Publisher’s note: Four students from South Tahoe High School were honored as Young Women of Distinction on Nov. 9 by Soroptimist International South Lake Tahoe. Different this year was the maturity shown by all the honorees and the eloquence of their thank yous to the service club, their school and their families. The following is what their principal had to say about each young woman at the lunch.

By Ivone Larson

With an extraordinary 4.5 gp and fluent in Russian, French and English, it’s no surprise that Anna Tikhomirova is interested in pursuing a career that will lead to international adventures in a city in either Japan, England or even exotic California. Anna has applied to UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, and hopes to attend UC Berkeley to major in international business with a minor in psychology or English. With her keen fashion sense, she dreams of a future in the fashion industry and has already been accepted to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

As a true renaissance woman, Anna loves to learn. She enjoys drawing, art, floristry, and after taking dance with Liz Niven, she discovered a love for ballet. Her favorite subject is AP literature as it challenges her writing skills and exposes her to previously unknown works and authors. Anna was a young ambassador to Japan for People to People International Youth Summit and a Rotary Youth Exchange student to France.

Anna Tikhomirova, Shannon Colleton, Shelby McIntyre, Tina Tu

She states that, “Going on exchange to France showed me that people aren’t required to be nice to you or give you things: They want to do it out of the kindness of their hearts and you should be grateful.”

As a world traveler and an AP Scholar with Distinction, Anna shares her talents and experiences with others as an AVID tutor.

Her English teacher, Bridey Heidel states, “Anna is one of the most poised and polished young women I have ever taught. In these days of texting shortcuts and casual slang, Anna’s old-school style is a breath of fresh air: She speaks in full sentences and has impeccable manners. Anna is graceful with her words and can articulate her point without belittling others — both enviable traits. She is also fabulous with her fashion. Whether her dress is retro or fashion-forward, every day she is a walking, work-of-art. Anna also speaks several languages and has seen more of the world than most. She carries this global sensitivity with her and incorporates it into her classroom discussions and literary analysis. But don’t mistake her polish and poise for fragility; Anna has a cement backbone and has overcome many challenges in her young life. I have no doubt that she will have an incredible life as an ambassador or an advocate.”

Anna, when Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – he must have been thinking of you, as your style is most definitely eternal.

With the completion of AP Spanish next term, Tina Tu will officially be trilingual – as she is already fluent in Chinese, English, and has a desire to learn even more languages. With an astonishing 4.5 gpa, Tina is applying to Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, however her top choice is UC Berkeley where she plans to major in computer science. She hopes to follow in her Uncle Harry Tu’s footsteps and develop computer software.

Tina has received awards for All Star Academics in recognition of her outstanding academic and athletic achievements in both track and tennis. She is an AP Scholar, a Golden Star Student and on the Honor Roll for maintaining straight A’s. She is the National Honor Society treasurer, an AVID tutor, and volunteers at the Barton Skilled Nursing Facility, as well as the Polar Express during the holidays, and in her spare time, Tina likes to sing in the Blue Ribbon Choir.

Tina has been fortunate to have the support of her loving family, her mother, father, and her grandmother, who helped raise her and instilled in her a high sense of values and morals. Tina states that she is lucky her mom is her mother because she is so hard working, generous, and supportive of all her efforts, as well as teaching her the value of the dollar. As for her father, she notes they are very similar as they are both quiet and reserved, yet both have a sense of humor and kind nature. He has a huge heart and through his actions, he demonstrates care and love for his family. Tina credits her Chinese upbringing for her respect for her family’s culture, as well as her American lifestyle, which has taught her individuality and enabled her to be open to other mindsets.

Her science teacher, Carla Zezula states, “Tina is a strong woman with a lot of determination and a breadth of skills. Tina is a part of a core group of strong intelligent young women that have been friends and supported each other through school. Tina is a fusion of Chinese and American cultures, taking the best of both and applying it to her life. She is strong, yet elegant, like the cherry blossoms.”

Tina, as you enter the computer science field where close to 90 percent of the students are male, stay strong like the cherry blossoms, and know that your family, and the women of South Lake Tahoe support you and believe in you.

Shannon Colleton is always inspired to be her best and never give up because her sister, Kelly, a sophomore, looks up to her. Shannon has applied to several colleges, including UC Davis, UC San Diego, Pepperdine, San Diego State, and the University of Oregon to pursue a career in conservation biology or as an athletic trainer. Her first choice of UC San Diego will allow her to be close enough to home to remain a role model for her sister, stay in touch with her loving family, and further her surfing passion.

Shannon is also quite an athlete. She was on 2nd Team All State for soccer, played varsity soccer for two years, and was twice named an All State Scholar. She was voted soccer team captain her sophomore and senior years, has been on the track team two years, and has been on the varsity ski team since freshman year, so no surprise that she hopes to play soccer in college. Oh, and that blue hair? Well, she is staying true to our soccer team tradition because she will be playing soccer in Dayton this Friday for the state playoffs. Go Vikings!

Shannon is also moved by the performing arts and from the time she was just 2 years old, she has studied tap, jazz, modern dance, ballet and has already been in two musicals. In school, Shannon stays active as the ASB secretary, and maintaining an amazing 3.9 gpa. In her spare time, she likes to run or read. Her favorite book is “Not Without My Daughter” as she was so impressed by the differences in cultures and the commitment of the girl’s mother in the face of tremendous adversity.

Biology teacher Carla Zezula, says, “Shannon is a quiet, respectful, sensitive, talented athlete and always gives 110 percent in everything that she does. She will be successful in whatever she pursues.”

Whether you become a conservation biologist or an athletic trainer, Shannon, we know you are destined to make a difference in the lives you touch.

Shelby McIntyre plans to become a corporate attorney in Southern California, where it is nice and warm, when she finishes college. Although she has numerous options, Shelby has narrowed down her college selection to UCLA, USC, San Diego State, UC Santa Barbara, Boise State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, or Alabama State.

Being the daughter of a coach, athletics have been part of Shelby’s life since birth. She has run varsity track for three years, varsity cross country for four years and served as the cross country team captain. She has received numerous athletic awards, including All State/All Regional cross country and track for all four years of participation; she is the Nevada 4A 1600 State Champion and the recipient of the All League Academic Award. When not competing, she relaxes by staying in motion as she is also a passionate skier, snowboarder, swimmer and runner.

Shelby is not just an athlete; she is also a remarkable leader. This past summer she was selected and attended Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. She is the ASB vice president and currently serves as the student representative on the El Dorado County Board of Education. She is also a Key Club member, is in National Honor Society, is an AVID tutor and is South Tahoe High School’s homecoming queen.

Even with all her involvement in athletics and leadership, Shelby manages to find time for her studies and maintains a remarkable 4.14 gpa. Fortunately, she has the support of her loving parents to keep her focused and to help her reach her goals.

According to Assistant Principal Marilyn Pawling, “Shelby is one of my favorites. You cannot say “no” to Shelby. If she wants something bad enough, like the jerseys for the female flag football fundraiser, she will find a way. I love her persistence and determination. Nothing is ever going to get in her way. She is the girl next door – athletic, smart, and darling.”

Shelby, with all the economic turmoil in our world, you are exactly the type of leader we need to represent corporate America. Best wishes for a long and bright future.