Sophia Thoen

Activities/Hobbies: I am involved in the Chamber Orchestra, an Austin Symphony Orchestra member, a St. Olaf Diner Committee member, the Student Council president, the Youth Leadership co-president, the National Honor Society treasurer, Link crew, Math League, Knowledge Bowl, a tutor, a Sunday School teacher, a Confirmation helper, in the church choir, Three Bells Choirs and enjoy reading.

Awards/recognitions: I have received the citizen of the year in 2010, was the Access Scholarship first place winner for the Chamber of Commerce in 2011, was the AAW Scholarship first place winner for a presentation in 2013.

Thoughts on your educational experience so far: I am so blessed and proud to have gotten to attend school in Austin. We have so many opportunities available to us, some being an excellent music program and collaboration in AP Bio with the Hormel Institute. I have learned a lot and everything I have been offered will aid me in my future. I have to thank all of the teachers and staff for teaching me so many things related to education and life.

Plans for the future: Right now, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. I plan to major in psychology and minor in family studies and French. Then I would like to go in to get my masters and PhD to become a certified family and massage therapist.

Thoughts about your experience with the Rotary club: I very greatly enjoyed my time at Rotary. I felt very honored to be around such successful leaders in the Austin community. I met a lot of kind Rotarians (all with wonderful singing voices, too) who gave me a lot of advice, including “Do what you love and help others.” I was very intrigued and interested by all the speakers I had the pleasure of hearing. In fact, one speaker inspired a topic for me to use in a school project. Also, the discussions and presentations at Rotary opened my eyes to things I was not aware of in the world and the community. It was so heartfelt and generous to see all that the Austin Rotary is doing to help rid the world of polio through PolioPlus. Austin Rotary showed me firsthand that even a small town like Austin can have a positive impact on the world. Lastly, I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity; I met many great people, including the Rotary’s foreign exchange student, Annie. The tasks that Rotary is involved in are full of purpose, but the Rotarians behind their endeavors make the Austin Rotary powerful.

Natalie Sayles

Activities/Hobbies: I have been involved in the Austin Packer Dance Team, was the 4-H president, the 4-H Mower County Advisory Board secretary, was in Just For Kix dance, National Honor Society, Orchestra, Chamber Orcestra and was the Student Council treasurer. I also enjoy reading, crafts, being outside and playing with my pets.

Awards/recognitions: I am a two-time letter winner, four-time academic athlete for the Austin Packer Dance Team, and a three-time letter winner for orchestra. In 4-H, I have received multiple record awards, many champion exhibits, am a four-time outstanding officer in county and won the State Fair purple ribbon. Academically, I am a letter winner, received the Access Scholarship, the Presidential Academic four times, and won second place for the human rights essay. I am a contest winner for the Hormel Christmas Card deign contest.

Thoughts on your educational experience so far: I have been fortunate to have a good education. I have had great teachers who push students to do their best. I am glad that the district offers advanced tracks for students like me, so we can learn to our fullest potential.

Plans for the future: I would like to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus to major in mechanical engineering.

Thoughts about your experience with the Rotary club: I have really enjoyed coming to Rotary each Monday. It is a different experience. I was able to meet a lot of new people and get to know others better. It was a lot of fun and I will miss coming. It was something I looked forward to.