Great Student: A Tip of the Hat to Justyna Nowak of Bates Technical College

Each week, Sammamish Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams who wow us with their accomplishments.

This week, the "Whiz Kid" for Sammamish Patch is an example that students come in all ages. In fact, Sammamish Patch is using the words "Great Student" just for this week in its nod to Justyna Nowak.

She is a technical college student who lives in Sammamish. She has been named to the All-Washington Academic Team.

We, at Sammamish Patch, are impressed - given her commute, hard efforts and achievement. 

Sammamish Patch "Great Student" of the Week: Justyna Nowak, a dental lab technician student. She is being honored for her academic achievements and community work.

Her School: Bates Technical College in Tacoma

Her Accomplishment: This is from a news release from Chelsea Lindquist, college spokeswoman:

"Nowak learned of dental lab technology from a family friend. After a job change, she decided to pursue a degree in the field. Nowak, who travels 100 miles a day to attend classes, earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2002, but her dream was to land a job where she could use her creativity and information technology skills. For her, the Dental Lab Technician program fit the bill. She is on track to graduate this summer."

Nowak will receive $250 in scholarship and an award on March 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. She also is eligible for other scholarships.

Editor's note: Sammamish Patch wants to hear about amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to brad.wong@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful? Please include a 150-word description)

Just a gentle reminder: This is not a competition. This is just a nice community way to highlight young people in Sammamish - and especially those who inspire. Sammamish Patch will try and feature as many students as possible.