Photo Caption: Ferndale High School Senior Ryan England (center) receives the Student of the Month Award from Ferndale Kiwanis. Pictured here with Kiwanis President Sarah Koehler and Kiwanis Member Roger Quiggle.

Ferndale Kiwanis has recognized Ferndale High School Student Ryan England as its May Student of the Month. Ryan is a senior at Ferndale High where he maintains a 3.56 grade point average. Also, Ryan attends Whatcom Community College’s Running Start Program where he maintains a 3.8 grade point average.

Ryan is very involved in school activities. He’s been a member of the FFA since his freshman year. Presently, he is the chapter president. He represented the Ferndale FFA Chapter in Novice Parliamentary Procedure, Agricultural Issues Forum and Discussion, and won awards for both Home and Community Development, and Veterinary Science (both team and individual). In 2015, the Vet Science Team was first in State and fourth in the National competition. In 2016, the Vet Science Team was first in State and fifth in the National competition.

Ryan sees a serious issue in our community—HUNGER. So he’s doing something about that. In 2015, he founded S.H.I.F.T. Foods (Sustainable, Healthy, Informational, Friendships, Thrive). It all began on his family’s small hobby farm in Custer where they raise livestock and have a large vegetable garden.

S.H.I.F.T. is a successful student, agricultural and service based organization that donated over 1200 pounds of fresh produce to the Ferndale Food Bank in 2015 and 1410 pounds in 2016, all grown by S.H.I.F.T. members in family gardens. Additionally, in 2016, S.H.I.F.T. was given a permanent plat at the local Community Garden. Ryan said, “I have met little kids, senior citizens, and adults, from all walks of life, who are always grateful for what we are doing. I have learned how rewarding helping others can be, and have grown as a person by giving my time and encouraging others to do the same. I created something bigger than myself that will continue in the hands of future S.H.I.F.T. members who believe in its mission.”
Ryan has a great interest in music. He plays six instruments including the piano, viola, bass, acoustic guitar, bass guitar and ukulele. He participates in the Ferndale High Honors Choir.

Ryan said his parents are the most influential people in his life. “My dad has helped me choose an educational and career path that will ensure that I am employed and have a comfortable life. My mother has always encouraged my artistic and musical interests, which are my favorite hobbies to this day. Together, they have taught me how to balance my life with work and pleasure, and that perseverance always pays off in some manner,” said Ryan.

Upon graduation this June, Ryan plans to attend Western Washington University to study manufacturing engineering with an emphasis on robotics.

Congratulations, Ryan. We appreciate all that you are doing to make our world a better place.

Thank you to Ferndale Kiwanis for recognizing the accomplishments of our outstanding students! We appreciate your support.

For more information:
Ferndale Kiwanis President Sarah Koehler
Ferndale High School Principal Jeff Gardner, 360.383.9243
Director of Communications Tammy Bengen, 383.9207