Abby Wilson, Begich Middle School
2009 Student STAR Award winner
  The recipient of this year’s Student STAR Award is a natural leader, both in her school and community. She is an exemplary student, a role model for her peers, a caring friend, and a calm mediator. She is an excellent representative for her school, and is a driving force behind service learning projects to improve the lives of those less fortunate. In her limited spare time, she is also a competitive hockey player.
Who is this well-rounded and most deserving student? Abigail (Abby) Wilson, an 8th grader at Begich Middle School.
The teachers at Begich immediately noticed Abby’s leadership abilities, and she was selected to be part of the school’s PACE program. The PACE program helps students who move to Begich during the school year; they provide tours, orientations, and other
transitional activities. She attends monthly PACE meetings with Brian Griggs, the district PACE coordinator, and weekly meetings with Begich teacher Scott McKim. Abby and her fellow PACE students have participated in several service learning projects this year. Most impressive is the H2Others Fundraiser, where the group is raising funds to build a village well in Uganda.
Abby quickly notices and diffuses any disagreements between members of the PACE group. She is a mature, tactful problem solver and a tremendous asset to Begich Middle School. Teachers say that Abby takes on many ambitious projects, and they can always count on her to follow through with quality work.
Abby serves as the district’s student representative on the School Business Partnership Board of Directors. She attends monthly board meetings and helps facilitate meeting ice breakers. The SBP Board of Directors includes top-level executives from several local businesses, and Abby is a confident, active participant in the group.
When one of Abby’s friends was diagnosed with cancer, Abby stood by her side every step of the way. She led a school-wide effort to raise money for the Providence Cancer Chains of Caring through her student government class at Begich. She also traveled to Seattle to visit her friend and deliver a school memory book. Happily, this friend is now in remission. Abby believes that the School Business Partnership program has boosted her confidence and made her a better leader within her school and community. She says it has taught her basic employability skills such as note-taking, public speaking, and organization. What’s more, SBP has also inspired her to improve her community. Abby believes the SBP program makes a real difference, because “it shows students the possibilities that are out there and waiting to be explored. It helps undergraduates realize their potential and sparks their curiosity about their own future life.”
Without a doubt, Abby’s potential is limitless and her future is bright. Congratulations, Abby!
|
