We are proud to announce the selection of Kayla Heidenreich, BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Journalism and Media, as Sierra Nevada University’s 2021 Valedictorian.
I came to SNU as a naïve but aspiring Outdoor Adventure Leadership major. I love spending my time exploring the Tahoe basin, and climbing mountains in order to snowboard back down them. I completed my Wilderness First Responder and Avalanche Safety certifications through SNU. I successfully completed a 21-day Outward Bound Leadership course in which we were stuck the entire trip in a high country blizzard with no gloves, winter coats or snowshoes. I led a 5 day orientation backpacking trip through the Desolation Wilderness. This was an amazing leadership experience where I got the chance to lay out the welcome mat and introduce these students to their new backyard.
As I dove into my second Interdisciplinary major I began to connect my love for the outdoors with journalism. This led me to Brennan Lagasse’s Arctic Refuge course – a course that changed my world and my place within it.
During my junior and senior years, I crammed every sustainability course possible into my schedule. I have been deeply involved with both the Climate Alliance Club and the Social Justice Club. I’m proud that both of these organizations are safe spaces where students can confidently express themselves, voice their opinions, and develop their sense of community. At the Climate Alliance club, we organized a club event to look at which Indigenous Tribes’ land we each came from. I got a large map and pins, and everyone pinned the traditional name of their hometown on the map and gave a brief history. So many people showed up, and it had so much impact, that our next project is to bring it to the entire SNU student population.
I have found a new passion for amplifying the voices of those who have been oppressed, and I believe carrying that through our education system is vital in creating a new future.
I worked with the Sierra Club and Alaska Wilderness League to create a 24-part curriculum based on environmental and cultural sustainability. Part of that curriculum was sent to over 400 schools through the Sierra Club. I am also creating a website to provide access to the curriculum for all. I launched a petition to help the Washoe Women rename “Squaw” Valley which obtained over 100,000 signatures. That led me to working on Emily Tesmer’s documentary Walking with my Sisters as an editor and producer. I believe this is some of my best work, because it has created a ripple effect around me.
Kayla was chosen from a field of thirteen distinguished candidates. Each of the nominees illustrated curiosity, academic dedication, and significant personal investment in our larger culture and community. They inspired us with their stories and accomplishments. It was very difficult for the selection committee of Steve Ellsworth, Richard Gire, Mary Kenny, Robert King, and non-voting chair Katie Zanto to choose. The other 2021 valedictorian nominees are:
Business
Ashleigh Easley“Ashleigh Lynn Easley, a native Renoite, faithful believer in Jesus Christ, lifelong student, and entrepreneur found her strength and independence despite adversity with SNU. She was born to be a Sierra Nevada Eagle and to soar to new heights.”
Madalyn Johnson“Madalyn Johnson is studying Global Business Management and Ski Resort Business Management with a minor in Marketing. After graduation, she is planning on finding a job in the sports industry.”
Adrian Rhomberg“The SNU chapter is closed, but these memories remain forever. Not only did the time spent in the United States widen the horizon in many aspects of my life, I also met close friends. SNU played a crucial role in that journey with its educational offerings.”
Fine Arts
Hannah Fridholm
Humanities
Clayton Coates“During my time at SNU, I have grown exponentially in both my professional fields and personal life. The reason for that has been the interdisciplinary nature of my program. SNU has provided me with a strong educational framework, yet the flexibility to pursue my personal passions within that framework. When I first arrived at SNU, I didn’t even know how to shoot my camera in manual, nor did I have a definitive direction in life. Now, I have the skills necessary to develop full-length documentaries and a relentless drive to create change with the stories I capture. This is all thanks to SNU’s rich curriculum and supportive faculty. SNU is where dreams become reality.”
Lauren Rose“Lauren Rose is a Biology and Creative Writing major & Outdoor Adventure Leadership minor from Tucson, Arizona. During her time at SNU, she served as president of Creative Writing Club, Sustainability Chair of the Student Government Association, vice president of the Student Government Association, received the Upcoming Creative Fire award from the English Department, studied abroad in Ireland, was accepted for publication by seven journals, and spent seven months participating in the selective Disney College Program as a member of the entertainment department.”
Science
Hunter Allen
Maddie Bowman
Victor Porras“SNU ’s unique classroom sizes have given me the confidence to have better relationships with instructors, students, and faculty. My confidence has allowed my instructors to have confidence in me to handle tasks that no other school has given me. Truly a place that is as professional as they are welcoming!”
Top 1%
Nickolas Burgo
Patrick Maeng
Jennifer Voorhies“My SNU journey has been one of adventure, trials, learning, and creativity. I’m so grateful to have attended a university that values literature and the arts…and on such a beautiful campus!”