2013 Smart Choices Interview
Audio courtesy of KJR |
WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires Smart Choices Scholarship
The Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires in conjunction with the WIAA proudly present the Smart Choices Scholarship Program. This annual program recognizes one male and one female graduating senior from among the WIAA member high schools for excellence in athletics/activities, academics, leadership and community service throughout his and her high school career. Smart Choices winners receive a $5,000 scholarship toward the institution of his and her choosing.
2013 Smart Choices Scholarship Winners
Tanner Perry
SNOHOMISH HS |
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Kendall Todd
ODESSA HS |
 Tanner was a three-sport athlete at Snohomish High School, earning nine varsity letters for the Panthers in football, wrestling, and golf. As a senior wrestler, he garnered first team all-conference honors and finished eighth in the 152-pound weight class at Mat Classic XXV. He was named first team all-conference in golf as a junior and second team all-conference in football as a senior linebacker. Described as hard working, humble, and reliable by his teammates, he was voted senior captain by both his football and wrestling teams.
Tanner’s work in the classroom is equally commendable. He was named to the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association 4A State Academic Team as a junior and senior. In football, Tanner earned the SHS Football Team Senior Academic Award and the Snohomish County Football Officials Association Scholar-Athlete Award. He also received the Wesco Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a 3.8 GPA or above for six semesters and was selected as a Comcast Leaders and Achievers Award winner. In addition to being a three-sport standout and maintaining a high GPA, Tanner completed 10 college courses and amassed 50 college credits.
In addition to Tanner’s athletic and academic accomplishments, he has also served as a leader among his peers, having held the position of ASB Class Senator all four years of high school. Outside of SHS, Tanner’s volunteer efforts were recognized by the Masonic Lodge, who named him the “Most Outstanding Junior Student” for his dedication to serving the Snohomish community.
Tanner’s proudest moment was writing legislation for a government class, which benefited students with special needs. Tanner and fellow Panther, Ike Ditzenberger, became friends during their four years of high school together. Ike became an internet sensation when he scored a touchdown during a varsity football game against Lake Stevens. The friendship prompted Tanner and two classmates to become advocates for students throughout the state with special needs. Through this endeavor, Tanner worked with the WIAA to offer opportunities for those students with special needs.
Tanner will continue his education at Pacific Lutheran University, where he hopes to participate for the Lutes on both the football and golf teams. He plans to pursue a career in special education. |
 Kendall participated in four years of volleyball, basketball, drama and music along with two years in track and field at Odessa High School. Overall, she earned nine varsity letters. On the volleyball team, Kendall was voted “Most Inspirational,” “Best Hitter,” and team captain.
She was recognized as a WIAA/Seattle Times Athlete of the Week for a District qualifying performance that included 52 kills and 11 blocks to help the Titans advance to the State Volleyball tournament. She was also selected as a member of the Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Team. In basketball, she received the team’s “Most Inspirational” Award and was also selected as the team captain. For both volleyball and basketball, Kendall was named to the Bi-County 1B All-Opponent First Team.
In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Kendall was on the Bi-County Honor Choir and served in FBLA. She received first place at Regionals for Creed, Community Service Project, and Business Presentation, and went on to be an FBLA National Finalist for Business Presentation. She was a Knowledge Bowl National participant and was a member of the Future Farmers of American (FFA), where she earned the Discovery Degree, “Agri-Science Teacher of the Year Award,” and the Greenhand Degree. Kendall was the Scholastic Scholarship recipient as a junior and was crowned Miss Odessa, a position she has represented throughout her senior year.
Kendall is most proud of her FBLA community service project. Her efforts helped a local chapter raise over $3,000 for Tate Wagner, a young boy suffering from Cerebral Palsy. With the money raised, he was able to receive a stem-cell transplant in Germany.
Kendall has been accepted into the honors program at Whitworth University, where she plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. | |