Bigfork senior embodies spirit of service
Bigfork High School senior Avery Vogel crouches next to one of several trees she planted recently above the high school. Vogel said that out of all the things she has done during her high-school career, it’s the community service that has made her most proud. She and others planted the trees in honor of the Class of 2008. Garrett Cheen/Daily Inter Lake
This is the fourth in a series of profiles of local graduating seniors who have made a difference during their high school years.
For Bigfork's Avery Vogel, community service isn't just about padding her college resume. The high school senior is acutely aware of being a part of her small village by the bay.
"I see how much my community does for me," Vogel said. "I feel like I should give something back. Bigfork is such a great place to grow up. I couldn't ask to live in a better place. I have such a tight-knit group of friends. I've known my classmates since kindergarten."
Early in her high school career, Vogel got involved with Interact, an organization that is like Rotary for high school students. What began as a booster for her college application turned into a love of service.
She now is the club's president.
"As I got into it, it really captured me," Vogel said. "I'm pretty bossy, so getting people to follow me around and do what I say isn't hard."
While in Interact, Vogel has "raised tons of money" for Pennies for Peace, Heifer International, and Orphan Act. Vogel said it was amazing to see what a group such as Orphan Act could do with $300.
She also has volunteered for the Bigfork Fire Department, the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bigfork Elves and has participated in numerous outdoor activities including planting trees on Earth Day.
The list goes on: blood drives, Swan River Nature Trail cleanup, May baskets for residents at the Lake View Care Center …
"It's really great to see people who appreciate what you're doing," Vogel said.
Each service project holds its own rewards.
"The projects are all different," she said. "I like cleaning the park because I benefit from it. The old folks' eyes light up. Saving lives with the blood drive. Just everything."
Because of her efforts, Vogel won the Interact scholarship for $1,000 from Bigfork Rotary. She was also named the Volunteer of the Year by a local television station.
"She's a great leader," said Heather Howlett, Interact director. "She definitely leads by example. It blows me away how passionate she is.
"Rotary's motto is Service Above Self. She takes that motto above and beyond. She's definitely going to make a difference in the world."
Vogel's desire for community and service led her to choose Colorado State University for her next educational journey.
"They have a really great community," Vogel said. "Coming from an amazing community like Bigfork, I was drawn to that school. And they have really great community service. I thought that was important. One day each year, every student has to go out and do something for the community."
Vogel is going to college without a definite major in mind, but she is juggling numerous choices. Biology and pre-med are currently at the top of her list, but the thought of going to school for a decade to become a doctor is daunting.
A self-proclaimed "science nerd," Vogel said she also enjoys physics and chemistry even though they are difficult. Math, however, isn't high on her list of favorite things to do.
"It's kind of like an endless list," she said. "I'm interested in a lot of things. If teaching were more profitable, I would think about that, too."
Vogel said that her upcoming graduation from Bigfork High School is "bittersweet."
"I love high school," she said. "It's fun, and there aren't that many responsibilities. At the same time, I'm excited to get away."
She will have an amazing chance to "get away" shortly after graduation. Vogel and her best friend, Hadley Vandiver, are traveling to Australia for the month of June to visit Vandiver's father and vacation near the Great Barrier Reef.
"It's our graduation present," Vogel said. "Our parents don't buy us cars, but they send us on expensive vacations."
The two friends also visited Europe together after their eighth-grade graduation.
When she returns, Vogel said, her summer is booked with finding a job and being a "lake rat." Vogel said her group of friends spend a lot of time at Wayfarers Park and swimming in Flathead Lake.
"I'm just going to enjoy Bigfork while I can," she said. "It will be hard to say goodbye."
Reporter Michael Richeson may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at mricheson@dailyinterlake.com