Each year, high schools across the Valley nominate a senior girl that they believe best represents the Exchange Club of Fresno’s Girl of the Year. This year, Principal Gary Schultz and Associate Principal Jon Endicott nominated projected valedictorian, senior Brittany Lauber.
“The Girl of the Year Award is when the exchange club asks each high school to nominate a senior girl who they would consider the girl of the year,” Endicott said. “We chose to nominate Brittany because of her total package: academics, service, sports and her membership in numerous campus clubs.”
Similar to the Rotary Club, the Exchange Club of Fresno primarily focuses on fundraising for abused children. Part of a nationwide conglomerate, the club partners with Fresno non-profit organizations like the Craycroft Center and the Marjorie Mason Foundation.
“I felt a little surprised when I heard I was nominated,” Lauber said. “I did not know such an award even existed. I was also surprised because we have such a variety of talented girls at our school.”
The club held a luncheon to honor Lauber as well as Sunnyside’s Evelyn Moua, for their nominations at the Ramada University Hotel, Jan. 24.
“At the luncheon, I was greeted by the members of the exchange club,” Lauber said. “We ate lunch, then the members went about their normal meeting procedures. Following this, the Sunnyside nominee and I were introduced.”
Although the club has yet to name the winner, each nominee receives a plaque and a $100 check. The actual Girl of the Year will be rewarded with a $1,000 prize.
“Although there was no formal interview, they asked us each a few questions, ranging from topics such as future plans to family members we admired,” Lauber said. “They then presented us with a plaque and a check for $100.”
The Exchange Club plans to announce the winner at a banquet held at the Ramada, Feb. 14.
“I’ve known Brittany since the fourth grade,” Danielle Wilborn, ’08, said. “She’s so dedicated to using all of her brain power and is so studious. Since she excels academically, the younger kids look up to her as a role model and she lives up to it. I really hope she wins; she deserves it.”
