AAUW to honor three local scholars

Three young women have been named as scholars to be honored by the local Ritzville Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).

The three young women, their parents and a teacher chosen by each to share in the honor will be guests for a dinner meeting April 15 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church social room.

Each recipient will receive a certificate awarded by the Washington State AAUW.

Each student is of the junior class and was selected by the faculty to receive recognition for outstanding achievement in the STEM disciplines of science, technology or mathematics. In recognizing these young women, each is encouraged to continue her education and careers in these fields.

Named by Lind Ritzville High School are Raeann Hoeft, Dinah Gadberry, and Rachel Kropushek.

Hoeft is honored for achievement in science. She is the daughter of Chad and Charlene Hoeft. Raeann plans to attend college to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. After some work in her field, she then will work towards a Master’s degree.

Gadberry, the daughter of Don and Renevev Gadberry, is recognized for achievement in mathematics. After graduation she plans to begin her education at a community college, and then transfer to a university. Gadberry would like to major in zoology or crop and soil sciences. A minor in equine management is another interest.

Kropushek is honored for technology. Kropushek is the daughter of Joe and Julie Kropushek. After high school she would like to do humanitarian work abroad as well as going on an LDS mission. She plans to attend BYU-Idaho, with her goal to become either a pediatrician or an obstetrics nurse.

AAUW member Maureen Harder serves as the emcee for this portion of the program.

Also during the program, Kathy McAnally will introduce foreign exchange students Federica Ancorra, Paul Trippe, Mark Wilbers and Hong Huang.

Two Lind-Ritzville High School students, Alisha Baker and Haley Neal, may be in attendance as they are planning to travel abroad.

The AAUW is pleased to offer this opportunity to honor scholars in STEM, and to honor the brave adventurers who leave their homeland to study here, as well as recognize the local students who chose to adventure abroad.