Fourteen seniors represented Stansbury High School in the 53rd annual Wasatch Front Sterling Scholar competition.
The program publicly recognizes high school seniors from 68 high schools along the Wasatch Front in 14 different categories for outstanding academics, leadership, citizenship and service to school and community. Every Sterling Scholar must complete a portfolio documenting their academic achievements, leadership and service.
In the competition, students are initially judged on the basis of their portfolios, followed by personal interviews by a panel of judges who are experts in the various categories. Those categories include: Business and Marketing, Computer Technology, Dance, English, Family and Consumer Science, Instrumental Music, Mathematics, Science, Skilled and Technical Sciences, Social Science, Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics, Visual Arts, Vocal Performance, and World Languages.
Finalists in each category are selected and move on in the competition. Finalists again compete with their portfolios and are interviewed by a panel of judges, which occurred at Corner Canyon High School in Draper in February. Overall winners were announced last month in a ceremony at Cottonwood High School.
Brynn Anderson: Family and Consumer Sciences
Brynn Anderson is the daughter of Robert and Rebekah Anderson. Brynn is one of the 15 Sterling Scholar Finalists for the state of Utah in the Family and Consumer Sciences category. Brynn has been involved in FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) and the National Honors Society for three years. She has served as President of FCCLA for two years in a row, including this year. She will receive her Honors Diploma at graduation, and she also qualifies for the Regents’ Scholarship. Brynn has been honored at the chapter level for the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen and has also been honored with the Martin Luther Jr. Youth Leadership Award. Brynn was Homecoming Queen Second Attendant and will complete her pathway in Interior Design. Brynn has more than 100 hours of community service and plans to attend Brigham Young University in the fall.
Stephanie Aswad: Science
Stephanie Aswad is the niece of Clayton and Laramie Dunn. She has a 3.95 GPA and a 32 on the ACT. She has achieved a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam, was accepted into the ACCESS Math and Science Summer Program for Women at the University of Utah, and has been in a college level Chemistry Lab for two semesters. She is the Treasurer of the Stansbury Interact Club, and is a member of the Stansbury Seminary Council. She plans on going to the University of Utah to major in Chemical Engineering.
Tanner Barton: Social Science
Tanner Barton is the son of Jeff and Karman Barton. He has a 3.95 GPA and scored a 34 on the ACT. Tanner has served in student government in each of his four years at Stansbury High School, most recently serving as student body president. Tanner is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and is a HOSA club officer as well. He has provided service as a volunteer at LDS Hospital for the past four years, and was named by his coordinators as the hospital’s nominee for the Utah Business Magazine “Healthcare Hero” for 2013. Tanner attended American Legion Utah Boy’s State and Freedom Academy this last summer, and was privileged to hear from many influential state leaders. He was also able to take part in a humanitarian trip to Guatemala prior to his junior year, and assisted in setting up a medical clinic while bringing many crucial supplies for families in the area. In 2012, Tanner received the President’s Volunteer Service award. Tanner plans on attending the University of Utah Honors College next year as a pre-med student before leaving to serve a mission for the LDS Church.
Jacob Blomquist: Computer Technology
Jacob Blomquist is the son of Todd Blomquist and Amanda Smith. He has a 3.98 GPA and 30 Composite ACT score. Jacob is an ambassador for HOBY, and the president of the Java Club. He has a variety of interests, including but not limited to rock climbing, cycling, music, electrical engineering and computer programming. He is a member of Stansbury High School’s National Honor Society, FBLA, and MESA clubs. Jacob plans to attend the University of Utah after serving an LDS mission, then go on to make the world a better place.
Madeline Cole: Dance
Madeline Cole is the daughter of Jon and Robin Cole. Madeline has been on the Stansbury High School drill team for four years and has held an officer position each year. Madeline has lettered four years on Drill team. This year she is the captain of the Drill team. Madeline has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She has been awarded most valuable dancer for the drill team. Madeline has been awarded various awards at different dance camps. She has trained in jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical and many other styles. Last summer she had the opportunity to train in New York City at the Broadway dance center and the Joffrey ballet. Madeline plans to attend BYU-Idaho in the fall and major in dance with an emphasis on choreography and performance.
Matt DeAngelo: Mathematics
Matthew Franklin DeAngelo is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, and Mr. and Mrs. DeAngelo. Matt was chosen as the Mathematics Sterling Scholar this year at Stansbury High School. Matt loves to look for the math in life. He sees the world through a mathematician’s eye. He is actively involved in tutoring his fellow students at Stansbury High in math. Many students come up to him during the day and request his help on various math problems. He has a knack for explaining complex algorithms so they can understand. Matt also loves to dance. He is involved in a community ballroom class. He recently completed his Eagle Scout Project where he gathered business clothing to donate to Valley Mental Health Relief Services so that homeless people could attend job interviews. Matt is on the Seminary Council this year and loves to be with the students and see them grow. Matt has been accepted to Utah State University, which is the leading school in the nation for aeronautics and space research. He is excited to be a part of such a prestigious program. Matt will serve a two-year mission for the LDS church and will leave this summer.
Talyia Fordham: Skilled and Technical Sciences Education
Talyia Fordham is the daughter of Christopher and Misti Fordham. Talyia has a GPA of 3.99 and is ranked second in her class. She is receiving her Honors Diploma and three pathways in Medical Assisting, Certified Nursing Assisting and Sports Medicine. Talyia has her Nursing Assistant License and is currently doing an internship at Women’s Wellsprings Care to receive her Medical Assisting license. Talyia lettered in debate her junior year as well as placed third in Public Forum at the state debate tournament. She is currently the debate captain for Public Forum and is preparing to compete at the state tournament once again. Talyia is the Student Body Service Officer for Stansbury High School and has helped organize service projects, including Operation Christmas Child, The Festival of Lights and four Red Cross Blood Drives. Talyia has been a member of the National Honor’s Society since her sophomore year and currently serves as the Secretary. She has also served as President of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) her junior and senior years. Talyia will be attending SUU this fall. She is enrolled in its Honors Program and plans to major in Athletic Training. After graduating from SUU her plan is to attend the University of Utah’s Medical School and become an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Tage Gould: Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics
Tage Gould is the son of Timothy and Marsha Gould. He is Stansbury High School’s Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics Sterling Scholar for the 2013-2014 academic year. He is currently the president of the Stansbury High School drama club. He has been in nine productions at his high school, including five main supporting roles. He has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years. Over the past three years, he has helped introduce children to theatrical arts through his drama club. He will be going to Westminster College as a member of its Honor Program. Being a Sterling Scholar has been a highlight of his high school career. He is immensely grateful for both the opportunity to participate in the Sterling Scholar program, as well as for all of the support he has received from friends and the school staff.
Natalie Logan: Visual Arts
Natalie Logan is the daughter of Michael and Michelle Logan. She is Stansbury High School’s Visual Arts Sterling Scholar for the 2013-2014 school year. Natalie has been an avid artist from the beginning of her life and has been drawing since she can remember. Over the years she has developed her talents, and especially enjoys drawing animals and people. Her goal in her creativity is to reach out and inspire others. She has interned at Grenade Graphics and has been a part of Stansbury High’s yearbook as an editor for the past three years. Not only has Natalie excelled as an artist, but she is also a student in the top 20 percent of her class with a GPA of 3.84. Natalie has shared her talents with many in the community by both teaching others what she knows and helping provide art for several events. She plans to attend Utah Valley University this fall in pursuit of a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree. Being a Sterling Scholar has been one of the pinnacles of her senior year, and she is grateful of all the support that has been shown by her family, fellow peers, and staff at Stansbury High.
Caitlin Martin: Business and Marketing
Caitlin Martin is the daughter of Deborah and James Martin. She has actively participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) since her sophomore year. She has received many awards in accounting through FBLA, including first in region. She has also been in the Presidency of FBLA for two years. She has been employed at Nu Cleaners on Vine Street in Tooele since November 2012. She helped organize a youth camp, and served as a junior leader while there. Caitlin has served for several years in leadership positions in her church. She plays the cello and has had the opportunity to be on the Color Guard team this year. She has aided the community through tutoring, and helped spruce up the landscape. She has done well in school, achieving a 3.8 GPA and a 28 on the ACT. She is set to graduate with an Honors diploma and a Business pathway. Caitlin plans to attend college at Weber State University this fall.
Jessica McCubbins: Vocal Performance
Jessica Christine McCubbins is the daughter of Lance and Denise McCubbins. She is the Vocal Performance Sterling Scholar at Stansbury High School. She has been enrolled in choir classes at Stansbury High for four years. This year she has been serving as the Show Choir President. She loves the choral program at Stansbury High and has been enriched by the good friends and fun experiences she’s had while participating. She was honored to be nominated by the choir to participate in this year’s Homecoming Pageant. She is a Senator for the Key Club and a member of the National Honor Society. She loves to run with the cross country team and is participating with them in the Wasatch Back Ragnar this June. Running is very important to Jessica. She says her day is always better when she is able to get a run in. She has been accepted to Brigham Young University, Utah State University, the University of Utah and Southern Utah University. In September, she will be serving an LDS mission for 18 months before attending college.
Ian Memmott: Instrumental Music
Ian Spencer Memmott is the son of Jason and Mindy Memmott. He was honored to be the Instrumental Sterling Scholar at Stansbury High School this year. Ian loves to play everything percussion from a drum set to the marimba to marching snare. He can be found most days drumming out a rhythm on a desk top or even his knee. He has served as percussion section leader and band president at Stansbury High. Ian is also the Seminary Council President for the 2013-2014 school year. He loves the students in seminary and sets a great example of service. Ian loves to provide service in the community too. He volunteers a few times a week at Stansbury Elementary, helping students who are behind in reading. Ian is a Certified Dental Assistant and has worked in a dental office and at the health department as a volunteer. Ian has been accepted to Brigham Young University-Idaho and to Southern Utah University. He is planning on leaving on an LDS mission in July.
Katheryn Rasmussen: World Languages
Katheryn Rasmussen is the daughter of Jane and Matthew Shannon. As the World Language Sterling Scholar, she has incorporated Spanish into her daily life by conversing with friends from other countries and exploring new cultures. She is currently studying her fourth year of Spanish, and as a junior she initiated Spanish Club and held presidency throughout the school year. Last September, she traveled to Guatemala to serve a week-long humanitarian trip with a group from her church. Additionally, she has been a member of the National Honors Society for the past three years, serving more than 30 hours of service annually. As a senior, she was elected as a Student Body Officer and served over activities. On the ACT she received a 29, and in the fall she will be attending the University of Utah to study elementary teaching of dual-immersion Spanish.
Megan Topham: English
Megan Topham is the daughter of Kendall and Michelle Topham. She is Stansbury High School’s English Sterling Scholar. She volunteers at Stansbury Elementary in a first grade classroom, helping students learn to be better readers and writers. She has been involved in cross country, cheerleading, track and field, drama, National Honors Society, and Student Government. She was selected to be on the Academic All-State team for cross country in 2013, and she is on track to receive The Gold Letter Stallion Award. She is currently the Student Body Spirit Officer. Being in Student Government and National Honors Society has given Megan many opportunities to serve her school and community. Megan has received The Mayor’s Youth Recognition Award twice for being active in leadership and serving the community. Even though she is active, Megan has maintained a GPA of 3.987. She is on track to graduate with an Honors Diploma this spring. Megan plans to serve an LDS mission and receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education after High School.