The program, introduced by James Pyles, co-chair of our Scholarship Awards Committee, was devoted to recognizing outstanding students from Bellingham’s four high schools in the two categories of Theater and Humanities. Each student was introduced by a Club member and then given an opportunity to make a few remarks.
Bellingham High School
Catherine Riordan introduced Broderick (Brody) Buck and Nigel Naylor.
Brody, recognized for excellence in Theater, has been an actor, instructor and acting coach, both at Bellingham High and with the BAAY (Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth) organization. He recently directed Beauty and the Beast. His broad interests include roller skate dancing, singing and fund raising for BAAY. Brody hopes to attend college on the East coast, majoring in musical theater. He described briefly the challenges of feeling alone during the pandemic, and doing the college application process on Zoom.
Nigel, recognized for excellence in Humanities, has enthusiastically pursued many interests, including wrestling, music, theater and programs of restorative justice in the community. Nigel has enjoyed playing bass in the school orchestra and serving on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. He plans to study law and business in college and then embark on a career where he can effect positive changes in society.
Options High School
Ward Naf introduced Axyl Knox, recognized for excellence in Humanities. Axyl began school in Ferndale and later transferred to Options. Axyl enjoys cooking and the culinary arts and is interested in justice and the law, having participated in the American Bar Association's Law Academy last year. Axyl spoke to how valuable the experience at Options High has been and, after graduation, plans to either attend college or first do a stint with the Job Corps.
Sehome High School
Tom Grinstad introduced Bryanna Finley and Cameron Morrow.
Bryanna, recognized for excellence in Theater, has excelled in academics, is passionate about theater, has been active in school theater productions and now is into Afro-Caribbean dance. Bryanna told us of her experiences cooking and distributing food to community members in need. She also described the strange experience of doing remote auditions as part of her college applications. She will attend Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in the fall and hopes to develop her skills in theater, in order to bring real-life experiences to the public.
Cameron, recognized for excellence in Humanities, is a talented student with a variety of interests, including creative writing, the arts and wrestling. He also wanted us to know that he can do fancy YoYo tricks and is endowed with unusual physical flexibility, enabling him, for example, to walk while in the lotus yoga position. He plans to study computer science in college because he enjoys the puzzle-like challenges it presents.
Squalicum High School
Stephanie Bowers introduced Gavin Sanghera, Jadelyn Drake and Sydney Tag.
Gavin, recognized for excellence in Humanities, is no stranger to Rotary, having been a Rotaract member for the past two years. He has excelled in academics, been active in music, track and field and cross country running, and worked as a volunteer in retirement homes. He enjoys reading and plans to pursue college studies in biochemistry. Gavin says being in the Bellingham community has been inspiring and helped develop his interests in science. High school experiences and working in the community have taught him to see the world in different ways.
Sydney, recognized for excellence in Theater, is a take charge sort of person who has been a leader at the Lutherwood camp, in community blood drives and in her school. She has been acting since she was three years old and especially loves musical theater. Sydney related how much she has enjoyed her work in drama at Squalicum and will pursue her interests in theater and zoology at Oregon State.
Jadelyn, also recognized for excellence in Theater, loves musical theater and has been in many productions, acting since the 7th grade and stage managing in high school. In addition to her theater work, she has excelled in academics, been active in school choirs and worked part time. She plans to attend college and hopes to do some game designing. Jadelyn told us she feels the need to reach out; she loves doing something to put a smile on people's faces, even in a serious situation. She treated us to an example of what she means by singing a beautiful song from the show Mary Poppins.
To summarize, we were introduced to an impressive group of young folks from our community, who we expect will go on to do great things. We wish them all the very best.
Ron Jepson
Marty Haines
Sandy McIntire
