JACKSON, Wyo. — Local high school students from Jackson Hole High School, Summit Innovations High School, Jackson Hole Community School and Mountain Academy were recently recognized as “Students of the Season” by the Jackson Hole Rotary Lunch Club.
The awards ceremony, usually held in-person with a luncheon for students, was conducted via Zoom Jan. 25.
Mountain Academy sophomore Sophie Nielsen was recognized for her leadership on the Student Leadership Council and for her involvement with the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance.
Piper Lee, a student at the Jackson Hole Community School was honored for her passion for creativity. Lee creates jewelry including necklaces and earrings. She said, “As we become more reliant on technology and so much of our lives are automated, it is essential to create.”
Jackson Hole High School (JHHS) senior Belen Carrillo-Flores was awarded student of the season for JHHS. Carrillo-Flores was honored for excelling at her studies while navigating the pandemic, being a mother and taking Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses at Central Wyoming College.
Carrillo-Flores spoke during the ceremony about learning French, her third language and visiting France through a school trip. She remarked how JHHS taught her to be independent and reach her goals as both a student and a mom. She is working to be a Medical Stenographer and inspire her daughter.
Senior Monica Almanza is Summit Innovations High School’s Student of the Season.
Almanza said college was originally not a priority; however, with the guidance of her counselor Pam and talking with Officer Matthews from the JPD, she started to investigate the possibilities. Her goals include serving her community by becoming a police officer. Almanza will be attending CWC, working towards an associate degree in Criminal Justice, followed by a bachelor’s at the University of Wyoming. She hopes to work at the Jackson Police Department and put an end to human trafficking.
“We look forward to our “Students of the Season” program every quarter. Rotary hears inspiring stories of high school students, their contributions to our community, what inspires them and how they bring positive change to their school,” says JH Rotary Lunch Club President Jim Waldrop. “These students, along with many of their peers, serve our community and have motivating goals for how they will continue to make the world better. We are grateful to every school for honoring their students.”
