Nine students from Whidbey Island high schools were honored for scholastic achievement by Whidbey Island branch of American Association of University Women. The branch presented each student with an AAUW Scholars certificate of excellence, a check and flowers at a reception May 8 at Coupeville Methodist Church.

Oak Harbor recipients were Elena Wagner, mathematics; Kristin Acton, science; Amy Rose, technology. From Coupeville, Brianne King, mathematics; Erica Lamb, science; Christine Larson, technology. From South Whidbey, Emi Hastings, mathematics; Saara Simmons, science; Elise Spencer, technology.

These young women were selected as the most outstanding female scholars in their respective fields by the academic staff at their respective high schools. Photos of the honorees were displayed on a wall of scholars at AAUW’s state convention in April.

Amy Rose, Oak Harbor’s technology scholar, has served as senior class president, junior class president, and freshman and sophomore class cabinet member. She chaired many school programs including prom, senior breakfast and parents’ tea. She is on the honor roll and has earned an academic letter. Rose swims on the school’s varsity team and is a senior lifeguard and swim instructor. She has been involved in a sign language group and went on a summer mission to teach children sign language. She plans to attend Rutgers University and earn an degree in aerospace engineering.

Elena Wagner, Oak Harbor’s mathematics scholar, is president of the National Honor Society, an AP scholar and a National Merit Scholar-commended. She received the AAUW award for mathematics in 2002 and was awarded a Women in Technology internship at Tesoro Northwest. She has been active in track during high school. She was track team captain this year and received Jumper of the Year award last year. She received a coach’s award for soccer for the past two years and was rotating captain for Skagit Storm soccer team. She will attend University of Washington where she will major in mathematics.

Kristin Acton, Oak Harbor’s science scholar, has earned six academic letters, five 4.0 pins, certificates of outstanding achievement in mathematics, science and foreign language as well as a cheer scholastic award. Acton is this year’s treasurer of the National Honor Society and was Spanish Club president in 2002 and a class cabinet member for four years. She is captain of the varsity competitive cheerleading team, and has earned eight varsity athletic letters in cheer. She has won local, state and national cheer awards including NCA All-American for two years, NCA top cheerleader for 2002 and first place in the individual cheerleader competitions for 2002-03. She has used her cheerleading talents to help many youth organizations. Acton received a presidential nomination and two Congressional nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Christine Larson, Coupeville technology scholar, has been on the honor roll for four years, and has varsity letters in basketball, softball and volleyball. She has worked as a lifeguard and ECAP child care provider. She is a Coupeville High School Learning Partner. Larson is interested in biology and chemisty and technology and plans to attend community college before transferring to a four-year university.

Brianne King, Coupeville’s mathematics scholar, is pre-calculus student of the year, Lions Club student of the quarter and placed second at state History Day. She was most valuable player in Northwest A League basketball. Her interests include running and reading. She plans to attend a four-year university.

Erica Lamb, Coupeville’s science scholar, has received a Bausch and Lomb science award, was a Lions Club student of the quarter and is a Gordon B. Hinckley Scholarship finalist. She took first place in state History Day competition. Lamb played on the first team for all-league basketball and softball teams. She plans to attend Brigham Young University where she will study biology.

This is the third year Whidbey Island AAUW has participated in this recognition program. Traditionally, girls have not been well represented in college programs for science, mathematics and technology. By honoring girls who are succeeding, it is hoped that others will be encouraged.

AAUW is a nation wide organziation that promotes education and equity for all women and girls. Last year it awarded $3.7 million in scholarships and grants through its education foundation. In addition, the Whidbey Island branch gives annual grants to one girl at each high school. The 2003 grants will be $800 each. For more information on the Whidbey Island branch programs and grants, write AAUW, P.O. Box 1332, Coupeville 98239.