 Jamie Pardau, AAUW Kona Branch president The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Kona Branch awarded its 2011 scholarships to two Kealakehe High School seniors at the school's annual awards ceremony May 12, 2011. Both outstanding students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to assist with their future educational goals. Natalie Mohr, who plans to major in zoology and biology at Washington State University next fall in order to pursue a career as a veterinarian, has been named valedictorian of her class, which documents her exceptional academic achievement. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society and has served as a student council representative and officer of the Interact Club. A number of community activities have benefited from Natalie's involvement including the Rotary Club of Kona's Project Aloha, Read Aloud America, Meet and Eat, and Relay for Life. Her most intensive commitment, not surprisingly, has been to the Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary, where, for the past six years, she has personally cared for and rehabilitated hundreds of injured wildlife, assisted in various surgical procedures, and helped to create Hawaii's first and only mobile veterinarian clinic. Natalie is the surgical assistant for the clinic and also leads educational programs to teach the public, especially children, about the importance of protecting and perpetuating Hawaii's endangered wildlife and island ecosystem. As a result of her community service work, Natalie has been recognized as the #1 high school youth volunteer in the state of Hawaii with the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The University of Hawaii, Manoa is the college destination of Victoria Sherwood, the second AAUW Scholarship awardee, where she plans to major in English and communications, and minor in international relations. This course of study will give her the opportunity to explore career options in public relations, advertising, journalism, or teaching. Her outstanding academic achievement is documented by her membership in the National Honor Society, and Victoria has been an active participant in the Invisible Children Club, Pacific Asian Affairs Council, and KHS's morning broadcast. Victoria credits her involvement in her school's Interact Club, which she currently serves as president, for helping to make her move to Hawaii an easier transition, as it allowed her to become involved with many projects that provided service to the school and the greater community. Victoria's efforts have earned her the respect of both students and adults by her demonstrated initiative to achieve her goals, while showing compassion for others. The AAUW Kona Branch is pleased to recognize and invest in the future of these two outstanding seniors, who exemplify the academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, and community service that factored into their selection. |
