Polson High School senior Raya Lucas was recently presented the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award for being “committed and community-minded.”  

Lucas has strong community and school involvement while also being a high-achieving student. She’s got writing, communication and management under her belt as editor of both the Montana District of Key Club Bulletin for the Polson High School Key Club and The Salishian, the high school newspaper.  

Lucas is responsible for the monthly Montana District Bulletin, which highlights international Key Club updates. She also manages the school newspaper's quarterly publications.  

Her school counselor and award nominator, Nicole Bonner, stated in the Logan Health press release that Lucas's leadership and dedication are evident in every activity she does, making her “an invaluable member of this organization.”  

Lucas has volunteered through Key Club at the Elks Lodge in Polson and assembled backpacks for homeless people.  

“I really enjoy community service because I like talking to people and trying to make a difference,” Lucas said.  

She has been awarded the Distinguished Member Award for more than 50 hours of community service with Key Club and also received the Governor’s Excellence Award for helping during Greg Gianforte’s last term.  

Bonner describes Lucas as “one of the most hard-working, dependable and well-rounded students” in the Polson school community.  

While excelling in her leadership roles, she has also maintained a 4.0 GPA since freshman year and scored a 29 on the ACT, which is one point below what ACT declares as “highly competitive for top-tier and highly selective institutions.”  

“Her academic record reflects not only intelligence, but also a deep commitment to learning and personal growth,” Bonner stated. “She approaches her studies with focus and curiosity, consistently setting a strong example for her peers.”  

The Winslow Nichols Leadership Award recognizes high academic achieving students who are making an impact on their community. Logan Health distributes this award quarterly to students living in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Glacier, Pondera, Liberty, Hill, or Toole Counties. The student preferably has a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrates character, citizenship and leadership.   

Lucas said she was surprised to receive the award and shocked when representatives from Logan Health and her mother showed up in her English class to present it. As a part of this award, students choose an organization to which funds are donated, and Lucas chose the student newspaper. The Salishian raises funds to cover printing costs.  

After graduation, Lucas will head to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., to study mechanical engineering. She has developed an interest in nuclear fusion and envisions potentially working at a power plant.  

Lucas is excited about moving to a bigger city and loves the “work hard, play hard” environment at Vanderbilt.  

“Raya is exactly the kind of student who represents the best of Polson High School: bright, reliable, community-minded, and eager to contribute to something greater than herself,” Bonner stated. “I am confident she will continue to excel in any academic or professional setting she pursues.”