n Junior Award Recipients Evelyn Bergler Sellwood Middle School • 7th Grade A seventh-grader at Sellwood Middle School, Evie Bergler is a relatively new member of MAC, as her family joined in 2010. Still, Evie considers this place her home away from home. She has cultivated many friendships and has been involved in many activities, including swim lessons, soccer camps, dance, gymnastics and Junior Dances, to name a few. When it comes to sports, Evie has played soccer on an SESC team since second grade, and runs track for Sellwood Middle School, but has found her passion in gymnastics, competing on MAC’s XCEL team. She is a recognized leader in these sports, as well as at school, and was selected by her classmates and teachers to be a Peer Helper. In this role, she assists fellow students in day-to-day dilemmas and learning, and acts as a liaison between students and school staff. In terms of Community Service, Evie organized a baby-sitting summer camp for kids in her neighborhood that was a huge success. She volunteers at Meals on Wheels and My Father’s House with her grandparents. Evie received many recommendations for this award from peers, parents, neighbors and coaches. The accolades go on and on, but all reflect the words of one of her coaches: “Evie is motivated and a very hard worker. She is sensitive to other peoples’ emotions. … She understands people and likes to cheer on others. She does not need to be the center of attention, she enjoys celebrating other people’s successes with them.”
Nikolaus Resuello Bauer Kang French American International School • 7th Grade Niko Kang is a well-rounded young man who is committed to his academics, athletics and his community. Niko is currently attending the French American International School (FAIS) where he maintains a high grade-point average. He enjoys participating in numerous sports, and is currently focused on soccer. Niko also understands the importance of giving to those less fortunate and is actively involved in his community. Since beginning his academic journey, Niko has studied in both the English and Chinese language. He has traveled to China numerous times to enrich his language and cultural development. Through his rigorous training he has reached college-level Mandarin Chinese. He recently was accepted to attend the Taipei Normal University in Taiwan this summer. Aside from his Chinese language studies, he also excels in French, math and the Gilkey Debate Club. Outside of school, Niko likes to spend his time playing sports, volunteering in his community and being an active member of his church, where he is a member of Christian Youth Group. At MAC, Niko enjoys participating in swimming, tennis and hip-hop, and is also a member of the competitive West Side Timbers Fútbol Club. A few examples of Niko’s charitable contributions are his involvement with the Oregon Food Bank, his assistance at Free Dental Care Day on Christmas Eve, and helping Presents for Partners holiday toy drive to plan a Christmas party for over 250 kids. As his debate coach Genna Roberson–Hall put it, “Niko trusts his instincts and is not afraid to try new things.”
Layton Rosenfeld Catlin Gabel • 8th Grade “Have you ever met a young person who you know is going to impact the world for the better? That special child that even at 10 or 11 stands out in character unlike his or her peers? The kid whose positivity and willingness to be kind to others does not depend on what is reciprocated, but is based on deeply held values about how we should all be in the world?” This, in the words of Catlin Gabel Middle School Head Barbara Ostos, perfectly describes Layton. An exemplary student, Layton excels academically while serving as a strong role model and leader for her fellow classmates and peers. Collectively, they participate in book drives and tutoring disadvantaged children. She was elected class president, and has participated on the school’s cross-country, basketball, and soccer teams (all of which won league championships), and was selected to play on the Oregon Olympic Development Program State Soccer Team. Layton has a strong work ethic and unique ability to lead effortlessly, on and off the field. Outside of school, Layton volunteers for Special Olympics, Race for the Cure, and Oregon Food Bank. In lieu of bat mitzvah gifts, she made a donation to allergy research at OHSU. She conceived the “summer soccer and crafts for first and second-graders” run out of her own home and yard. Layton inspired these youngsters to try unfamiliar activities, developing new skills and friends along the way. Layton showed them through giggles and hard work the importance of good sportsmanship and being a team player in all that you do. Well-rounded, thoughtful and engaged, Layton embodies all that an Al Tauscher award winner represents.
Victoria Siegel West Sylvan Middle School • 8th Grade As a student at West Sylvan Middle School, Tori Siegel has been involved in many activities. She has participated in climbing, soccer, choir and school plays. What makes her unique is her pursuit to being the best, training hard and balancing her time with her sports, climbing and other life commitments. She has grown up at MAC and since age 9 been an active member of the MAC Climbing Team, where she has achieved great success. Since 2011, she has represented MAC six times at the U.S. National Championships. In 2014, she became the first MAC climber to place in the top 15 in all three disciplines of climbing (Sport Climbing, Bouldering and Speed Climbing) in a single season. In 2014, she placed in the top 10 in Bouldering and Speed Climbing, she won two regional championships, and helped her team win two regional championships in the process. She is the only female from MAC to reach the finals at a national rock climbing event. According to MAC Head Rock Climbing Coach Drew White, “Victoria exemplifies the spirit of the Al Tauscher award on every level. She continues to be among the elite youth climbers in the Unites States.” In terms of community service, Tori volunteered with her team to support the Portland Marathon last fall. She plays an active leadership role on the team helping lead practices, and mentoring younger climbers outside of practice. Tori refers to her climbing team as family and she pursues her sport at the highest level, while at the same time giving back to the program and “family.” She is a person of true integrity and is considered talented, inspiring, giving and thoughtful by those around her. WM
june 2015
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