Marysville Getchell seniors Divine Grace Bayya and Colton Lindstrand are the March Students of the Month, as selected by the Soroptimist and Kiwanis clubs.
Bayya has a huge heart for community service. She said it saved her from depression as she and her brother moved to Marysville with their dad five years ago as their mom stayed in the Philipines. She is webmaster for Key Club, which is affiliated with Kiwanis. Through that club she has volunteered at Movies in the Park and Touch a Truck. She also volunteered with the YMCA for its Carnival and Costume Party. She’s been involved with campus cleanup, food drive and blood drive. One of her favorite events was the Festival of World Culture, where she sang songs in her native language.
She went on a medical mission, which got her interested in becoming a doctor. Right now she is leaning toward radiology at Seattle University, where she was offered a full ride, or to the University of Washington.
Bayya, who didn’t know English when she came here at 14, has a 3.7 grade point average. She’s on the National Honor Society and Dean’s Honor Roll.
She is active in Associated Student Body, where she is senior class secretary this year and previously was in communications and clubs coordinator.
Previously she was active in Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, serving as a teams coordinator and winning honors for aptitude, personal appearance and community service.
Lindstrand wants to be a medical doctor and has been accepted into the UW.
He has a 3.99 gpa and is active in band, having played the trumpet since sixth grade. He has excelled there – placing first in solo and ensemble competition, along with making the All-State and the All-Northwest concert bands.
He does a lot of volunteer work, including performing in the pit for musicals for the drama club.
Lindstrand went to Guatamala as part of a group that built 90 stoves in 80 hours for two remote villages.
He set up games and activities at an event through Eagles Wings for people with Down syndrome.
Through his church he was involved in teaching at Vacation Bible School and Sunday School.
Colton Lindstrand
Divine Grace Bayya
