Two Local Students Honored for their Outstanding High School Performance by the AAUW

The Humboldt Chapter of the American Association of University Women recently awarded notebook computers to two local students selected by their teachers for their outstanding high school performance and interest in continuing education.  

East High student Magaly Gema Orea awarded for her outstanding high school performance by the Humboldt branch of the American Association of University Women.

Magaly Gema Orea graduated from East High School, Fortuna on May 26.  The faculty at East High recognized Magaly as a hard-working student who is committed to community service and continuing her education after graduation.  Teacher Jacey Spies noted that Magaly volunteered in the afternoon with the Life Skills classroom and is currently working hard to get her paraprofessional certification, with plans to go to school after graduation to become an elementary educator.

The other awardee, Shasta Kirby, recently earned her high school diploma from Eureka Adult School and intends to further her education at College of the Redwoods. She completed her diploma while working full time, caring for her family, and tending to her small farm of rescue animals. Her teacher Rebecca Twiss wrote that “Shasta is remarkable for her dedication, perseverance, and positivity. Her high level of engagement and ability to advocate for herself are strengths that will lead to success in all of her endeavors.”

AAUW-H representative Mary Lou Lowry (left) with Eureka Adult School student Shasta Kirby (center) and her teacher Rebecca Twiss (right)

AAUW-Humboldt has been offering an annual award to one or two outstanding female continuation high school students in the county for about 40 years now, starting out by awarding dictionaries but shifting to digital platforms as the times have changed, with this year’s awardees each receiving a notebook computer.

The branch supports the AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity through research, education, and advocacy. In addition to this outstanding high school student award, the branch provides scholarships to women re-entering Cal Poly-Humboldt as upper division or graduate students, supports local girls’ attendance at Tech Trek (a summer science and math camp for girls who will enter eighth grade in the fall), and other community action projects. It also hosts monthly meetings to promote community engagement. For more information, see https://humboldt-ca.aauw.net/.