Outstanding senior boy and girl more than ready for that next step

Auburn High’s De Carteret, Thareek shone in more ways than one

Colton de Carteret grew up working on a farm.

But the kid built his most bodacious chops beating on the drums, then went on to make his mark in the school’s jazz band, jazz choir, wind ensemble, show choir and marching band.

Among the many awards and accolades that have come Colton’s way to date – count on it, there’ll be more – was the “Outstanding Musician” recognition during a recent, highly-competitive jazz band completion at a local college. He especially treasures this award because his fellow performers voted him the honor.

At the seasoned age of 16, he became a professional musician.

A born leader, Colton’s abilities have served him well in high school support programs like Troy Crew, where he actively secured successful transitions for incoming ninth-grade students.

Colton is active in his church, and when he’s not at his job, he volunteers in the community in any number of ways. Like, working in the Auburn Food Bank. Helping neighbors build fences. Helping neighbors paint.

Nyibol (Rebecca) Thareek

To say Rebecca Thareek is scholarly would be an understatement.

She wrested her 3.99 GPA from the clutches of some Auburn High’s most rigorous classes. Her transcript reflects nine credits in honors and college board advanced placement offerings, including calculus, U.S. government and politics, literature and composition.

At the recent senior awards night in the Auburn High School Commons, the Auburn Rotary and Auburn High alum, Danny Shelton of the New England Patriots, honored her with two significant awards presented only to top students in the school.

A recognized leader on campus, she competed at the varsity level in three sports throughout her years at AHS, among them, track and field, where she placed in an event final at this spring’s state meet.

Her reputation as fierce competitor and silent leader in the classroom is well earned.

But there’s nothing silent about that 1000-watt-dazzler of a smile she flashes, which helps her make friends wherever she goes, among them athletes from other schools who follow and cheer for her at track and field events.

Auburn High School’s outstanding senior girl for 2018 expects to attend Eastern Washington University this fall on a full athletic and academic scholarship.