Rotary Student of the Month | 2011
Denise Ohrt, Rotary Student of the Month (November 2011)
The University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene is pleased to recognize Denise Ohrt as its Student of the Month. Denise is a senior majoring in Child Development and Family Relations. She will earn her degree in May, 2012. A native of Redwood City, California, Denise moved to northern Idaho with her family when she was a young child. She is the youngest of three children. She also has two nephews and a niece who live in the Coeur d’Alene area. Denise has worked in child care programs for several years and currently serves as a developmental specialist for North Idaho College Head Start. Denise’s interest in working with children formed at an early age when she helped take her 18-month-old nephew to Early Head Start. Denise became intrigued by her nephew’s growth and development during his time in child care. She decided to learn more and enrolled in the Child Development Program at North Idaho College. After completing her Associate’s degree at NIC, Denise was hired as an Assistant Teacher at NIC’s Children’s Center. Two years later, she was promoted to Lead Teacher. Denise currently oversees a classroom with 19 children. She also helps establish the children’s educational goals, and conducts home visits and parent-teacher conferences. Dr. Janice Fletcher, Professor of Child, Family and Consumer Studies, described Denise as a true leader who supports her fellow students. “Denise is the first in line to help out with setting up for a meeting or a class, or to read the extra material that will make a presentation or a program better.” Professor Fletcher also noted that Denise has earned a high grade-point-average while working full time. Denise is dedicated to assuring children a safe and satisfying childhood. For example, she is vice president for Safe Kids Kootenai County which focuses on injury prevention for children. After graduation, Denise plans to continue working as a Head Start classroom teacher, a position that combines her two passions – teaching and working with young children. She is grateful to be able to build relationships with children and families, and to help children grow and progress.
The University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene is pleased to recognize Denise Ohrt as its Student of the Month. Denise is a senior majoring in Child Development and Family Relations. She will earn her degree in May, 2012. A native of Redwood City, California, Denise moved to northern Idaho with her family when she was a young child. She is the youngest of three children. She also has two nephews and a niece who live in the Coeur d’Alene area. Denise has worked in child care programs for several years and currently serves as a developmental specialist for North Idaho College Head Start. Denise’s interest in working with children formed at an early age when she helped take her 18-month-old nephew to Early Head Start. Denise became intrigued by her nephew’s growth and development during his time in child care. She decided to learn more and enrolled in the Child Development Program at North Idaho College. After completing her Associate’s degree at NIC, Denise was hired as an Assistant Teacher at NIC’s Children’s Center. Two years later, she was promoted to Lead Teacher. Denise currently oversees a classroom with 19 children. She also helps establish the children’s educational goals, and conducts home visits and parent-teacher conferences. Dr. Janice Fletcher, Professor of Child, Family and Consumer Studies, described Denise as a true leader who supports her fellow students. “Denise is the first in line to help out with setting up for a meeting or a class, or to read the extra material that will make a presentation or a program better.” Professor Fletcher also noted that Denise has earned a high grade-point-average while working full time. Denise is dedicated to assuring children a safe and satisfying childhood. For example, she is vice president for Safe Kids Kootenai County which focuses on injury prevention for children. After graduation, Denise plans to continue working as a Head Start classroom teacher, a position that combines her two passions – teaching and working with young children. She is grateful to be able to build relationships with children and families, and to help children grow and progress.
Kim Young, Rotary Student of the Month (September 2011)
The University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene is pleased to select Kimberly Young as our Student of the Month. Kim is a senior in the Dietetics program and she expects to graduate with her bachelor's degree in May 2012. Kim is a native of Concord, California but has been associated with the Coeur d'Alene area since the early 1990s when her parents purchased property here. In the mid-90’s, Kim attended the University of Idaho in Moscow and earned bachelor's degree in communications with a focus on advertising. After leaving Moscow, Kim lived in different parts of the country and worked in real estate and property management. In 2006, Kim and her family returned to Coeur d'Alene to make it their home. Kim has always been active in sports – starting as a cheerleader in third grade to becoming a competitive triathlete today. Early on, Kim became interested in how food and nutrition affected the human body. In 2008, Kim decided to pursue a career in dietetics. She enrolled in classes at North Idaho College and then transferred into the Dietetics program at UI Coeur d'Alene. Professor Samantha Ramsay described Kim as an "outstanding student who has demonstrated leadership and initiative throughout her courses and her clinical supervised practice." Dr. Ramsay also said that "Kim motivates her fellow students to go above and beyond in their course assignments." Kim recently volunteered to spend a week experiencing life as a diabetic. During this simulation, Kim consulted with a diabetes educator, monitored her blood sugars and carbohydrate intake each day, and gave herself saline injections four times a day. Kim described the experience as a “real challenge!” She will report on the simulation in an upcoming newspaper column. Kim has received several other honors for her academic achievement including being named to the Dean's List at both NIC and the UI. She also was selected for membership in Gamma Sigma Alpha, the National Academic Greek Honor Society. After graduation, Kim will take the national exam to become a Registered Dietitian and hopes to land a position as a dietitian in the region. Kim has a bright future in helping others maintain healthy lives through healthy choices in their food and nutrition.
The University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene is pleased to select Kimberly Young as our Student of the Month. Kim is a senior in the Dietetics program and she expects to graduate with her bachelor's degree in May 2012. Kim is a native of Concord, California but has been associated with the Coeur d'Alene area since the early 1990s when her parents purchased property here. In the mid-90’s, Kim attended the University of Idaho in Moscow and earned bachelor's degree in communications with a focus on advertising. After leaving Moscow, Kim lived in different parts of the country and worked in real estate and property management. In 2006, Kim and her family returned to Coeur d'Alene to make it their home. Kim has always been active in sports – starting as a cheerleader in third grade to becoming a competitive triathlete today. Early on, Kim became interested in how food and nutrition affected the human body. In 2008, Kim decided to pursue a career in dietetics. She enrolled in classes at North Idaho College and then transferred into the Dietetics program at UI Coeur d'Alene. Professor Samantha Ramsay described Kim as an "outstanding student who has demonstrated leadership and initiative throughout her courses and her clinical supervised practice." Dr. Ramsay also said that "Kim motivates her fellow students to go above and beyond in their course assignments." Kim recently volunteered to spend a week experiencing life as a diabetic. During this simulation, Kim consulted with a diabetes educator, monitored her blood sugars and carbohydrate intake each day, and gave herself saline injections four times a day. Kim described the experience as a “real challenge!” She will report on the simulation in an upcoming newspaper column. Kim has received several other honors for her academic achievement including being named to the Dean's List at both NIC and the UI. She also was selected for membership in Gamma Sigma Alpha, the National Academic Greek Honor Society. After graduation, Kim will take the national exam to become a Registered Dietitian and hopes to land a position as a dietitian in the region. Kim has a bright future in helping others maintain healthy lives through healthy choices in their food and nutrition.
Gwen Kelley, Rotary Student of the Month (April 2011)
Gwen Kelley is a senior at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene and is completing a double major in Psychology and Organizational Sciences. She plans to graduate in May. Gwen also is a graduate of North Idaho College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Communications and a Certificate in Computer Information Technology. A native of southern California, Gwen moved to the Coeur d’Alene area with her parents in the late 1970s. Gwen is the proud parent of two daughters – one is an NIC graduate and the other is an Honors and Renaissance student at Coeur d’Alene high school. Gwen owned and operated a small business for 25 years where she honed her people skills and communication abilities. She later worked as an Executive Assistant at Wisdomworks, a nonprofit organization that offered educational and inspirational workshops to help people find meaning and value in their everyday lives. Gwen volunteers her time in support of a variety of causes and is particularly interested in issues related mental health. She is a certified teacher for the National Alliance on Mental Heath and provides education and support for parents and families with children who suffer from mental illness. Gwen has received other recognition for her academic achievement including memberships in Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Chi (pronounced “sī kī” or “sigh kh-eye”), and the Golden Key Honor Societies. Dr. Richard Reardon, University of Idaho Professor of Psychology, said “Gwen has been fighting the good uphill fight, and has succeeded. More than that, she has excelled. I am delighted that Rotary is recognizing her hard work and accomplishments.” Gwen plans to continue her education and is pursuing graduate studies in Adult and Organizational Leadership at the University of Idaho. She would like to continue her career in the non-profit sector and hopes to secure a position with a local organization working in the area of human resources or training.
Gwen Kelley is a senior at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene and is completing a double major in Psychology and Organizational Sciences. She plans to graduate in May. Gwen also is a graduate of North Idaho College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Communications and a Certificate in Computer Information Technology. A native of southern California, Gwen moved to the Coeur d’Alene area with her parents in the late 1970s. Gwen is the proud parent of two daughters – one is an NIC graduate and the other is an Honors and Renaissance student at Coeur d’Alene high school. Gwen owned and operated a small business for 25 years where she honed her people skills and communication abilities. She later worked as an Executive Assistant at Wisdomworks, a nonprofit organization that offered educational and inspirational workshops to help people find meaning and value in their everyday lives. Gwen volunteers her time in support of a variety of causes and is particularly interested in issues related mental health. She is a certified teacher for the National Alliance on Mental Heath and provides education and support for parents and families with children who suffer from mental illness. Gwen has received other recognition for her academic achievement including memberships in Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Chi (pronounced “sī kī” or “sigh kh-eye”), and the Golden Key Honor Societies. Dr. Richard Reardon, University of Idaho Professor of Psychology, said “Gwen has been fighting the good uphill fight, and has succeeded. More than that, she has excelled. I am delighted that Rotary is recognizing her hard work and accomplishments.” Gwen plans to continue her education and is pursuing graduate studies in Adult and Organizational Leadership at the University of Idaho. She would like to continue her career in the non-profit sector and hopes to secure a position with a local organization working in the area of human resources or training.
Michelle Williams, Rotary Student of the Month (March 2011)
The University of Idaho is pleased to select Michelle Williams as its Coeur d’Alene Rotary Student of the Month for March, 2011. Michelle is a graduate student in the Educational Leadership program at University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene. She plans to graduate in May of this year with her Master's of Education degree. Michelle also is a 7th Grade Life Science Teacher at Canfield Middle School and has been a K-12 educator since 2000. She received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho in 1999. Michelle chose to pursue an advanced degree in Educational Leadership to become a more well-rounded person and instructor, and to improve her leadership skills. Michelle is a Texas native and was raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She and her husband, Keith, moved to northern Idaho in 1992 to be closer to her parents. She and Keith have two daughters who are both honors students at Coeur d'Alene public schools. Michelle has received several other honors for her outstanding teaching skills including being selected as the 2009 Middle School Educator of the Year for the Coeur d’Alene School District. She also has been named an Academy Fellow by the National Science Teachers Association. In addition to her awards, Michelle has garnered several grants to support her science teaching including three successful grants from the local Excel Foundation. Michelle has a great enthusiasm for teaching. She believes that her students' learning is enhanced when they are engaged, challenged to think critically, encouraged to take positive risks, and held to high expectations. She strives to create engaging learning opportunities every day. Her colleagues say that Michelle sets high personal goals and has the same expectations for her middle school students. Dr. Kathy Canfield-Davis described Michelle as a model student in the Educational Leadership program. Dr. Canfield-Davis said “Michelle’s work is always of the highest caliber. She is not afraid to undertake difficult assignments. Her positive and optimistic outlook for schools and the future of education is contagious.” After graduation, Michelle plans to spend some quality time with her family during the summer. She appreciates the support her parents, husband, and children have provided her during her educational journey. In the future, Michelle hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in education and would eventually like to become an educational administrator. For now, her passion for teaching and learning remains strong.
The University of Idaho is pleased to select Michelle Williams as its Coeur d’Alene Rotary Student of the Month for March, 2011. Michelle is a graduate student in the Educational Leadership program at University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene. She plans to graduate in May of this year with her Master's of Education degree. Michelle also is a 7th Grade Life Science Teacher at Canfield Middle School and has been a K-12 educator since 2000. She received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho in 1999. Michelle chose to pursue an advanced degree in Educational Leadership to become a more well-rounded person and instructor, and to improve her leadership skills. Michelle is a Texas native and was raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She and her husband, Keith, moved to northern Idaho in 1992 to be closer to her parents. She and Keith have two daughters who are both honors students at Coeur d'Alene public schools. Michelle has received several other honors for her outstanding teaching skills including being selected as the 2009 Middle School Educator of the Year for the Coeur d’Alene School District. She also has been named an Academy Fellow by the National Science Teachers Association. In addition to her awards, Michelle has garnered several grants to support her science teaching including three successful grants from the local Excel Foundation. Michelle has a great enthusiasm for teaching. She believes that her students' learning is enhanced when they are engaged, challenged to think critically, encouraged to take positive risks, and held to high expectations. She strives to create engaging learning opportunities every day. Her colleagues say that Michelle sets high personal goals and has the same expectations for her middle school students. Dr. Kathy Canfield-Davis described Michelle as a model student in the Educational Leadership program. Dr. Canfield-Davis said “Michelle’s work is always of the highest caliber. She is not afraid to undertake difficult assignments. Her positive and optimistic outlook for schools and the future of education is contagious.” After graduation, Michelle plans to spend some quality time with her family during the summer. She appreciates the support her parents, husband, and children have provided her during her educational journey. In the future, Michelle hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in education and would eventually like to become an educational administrator. For now, her passion for teaching and learning remains strong.
Annika Young, Rotary Student of the Month (February 2011)
Annika Young is majoring in Child, Family, and Consumer Relations, with an emphasis on Child Development and Family Relations. In addition to her studies, Annika is employed in a full-time job. She and her husband are the proud parents of a graduating senior at the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy. Annika came to the United States in 2000 from Estonia, where she began her college career taking courses in early childhood development. Since arriving in the U.S., Annika took courses from North Idaho College and is now working towards a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Idaho. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2012 and hopes to go on to graduate school. Annika gives much of herself to others. Her instructors say that Annika contributes to every class she attends and shows exceptional kindness and concern for fellow students. She also serves the local community as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Kootenai Health where she has worked in several departments from pediatrics to behavioral health. Annika is also a companion to Estonians in the Coeur d’Alene area, helping them maintain ties to cultural identities and language skills. Annika chose the field of child development because she finds young children inspiring. She is impressed by their sincerity and their openness to the world. She’s particularly interested in working with disadvantaged children and children with behavioral problems. In her spare time, Annika enjoys gardening and traveling. She and her family have visited many National Parks across the United States. Dr. Janice Fletcher, UI Professor of Child, Family and Consumer Studies, says that Annika “excels in school and is earning nearly all A’s in her coursework.” She describes Annika as “a model student for the Family and Consumer Sciences program at the University of Idaho.”
Annika Young is majoring in Child, Family, and Consumer Relations, with an emphasis on Child Development and Family Relations. In addition to her studies, Annika is employed in a full-time job. She and her husband are the proud parents of a graduating senior at the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy. Annika came to the United States in 2000 from Estonia, where she began her college career taking courses in early childhood development. Since arriving in the U.S., Annika took courses from North Idaho College and is now working towards a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Idaho. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2012 and hopes to go on to graduate school. Annika gives much of herself to others. Her instructors say that Annika contributes to every class she attends and shows exceptional kindness and concern for fellow students. She also serves the local community as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Kootenai Health where she has worked in several departments from pediatrics to behavioral health. Annika is also a companion to Estonians in the Coeur d’Alene area, helping them maintain ties to cultural identities and language skills. Annika chose the field of child development because she finds young children inspiring. She is impressed by their sincerity and their openness to the world. She’s particularly interested in working with disadvantaged children and children with behavioral problems. In her spare time, Annika enjoys gardening and traveling. She and her family have visited many National Parks across the United States. Dr. Janice Fletcher, UI Professor of Child, Family and Consumer Studies, says that Annika “excels in school and is earning nearly all A’s in her coursework.” She describes Annika as “a model student for the Family and Consumer Sciences program at the University of Idaho.”
Diane Eastman, Rotary Student of the Month (January 2011)
Diane Eastman graduated from the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene in December, 2010, with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During the Fall 2010 semester, Diane completed her student teaching at Woodland Middle School in Coeur d'Alene. Diane's passion for education began years ago when she volunteered at her daughter's elementary school. She also worked for nine years as a paraprofessional in Coeur d'Alene middle schools. Those experiences led Diane to pursue her goal of becoming a full-time teacher. She started night school at North Idaho College and then transferred to the University of Idaho. Dr. Cherie Major, UI Professor of Education, said that Diane possesses “all of the traits and skills to be an excellent teacher.” Diane has received other recognition for her academic achievement including being inducted into the Golden Key National Honor Society and being named to the North Idaho College’s Deans List. Diane is a native of Missoula, Montana. After moving back and forth between Coeur d'Alene and Missoula, she planted roots in Coeur d'Alene in the 1990s. She and her husband Terry also own and operation Sargent's Restaurant in Hayden. Diane has provided other community service mainly through supporting young women’s programs including serving as a Girl Scout Leader and as a youth group leader for her church. Diane is currently working as a substitute teacher. Her goal is to find a full-time teaching position at a middle school in the region. She'd also like to pursue graduate studies in education. As you can tell, Diane loves to be around children. She says that she "likes the way they think,” and she welcomes the opportunity to serve as a mentor for them.
Diane Eastman graduated from the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene in December, 2010, with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During the Fall 2010 semester, Diane completed her student teaching at Woodland Middle School in Coeur d'Alene. Diane's passion for education began years ago when she volunteered at her daughter's elementary school. She also worked for nine years as a paraprofessional in Coeur d'Alene middle schools. Those experiences led Diane to pursue her goal of becoming a full-time teacher. She started night school at North Idaho College and then transferred to the University of Idaho. Dr. Cherie Major, UI Professor of Education, said that Diane possesses “all of the traits and skills to be an excellent teacher.” Diane has received other recognition for her academic achievement including being inducted into the Golden Key National Honor Society and being named to the North Idaho College’s Deans List. Diane is a native of Missoula, Montana. After moving back and forth between Coeur d'Alene and Missoula, she planted roots in Coeur d'Alene in the 1990s. She and her husband Terry also own and operation Sargent's Restaurant in Hayden. Diane has provided other community service mainly through supporting young women’s programs including serving as a Girl Scout Leader and as a youth group leader for her church. Diane is currently working as a substitute teacher. Her goal is to find a full-time teaching position at a middle school in the region. She'd also like to pursue graduate studies in education. As you can tell, Diane loves to be around children. She says that she "likes the way they think,” and she welcomes the opportunity to serve as a mentor for them.