At their meeting at Tibbetts Creek Manor on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Rotary Club of Issaquah applauded the scholastic and extra-cirricular efforts of six students, from Liberty High School, Tiger Mountain Community High School, and Issaquah High School.

Dan Shade, Rebecca Queitzsch, Ian Lerch and Kirsten Petersen were all recognized for their contributions to their schools’ music and drama programs.

The dynamic Taryn Ohashi was recognized for her scholastic excellence but particular mention was made of her outstanding community service contributions.

Elle Pearl was recognized for her all-round performance as a senior, as well as her amazing success in juggling school and work with her role as a parent.

She said she hopes to take advantage of the Bellevue Community College’s daycare facility and complete a college education.

Listening to the teachers pay tribute to their students at the Rotary awards is always an uplifting experience.

Inspiring, encouraging, dedicated, motivating, compassionate and insightful, were some of the words used by the various teachers to describe these students.

Particularly benevolent was the career motivation of Dan Shade, who hopes to one day go into dentistry.

“My own experience with braces was so miserable, perhaps I can make it a little easier for the next generation of teenagers,” he said.