Monroe High School (MSH) student Chawin Pathompornvivat will be honored as the Snohomish County NAACPStudent of the Month for January.
"Chawin is one of the most hard-working students I have ever met,GÇ¥ said Jane Stevens, counselor at MHS. "He came to this country at a young age, without knowing much English. He has worked to learn English and master school subjects. He has performed above average in academic subjects, taking two Advanced Placement classes this year, and is finishing his second year of computer networking at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center.GÇ¥
Pathomopornvivat said he felt bad when he first came here and was the lowest in his class.
"So I tried very hard to get to the top of the class and challenge myself to see how much farther I can go,GÇ¥ he said.
The experience of struggling with the work had a big impact on Pathompornvivat. "Now when I see people struggling, I try to help them,GÇ¥ he said.
Pathomopornvivat volunteers at the public library, and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, a club where students help senior citizens with technical challenges. "I help my grandma and her friends, and teach them how to use the Internet, and use Facetime,GÇ¥ he explained Pathompornvivat came to the Pacific Northwest from Thailand with his parents Jintana Jarusuwannarax and Panu Pathompornvivat when he was seven years old. The family soon moved to Monroe to help with his uncle's restaurant, Ben Jarong Thai, where the family still works. "I love the people in Monroe,GÇ¥ Pathompornvivat said. "They are really nice, very diverse. They appreciate other cultures.GÇ¥
Pathompornvivat joined the cross country team as a freshman, when he was only able to complete a 16-minute mile.
Through determination and extra practice, he improved his speed to just over five minutes. This year, he became the team captain, nominated by his coach for his amazing team spirit.
Pathompornvivat and his brother will be the first in their family to attend college. Pathompornvivat looks forward to starting as a freshman at the University of Washington in the fall.
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