“I want to know anything that I can about everything.”

This genuine desire to understand the world that surrounds us, expressed by Issaquah High School senior Michael Migotsky, was a common trait linking all the students honored by the Rotary Club of Issaquah at Tuesday’s Student of the Month presentation.

The Rotary group was recognizing those young men and women who have excelled in the fields of science and math, and distinguished themselves as leaders in their school, as caring and passionate people, and as supporters of their friends and peers.

Those gathered at the weekly luncheon heard about Liberty High School’s Austin Briggs, a student with an almost perfect academic record, but one who still finds time to star in his school’s swim team and co-head a mentoring program for students who need a bit of help.

Fellow Liberty student Danielle Lemmon was described by one of her teachers as a “spark plug student – someone who ignites her learning environment.”

Lemmon is converting her passion for science and learning into opportunities for other students, particularly women, to find careers in what is a typically male-dominated industry. She is the driving force behind “The Physettes,” a club which aims to get young women interested in science, and help them explore things like alternative energy.

“I have complete faith that he will accomplish great things in his lifetime,” said one Tiger Mountain Community High School teacher of senior student Ethan Isaacs.

There are those that would say he already has – Ethan regularly volunteers to help local elementary students with their reading, and mentors one young student with autism.

It is an experience which has had a profound effect on Isaacs, who said helping children was one of the great passions of his life.

Besides his volunteer work, Isaacs excels in maths and science, and, in addition to a career in video and game design, is contemplating completing a Masters in Computer Science.

“Many people don’t realize that science is nothing but tremendous creativity,” said Jeff Dabundo’s Issaquah High School Science teacher Elaine Armstrong.

She praised the creative and generous Dabundo, whose extra-curicular achievements include being named the most valuable student at the National Student Leadership Conference.

Dabundo hopes to attend medical school, to become a doctor or forge a career in related health and biological sciences.

Migotsky was praised by his teachers for his work tutoring younger students.

“He didn’t just give answers – he created learning for those kids,” one teacher said. “As far as how hard he works, and how he takes his ability and runs with it, he is truly a standout.”

For more information on Rotary’s support of local students, go to their web site at www.issaquahrotary.org/Youth