Wayde Morgan, 16, of Crownpoint High School, is a United Health Care youth intern leader, a member of the National Honor Society and peer helper. His hobbies include reading, running, and becoming a community health educator. “I would like to go in the field of medicine and obtain a M.B. with a specialty in infectious disease.”
Mariah Gonzales, 17, of Gallup High School, is a part of the Starlette Dance team and competition team coach for 3 years, also, a captain of Bengal Girl Dance team for two years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity dance team captain, and has obtained the Bengal Pride Academic Excellence Award. Her hobbies include dancing, reading, and helping her community. “I am eager to attend the University of New Mexico to get my bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Then, I plan on becoming a traveling nurse.”
Mary-Trynee Canete, 16, of Gallup Miyamura High School, was nominated ninth-grade class president, and volunteers her time at Gallup Catholic School and Sacred Heart Cathedral. Her hobbies include playing piano, guitar, playing tennis, bowling, watching TV, movies, and listening to music. “After graduation, I want to go to medical school to become a doctor. Growing up in this community, I became aware that there is a doctor shortage in New Mexico, including Gallup. I would like to come back and serve communities in need.”
Dylan Overheim, 17, of Gallup Miyamura High School, is a Board Scholar Award recipient, Torch and Laurel Honor Society member, a secretary of student council, treasurer and vice president of the National Honor Society. He has received the High Honor Award for four years and is an active member of the Anti-Bullying Committee. His hobbies include painting, drawing, print making, ceramics, writing, playing video games and running. “I have applied to the University of New Mexico and Regis in Colorado and will soon be applying to the Sante Fe University of Art and Design.”
Jordan Upshaw, 17, of St. Michael’s High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, Cardinal Maniacs Spirit Club president, a First Honors student, and a member of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Youth Group. Her hobbies include playing volleyball and softball. “I would like to attend an in-state college and study political science and tribal government. After attending college, I am pursuing to become a tribal government counselor to promote educational and community health of local Native American tribes.”
Isaiah Peterman, 17, of Thoreau High School, is a National Honor Society member, MESA (Math Science Engineering Achievement) member for the fifth year, a Honor Roll recipient, he is the State President of the Technology Student Association, and cross country runner. His hobbies include appreciating literature and music, running and assembling sealed model replicas. “I would like to attend the University of New Mexico for a Master’s in Dental Hygiene.”
Ty Metteba, 17, of Window Rock High School, is a National Honor Society member, president of the Orchestra Club, and a native american activist and advocate. His hobbies include playing the viola, reading, hiking, camping, and traveling. “My leadership roles, academics, community activities, hobbies and interests inspired some of my goals and future plans. My immediate goal is to apply early decision to Dartmouth College.”
Paris Peshlakai of Wingate High School, is the school’s top academically standing student within her class, pursuing the Gates Millenium Scholarship, and member of the varsity volleyball team. Peshlakai plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado and major in law. “I would like to travel the world and experience new things.”
Ricardo Rico, 17, of Gallup High School, is the president of the National Honor Society, captain of the varsity soccer team, and member of the varsity swimming team. His hobbies include making music, playing the guitar and bass guitar, creating independent short films for local film festivals, and working with dogs. “My plans for the future, is to attend college and major in either Neuroscience or Film Studies.”
Kiana Etsate 17, of Zuni High School, is student council body president (2015-2016) and National Honor Society vice president (2015-2016). Her hobbies include running, playing basketball, spending time with family and friends, and listening to Zuni stories. “I would like to attend Stanford University to major in Psychology and minor in Native American studies.”
Tyrell S. Smith, 17, of Tohatchi High School, is the vice president for the National Honor Society, has been an Honor Roll student for middle school, elementary school, and high school levels, he is an active member of the Boys & Girls Club, a member of the high school boy’s basketball team, and a member of the MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement). His hobbies include running, playing video games, playing basketball and hanging out with friends. “I do plan to go to college and get a bachelor’s and master’s degree. I want to enjoy my early adult life, have a stable job, love what I do, and be there for my family.”
The Gallup Rotary Club is a civic community organization that started in 1945 and strives to advocate for high school seniors and community members. For over four years, it has implemented the “Senior of the Month” award to qualified high school recipients that are at the top of their school’s academic standing class.
Typically, it is the high school counselors and teachers that are the personnel that choose the candidates that qualify for an award. Each high school has a different process of selecting a qualified student and awards can range from approximately $500 to the highest amount of $5,000. It is based off of a merit scholar and not a need basis. For more information, please contact the Gallup Rotary Club (505) 863-4421.
