Publisher’s note: On Feb. 22 four Whittell High School students were recognized by Soroptimist International South Lake Tahoe as being Young Women of Distinction for their accomplishments. The following is what WHS counselor Tricia Fierst wrote about each girl.

By Tricia Fierst

Thank you Soroptimist for recognizing these wonderful women of Whittell. Whittell is a unique place with a small student body, our students have to fill many roles. All of these women have done just that at Whittell, and they have reached out to our community.

These women have spent the last four years playing sports, being part of school leadership, volunteering at school and the community, learning life skills, and working. I am so glad Soroptimist gives us a venue to recognize them and their accomplishments.

Jillian Dauscher, from left, Nina Jimenez, Megan Mize and Sabrina Swoger

Jillian Dauscher

Jillian Dauscher is the daughter of Ellen and Andy Dauscher. Jillian has a cumulative GPA of 3.688. Jillian has been accepted to Arizona State University and plans to study aviation. Jillian is working toward a pilot license and last summer she flew with her instructor to Wisconsin for the Osh Kosh Air Show.

Jillian is currently taking honors physics and has completed 15 credits through Western Nevada College.

Jillian has been a cheerleader and played varsity soccer at Whittell. In Jillian’s spare time, she dances on a competitive dance team and works as a dance teacher at Forever Dance.

Jillian has helped shape not only her school, but also her community. At school, Jillian has been on Whittell’s student council all four years. Jillian has spent the last two years as rally commissioner planning events for an entire school. Jillian has also been a member of our Student Issues Committee, which brings problems and concerns to our administration and Jillian communicates well with our administration.

Furthermore, Jillian is our student representative for the Whittell’s Parent Booster Committee. Jillian is able to work with many different adults and students to make Whittell the best place for students.

In our community, Jillian has volunteered at local events like the Bijou Bash, Festival of Trees for Barton Hospital, Relay for Life, and Rotary Christmas Party. Last year, Jillian volunteered to help raise money for the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge that happens at Zephyr Cove. Jillian raised the most money as an individual fundraiser, and she helped Whittell win the school challenge. She had a real passion for wanting to raise the money, and her passion helped others to raise money, too.

I believe Jillian is a unique student because she communicates so well with teachers, staff, and administrators. Jillian is not afraid to stand up for what is right and help others who do not always have a voice. Jillian’s student council advisor describes her as compassionate, thoughtful, and hard working. Jillian demonstrated her ability to show compassion this summer as she worked as a camp counselor at Camp Sunrise, a camp for children who have lost a close family member. Jillian’s positive outlook will have a long lasting effect on Whittell and will help Jillian be successful at whatever she decides to do. Jillian has earned the title of Young Woman of Distinction

Megan Mize

Megan Mize is the daughter of Renate and Don Mize. Megan has a cumulative GPA of 4.19. As a senior, Megan is taking two AP classes and one honors class. Megan plans on attending either UNR or the University of Puget Sound and major in early childhood education. Last summer, Megan attended RYLA, a leadership camp, where she worked with other students from the area to advance her leadership abilities.

Megan has taken on many roles at Whittell. If you ask the student body, Megan is usually mentioned for her outstanding athletic ability on the volleyball court. If you ask the teachers, Megan is recognized for her academic prowess. Megan has been on Honor Roll for four years. Megan is a woman, who leads by example.

Megan is involved in Student Council as executive social commissioner, Key Club, and National Honor Society. This year Megan stepped up to take the position as yearbook editor and school newspaper editor. Megan has been recognized for leadership on the court, too, as being named a volleyball co-captain by her peers. She hopes to continue playing volleyball in college.

In the community, Megan has volunteered at local events like Relay for Life and at the Kahle Community Center as a teen volunteer working with elementary school students. Last year, Megan volunteered at many Key Club and National Honor Society events. She has also volunteered at the Valhalla Beach Clean Up and our local food pantry. As a senior, Megan organized a Whittell coat drive. Megan’s willingness to work at local events makes her a role model to our other students.

I think Mr. Hight, Megan’s former math teacher, said it best, “Megan is an outstanding student.” Hight continued, “Megan has the respect of students and the staff.” Bernadette Esquivel agreed with Hight’s remakes and added, “Megan has really grown into her leadership role at Whittell.”

I believe Megan is a quiet force. Megan leads by example. She understands great leaders cannot say one thing and do another, which explains why she is being recognized as a Woman of Distinction.

Sabrina Swoger

Sabrina Swoger is the daughter of Sally and Brian Swoger. Sabrina has a cumulative GPA of a 4.28. Sabrina is a standout student in academics; she is taking two AP classes and one honors class. Sabrina has taken all the AP and honors classes that Whittell offers.

Sabrina plans on attending Baylor or the University of Pittsburgh and majoring in philosophy or health science. Last summer, Sabrina volunteered in the Caribbean where she worked at a school to improve their community sports facility.

Sabrina is well rounded in her extracurricular activities at Whittell. Sabrina has been active in the choir program, singing in our Black and White Choir for four years and has played clarinet for four years. Sabrina has shown her leadership abilities by serving in school leadership and in her senior year is serving as Executive Counsel vice president. Along with school leadership, Sabrina is the Key Club vice president and a National Honor Society president. Sabrina is involved in the Student Issues Committee on campus. Sabrina also won a local speech contest, and she was a finalist for the district competition.

She has participated in community activities within Key Club and National Honor Society like UNICEF, Special Olympics, Kahle Community Center, and Sabrina has organized four community blood drives and this year organized Whittell’s Relay for Life team. Sabrina’s has great organizational skills and has been able plan events quickly and efficiently.

Mrs. Samuels, Whittell librarian, describes Sabrina as determined. Samuels believes Sabrina could move mountains with her determination. Her sense of humor, happiness, and positive attitude add the perfect blend to her academic astuteness. She enjoys learning, laughing, and cares for other people. While Mr. Kelly, Sabrina’s former AP teacher, says Sabrina’s best quality is her inquisitive natural, and he believes that will serve her well though her college and beyond. Sabrina definitely has what it takes to be a Woman of Distinction.

Nina Jimenez

Nina Jimenez is the daughter of Pam and Vic Jimenez. Nina has a cumulative GPA of 4.28. Nina is a standout student in academics; she is taking two AP classes and one honors class. Nina has taken all the AP and honors classes that Whittell offers. Nina plans on attending Georgia Tech or Johns Hopkins and majoring in bioengineering. Last summer, Nina attended Operation Catapult at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to further her knowledge.

Nina also has many extra circular activities; she has been active in the school choir program singing in our Black and White choir for four years and playing the violin in our band program. Nina has shown her leadership abilities by serving in school leadership and in her senior year is serving as senior class treasurer. Along with school leadership, Nina is the Key Club president and has served as National Honor Society co-president. Nina has led the school’s Christian Club for the last two years. Nina is also a member of our Student Issues Committee. Nina has been recognized by College Board as a National Hispanic Scholar. Nina has been awarded the Gene Upshaw Award and Harvard Prize Book Award. Nina recently placed first in the Fleet Reserve Association Essay contest for her age group.

Nina has participated in community activities within Key Club and National Honor Society and participated in numerous community service projects on her own. She has volunteered her time to help at Barton, Kahle, local fundraising events like Relay for Life and Operation Shoebox, and vacation bible school for her church. Between school activities and Nina’s numerous community service activities, she does find to time play volleyball, tutor students in math and science and give violin lessons.

Mr. Hynes, Nina’s current AP English teacher, believes Nina Jimenez belongs to the “creme de la creme” of students. He continued by saying, “She is focused, intellectually savvy, and strives to do her best in everything she does.” Her goals to succeed will be achieved without doubt or wonderment. She is happy, serious, and has a delightful sense of humor. She is a role model for all of us as well. This is why Nina deserves to be called a Woman of Distinction.