Kyrie Fairbairn is Kiwanis Student of the Month

Photo Caption: Photo (L to R): 1 (l to r): Larson Fairbairn (Kyrie's twin brother), Kersten and John Fairbairn (Kyrie's mom and dad), FHS senior Kyrie Fairbairn, Ferndale Kiwanis President Greg Kendall and Ferndale Kiwanis Member Roger Quiggle

She's an AP Scholar with a 4.0 grade point average over her four-year high school career. She's involved in 16 different activities. She works part-time, and she volunteers for the betterment of her school and community. We are talking about Ferndale High School Student Kyrie Fairbairn.

Kyrie was recently recognized as Student of the Month for March by Ferndale Kiwanis. She was honored for her outstanding academic achievements, many contributions to her school and civic involvement in her community.

A senior at Ferndale High, Kyrie is able to balance academics with extracurricular activities. Kyrie is an AP (Advanced Placement) Scholar. A scholar is one who receives a score of three or higher on at least four AP exams and an average of 3.25 or higher on all exams.

"I am proud of this because it proves how seriously I take my school work,” Kyrie said. “With all the extracurricular activities that I'm involved in, I'm still able to get my education.”

Besides maintaining such a high academic standing, she has received numerous awards: Masonic Scholar Citizen and scholarship winner, Ferndale High Integrity P.R.I.D.E. (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence) Award for physical education and EagleTime, and Spanish Student of the Month.

When not in the classroom, Kyrie participates and excels in many activities: National Honor Society, peer tutoring, swim team, Eagle Eye (school newspaper), Film & Broadcasting Club, Leadership Club, Homecoming Committee and ASB Secretary. She is on the Ferndale Youth Council, Faith Lutheran Church Youth Group, Lutheran Northwest Synod and is a Western States Youth Gathering Representative.

For the past four years, Kyrie has been a member of Ferndale's swim team and has been a two-event state qualifier, swimming the 100 and 200 freestyle. To add to her honors, she was selected to the Northwest All-Conference 1st Team in Swim and Dive (four years consecutively) among other honors. In addition to swimming for Ferndale High, Kyrie is a member of the Bellingham Bay Swim Team.

Kyrie also serves as a peer tutor. "I tutor in math, Spanish and other subjects," Kyrie said. "I am a peer tutor because I understand the importance education has on one's personal success. Helping others learn is a passion of mine."

When asked about the most influntial people in her life, Kyrie acknowledged that a multitude of people have influenced her during formative years. However, she credits her family for their support and guidance. Her parents, Kersten and John Fairbairn, are both educators who have taught her love, forgiveness and confidence. And, Kyrie said her twin brother, Larson, always challenges her to be a better person.

Following graduation this June, Kyrie plans to attend college in the Los Angeles, California area — possibly attending California Lutheran University or University at Redlands. Her first career choice is to be a teacher and teach United States History. Her second choice would be to become a lawyer and then enter into politics.

Kyrie said, "I want a job where I can interact with all sorts of people, as I make a difference within my community. I plan to be involved in my community through local politics and coaching a swim team. And, I will continue to volunteer through my church and in shelters, specifically for women who have suffered domestic violence."

Thank you, Kyrie, for making a difference in your school and community.

Thank you to Ferndale Kiwanis for its continued support of our students. In addition to annual scholarships, each month Kiwanis recognizes one of our high school students.