JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Jackson Hole Rotary Lunch Club presented its “Students of the Season” awards Tuesday, recognizing outstanding high school students from Jackson Hole High School, Jackson Hole Community School, and Summit Innovations High School.
Dr. Scott Crisp, Jackson Hole High School Principal, introduced Rotary to senior Benjamin Brown. A year-round athlete who participates in football at nose guard, the wrestling team, and track and field. Benjamin has a passion for working with younger students and is a sought-after mentor to discuss issues from belongingness to income inequality at JHHS.
“Ben is a class act in terms of a kid in our school. If you ask his coaches and teachers they would emphasize the phrase ‘class act,’” Crisp said. “He has given many hours to discussing issues with fellow students including race, income, and learning ability; helping our student body become more connected to each other.”
Brown wants to study civil engineering in college, and continue to pursue working with youth.
Summit Innovations High School senior Ariana Plennes wowed Rotary with her insightful journey of self-discovery. Her personal story showcases an individual who is grateful and compassionate and seeking a life of helping others and her community.
“Ariana is the type of student that if you give a cup of tea to her, she will bring you back three boxes of tea the following week,” said Summit Innovations High School Principal Pier Trudelle. “She is articulate and thoughtful, and I am so proud of her and appreciate that she is a part of our school.”
Plennes plans to study marine biology in college along with pursuing a dream of also being an underwater photographer.
Sam Roubin is a senior at the Jackson Hole Community School. He loves his community and is drawn to the selfless, caring people that make Jackson so unique. Roubin is a soccer player, Nordic skier, and photographer, who carves time about of his busy schedule to volunteer for organizations like the Animal Adoption Center, Vertical Harvest, and JH Food Cupboard, to name a few.
“Sam is a role model without being the loudest in the room. Students listen when he speaks because they know Sam to be very thoughtful in his responses,” said Jackson Hole Community School Principal Amy Fulwyler. “He is engaged, inquisitive, a leader, and an impressive critical thinker who is a joy to have in the classroom.”
Roubin plans to study architecture or photography in college and hopes to pass on his enthusiasm for volunteering to other youth.
About Jackson Hole Rotary Lunch Club
The Rotary Club of Jackson Hole is dedicated to improving education, health, and human services through a variety of projects and programs in Jackson Hole, the surrounding region, and across the globe.
The Rotary Foundation of Jackson Hole awarded over $65,000 in scholarships to local students and educators in 2012. The Rotary Exchange Student Program provides opportunities for Jackson students to learn about different cultures by sending local students abroad, and welcoming students from around the world.
