Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 23, 2018)
18 Wednesday, May 23, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Congratulations Rylee Funk & Kendall Griffi n Sisters High School 2017-2018 Students of the Year! Rylee Funk likes to be involved, and she’s not afraid of a challenge. “I’m very passionate about the stuff I’ve chosen to be involved with,” she said. Those involvements represent the wide range of opportunities available to Sisters students. She’s a standout Americana Project musician, a mem- ber of the Astronomy Club, a Mr. SHS escort — all the while taking challenging Advanced Placement college-prep courses. “It’s kind of more rewarding to me personally to be challenged in school,” she says. Rylee is quick to highlight the key aspects of education in Sisters. “I think the community aspect is really unique,” she says. “As well as the programs offered.” She is currently planning to attend the University of Colorado, Boul- der, to pursue a major in the sciences — astrophysics, astronomy and/or chemistry being strong candidates. “Rylee Funk is an incredibly tal- ented musician and student leader. Rylee has been a key leader in the high school Americana Project program for four years. Her soulful original songs are appreciated by everyone who hears her perform. She has organized countless performances and is the co- student leader in charge of this year’s Americana Project CD recording. Rylee is also a strong member of the high school concert choir — leading the alto section with her great voice and attitude. Congratulations, Rylee, you deserve this recognition!” — Rick Johnson “I am so proud of Rylee Funk. Since her fi rst day in astronomy her freshman year through biology and chemistry, Rylee’s passion to learn and contribute to her community have impressed and inspired me. It has been such an honor to be Rylee’s teacher. Her excitement to understand the world, from microscop- ic to cosmic, has motivated me and her classmates to also want to know more. Rylee’s kindness touches her community. I celebrate her accomplishments and wish her the best as she embraces her future beyond Sisters High School. She will be sorely missed, as she has truly embraced the opportunities here and given so much! Congratulations, Rylee!” — Rima Givot “There is a gentleness and grace and spunk to Rylee Funk that makes her a beautiful addition to any class and any event. Her passion for the stars and for music so suits her kind soul. What a gift she is to Sisters High School!” — Jami Lyn Weber “Working with Rylee is so fun, I love her excitement and energy.” — Tony Cosby “Rylee brightens my day with her smile. She is very thoughtful and car- ing of others. She carries a song in her heart that is expressed in her music.” — Ruth Barrios Kendall Griffi n is a very busy Outlaw. She was co-president for her grade the past two years, participates in choir and musical theater and is deep- ly engaged in activities surrounding her passion for science and art. “I just really enjoy taking a large variety of classes at Sisters High School,” she says. “I guess I just really like to push myself to learn more.” Kendall has attended Sisters schools since kindergarten, and loves feeling so connected to her school community — and the community at large. “It’s just such a close, tight-knit community, and that’s really special,” she says. “I feel like the teachers here are really, really special — and the staff in general.” She plans to attend college with an interest in interdisciplinary studies in English, history and environmental science, with a possible art minor. “Kendall is more than the ideal student. With her strong work ethic, her passion for learning, her posi- tive leadership, and her clear sense of purpose, she has earned my deepest respect in the classroom. But because of her kindness, her genuine heart for others, her selfl essness and her open- minded attitude, she has served as an inspiration to me and to many oth- ers. Kendall is a quiet leader who has touched many lives at SHS. Her pres- ence will defi nitely be missed after she graduates, but I believe that others who follow will lead because of her example. You are rare gem, Kendall!” — Samra Spear “Kendall is one of those people who just makes you feel good to be around. How such an amazingly talented and intelligent person could be also one of the most humble and selfl ess people is a mystery. Kendall makes everything she is involved in better.” – Daniel O’Neill “Kendall is an amazingly talent- ed music student, actress, and all- around great person. I have worked with Kendall in music classes since she was in the middle school. Her strong voice and willingness to con- quer every challenge make her a joy to have in class. She always gives 100% of her focus and energy to accomplish every goal. You might have seen her on stage last month as the Wicked Stepmother in the high school’s pro- duction of Cinderella. Believe me... in real life she isn’t wicked at all.” – Rick Johnson “Kendall is just an all-around fan- tastic girl! She is curious, diligent and thoughtful in the classroom. She is tender-hearted and kind. She is an amazing performer. And she is one of the best people I know for cheering oth- ers on. There is a sweetness to being in her presence that makes her a gift to be around.” – Jami Lynn Weber Thank You... ...to these advertisers who have joined The Nugget in supporting our youth and their accomplishments by co-sponsoring the Student of the Month program and helping make The Nugget Scholarship possible. Paulina Springs Books • MidOregon Credit Union High Country Disposal • Green Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Davis Tires • FivePine Lodge • Hike - N - Peaks Sweeney Plumbing • Howells Realty Group • Your Care Hoyt’s Hardware & Building Supply, Inc. • Greg Everson, DMD, PC