While high school recognition often focuses on academic and athletic success, remarkable personal achievement and individuality may go unnoticed.

However, The Feather Online would like to acknowledge those who dedicate their time and energy to reaching small but significant goals in our community.

For this reason, the editors have chosen to honor senior Da Eun Sunwoo as our second FC Student of the Year.

As a transfer from Incheon, Korea, Sunwoo arrived on campus with almost no practical knowledge of English. However, she immediately became immersed in the FC community as a freshman when she signed up to play girls’ basketball.

Despite having no experience in the sport, Sunwoo joined the team in its four-year endeavor to become CIF Division V Champions. She progressed from her JV years to play guard on the winning team, making many friends along the way.

Beyond basketball, Sunwoo pursued a leadership position as co-captain of the girls’ tennis team. She overcame the language barrier to interact with her team and serve as encouragement.

In addition to athletics, Sunwoo contributed an integral part to the yearbook. When the staff fell behind schedule, she dedicated many long nights to ensure that the publication would be finished before the signing event.

Although some international students simply focus on surviving in their new schools, Sunwoo stands out as one who made significant strides to become an active member of the campus.

While Sunwoo may not be recognized at graduation for her jaw-dropping academics or record-breaking athletic career, we feel that she deserves acknowledgment for her contributions to the community.

Her largely unrecognized progress and achievements make her a perfect candidate for this distinction, as she has quietly impacted FC for the better.

To learn about last year’s winner, read the May 19, 2009 column, Student of the Year: Scott Orcutt.