Danyal Wendt is a senior at Whitefish High School. She will graduate this weekend and has plans to attend Flathead Valley Community College to launch a career in journalism. Her busy and active lifestyle has resulted in her recent award of the prestigious United Way Scholarship for outstanding community involvement.

As a four-year member and president of the Key Club, she has many activities and responsibilities in addition to weekly meetings to plan projects and raise funds. She is the editor of the Bulldog Breeze and is a member of Leaders of Tomorrow, which involves visiting local businesses and government functions in Helena.

Danyal's community activities include helping at the semi-annual Kiddy Carnival at the Mountain Mall, working on food drives for Abbie Shelter, assisting local churches and generally lending a hand where needed.

With her parents Mark and Addy and sister Anna, she resides on an acreage south of town. When she can find the time, she enjoys visiting with friends, riding horses and the weekly get-togethers with her many relatives in the Wendt family. She likes kids and enjoys "helping mom in her day care."

When asked why she devotes so much time to volunteering instead of skiing and other fun things, Danyal responds that it is the natural thing to do. She explains that "I grew up volunteering" and "just the fact that I am helping the community, doing something that really matters and seeing the results, makes it all worthwhile."

Danyal, you are an impressive young lady, and it is re-assuring to know that our future is in the hands of persons such as you. Your community appreciates what you do and wishes you well in all your future endeavors.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.