Each month, the Salida High School staff selects a senior who is outstanding in both their academic and personal lives. For the month of October, the staff has chosen senior Izzy Hughes.
Hughes has attended Salida High School for all four years. During those years, she has been an active member of both the soccer team in the spring and the mountain bike team in the fall. This year, she is a varsity rider for Salida Racing, the High School’s mountain bike team as well as a varsity player for the soccer team.
Hughes is actively engaged in both her school and town communities here in Salida. She is a part of Salida High School student council where she serves as the Student Body Co-President. Through her role as Co-President, she not only helps with events around the school, such as the annual Homecoming festivities, but also community service activities. Hughes noted that the community service activities have been the most meaningful for her.
Every winter, the Student Council helps to raise money for Baba’s Magical Christmas. Hughes explained that Baba’s Magical Christmas is much like a local Secret Santa clothing drive where people donate clothes for resale. Then the money earned from the resale of the clothing is used to go Christmas shopping for local Salida kids that are in need.
Last year, Hughes noted that they were able to donate about $2000 worth of Christmas gifts to kids that would not otherwise be able to receive them. “And that’s something that has the most impact, for sure,” Hughes said about the event. The Giving Trees, found at places like Kaleidoscope Toys and the book store are a big part of the service, giving gift recommendations for the kids.
What motivates Hughes to give back is people’s reactions. “I just think the overall happiness that it brings to the people that give back and then also the people that receive is just the best feeling ever.”
Hughes also participates in NHS, or National Honors Society. NHS helps students to hone their leadership skills and allows them access to a variety of academic scholarships.
Of course, Hughes has credited her inspiration and motivation to two teachers who have guided her during her time at SHS.
“Ms. Hume,” the physical education and health teacher, “has just been a great example of what a leader is to me, and she’s helped me with everything. Hughes pointed out that Hume has also been her teacher advisor over the last several years and has therefore contributed a lot to her high school experience.. She went on to point out that Jodi Demoss, an English teacher at SHS, “has been just super inspiring because I kinda wanna major in what she teaches.”
Hughes’ dream education is at CU Boulder. She wishes to major in journalism and broadcasting, with a minor in creative writing. The High School staff can’t wait to see where she goes next, and are sure she will go far!