Rotary/PTSA Students of the Month

Grand Island Dispatch, January 25, 2008

Shana Wierchowski

Shana Wierchowski became a resident of Grand Island 10 years ago and has been extremely committed to academics and the community ever since. As she has progressed through her academic career, she has become increasingly involved with her school’s extracurricular activities as well as with many forms of community service.

Shana began her academic journey at Huth Road Elementary School where she was awarded the Attorney General’s prestigious Triple “C” Award in fifth grade and was also twice presented with the Pride of the Island Award. In middle school and high school, she has consistently maintained high honor roll status in every marking period from sixth to 11th grade. Shana has received two Presidential Awards for academics, as well as her High School Academic Certificate, pin, and varsity letter. She has always embraced a challenging course schedule, and has been awarded the title of AP Scholar for her outstanding scores on the Advanced Placement classes she has taken. Recently, Shana was presented with the William’s College Book Award, which recognizes scholastic achievement and commitment.

As an active member of Grand Island’s music program for the last nine years, Shana not only plays French horn, but also participates in numerous extracurricular music activities. She has auditioned for several music festivals and performed twice with the All-County Band and once with the orchestra. In high school, she has been a member of the Pep Band, Community Band, Pit Orchestra, and has received her varsity music letter. She is the current treasurer of the Wind Ensemble. Shana also has been an active member of Student Council for the last three years and is presently serving as the secretary. Student Council has afforded her the opportunity to participate in the planning of dances, Spirit Week and the school’s yearly Christmas charity drive. During her junior year, Shana was inducted into the National Honor Society.

The Grand Island community is also extremely important to Shana. As a member of her high school Interact Club, she has been able to participate in volunteer and Rotary Club activities such as a charity gift-wrap, Rotary fundraiser, and has even slept in a box to raise money for a homeless shelter. Her service as a Girl Scout helped her to become invested in the cultural and historical aspects of Grand Island, and for the last five years, she has volunteered as a docent at the national historical site of River Lea. Last year, she also became a mentor at Kaegebein Elementary School, where she works with elementary students.

Outside of school, Shana’s life has been enriched by her participation as a host sister for two exchange students from France and Germany. After graduation, Shana plans to attend college to pursue a career in either law or a medical field.

Alexandra Peters

Alexandra Peters has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life and has attended Grand Island schools since kindergarten. During her high school career, Alex has excelled in academics, but she has also balanced a life full of extracurricular activities and community service.

Academically, Alex has achieved honor and high honor roll status since the sixth grade. She has earned her Academic Excellence Certificate, Pin, and Letter and hopes to achieve her Academic Bar her senior year. Alex has challenged herself with honors classes and Advanced Placement courses. She has been recognized by “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” and National Honor Roll. As well, she has received the Pride of the Island three times. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Athletics have made an influential impact on Alex’s life. She began participating in organized sports in kindergarten by playing soccer for the Grand Island Soccer Club. Over the years, she has become involved in Community Education basketball and Little League softball. Alex has been a member of three sports teams throughout her high school career. She has earned her varsity letter for volleyball and basketball. Alex has a great passion for softball; she has played on all-star teams for Little League and plays travel softball in the summer. She has played varsity softball since her sophomore year and has earned her varsity letter and pin. In 2007, Alex was named to the girls softball All-NFL Third Team. She also has been a Scholar-Athlete for softball twice and volleyball once.

Alex has contributed to the Grand Island community by being involved in the Lions Club and participating in their annual Kid’s Day picnic. She also is involved in a Girl Scout special interest group through her travel softball team. She mentors the younger softball players in her organization throughout the winter.

After graduation, Alex plans to attend either SUNY Brockport or Canisius College to major in physical education. Alex also hopes to play softball at the collegiate level.

Catie Hilliard

Catie Hilliard has been a resident of Grand Island her entire life and has been enrolled in Grand Island schools since kindergarten. During her high school career, she has excelled not only at academics, but also through community service and athletics.

Academically, Catie has consistently maintained a high grade-point average, while challenging herself with a variety of honors and Advanced Placement courses. She was won several awards recognizing her academic success, including the Academic Excellence certificate and pin, “Who’s Who Among American High School Students,” Pride of the Island, and has achieved Scholar-Athlete for her three sports. She was also accepted into the National Honor Society her junior year.

Throughout high school, Catie has been very involved in extracurricular activities. She has played soccer, basketball and lacrosse all four years. She received three varsity letters for soccer and All-Western New York First Team recognition, and was also voted the No. 1 forward among the WNY large schools. Her first two years of high school, Catie was a member of the junior varsity basketball team, and lettered her junior and senior seasons. Catie also has been a five-year member of the varsity lacrosse team and is looking to play in college. She has been named Scholar-Athlete five times.

She also has been an active member in the Interact Club since her freshmen year, and is currently treasurer for the club. Catie is also very active in the community, volunteering for the Rotary Club and the Lions Club, and also helps out the Grand Island Soccer Club.

After graduation, Catie plans to attend college and major in psychology, while playing either lacrosse or soccer.