Nine Students Honored at Bonney Lake High School's Senior Showcase

Nine graduating seniors were honored on May 11 at the Senior Showcase because they embody "excellence of mind and strength of character," a fulfillment of the vision of the graduate at graduation.

We highlighted the stories of Danielle Harris and Reed Hawkins .

The following outstanding students were nominated by their teachers. Here are their testemonials:

PEYTON JENSEN

Payton is the 2011 Bonney Lake High School Daffodil Princess. She is an amazing person and a great student! She is mature beyond her years and articulates her thoughts beautifully. After high school Payton plans to attend Brigham Young University in Idaho where I know she will do an outstanding job! Somehow she has been able to seamlessly switch from heels and a tiara to sneakers and a basketball as she has represented BLHS as our Princess and as a member of the girls varsity basketball team. Payton has dedicated many, many hours representing BLHS in the surrounding community and deserves the honor of being recognized as one of the amazing seniors from the class of 2011.
nominated by Ms. AnnMarie Casner

ALI EHLE

Ali takes the time to get the most out of her education as she is a student that is here to learn all she can. She puts in the time before, during, and after school to be prepared for class every day. As a positive addition to any class she takes, Ali asks great questions in class, contributes insight to whole class discussions, and expresses her ideas very well in writing. Continually challenging herself academically, she has taken eight AP classes during her junior and senior years earning two fives and a four on the exams she has taken so far. Her motivation and attitude every day has a positive influence on those around her.  Ali is also very involved in activities outside of the classroom. She is a member of the National Honors Society and participates in our school Leos Club that supports the community through fundraising and awareness events. Ali was also a Bonney Lake High School Student Ambassador during her junior year, which means she helped out with many extra-curricular events that occur at our school, directing guests, giving tours and working with in-coming students. She is a Peer Mediator that goes through trainings to help her fellow students deal with conflicts, and participates in the school Gay Straight Alliance Club raising awareness and giving support to her fellow classmates. Finally, Ali swam on the Bonney Lake Girls Swimming team and is a thrower on the school Track and Field team. She is able to take part in all of these activities while still earning a 4.0 in the many challenging classes in which she enrolls. This young woman is a role model for those around her, young and old, and will find success in all she takes on in her future.
nominated by Ms. Ellen Berwick

KATHRYN BURNHAM

Kathryn definitely stands out as a very hard working student who does not let academic or physical setbacks pull her down. She has spent her junior and senior years taking pre-AP and AP classes.  Kathryn chose to take on three AP courses both of these years. Her dedication to success could be seen in each of these classes she took. When going over problems in class, she is often the one who had the courage to ask for help in front of her peers. Kathryn is always diligent in finding the answer to complex problems and constantly strives to improve her scores while staying focused on the learning process. When Kathryn dealt with an undiagnosed illness her junior year, she missed many days of school and her physical well-being was greatly weakened. She never let her health issues become an excuse or hold her back. When she was finally able to return to school she began the daunting task of bringing her grades back up in the newreality of her diagnosis.  Kathryn continues in the AP program as a senior and is once again working hard and actively engaging in classroom activities and discussions. Kathryn has been involved with soccer, but after her diagnosis she had to focus on other extracurricular activities.  This year in FCCLA she won regional and state competitions for her gluten and lactose free pizza.  Kathryn’s success in these challenging and diverse activities exhibit how well-rounded Kathryn is as a student and how successful she will be in pursuing her interest in nursing and life beyond high school.
nominated by Ms. Ellen Berwick

DANIELLE HARRIS

Danielleis new to BLHS this year from eastern Washington. Danielle has a one year-old baby girl and other challenges which have greatly impacted her family both emotionally and financially. Many people would crumble under similar circumstances, yet from the moment Danielle stepped foot on the BLHS campus she  has persevered and thrived-- she rarely misses school, she works consistently and diligently on all her school work, and she constantly maintains a gentle, positive attitude. Danielle intends to go to college next year and she is interested in pursuing a career in nursing; she wants to be a role model and a provider for her young daughter. I am inspired every day by Danielle!
nominated by Ms. Jennifer Fruehauf

REED HAWKINS

Reed’s disciplined work ethic and natural academic ability helped him be one of the top students in his class. He has always made positive decisions, is responsible, and inspires others to do the same.  While fully capable ofworking independently, Reed is also a team player who adds great insight to whole classroom discussions, and effectively participates in group lab work to collect data.  He can often be seen working with other classmates, teaching them what he knows and learning from them. Reed’s dependability and enthusiasm for our school can be seen outside the classroom as a school leader. Reed has served in ASB for three years andhas been a member of NHS and the BLHS Student Ambassador program.  These experiences have exposed Reed to school wide leadership and taught him how to communicate better with others and to care about the school and the needs of others.  Reed’s leadership skills can now be seen throughout BLHS.Reed is also very involved in Track and Field, Cross-country, and swimming. Reed has grown from a shy, quiet, hardworking student his freshman year  into a very prominent role model forour student body that other students respect and trust as one of the primarystudent leaders in our school.
nominated by Ms. Ellen Berwick

CHRIS FRIANT

The name Chris Friant goes hand-in-hand with the concepts of motivation and education. Throughout not only his senior year, but his entire life, he has pushed himself to be his best. He is dedicated to his education, understanding that it is preparing him for life after high school, and never hesitates to do what needs to be done. He knows what it means to do hard work even when he doesn't want to. During this last year, he has taken classes that he had never attempted before, and through his dedication, has been extremely successful. Chris was even Student of the Month in November, having been nominated and voted for due to his great work ethic. Even during challenging times, Chris has kept a positive attitude and has remained focused on his goals. In class, he brings humor and kindness, and tries to make everyone happy. Chris is an amazing artist, dedicated to improving himself over his lifetime, and is a wonderful role model for other students. He has been a student that many will miss and few will be able to emulate. Good luck Chris in all that you do- you will go far!
nominated by Ms. Lacey Hertlein

ILYASHA HOOD

Ilyasha Hood is kind, authentic, humble, determined, mature, and a leader. Her ability to lead by example and motivate others is a huge contributor to the success of our basketball team as well as contributing to a positive school environment.  As a result of her tremendous work ethic and exceptional leadership qualities, Ilyasha was voted as one of our team captains for this season. This has been a very natural position for Ilyasha because she has always been someone that the other girls look up to and value her opinion. Even though Ilyasha may not be one of our biggest scorers, she is still a huge contributor to our team because of her competitiveness and drive. I have seen the impact her positive attitude and hard work has on our basketball team, and I know that this will not change wherever she ends up. Ilyasha is the kind ofperson that is committed to excellence and will work tirelessly to achieve it.  Ilyasha has been an active member in the school’s DECA club and finished third at this year’s state DECA competition. She has spent countless hours assisting her in whatever way she can. While balancing all of these things, Ilyasha has been able to maintain a 3.5 GPA.
nominated by Mr. Thomas Ostrander

MARLENE MORA

Marlene is co-president in choir and makes learning fun for everyone!  She has great leadership qualities and an awesome sense of humor.  Her peers respect her talent, work ethic and friendliness.  Marlene has grown as a singer since her sophomore year in Chamber choir.  She began as a shy singer, with a lot of potential.  Marlene is committed and dedicated to her singing at school and worship at her church.  Since her sophomore year, she has competed in solo/ensemblecontests and has received superior ratings.  This year, she was chosen as the winner of her division and represented BLHS at the state competition in April.  Marlene has recently released a CD, which is available on iTunes.  She is fluent in both Spanish andEnglish and takes honors classes. Marlene has the ability to prioritize her responsibilities which isuncommon for many high school students. She has a very well-balanced high school life and I've enjoyed gettingto know this fun, energetic young woman!
nominated by Ms. Amy Fuller

TYLER ROGERS

Tyler Rogers is a hardworking, amazing student who always has a positive attitude.  He is strong academically and very involved in BLHS drama. He’s also the founder oft he school’s photography club which he created out of his own desire and passion for photography.  His effort to form the photography club is just one example of his proactive spiritand his willingness to do something about situations he doesn’t like.  Tyler brings a creative talent toBLHS.  He has had leads in three of our drama productions and comes to rehearsals prepared and focused.  He encourages others to do their best.  Tyler was student stagemanager last spring and was in charge of overseeing 12 student stage crewmembers and adult volunteers.  He kept all of them motivated and working as a team with considerable tact.  Under his direction, set pieces were constructed and painted and hand props were crafted.  Tyler also called over 200 cues for lights, sound, andmicrophone flow charts and stage changes from the booth.  He was honored with Outstanding Stage Manager at Seattle’s 5th Avenue High School Musical Awards.  His leadership is evident as Drama Club president, photography club president and in his classes.  He is never bossy but influences otherswith his common sense and clam demeanor. He faces obstacles with a “can-do” attitude.  He is intelligent, mature, creative, and an overall nice guy.  Even when he is having a bad day he finds ways to make everyone laugh with his wit and sense of humor.
nominated by Ms. Brenda Williams/Ms. Cheryl Roper