The Jackson Hole Rotary Lunch Club recognized outstanding high school students from Jackson Hole High School, Summit Innovations High School, JH Community School, and Mountain Academy with the “Students of the Season” awards. The award ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at The Wort Hotel.
The ceremony began with Emily Hoffer, the senior counselor at Jackson Hole High School, introducing Clara McGee, a student with a love for language and curiosity. Clara, a senior at Jackson Hole High School, enjoys reading, knitting, and baking. As a dual immersion student, she has shared her talents and knowledge with others through a tutoring program. Clara discussed the growth of challenges, including her first year on the swim team, and how failure helps improve oneself.
Hugo Loaeza, from Summit Innovations High School, was honored as the Student of the Season by Pier Trudelle. Pier highlighted Hugo as a student with excellent insights who stands up for what he believes in. Hugo, who grew up in Santa Barbara, California, shared how the move to Jackson pushed him to embrace new surroundings and see change as an opportunity. As a result, he found himself encouraged to fulfill his dreams and will join the Bridge Program at CWC in the fall.
Gordon Hight, Dean of Students at Jackson Hole Community School, introduced Vonn Vanier, a sophomore who enjoys living in the moment, practicing gratitude, and the art of a handwritten thank you note. Vonn highlighted how much they enjoy volunteering at St. John’s Health Sage Living, especially running Bingo there. They reminded all of us that small gestures can make a huge difference through kindness that creates relationships and compassion.
Mountain Academy honored Dolyn Kinney, a junior who puts service and others before themselves and makes space for others to succeed. Dolyn remarked that service exists in empathy and living as a full human being. They shared how much they enjoy learning new things and the joy of being yourself and having courage.
JH Rotary Lunch Club President, Jessica Jaubert, said, “Rotary looks forward to celebrating our students throughout the year, and we are inspired by these students who share the importance of service, community, and making a difference.” She further added that their community has exceptional students whose life journey, lessons, vulnerability, and self-discoveries serve as a model of how to keep growing and learning through life.
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