Wednesday, May 5, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Skylar Wilkins will be one of eight valedictorians for the Sisters High School Class of 2021, signaling her commitment to academic excel- lence. Her academic interests cover the board, but she is particularly in- terested in science and math. She served as a math intern for al- gebra 2 this year, teaching younger students. She plans to attend Dartmouth College. Her major is undetermined as of yet, but she plans a pre-med track. She said that a field trip to Hutchinson Cancer Research Center cemented her interest in the medical field. Wilkins has participated in cross- country, ski team, and lacrosse, and she is particularly passionate about her role as a peer leader in the school’s Sources of Strength program, dedicated to promoting a healthy culture at SHS. She attended Black Butte School for several years, before entering Sisters schools in the seventh grade. Like many of her peers, she finds a strong sense of community in Sisters schools. “There’s just a lot of civility and respect that’s not always seen other places,” she said. “There’s a level of honesty and transparency here that’s missing in other places, in my mind.” “Thinking of how I would describe Sky- lar the fi rst thoughts that come to my mind are tenacious, a go getter, commu- nity centered and extremely dedicated. Congratulations, Skylar, I have observed you over the years and you’ve grown into such a leader, a true Outlaw.” — Joe Hosang “Skylar Wilkins is the kind of person who cannot stand still — she gets more tired by standing still than by going. I love having her in AP English Literature be- cause she is determined, insightful, brave, and eloquent. She just never stops think- ing or doing. Sometimes she tires me out, but I love it. She is able to look beyond the surface and develop arguments about what the author of a text is doing — how the text “works.” And then she connects dots and makes world and personal con- nections, challenging others in the pro- cess. I look forward to seeing what Skylar will do in the future. She will move moun- tains. Skylar, thank you for showing your genuine heart, for showing your intense grit, and for showing your continual desire to make the world a better place.” — Samra Spear “Skylar Wilkins lives with clear integrity and so much passion to learn. She stands up for what she believes and demon- strates commitment, perseverance, and the desire to understand. I am so grateful to have known Skylar and am excited for the next step in her journey of life!” — Rima Givot “Skylar is the ultimate Outlaw. Her un- failing positivity and heart for others has had an overwhelming positive impact on everyone, not only at SHS, but in the en- tire Sisters community. Skylar always goes out of her way to reach out and make sure people feel included and seen. It has been a true privilege to get to walk beside her during her time at SHS and witness, not only her brilliance in the classroom, but her incredible leadership and character. It is going to be hard to imagine school next year without her here. Thank you for all the many ways you have made this a better place. I can’t wait to see what amazing things you go on to do next. Congratulations!” — Gail Greaney “Skylar has a wonderful mind and a passionate spirit that brings a unique spark to wherever she is. She also has this love of learning and challenges that I really appreciate, but what I most ad- mire about her is her care for people and her willingness to help wherever needed. From helping math students, to the count- less ways she steps up to answer the question I hear her asking so often, “How can I help?” she brings all her talents and energy and sees it through. I know she will continue to be a force for good in the world wherever she goes.” — Jami Lyn Weber “Skylar is a student who consistently Wishing you a healthy dose of success! holds herself to exceedingly high stan- dards, then meets them. Skylar always gives 100%, whether in terms of develop- ing a complete understanding of a com- plex assignment, of being helpful and friendly to teachers and fellow students, of taking a leadership role in shaping school culture, or of pushing herself with athletic endeavors. Skylar is an all-round model of citizenship, at SHS as she will be in college and beyond. Those of us who know Skylar will one day be proud to say we knew her when she was the SHS Student of the Month. Congratu- lations on this well-deserved honor, Skylar!” — Rob Corrigan She’s genuinely interested in seeing other “Skylar is one of the most motivated, people learn and succeed. It has been an talented, and caring students I have had absolute pleasure to be one of her teach- the pleasure of working with. She has a ers over the last few years and I can’t wait rare combination of personal drive, intel- to see what she does in the next chapters ligence, and desire to help others that is of her life. She is truly one in a million.” — Daniel O’Neill inspiring to students and staff alike. Con- gratulations, Skylar, this recognition is “Skylar is an amazing member of the well deserved. I will miss your wisdom and Outlaw family. If someone needs an essay sense of humor!” reviewed, she’ll spend hours offering com- — Sheryl Yeager ments. If someone needs a fresh loaf of ‘Skylar is a great person to be around! bread, she’ll pull one out of her backpack. I’m thankful she’s part of the SHS commu- If someone needs help in math, she’ll nity. I’ve never had the pleasure of teach- spend hours in front of the whiteboard. ing her, but I have gotten to interact with And if someone needs a good laugh, she’ll her for several other things and she’s so always offer a joke. In short, she’s intelli- interesting, fun, and friendly. I’m excited gent, driven, and compassionate, and she for her future and hope all the best comes defi nitely deserves this award. Congratu- lations, Skylar!” her way!” — Matt Bradley — Kristy Rawls “Skylar is who you want on your team — she foresees problems, refi nes areas of personal fragility, and al- ways fosters fairness and cooperation. Of course I am proud of Skylar’s wide range — Maya Angelou of accomplishments, but I admire her most for who she is, how she encourages oth- ers, and how she advocates for those around her.” — Lindy Gilbert “Skylar is one of the most generous people I know. 541-595-3838 The Ranch She uses the vast skill set 541-549-5555 in Sisters| blackbutte.com that she’s worked so hard to develop to help others. “You can’t use up creativity. Th e more you use, the more you have.” BU ILDING A S O LID F O U NDAT ION FOR THE FUTURE Occupational Medicine 541-548-2899 3818 SW 21st Pl. 541-5 DAVIS TIRE WALK-IN • URGENT CARE Hwy. 126 to Redmond, two turns and you’re there! (Near fairgrounds) YourCareMedical.com C o n g r a t u la t io n s to our future leade r s ! 49-1026 Celebrating over 50 years of our local, family-run business! 440 N. PINE ST., SISTERS • 541-549-8141 Proud to offer American-made tires. Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 188 W. Sisters Park Dr., Sisters Continue Striving For Excellence! Congratulations! Your contribution to your school and community is truly appreciated. 541-549-3534 www.fi vepinelodge.com 541-549-5900 Climb High, Climb Far Trevor Frideres D . M . D . & Greg Everson D . M . D . ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 103 E. HOOD AVE. • 541-904-0778 541-549-2011 • 491 E. Main Ave., Sisters www.sistersdental.com 325 N. Locust St., Sisters greenridgept.com We are proud of your achievements. 260 N. Pine, Sisters • 541-549-4349 Visa & Mastercard Accepted PHOTO BY ANNE FISCHER PHOTOGRAPHY Skylar Wilkins Sisters High School April 2021 Student of the Month CCB#87587 18