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April’s extra effort award winners are senior Corbin Philhower, sophomore Crystal Kerrigan and freshman Angela Gray.

Philhower describes himself as a funny, sensible and caring person. He values doing his best in school and getting ready for college this fall. Outside of school, Philhower enjoys being with friends, working at the YMCA, participating in triathlons and camping. His favorite high school moment so far is meeting all of his friends here in Wisconsin. Philhower plans to get a degree in bio-medicine and attend dental school.

Nominating Philhower was school counselor and Diversity Club advisor Lynne Brown. Brown praised Philhower by saying that the Diversity Club’s “101 Things To Do Instead of Drugs & Alcohol” would not have been possible.

“His leadership engaged the other members to complete tasks, his vision sparked group enthusiasm and he was instrumental in providing a great time for everyone that was present,” Brown said. “The Diversity Club will truly miss Corbin.”

Gray moved to West Salem when she was 7 years old. Gray is involved in church-related activities and also likes to read, spend time with friends, talk, shop and sleep. Gray enjoys learning new things and applying it to her life the most when talking about school. She also tries her best when taking tests, doing homework and getting good grades. Teachers Rhonda Andres, Nina Manke and Laura Skemp-Deal have all influenced Gray over the course of her school career.

“Mrs. Andres has encouraged me in my studies and Mrs. Deal has been fun to talk with,” Gray said.

Skemp-Deal nominated Gray. She said Gray really stepped up her work over the last two months and her level of work has greatly improved.

“She puts feeling into her (English) pieces and her grades are beginning to reflect that.”

Gray describes herself as adventurous and shy. In the future, Gray wants to go to college, start a family and possibly enter the military or teaching.

Kerrigan describes herself as someone who loves to be different and have fun. She is interested in art, music, photography and animals. Kerrigan even volunteers her time during the summer to help with the La Crescent animal rescue program. The group also is building a new animal shelter over the coming summer months.

Kerrigan enjoys learning about things that you wouldn’t realize or question normally. She loves to get involved with music and art because she says they allow you to put your life into your own variation.

Kerrigan says that her friends Kelsey Larson and Courtney Koch have been her heroes because of all the support they provide.

Biology teacher Justin Jehn nominated Kerrigan. Jehn commented that, “Crystal’s recent work with anorexia was superb. Her speech and written report were above and beyond the expectations.”

One interesting fact about Kerrigan is that she is a distant relative of professional ice skater Nancy Kerrigan.

In the future, Kerrigan plans to graduate from high school and go to college to become an art teacher.