(CGUHS) December Rotary Student of the Month: Ian Wilkie
Parents: My family consists of my mom, Michelle Wilkie, who is an RN for a facility in Eloy, Arizona; my dad, Richard Wilkie, who is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve and the Economic Development Director for the City of Casa Grande; my sister, Abby, who is also a nurse; and my brother, Daniel, who is currently a student at Mission Heights. My family has supported me in everything I've wanted to do and has helped me grow tremendously through their love and guidance. I wouldn't be the person I am today without my family, and I am very grateful for them.
Post Graduation Plans: My plans, after graduation, are to go on a mission for my church for two years as I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After getting back from my mission, I plan to go to college for a degree in the fields of Criminal Justice or Military Intelligence. I have my OSHA 10 certification, and I would like to earn and maintain other trade-based certifications as well while I work in my own field of choice.
9th Grade Involvement: In 9th Grade, I was on the Boys Basketball team, a member and Greenhand Officer for FFA AgriScience. I took honors and accelerated courses and received awards in Agricultural Sales and Chapter Leadership. I also volunteered at Feed My Starving Children with the FFA, my family, and my church.
10th Grade Involvement: In 10th Grade, I was on the Boys Basketball team and was a FFA AgriScience member. As a FFA AgriScience member, I competed in the Food Science & Technology CDE on the state level, where my team placed first and I placed 10th overall individual. As a sophomore, I took AP World History and Algebra II, and worked as a Chick-Fil-A team member. I was also a participant in the Pinal County fair where my friend and I sold a firepit that we welded ourselves for $400. In addition, I volunteered at Habitat for Humanity where I went and did dry wall in houses for those who are less fortunate and helped to build their home. I also volunteered at Feed my Starving Children and helped a neighbor build a shed in their backyard.
11th Grade Involvement: In 11th Grade, I was the FFA AgriScience Chapter Reporter. My job was to produce the annual news article for our banquet and help carry out the work of our officer team in running the FFA. I was very involved in my work at Chick-Fil-A and took AP U.S. History, AP Physics, College Algebra, Trigonometry, English 101, and English 102. I volunteered on a Kortsen cleanup crew through my church, cleaned up trails at CG mountain for the 9/11 Day of Service, did Feed My Starving Children, and volunteered to be in the Passion Play which had participation from 18 different churches in Casa Grande.
12th Grade Involvement: This year, as a Senior, I am the FFA AgriScience President, have two jobs (Chick-Fil-A and Capital R Construction), working on my application for my State FFA degree, and taking AP Government. I am still volunteering at Feed My Starving Children as it is a very good experience and helps a lot of children around the world. I am looking for opportunities to serve and volunteer wherever I can find them. I have started applying for various scholarships, of all different backgrounds, and am looking forward to a productive, fun, and positive final year to end my high school career.
Teacher Comments (Mr. Takar): Ian is an outstanding student and amazing person. He takes care and pride in everything he does and is always focused and keen to participate in many facets of school life. In my class, Ian has always shown a keen interest and a diligent and proactive demeanor. His diligence is evidenced in his dedication to trying to improve as a student. He has become an all-rounder in my class, as he can write exceptionally well and also debate and converse with peers and in class exceptionally well too. Ian is adept at articulating his thoughts and always tries his best to further the conversation. Whilst I have not seen for myself, from what he has told me (as well as what I am have heard from others), I am aware that Ian is a fantastic FFA AgriScience President. In this role, he takes his role seriously and is always willing to improve the efficacy of the FFA AgriScience program. I feel lucky to have Ian in my class, as he is a wonderful young man who will go onto achieve great things.
Teacher Comments (Mr. Craig): Ian is a great student. He is an even better human being. He is considerate of others and one of the most polite young men I have taught. He works hard and, though he is involved in many things, he gives appropriate attention to his academics and his out-of-class activities. I believe Ian is going to accomplish some great things in life!