Olsen, Meinke win students of the year

Nayland Olsen of Glenns Ferry High School, Jennifer Meink of Mountain Home High School and Ryan Payne and Erica Stanton of Mountain Home Junior High School have been named the Students of the Year by Mountain Home Elks Lodge #2276.

The students were honored Monday night at the Annual Youth Awards Banquet. Each student will receive a scholarship from the Elks Lodge, said Bill Trueba, chairman of the Student of the Month/Year Program.

Twenty-four students were selected as Student of the Month throughout the school year, then in April they had the opportunity to go before a board of their peers to compete for Student of the Year honors.

This is the twenty-first year for the program.

Trueba said that more than 532 students have represented their school in competition over the years.

He also said that the students, ranging from seventh grade to twelfth grade, from Glenns Ferry, Mountain Home and the Bruneau/Grand View area, "are a representative cross section of the student population of those communities and that their outstanding academic achievement, athletic and extracurricular activities, as well as, citizenship, and leadership achievements indicate the excellence of educators in those communities."

Trueba also said that it is "a gratifying experience working with these students" and said that he knows that "a great deal of pride exists both in their parents and their teachers for these achievements."

Nayland Olsen, a member of the senior class at Glenns Ferry Junior/Senior High School, is the son of Donna and Shawn Olsen of Glenns Ferry.

Nayland is the class president, a member of the National Honor Society, Speech Club, INEEL Scholastic Team, yearbook staff chief photographer and editor and member of the Drama Club.

Nayland also participates in varsity track. His future plans include attending college and majoring in biology, pre-med and eventually medical school. Nayland's other interests are swimming, running and speaking.

Jennifer Meink, a senior at Mountain Home High School, is the daughter of Julie and Larry Meink of Mountain Home. Jennifer is a member of the National Honor Society, Idaho National Teacher Program (state finalist), secretary/treasurer of Business Professionals of America, Natural Helpers, and Artopia, as well as many other activities, including volunteer programs, Idaho Top Scholar Program and Who's Who Among American High School Students, to only name a few.

Jennifer's future plans include attending Boise State University to study Applied Science in Accounting Technology.

Jennifer's hobbies include writing short stories and poems, painting and drawing, basketball, reading, singing, coin collecting and collecting sports cards.

Ryan Payne, a member of the ninth-grade class at Mountain Home Junior High School, is the son of Mark and Torie Payne of Mountain Home AFB.

Ryan is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Natural Helpers executive board and is a member of the basketball team.

Ryan's future plans include attending college to study dentistry.

Ryan's other interests include snowboarding, motorcycle riding, sports and being with family.

Erica Stanton, a member of the ninth-grade class at Mountain Home Junior High School, is the daughter of Tim and Brenda Stanton of Mountain Home.

Erica is a member and president of the National Junior Honor Society. She is also a member of Natural Helpers and has served on the Student Council. She has participated in the junior high's Leaf-raking Project for the elderly.

Erica's other interests include reading, shopping, hunting, swimming and caring for her pet bird. Erica also is involved in volleyball, basketball and track. Erica's future plans include attending college to play basketball and study for a law degree.