Lisa Vavricka wins national gifted/talented award

Lisa Vavricka's performance in the classroom, along with her keen interest and knowledge of environmental science are turning a few heads nationally.

Vavricka, a seventh grade student at Bondy Intermediate School, is the only Texas student to receive the Nicholas Green Award, sponsored by the National Association for the Gifted and Talented. The award is given to students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and community service. She will officially receive the award at the Texas Association of the Gifted and Talented Association meeting next month.

"To be the only student in the state to have received this honor is something special," said Susan Spates, Pasadena ISD's gifted and talented instructional specialist. "She is quite an exceptional student."

Vavricka, a straight "A" student, is the only student is district history to have won the "Best of Show" at the district science fair for three consecutive years. As a fifth grade student at Jensen Elementary, an environmental consultant who works closely with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) took a serious interest in the Jensen Elementary fifth grade student's award-winning science project titled "Plop, Plop...Fizz, Fizz," which involves a process of removing crude oil from bird feathers using a mixture with Alka Seltzer.

Her interest in environmental science continued to grow, and Vavricka and AMSA consultant Rean Monfils stay in constant contact.

When Vavricka is not tackling the books, she's usually participating in environmental projects such as the annual Bayous and Lakes Trash Bash and the Galveston Bay Day Celebration.

Diving into such projects and her excellent academic record help her take one step closer to her goals - attending Stanford University and a career in marine biology.

"I have wanted to go to Stanford ever since I can remember," Vavricka said. "I've set my goals and I am taking steps to make them come true."

Vavricka's drive and determination has impressed Spates. "She's so knowledgeable about everything, including environmental science issues," Spates said. "She is one of those kids that stands out. Her ability to absorb knowledge is incredible."

Vavricka simply said learning is just plain fun. "I love learning," she said. "Of course it's easy when you have teachers who make it fun to learn."

With her devotion to the books, there wouldn't be time for much else, right? Wrong. Aside from the accomplishments in the classroom, Vavricka is an accomplished ballet dancer - performing for more than 10 years. She also plays the violin and sings in the Bondy choir.

Later this year, she also plans to try out for the school's basketball and tennis teams. If her determination in athletics mirrors her academics, it may just be something else for her to master with ease.