MARYSVILLE Chosen by the Soroptimist and Rotary clubs of Marysville as one of the May students of the Month for Marysville-Pilchuck High School, Tyler Belan talked a lot about the sports he played during his time in high school.
But Tyler also has gone on several mission trips with his church, Marysville Mountain View Presbyterian.
Simply the reactions from the people Ive built homes for is worth more than any trophy, piece of paper or recognition, Tyler wrote in his application for the Student of the Month award.
As for Kelsey Brubaker, Tylers counterpart for May, she also talked about playing sports, namely tennis and soccer for several years. She is further proud of the many years she spent playing clarinet for the high school.
Still, Kelsey seemed most pleased of the time she spent as a teachers assistant. She needed a life skills class to fulfill her graduation requirements and became a TA at the suggestion of a school counselor.
Its been really great, Kelsey said, adding that as her mom runs a day care, she had some hands-on experience helping children.
This was really different, she said.
Like several other winners of the Student of the Month this year, Tylers church mission trips included visits to Costa Rica and Mississippi. He should be going to Mazatlan, Mexico this summer.
As for Kelsey, while she talked a lot about being a TA, she also spoke quite a bit about her time with the schools bands. Kelsey said she chose to play clarinet because her mother did so when she was in school.
Ive been playing since the sixth grade and Ive been loving it ever since, Kelsey said.
Eventually, Kelsey became a section leader for one of the school bands, meaning she got to help out younger students. During the past school year, she also served as treasurer of the Pilchuck marching band.
When she wasnt playing with the band or on the tennis court, Kelsey was a member of two of Pilchucks competitive academic teams. The Hi-Q team she belonged to missed making the district finals by two points.
It was still a great experience, Kelsey said.
Kelsey maintained at least a 3.5 GPA throughout high school.
Tyler played football for five years and wrestled for two. A middle linebacker, he named football as his favorite sport. Tyler said he spends a lot of time keeping in shape and physical fitness may play a big part in his future. He plans on attending Everett Community College, spending eight months to get his license as a personal trainer.
Ive been working out since the eighth grade, Tyler said. I have fun working out and I think itll be fun helping other people too.
Hes already had a hand in helping young children battling cancer. Tyler told the Marysville Board of Directors he shaved his head after friends donated $50 to the American Cancer Societys Locks of Love program.
Some of Tylers other activities included being the DECA treasurer and helping mentor incoming freshmen.
Regarding her future, Kelsey said it involves studying environmental science at Western Washington University.
I love science in general, Kelsey said, adding she also enjoys math. The special program at Western Washington just sounds interesting to her, she continued.
And theres just so much to learn, Kelsey said.
Kelsey is the daughter of William and Megan Brubaker of Marysville.
Maintaining a 3.0 GPA and earning 25 college credits during his time at Pilchuck, Tyler is the son of Jay and Lynn Belan of Marysville.