On Thursday, April 17th we met for the last of our 2024-2025 Youth Appreciation luncheons to honor students from North Salem and Sprague High Schools. We enjoyed another great meal prepared by CTEC Culinary Arts Students and got to hear about and from another group of outstanding students.
Below are synopses of each student.
Achievement in Mathematics and Science
Carter is a senior at Sprague who not only has the ability to delve deeper into his course work helping him to understand what is being presented but also has the ability to help his classmates get past their own misunderstandings. His teacher describes Carter as someone who genuinely loves to help others, and many students look to him for help. He recently demonstrated his ability to figure things out in his Stats class. After the first couple of days, his teacher said that Carter was feeling “iffy” about the subject matter but now is enjoying it so much that he may work it into a minor/major in college. Carter is also involved in a number of activities at Sprague. He is the president of the National Honor Society, is a member of the Sprague Track & Field team and helped start the tutoring program.
Next year, Carter plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study Chemical Engineering.
Achievement in Foreign Language
Ben is a senior at Sprague who was nominated by his Spanish Teacher who describes him as someone that constantly displays an optimistic and positive attitude approaching every challenge with perseverance, giving his best effort and continually striving to improve. What makes all of this even more remarkable is that Ben has continued to display all these admirable traits while having to overcome numerous physical hardships that have caused him to miss weeks of class time and often leave him in pain. While having to deal with interruptions to his education and leaving behind some activities due to physical issues, Ben continues to be an inspiration to others as he quietly maintains his positive attitude while working hard to complete his academic tasks. As his teacher notes, “Ben’s resilience and optimism serve as a powerful example of courage and dedication.”
Next year Ben plans to attend Creighton University to study global issues and/or economics with the ultimate goal of working in law enforcement.
Achievement in Fine and Performing Arts
Lavender is a senior at Sprague who has been an active and passionate member of both the Theater and Advanced Choir programs. Her passion for performing extends beyond the classroom and includes participating in community theater and working as a performer at Enchanted Forest. She is the president of Sprague’s choir and thespian counsels. As a leader, Lavender devotes her time to making others feel seen, known and accepted thereby cultivating success in those around her.
After graduation, Lavender plans to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy). She was accepted into their prestigious two-year music conservatory in New York and will complete her degree at their Los Angeles campus.
Achievement in Fine and Performing Arts
Athena is a senior at Sprague whose dedication to her passion for art is truly inspiring. Over the past year, she created a powerful series of 15 planned art pieces blending her love for art and film to craft compelling movie posters that explore historical moments like mice in space, Watergate, Stonewall, and the 1932 Emu War. Beyond the studio, she enjoys crocheting and often shows appreciation for friends and family through heartfelt, handmade gifts. Athena also helps with outdoor school as a student leader and is in AVID.
Next Fall, Athena plans to attend the University of Oregon to study Business and Film Studies. Her dream is to be a Hollywood producer and work on commercials.
Achievement in Fine and Performing Arts
Gavin is a senior at North Salem who his teacher describes as an exceptional young man who stands out in both theater and choir. Throughout his high school journey, he has demonstrated great focus, drive, and growth as an artist, constantly pushing himself to expand his skill set. Gavin credits the drive and work ethic that is required to excel in theater as being a major factor in his ability to also do well in all his other classes. Gavin is a member of the top choir at North and has had lead roles in both the winter musical this past January, and in one of the spring mainstage productions. Gavin also crafted a solo acting performance to perform at the Regional Acting Competition where he received excellent scores qualifying him to compete at State. Not only does Gavin demonstrate great skills in acting and singing, but he works extremely hard to master the styles of dance needed in a variety of theater productions. In addition to his experiences in front of the curtain, Gavin has regularly attended set construction work parties, learning how to build set pieces and paint structures and props for the various productions he has been involved in.
In the fall, Gavin will enroll in the Honors Program at the University of Oregon, to be followed by law school also at the U of O.