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Soroptimist International is a volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls. Sorroptimist Violet Richardson Award Named for the president of the first Soroptimist club, the Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award honors girls who are making a difference through volunteer service. Each year, Soroptimist clubs honor girls who donate their time and energy to causes that make the community and world a better place. The program begins on the Soroptimist club level, with club recipients becoming eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. One winner is chosen to receive a finalist award, which includes a contribution of $2,500 to the charitable organization of the recipient's choice.
 
 
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A Step Above: Erika Hanuscin

Green Valley High School
Class of 2012


Keeping up with school and sports is always difficult, but Green Valley High School senior Erika Hanuscin has got the dedication it takes to excel at both. Committed to excellence both in the classroom and on the soccer field, she strives to do her best every day, and in return has reaped the benefits of continued success. Grounded and hardworking, Erika realizes the importance of positive relationships and surrounds herself with a reliable support system of family, friends and teammates to help her along the way. With dreams that have no limits and strong role models to keep her inspired, Erika Hanuscin rises to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Community Service/Awards
  • Varsity Soccer, 2008-12; Captain, 2010-12
  • C.H.A.N.C.E., 2010-12
  • Usher at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2002-10
  • Varsity Letter, 2008-12
  • All State, 2009-10; All Region, 2009-11; All League, 2009-11
  • Scholar Athlete, 2008-12
  • Nevada All State Academic Team, 2008-12
  • All American Scholar Athlete, 2011-12
  • All Region Scholar Athlete, 2011-12
  • Athlete of the Month, 2012
  • Nevada State Champions (Soccer; 2010-11
  • Most Valuable Defensive Player, 2010-11
  • AP Scholar Award, 2010-11

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “One of my accomplishments I am most proud of is winning a Nevada State Championship with my Green Valley High School soccer team. That is one of the highlights of my high school years. I am also proud of maintaining a perfect GPA through high school. I am a student athlete and I take both parts of that very seriously.”

Erika is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Dealing with the death of my grandpa, my cousin and my aunt has definitely made me the strong person I am today. Family death is definitely something that makes you appreciate the life that you are given because you never know what will happen. Life can be taken away from you as easy as it was given to you.”

Improving Student Life: “I think that more kids should be involved in some club, sport or activity at high school. It would be a great idea to make it mandatory for at least one year, and if they didn’t like it, then they would not have to participate again. This would help kids meet new people and make new friends.”

Erika is Successful Because: “I believe the fact that I have a drive and determination to be the best student, athlete, friend and person is what makes me successful. I will work hard to achieve something that I know I can. I like to strive for greatness and working hard is how I get there.”

Published: 

 
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A Step Above: Marissa Iwanylo

Green Valley High School
Class of 2012


Whether it’s taking charge on the softball field, helping others from the sidelines or striving toward a career in medicine, Green Valley High School senior Marissa Iwanylo has the vitality and resolve of a born leader. Spirited, gracious and always giving of herself, Marissa embraces life by staying active, keeping clear goals for tomorrow and putting no limits on her potential. Making the most out of every day helps us make the most out of our future, and it’s that capability for foresight and perseverance that helps keep Marissa Iwanylo – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.657

Sports/Activities
  • Softball, 2008-12; Leader, 2011-12
  • Travel Softball, 2008-12; Leader, 2011-12
  • Basketball, 2008-12
  • Travel Basketball, 2008-11
  • Golf, 2011-12
  • C.H.A.N.C.E., 2011-12
  • Spanish Honors Club, 2010-12
  • I.B. Honor Society, 2011-12

Awards/Community Service
    • Female Athlete of the Year (LVAC), 2012
    • Female Athlete of the Month (GVHS), 2011
    • Campion Scholarship from Seattle University, 2012
    • Founder’s Scholarship from Syracuse University, 2012
    • Scholar Athlete, 2010-11
    • Volunteer for Catholic Worker, 2011-12
    Marissa Looks Up To: “I don’t look up to any one person. I look up to all those people who live their lives to help others. They are selfless and want to make the world a better place. That is what I want to do with my life, help people so their lives are better.”

    Marissa is Stronger and Wiser Because: “An experience that made me stronger was when I broke my ankle my junior year during softball. I had to learn how to be a leader and teacher off the field because I couldn’t play. It made me a stronger leader and taught me how to express my feelings for the game in a way I have never experienced before.”

    Improving Student Life: “I would change school spirit so that all sports would be supported, even the girls. Family members always tell me about when they were in school and how everyone would support each other. No one really ever does that for the sports I play, and the excuse I always hear is it’s because we’re girls and it’s boring. I think if school spirit were better, our school would be more united.”

    Part of the Solution: “An issue facing young adults today is social networking sites. It seems to be all they ever do, which starts drama and fighting, leading to cyber bullying and worse. I rarely do anything on them because I find them to be a waste of time. I can tell people not to talk badly about others online, but it’s hard when so many people use the sites for these purposes.”

    Published: June/July 2012 Issue 89074 Magazine 
       View Online at: http://www.zipcodemagazines.com/a-step-above-89074-marissa-iwanylo/

 
June 20, 2012
Dear Ashley,
Thanks to you, Catholic Charities Senior Corps' second annual Senior Prom, One Night in Paris, was a great success. With your help we were able to give seniors in the Las Vegas Valley an unforgettable night.
Over 150 individuals were greeted by many of you with corsages and boutonnieres in a foyer filled with music by pianist and harpist Kathy Kavanaugh. A larger room boasted a stage where the Starlight Quartet and Ms. Senior Nevadas provided live entertainment. Many of you helped our seniors get food, took them for a spin on the dance floor, and dazzled them at the end of the night with an epic electric slide to a swing song!
There are many seniors in Southern Nevada that are isolated or receive little interaction with the community. That is why events like the Senior Prom are so important. Not only did the Senior Prom give all of us time to spend with each other, but it was a night to remind everyone that regardless of our age or circumstance, we can still have a great deal of fun.
Without you, we would not have been able to put on this event. I am so humbled by how many of you stepped up, and willingly made yourself available, and sacrificed your day to go the extra mile for seniors in the valley. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to show our seniors that they are important to us.
We look forward to working together next year to repeat this wonderful event. Again, thank you for your time and effort.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kindig
Director of Senior Programs

Sent: 06/20/12 to Ashley Martinez (C.H.A.N.C.E. founder) via Mail
 
Dear GVHS C.H.A.N.C.E. CLUB,
On behalf of everyone at Three Square and all of our program partners, we thank you for your kind support through a food drive! Our work to end hunger can be overwhelming at times, however when community leaders like you take the time to care and contribute it gives us great confidence that we can accomplish our goal of ending hunger. We appreciate your donation and thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Michelle

Sent: 01/20/2012 to Green Valley High School C.H.A.NC.E. Club via mail
 
"Community Rallies Against Illegal Sex Trade" by Katie Crowther

Las Vegas (NV )
- Beyond the bright lights and tall buildings
of the strip, there's a growing problem in Las Vegas. According to the
non-profit organization, Stop Child Trafficking Now, thousands of children and
teenagers are becoming victims of the illegal sex trade. Las Vegas, which is
considered the adult entertainment mecca, scores as one of the top 15 cities in
the world for child sex trafficking.

Dozens of Las Vegans came together
Saturday, to fight that statistic. They took to the streets for a three-mile
walk, organized by Stop Child Trafficking Now.

"There are thousands and
thousands of these kids transported through Las Vegas," says one of the event
organizers, Jimmy McNamara. "Some stay, but a majority of them go throughout the
entire country."

"It just doesn't make sense to me at all, why someone
would pay money to sleep with a child," says Kimberly Glucker. "It's just
inconceivable."

Glucker participated in the walk with her three young
children. She doesn't want her kids growing up in a world where child sex
slavery is a reality. "We need to do something, and stop this every way
possible."

A group of teenagers from Green Valley High School agree. They
walked in solidarity, because for them, the issue hits close to home. Many of
them are the same age, as those sold into the sex industry.

"I can't
believe it's here in our city," says Britney Smith, 17.  "It could be my sister,
or best friend. We have to fight for this cause. If we can stop it now, we don't
have to worry about anyone else being in it."

The walk raised hundreds of
dollars to fight sex trafficking. This is the event's third year in a row, and
each year it gains more support. The same walk was held in more than 35 other
cities across the country. They were all organized by Stop Child Trafficking
Now.

Published: 09/24/11 by Channel 13 Action News via internet
http://www.ktnv.com/news/local/130508723.html
Note: Britney Smith is one of our senior members and was volunteering with C.H.A.N.C.E. at this event.
 
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Published: In the 2011-2012 Green Valley High School Student Folder
 
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Ashley Martinez & members of C.H.A.N.C.E. ~
Thank you for choosing to support the Hands and Feet Project in your fundraising! We truly appreciate you stepping out and speaking on bealf of HAF and the 97 children we currently care for! I hope you are able to continue your good works & trust we could not do this without you!
Thank you!
HAF

Sent: 2011 via mail
 
C.H.A.N.C.E. is amazing and it gives a lot of people hope. It feels like a safe place to be and to have a lot of fun.



Sent: 09/11/11 at 1:17pm via gvchance.weebly.com