Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

10/25/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn Rotary Selects West Auburn Senior
as October Student of the Month

On October 18, Heidi Mott, a senior at West Auburn High School, was honored as Auburn Rotary’s October student of the month. She attended the recognition luncheon with her school advisor Colleen Rayburn.

When asked about her recent honor, Heidi attributes her success in the classroom to willpower and the desire to make good out of a bad situation. “My home life growing up was difficult; I had to become an adult at the age of 14.” Heidi grew up fast, which also meant making a lot of the wrong choices along the way. “I made some bad decisions and learned the hard way,” says Heidi. “Things adults should have taught me weren’t taught.”

Yet Heidi overcame many of her obstacles, and now at the age of 19, she has made a complete turnaround. Once delinquent at school, Heidi now looks forward to the school day and is an overachiever in the classroom. She believes getting more involved in school, like playing volleyball and participating in the voc-ed club, has contributed to her success. Heidi attributes her newfound attitude to her advisor Colleen Rayburn. “Colleen always tells me I’m capable of anything—that I have the skills and capabilities to pursue my dreams,” states Heidi.

Heidi excitedly reports her plans for the future, fully aware that she is only where she is today because she finally realized for herself that she is a unique and gifted individual. Her current plans are to attend Green River Community College in the fall and begin working toward her goal of earning a four-year degree and becoming an elementary school teacher. 

Heidi encourages all kids to see beyond the difficulties of life and use her life story as a testament of hope: “No matter what obstacles you have, there is a way; there is an open door for you to be successful.”

For more information contact Amy Spence, Auburn School District public information officer, at (253) 931-4713.