By Kathryn Reed

It wasn’t the usual Wednesday Soroptimist lunch.

On this particular afternoon it all about four girls who aren’t even members – but they might be one day.

Jacquelyn Baines, Lauren Andrew, Morgan King and Gabriella Tracy – all seniors at Whittell High School – were recognized as Young Women of Distinction by Soroptimist International South Lake Tahoe.

Whittell's Young Women of Distinction. Photo/Provided

“They are all absolutely wonderful girls,” Principal Sue Shannon told Lake Tahoe News before the lunch at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

She has watched these women enter the Zephyr Cove school as freshman and grow into young women who she eagerly helped honor on Wednesday. She also didn’t hesitate to write letters of recommendation for each girl to help them get into college.

Shannon on Baines: Jacquelyn is an outstanding student in academics, leadership and athletics. She is a quiet leader who leads by modeling the acceptance of responsibility, positive interactions with other students, and by setting high expectations for herself. She has worked diligently to maintain her current overall weighted grade of 4.33. She maintains her high GPA while participating in athletics and leadership. Jacquelyn has been a member of the WHS varsity volleyball team for four years. Jacquelyn has assumed many leadership roles at WHS. In the future Jacquelyn hopes to combine majors of architecture and interior design.”

Shannon on Andrew: “Lauren is an outstanding student in the areas of academics, sports, music and leadership. She has maintained an overall 4.236 gpa while consistently pursuing AP and honors courses. Lauren is greatly respected by students and staff for her work ethic, her interpersonal skills, her school spirit and her sense of responsibility. She has served as captain of the varsity volleyball team as well as an officer in both Key Club and National Honor Society. In the future Lauren hopes to be teacher, probably in the area of science.”

Shannon on King: “Morgan is an exemplary student in academics, athletics, leadership and the promotion of school spirit. Morgan has maintained a 4.2 cumulative weighted GPA while pursuing multiple honors and Advanced Placement classes. She currently serves as secretary to the Whittell High School National Honor Society. One of Morgan’s strengths is her desire and ability to help others. Morgan has a tremendous sense of responsibility and follow-through when she is responsible for school projects. Morgan is an excellent athlete. In addition to pursuing dance lessons her first two years, she has been on the varsity cross country and track teams for three years. She has been named to the all-state cross country team and all-state academic teams. Morgan plans to pursue a career in business management.”

Shannon on Tracy: “Gabriella is a superior scholar, an excellent athlete, and a highly involved Whittell student. Gabriella has maintained a GPA of 4.3 while pursuing multiple AP and Honors classes. She was named the Whittell Student Academic Athlete of the Month in recognition of her outstanding scholastic and athletic achievements. She was also named to the Nevada All-State Academic Soccer and Basketball Teams. Gabriella is a respected quiet leader among her peers. In the future, Gabriella plans to attend a four-year university and major in the areas of biology and pre-medicine.”