and “w” are both an “o.”

Student journalist: Trip to Iraq was during the school year and learned via e-mail about the student newspaper going “underground” because of a fight over prior review by administrators. Now is co-editor in chief of The Free Stehekin.

Busy: The newspaper and student leadership job keeps her busy. So does her work for her father’s landscaping business, helping with such tasks as tax preparation and advertising. Also has an internship at Providence Everett Medical Center.

On her own time: Enjoys playing with her 2-year-old brother. “He always gets into my stuff, so I have to play with him.” Also likes talking with friends and going to the mall when she has a chance.

WASL time: The school is “in testing mode” preparing for the Washington Assessment of Student Learning tests. She passed reading and writing last year and will retake the math test for the first time this year. In geometry now, which should help better prepare her.

Writing for life: Feels the essay for the WASL writing test was the best she’s written. “That essay was everything because I thought, ‘My diploma is based on this essay.’ “

Hero: Looks up to Mardean Francis, “the WASL lady,” for helping calm her nerves before the state tests last year and giving her the self-confidence to run for student-body president while at Sno-Isle.

Future: No clear plans yet, but can see herself as a head pharmacist someday and is applying to the University of Washington.

Know a super kid? Contact us as 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.