Polson High School senior, Emma Boogerd, was recently awarded the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award for her “extraordinary initiative, organization and leadership across every aspect of her school and community life.” 

Boogerd is a dedicated Polson student who is involved in Links Crew, an upperclassman guidance group, and Polson DECA, a business organization that engages students in marketing, finance and management.  

She is also at the forefront of representation for Polson High School as the cheerleading team captain, a role she takes seriously with responsibility and pride. As captain for the last two years, she was also named the most dedicated member by the team.  

The Winslow Nichols Leadership Award recognizes high-achieving students who are making an impact on their community. Logan Health awards this each quarter to students living in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Glacier, Pondera, Liberty, Hill or Toole County, preferably with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and displaying character, citizenship and leadership.  

Boogerd was nominated for the award by her principal, Betsy Wade, who stated that Boogerd embodies the award's essence. Along with Boogerd's dedicated involvement, she is also a student who challenges herself with advanced placement and dual enrollment classes.  

“She is the epitome of a well-rounded student, academically strong, community-focused and an inspiring leader who lifts others through her spirit and initiative,” Wade stated in her nomination.  

Boogerd explained that she and Wade have grown close over the years as Boogerd is always in her office planning, coordinating and executing the next school event.  

“Emma’s reliability, enthusiasm, and communication make her the 'go-to' person when something needs to be done, and done well,” Wade stated.  

With the award, students are given $250 to donate to an organization of their choice, and Boogerd chose to donate it back to the high school's cheer team.  

Outside of the Polson halls, Boogerd is heavily involved in her community with her volunteering, extracurriculars and many jobs. At her family businesses in Ronan, she works at Swanky Sisters Mercantile and Ronan True Value Hardware. She is also a junior staff member at the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation, where she earned the Youth of the Year award.   

She has also taken on many volunteering roles within the organizations she’s involved in and throughout the community.  

Boogerd said her community-focused foundation and leadership skills stem from her experience organizing events at Polson High School and with the cheer team.  

“She consistently shows compassion, accountability and care for others,” Wade said. “Her leadership inspires her peers, her enthusiasm unites the student body and her initiative elevates every program she touches.”  

Now, with her leadership foundation and love for the littles, Boogerd has been accepted to the Rocky Mountain College cheerleading team in Billings and intends to study elementary education to become an elementary school teacher.