young women of achievement

2007 Young Woman of Achievement - Nicole Schriock

Nicole Schriock of Fort Vancouver High School was selected as the 2007 Young Woman of Achievement award recipient. This marks the fourth year a young woman receives a $1,000 college scholarship along with the award, which is based on her commitment to community service. The scholarship was made available through a $15,000 donation from community member Donna Roberge to begin the scholarship fund.

One word – resilience - best describes this year’s Young Woman of Achievement, Nicole Elizabeth Schriock. Born in Oregon but having grown up in Vancouver, Nicole has had “the same friends since elementary school, an amazing family, and an incredible church family.” But her happy life would change dramatically when, at the age of 15, doctors discovered she had a large brain tumor. Nicole has endured multiple surgeries, complications and a 30-day radiation treatment. Now, a year and a half since diagnosis, she still suffers chronic headaches and worries that the tumor will reappear. “Through it all…my family, friends and church have kept me strong.”

Fueled by the motivational support of her family, school and especially her church, Nicole perseveres. She participates in a multitude of volunteer and community service activities both within and outside of school. Currently, she serves as the Senior Class Vice President at Fort Vancouver High School. As a representative for the Class of 2007, Nicole wants “to make sure [that] everyone’s opinion is heard and given consideration.”

Nicole demonstrates her dedication to interracial communication through her assistance in coordinating the annual Culture Assembly at her school. The Culture Assembly brings together people from over 50 nations and cultures to participate in a show of dance, to sing a song or simply to demonstrate something unique about their culture. “It is so much fun and definitely an event that resonates with people for a long time,” she says.

Nicole is also an active volunteer at her church, serving as a senior youth member, nursery attendant, youth representative at both the regional and national level, and an admirable role model to children and other young people. “I have tirelessly tried to instill in them [the youth group] that we are all brothers and sisters as the children of God—no matter what skin color, race or physical differences, we are all equal and should love one another,” Nicole says.

Nicole’s passion and respect for differences may best be demonstrated through her work with the Washington School for the Deaf (WSD). After learning that state officials were considering closing the school due to high operational costs, Nicole decided to learn more and studied the school for a class project. What began as a project turned into a passion. She is now an advocate for the school and her senior thesis underscores her belief that the Washington State School for the Deaf (WSD) should remain open. “It is important that the rights of these deaf students aren’t overlooked in the state’s efforts to save money,” says Nicole. “I hope my senior project will shed some light on this important issue.”

Friends describe Nicole as a fighter, a leader, and a role model – truly, an inspiration. She is determined to be an advocate for what she believes in and determined to overcome challenges. Though she acknowledges that her future is unpredictable, she believes that she can achieve her goal of becoming a teacher.

Nicole explains her most notable accomplishment this way: “Being relentless and not giving up on myself, is one of the best accomplishments a person can achieve.” Nicole Schriock is, deservingly, the 2007 Young Women of Achievement.

Nicole went through a rigorous selection process to be chosen for this award. Applications were collected and a committee of judges selected eight finalists on the basis of outstanding community service, achievement in academic and volunteer roles, and demonstrated leadership. The finalists were then interviewed for the Young Woman of Achievement Award.

The following seven young women will be presented with a YWCA Community Service Award:

	Ashli-Marie Grant, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics - Worked with Senator Craig Pridemore to create and pass Senate Bill 6415, allowing Deaf individuals to have interpreters during driving license tests. She is a member of Clark County Youth Commission and an advocate for the Deaf community.		Kayla Griffin, Fort Vancouver HS - Volunteer with the Big Sister/Big Brother Foundation, Clark County Fairy Godmother Dress Drive, and Vancouver Children's Center. She is also Senior Class President, member of National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
	Menglu Michelle Jiang, Mountain View HS - A student tutor/mentor, member of the National Honor Society and Peer Helpers, she is also President of Key Club and Treasurer of the Red Cross Club. She is active in Kiwanis and volunteers at Sharehouse.		Jane Lee, Mountain View HS - Member of the Clark County Youth Commission, Key Club, National Honor Society and Peer Helpers & Mentors, and President of the American Red Cross Club. Involved in humanitarian efforts locally and internationally.
	Jessica Stavig, Hockinson HS - Vice President of the Humanitarian Club, she has participated in her school’s Blood Drive, volunteers for Sharehouse and tutors at the middle school. She is also active in Marching Band, National Honors Society and Mission Trips through her church.		Amy Tedder, Battle Ground HS - ASB Executive President, she participates in student government, band and sports. Active in her church through music, camp counseling and Mission Trips, Amy also volunteers as a volleyball coach at the middle school.
	Andrea Trujillo, Columbia River HS - Volunteers with Key Club, Red Cross, LEAP and a freshman mentor program. On weekends, Amy can be found at Southwest Washington Medical Center volunteering in the emergency department.

More information about the Young Women of Achievement Awards:

YWOA Mission and Significance

Past Honorees

Application for YWOA 2008

Women of Achievement