Rotary Student of the month

The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise has named Samantha Betz, an extremely gifted, industrious and caring Grade 12 student-athlete at Princess Margaret Secondary School, its Student of the Month for February. Betz is being honoured for outstanding achievement in academics and athletics, combined with extraordinary leadership in school and community service.

Born and raised in Penticton, Betz is the youngest of three children in a close-knit, outdoor-oriented family. She credits her parents with instilling core values of integrity, perseverance and compassion—principles that have shaped her approach to learning, sports and service.

A brilliant student, Betz has recorded straight A’s throughout her four years at Maggie, maintaining a 97 per cent average in Grades 11 and 12 while carrying a full slate of university preparatory courses. She is particularly drawn to the sciences. Biology intrigues her for its in-depth study of living systems, while physics appeals to her curiosity concerning the laws that govern the universe.

Athletics have also played a central role in Betz’s life. After trying different sports as a child, she discovered a passion for basketball in Grade 4 and has been dedicated to the game ever since. She developed her skills through Lake City Basketball camps and at Skaha Lake Middle School, later becoming a key member of the Maggie Mustangs program.

“Basketball has given me so many fond memories and lifelong friendships,” Betz said. “On the court, I can focus entirely on supporting my team. Afterward, all that matters is that we gave our best effort and had fun together.”

A versatile athlete, Betz has also played a leading role on Maggie’s girls volleyball team and has competed in ultimate frisbee as well. For her, athletics provide balance to academic demands, volunteer commitments and her weekend job at South Main Market.

Physical education teacher Brett Fleming describes Betz as a model student-athlete. “Sam puts her heart and soul into everything she does,” he said. “She leads by example, mentors younger players and balances athletics with strong academic performance and extensive volunteer work.”

Beyond the classroom and gymnasium, Betz’s superb leadership and tireless commitment to service distinguish her as a truly exceptional student. A workhorse in Maggie’s vibrant leadership program since Grade 9, she has helped organize numerous student-bonding events and fundraisers including Spirit Days, Winter Formal, Halloween haunted house and Terry Fox Run.

Last fall, she co-led Maggie’s 10,000 Tonight Food Drive with classmates Kamryn Goessman and Sophie Magnus. The annual city-wide initiative, conducted jointly with Penticton Secondary School students, supports the Salvation Army food bank. While recovering from a serious ankle injury, Betz tirelessly coordinated business partnerships and food collection logistics. The campaign collected more than 20,000 non-perishable items for local families in need.

Betz also serves as head scorekeeper for school basketball and volleyball games and tournaments, training other students and officiating when needed. Outside school, she volunteers with HaHaHa Kidzfest and has coached youth through Lake City Basketball.

This year, Betz assumed a leadership role in School District 67’s Global Ambassador program, which supports international students adjusting to life in Penticton. Ambassadors connect with students before arrival, help them navigate their first weeks at school, and organize activities to foster inclusion, including a beach volleyball-pizza party, a skating outing and other social events.

“Helping international students feel welcome has been a highlight of my year,” Betz said.

Vice-Principal Russ Reid praised Betz’s determination and character. He noted her ability to lead the 10,000 Tonight campaign while recovering from an ankle injury and commended her role in fostering inclusion through the Global Ambassador program. Maintaining a 97 per cent average while contributing so broadly, he added, reflects exceptional discipline and strength of character.

Biology teacher Tim Haberstock echoed those sentiments. “Sam is an admired role model whose enthusiasm in class is infectious,” he said. “A brilliant student and natural teacher, she eagerly helps classmates grasp new concepts. She will be very difficult to replace.”

Betz’s contributions have earned extensive recognition. Over the past three years, she has received numerous awards in academics, athletics and citizenship, including Top All-Round Grade 10 Student and the coveted Jay Guindon Spirit Award in Grade 11, which honours “a senior student who exemplifies school spirit, leadership and pride”—qualities that surely define her.

Refreshingly modest, Betz is quick to stress that her efforts are motivated not for recognition but rather a desire to improve herself, her school and her community.

For relaxation, Betz enjoys baking with her mom, dirt biking with her family, spending time outdoors with friends and playing with her energetic dog, Archie.

Upon graduation, Betz plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at UVic followed by a master’s degree in physiology at UBC, leading to a career in sports physiology. Regardless, this amazing young person with the ‘human touch’ seems poised to forge a highly productive and richly rewarding career while inspiring those around her.

Dylan Wheeler is Rotary Club's Student of the Month for November 2025

The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise recognizes Dylan Wheeler -- a charismatic, ambitious, industrious and altruistic grade 12 student at Princess Margaret Secondary School -- as Rotary Student of the Month for November.

Club members praised Wheeler for her strong leadership, service-driven outlook 

and unwavering commitment to building an inclusive school culture aligned with Maggie’s mission of “Empowering all Learners to Thrive,” all while excelling in both academics and athletics.

Born and raised in Penticton, Wheeler is the second of four children in a tight-knit, outdoors-oriented family. She credits her parents, especially her father -- “my biggest supporter and the best role model I could ever ask for” -- for instilling confidence, resilience, and a love of the outdoors. The two share a passion for deer hunting and other wilderness pursuits.

Wheeler has been a key figure in Maggie’s leadership program since Grade 10. In just the first two months of the current school year, she co-led the school’s annual Terry Fox Run and revived the popular Haunted House fundraiser, which had been on hiatus for a year. Planning and executing these two major events required more than 225 hours of work.

To promote the Terry Fox Run, Wheeler visited each classroom to remind students of cancer’s wide-reaching impact and the importance of fundraising for innovative, life-changing research. Her efforts helped mobilize roughly 650 students and staff, contributing meaningfully to Terry Fox’s enduring vision of a world without cancer.

In October, Wheeler led a team of 30 volunteers to transform the school into a full-scale animated haunted attraction inspired by classic horror films. After five weeks of planning -- coordinating actors, props, set designs, and logistics -- the Haunted House drew enthusiastic crowds and raised $1,700 for local charities.

“Seeing the event come together -- the laughter, the smiles and the enjoyment our school community shared -- was amazing,” said Princess Margaret principal Bo Boxall. “It only occurred because of the vision and planning that Dylan put into it.”

Wheeler’s academic record is equally outstanding. She has maintained a 91.7 percent average through grades 10 and 11, including a 95.5 percent average in science courses. She cites life sciences and super-fit (weight training) as her favourite subjects, reflecting both her fascination into the intricate workings of living organisms and her dedication to physical wellness.

“Dylan is an exceptional academic student with a jam-packed extracurricular schedule,” said biology teacher Tim Haberstock. “She balances tasks with remarkable discipline and consistently strives for excellence. Her leadership in organizing the Haunted House and Terry Fox Run was superb. Her well-honed time-management and leadership skills will be greatly missed.”

Driven by a dedication to children rooted in babysitting since age 10, Wheeler has volunteered for the past two years in the pediatric and gynecological wards at Penticton Regional Hospital These experiences have reinforced her longstanding ambition of supporting families as a pediatrician.

Athletics also play a central role in Wheeler’s life. She began playing basketball in Grade 3 with her father’s encouragement and quickly developed a lasting passion for the sport. She has attended about 15 development camps and competed on multiple school teams, including Maggie’s junior girls’ squad in Grades 9 and 10 and the Senior Girls team in Grade 11. She also played for the Lake City U15/U16 club team last year.

Wheeler credits basketball with teaching her teamwork, perseverance, and the value of self-sacrifice. Now a core member of Maggie’s senior girls’ team, she values the bonding built over years of shared effort. “While mentally draining at times, I cherish the genuine connections and positive energy from pursuing our goals together,” she said.

PE teacher Brett Fleming described Wheeler as “an exceptional young woman who leads by example, inspires those around her, and embodies excellence, honesty and service. She deftly balances demanding academics with extensive extramural duties and will be an anchor on this year’s senior girls’ team. Her intelligence, integrity and initiative make her a natural leader.”

Wheeler also supports international students through the School District 67 Global Ambassador Program, reaching out before their arrival and helping them navigate their first weeks at Maggie. She assists with planning monthly social events for international and local students, including a beach volleyball and pizza party, a corn maze visit, and an ice-skating outing.

Wheeler is also a member of the Penticton Youth Council, a civic-minded group of Maggie and Pen-Hi students currently fundraising for SOWINS. The council advocates for youth perspectives on mental health, climate change and other issues affecting young people.

Last spring, despite having no prior running experience, Wheeler committed to training for a half-marathon. She spent the summer rising at 5 a.m. for training runs, building both discipline and endurance. She recently completed her first race in Burnaby, pushing through cold, rain, and fatigue by trusting her training. “Running has fortified my determination and shown me that with passion, discipline, and grit, I can achieve goals that once felt impossible,” she said.

A lesser-known aspect of Wheeler’s background is her strong aptitude for animal care developed during summers on her grandparents’ cattle farm. She has raised a wide range of animals, including goats, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats, and even a turkey -- experiences that build confidence and compassion.

Upon graduation, Wheeler plans to pursue a nursing degree at Camosun College and UVic, gain clinical experience, and eventually attend medical school to become a pediatrician. Her rare blend of intelligence, discipline, grit and empathy suggests she is exceptionally well-prepared for the challenging journey ahead.

Shaurya Yadav is the Rotary’s Student of the Month for January 2025.

The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise is delighted to ring in the New Year by honouring Shaurya Yadav -- an academically gifted, industrious, charismatic and altruistic grade 12 student at Princess Margaret Secondary School -- as Rotary Student of the Month for January.

In heartily endorsing Yadav’s selection, Club members praised his stellar scholastic record and inspiring leadership, both in the classroom where his contagious motivation for learning shines, and outside the classroom, where he has helped organize numerous fundraising drives and student-bonding activities while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

Yadav, who was born in India, immigrated to Penticton at age seven as the older of two children in a close-knit intergenerational family steeped in resiliency, grit and perseverance. Continuing this laudable legacy, he views “hardships or difficulties as obstacles to be overcome or worthy challenges to accept in one’s personal growth. The journey is where the true learning and improvement happen, while the destination only serves to motivate one to keep pushing on.”

A brilliant student. Yadav is endowed with a razor-sharp intellect primed by an insatiable curiosity. He achieved an average mark of 97.2% in his Grade 9-11 years and currently boasts a 98.5% average. These eye-popping grades have garnered him numerous academic awards,

including Top Academic Student in Grades 9 and 11 as well as specific subject honours in biology, English, math, chemistry, and physics in multiple years.

English teacher Erica Fitton remarked, “Shaurya is a truly outstanding young man who displays an unwavering dedication to academic excellence, service to the school community and personal growth. A sheer delight to have in class, he feeds upon his radiant intellectual curiosity to examine complex topics, explore novel ideas and challenge his thinking, all while caringly promoting an inclusive and respectful learning environment where his classmates’ voices are valued and heard.”

Yadav believes that “in today’s world, knowledge is truly powerful and strives to use the lessons learned in school to become the best version of himself.” He lists anatomy and physiology and physics as his two favourite subjects—the former for providing insight into the innermost workings of the human body, and the latter for offering a lens into the complexities of our universe.

Anatomy and physiology teacher Tim Haberstock noted, “Shaurya is an exemplary student driven by a passion for knowledge. He loves questioning the whys and hows of the subject matter and gets genuinely excited when he makes new academic connections. Admired by his classmates for his collaborative spirit, he supports their learning rather than competing for the top grades. Outside of class, he does not seek the limelight of being the person in charge but eagerly contributes positive energy to bring out the best in everyone.”

Inquisitive by nature, Yadav is an avid reader. He is currently exploring self-improvement books on psychology to understand human behaviour. He also enjoys learning languages, especially Latin, as it provides “a lens to rediscover the past and appreciate those who lived millennia ago.”

Social studies teacher Jeff Fitton observed, “Clearly, Shaurya Yadav is exceptionally gifted. Calm, nonjudgemental and innately curious, he asks probing and thoughtful questions in class that inspire other students to engage deeply with course material and clarify their concepts. Resilient, humble and industrious, he understands that you get out of life what you put in. His passion for learning and community service surely portends a bright and rewarding future.”

In retrospect, Yadav is rightfully proud of the transformative moment in Grade 11 when he mustered the courage to break out of his comfort zone and seek new experiences in the Leadership Club. Leveraging his warm personality and signature smile, he quickly became a key player on Maggie’s vibrant leadership team.

Last spring Yadav helped organize Earth Week, raising awareness of global climate change. Activities to mark this high-profile event included turning off classroom lights to reduce the carbon footprint, hosting a smoothie drinking contest to highlight eco-friendly food and displaying students’ house plants to celebrate biodiversity. Recently, he led the food donation

drive for Maggie’s Christmas turkey buffet. Highly successful, the annual festive lunch raised sufficient proceeds to provide 29 food hampers for less fortunate classmates and their families.

Yadav has also eagerly joined in the annual 10,000 Tonight food drive for the Salvation Army, school BBQs, Winter and Spring Formals and orientation tours for incoming Grade 8 and 9 students. Outside school, he has organized game (shuttle board and bingo) nights for seniors at nearby Trinity Care Centre and participated in a Halloween Block Party where Maggie students host booths for community members to play games and win prizes.

In recognition of this impressive body of work, both in and out of class, Yadav received the Top Citizenship Award in Grades 9 and 11 and was named Top All-Around Student in grade 11.

PE/leadership teacher Madi Wilms stated, “Endowed with exemplary leadership qualities, Shaurya has proactively participated in numerous school events, thus creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. What truly sets him apart, however, is his infectious positivity and genuine interest in others. His perpetual smile and ability to make everyone feel included, regardless of their position, is a rare and valuable trait. His active listening skills and genuine curiosity reflect a maturity well beyond his years.”

For relaxation, Yadav enjoys playing chess, walking along nature trails and watching movies with friends. On weekends, he works as a checkout clerk at Save On Foods store to gain workplace experience.

Upon graduation, Yadav plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the physical or biological sciences. With his sharp intellect, grit, beaver-like work ethic and altruism, this mature young man with a zest for life is poised to carve out a productive and rewarding career while enriching the social fabric of his community.

••• Student of the Month is a Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise project recognizing outstanding students for unique achievement in scholastics, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, and service to others. The Club is pleased to recognize Penticton Secondary School and Princess Margaret Secondary School as project partners and Cascades Casino Penticton for generous financial aid.

Penticton Herald - Rotary Student of the Month for February 2024

The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise is pleased to announce the selection of Ciara Browne – an immensely gifted, all-around, high-octane fueled and altruistic Grade 12 student at Princess Margaret Secondary School – as Rotary Student of the Month for February.

Browne is being honored for her many outstanding achievements encompassing the full gamut of school activities, from academics and athletics to leadership initiatives, community engagement and selfless service to others.

First and foremost, Browne is a brilliant student.

Endowed with a curiosity-fuelled, razor-sharp intellect and insatiable appetite for knowledge, she has achieved an astonishing 97.3% average throughout Grades 10-12.

This stellar record is especially impressive given her demanding course load, featuring a full slate of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-related subjects.

She was the recipient of Maggie’s Top Academic Award in Grades 9 and 10, and was the top student in Calculus 12 (98% mark) and English Studies 12 (97% mark). She also scored 100% in English First Peoples 12 and Anatomy & Physiology 12.

Browne especially thrives on courses of practical value, such as English First Peoples 12, which introduced her to the Indigenous-defining concept of human-nature reciprocity and our interdependence on the natural world.

Upon learning of the endangered Monarch butterfly and its connection to Showy Milkweed, Browne was inspired to apply the reciprocity concept by creating a project that aims to introduce hundreds of Showy Milkweed plants into the Penticton area.

She intends to use her position on Youth Council Penticton – a new volunteer organization composed of high school students that aims to foster community betterment – to complete the project while engaging with local elementary schools to foster an educational milieu where youth learn to value ecological balance. By these efforts, she aims to educate them about environmental conservation and empower them to act.

Sports have always been another major part of Browne’s life.

Passionate and dedicated, she competed in karate from 2015 to early 2023, climaxing with a gold medal at the 2022 Canada Open Karate Championships in Vancouver and a bronze medal at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in P.E.I.

To reach the podium, she had to train long and hard and battle back from numerous injuries – lower back, right foot and both knees. At present, she has instructed over 150 students of all ages and assisted teammates as a ring-side coach at regional and provincial competitions.

“I’ve known Ciara for nearly 8 years since she joined Taneda Dojo Penticton at a relatively late age of 9, making the transition to elite competition at age 12 challenging,” said karate instructor Mike Ditson.

“This did not deter Ciara, however, as her innate talent, consummate work ethic, mental and physical toughness, and infectious positive attitude kicked in to set her apart.”

A versatile athlete, Browne has played school basketball since 2014 (except for Grade 11, due to karate). This past year she played power forward on the Maggie senior girls’ basketball team and defense on their field hockey team. For relaxation, she enjoys skating at local ice rinks.

While Browne’s accomplishments in academics and athletics are indeed eye-popping, it is her novel leadership initiatives and tireless pursuit of altruistic acts that serve to set her apart.

One of her most impactful initiatives has been the creation of an outreach program introducing engineering in an insightful way to over 150 middle school students in our school district.

Also, in the English First Peoples 12 course, she completed an amazing project on reconciliation in aerospace engineering with a website outlining what she believes is a path forward in creating equity in this field.

Lastly, she volunteered to film and edit a music video that the class created with their kindergarten buddies, leaving a memory that will be treasured by many people.

Holy Cross School teacher Michele Cumberland said: “I had the absolute pleasure of teaching Ciara in Grades 7 and 8. Driven to excel, Ciara is an exceptional person whose leadership potential was evident early on.

“Last fall she visited classrooms, including mine, to give a STEM talk inspiring middle school students to consider a career in engineering,” continued Cumberland.

“Also, she was a judge at our Grades 6-8 science fair, providing students with constructive feedback and she peer-tutored nearly 50 students in Pre-Calculus 11 and Calculus 12 classes. Lastly, she became a volunteer leader on our city’s new youth council. Each of these deeds requires a deep commitment of time, dedication and excellence. Clearly, she freely gives of herself to enable others to reach their full potential.”

English teacher Erica Fitton said: “Ciara is a remarkable young lady. Her proactive approach and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, combined with her stellar academic record, proven leadership ability, and strong athletic feats make her an ideal Rotary SOM recipient.

“I truly believe that she will continue to excel wherever her future leads may take her while making major contributions to her community and country, and the greater environmental landscape.”

This past fall, Browne was one of 5,200 Canadian students who applied for the prestigious, full-range, $100,000 Loran Award tenable at 25 partnering universities.

The rigorous, multi-stage selection process is self-described as “unique in its attention to a young person’s character … believing integrity, courage, grit and personal autonomy are better indicators of overall potential than standard academic measures.”

Clearly, these criteria are right up Browne’s alley, as she is one of only 90 finalists who will soon travel to Toronto for two days of interviews to select up to 36 award recipients. To have reached this stage is a mind-boggling feat and there may well be more to come.

Upon graduation, Browne plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, specializing in software engineering or engineering physics, at Queen’s University, the University of B.C. or University of Waterloo.

Upon finishing her bachelor’s degree, she intends to either undertake graduate studies or enter the aerospace industry as a software engineer focusing on promoting environmental sustainability.

Regardless, this exceptionally talented and highly motivated young person with a passion for mentorship seems destined to leave an indelible mark reverberating well beyond the shores of Lake Okanagan.

Student of the Month is a Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise project. The award aims to recognize outstanding students for unique achievement in scholastics, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, and service to others. The club is pleased to recognize Penticton Secondary School and Princess Margaret Secondary School as project partners, and Cascades Casino Penticton for generous financial aid.