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Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Keiko Sugihara

Outstanding Niles North senior has excelled and inspired in leadership roles.

Age:  18

Grade: Senior

School:  Niles North High School

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Accomplishments:  The Niles North faculty was right on the mark in naming Keiko Sugihara as the Class of 2011 Outstanding Girl. Sugihara brings an incredible passion and extraordinary ability to most every endeavor she pursues as  reflected in the numerous awards she has received. Sugihara is a star athlete, top-notch student and devoted volunteer.  She is also a natural leader who inspires and brings out the best her contemporaries.

Sugihara’s approach to life is straightforward yet profound, and wise beyond her years.

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“It is in me to work hard and to try to do the best I can. I only have so many years in high school, college and life so I am going to try to live life to the fullest. For me, it’s not about results, but what you learn trying to get there and who you become in the process," Sugihara said.  “It’s not my intent to receive a lot of awards, but if awards come, so be it.”

And so it has been. Sugihara has received numerous awards and has served in key leadership positions. In addition to the winning the Outstanding Senior Girl award, Sugihara received  the Positive Coaching Alliance 2011 Triple Impact Competitor award, as well as the U.S. Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Award given to the top female student-athlete at Niles North.

Sugihara has also been a four-year member of both the varsity volleyball and softball teams. She served as captain for both teams and received all-conference honors in both sports this year. Sugihara was  also the go-to pitcher on the softball squad, which finished the season with a 21-13  record. She also served as president of the Niles North Athletic Leadership Council, the official voice for student-athletes within the school community.

Sugihara’s energies also extend to community service and civic causes. As its president, she works diligently to promote the American Cancer Society’s local Relay for Life event, scheduled for June 10 at Niles West.

“I think this will be an incredible opportunity to join people all over the world to celebrate the lives of people who have survived cancer, honor those who lost their lives and fight back against the disease,” Sugihara said.

Key to Awesomeness:  Sugirhara will tell you she’s not awesome at all, but those who know her well beg to differ. Niles North Athletic Director Karl Costello had this to say: “I worked closely with Keiko on the Athletic Leadership Council, which often deals with thorny issues. I  have seen her mature and blossom as a leader. She held colleagues accountable yet wasn’t confrontational, demonstrated confidence and never backed away from a challenge.  She is an extraordinary young lady.”

Head softball coach Karin Wick echoed these sentiments: “ This year, Keiko took it to a whole new level as an athlete, competitor and leader. She knows how to handle tough situations on and off the field. Nothing rattles her. She is a big reason why we are doing so well. Simply put, Keiko is an amazing kid”

Sugihara also enjoys digital photography and the outdoors. She will be attending the University of Hawaii, where she will pursue studies in environmental science this fall. She will also tryout for the school’s softball team as a walk-on.  

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