Scholar and athlete is a National Merit semifinalist, takes calculus at SOU

By Michael Scholtes

The Rotary Club of Ashland named Ashland High School student Violet Hering Student of the Month at its Oct. 20 meeting.

Violet’s grandparents, John and Anne Batzer, and parents, David and Daisy Hering, attended. Grandmother Anne is a member of the Medford Rotary Club and president of Makena’s Children’s Foundation, a Kenya nonprofit that grants scholarships.

The Student of the Month designation is awarded to a student who exemplifies the Rotary values of truthfulness, fairness, commitment to good will, and beneficial outcomes to all. Ashland School District Superintendent Samuel Bogdanove introduced Violet at the Rotary meeting.

Violet is co-captain of the AHS cross-country team, co-president of the AHS chapter of the National Honor Society, and co-president of the Rotary Interact Club, where, last year, she organized the annual international fundraiser.

Throughout high school, Violet has worked at Daniel Meyer Pool as a lifeguard and swim instructor. She also worked at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, and is the student manager of the AHS student tutor center.

Violet has played folk fiddle music since kindergarten. She enjoys spending her summers as a counselor at local Creekside Strings fiddle camps.

Violet is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, and she has applied to be considered as a finalist. She is an advanced math student and is currently taking Calculus III at Southern Oregon University. In college, she plans to study biochemistry and pursue a career in medicine and biochemical research.

“Violet was in my biochemistry class both in and out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” teacher Jesse Stonewood said of Violet in a prepared statement. “Regardless of the circumstance, Violet always brought her strongest effort to her studies, was a leader in the class, and consistently helped others to understand the material. Her intelligence and work ethic will carry her far in whatever path she chooses after high school.”

“Watch out for Violet!” teacher Peter Bolling said. “She well represents Alexander the Great’s quote, ‘I will either find a way, or I will make one.’”

“Violet is a sophisticated thinker and kind friend,” teacher Shane Abrams said. “Her commitment and drive are truly outstanding!”

“Violet is absolutely amazing and was recently named a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship!” teacher Bryanna Trevino said.

“Violet is a four-year member of the varsity cross country team and one of our team captains this year (as voted on by her teammates),” teacher Karl Pryor said. “Fingers crossed for this year, she will have competed at the state meet (or its equivalent in 2020) every year representing Ashland High School. Violet leads by example. She is unfailingly kind and considerate of others. She is encouraging of everyone and seeks input from her teammates before making decisions regarding the team.”

Violet lives in Ashland with her parents and her younger sister, Hazel.

Michael Scholtes is editor of the Rotary Club of Ashland‘s newsletter, The Keyway.