Charity Dakota Jordan, a junior at La Conner High School, is someone who has her priorities clearly in order -- first school and then work, she says. Charity, the Soroptimist International of La Conner Honored Student for December, balances being a Running Start student at Skagit Valley College with a job. Students in Running Start graduate the same year as their classmate with a LCHS diploma and a SVC Associate’s Degree earned under guidance of counselors at both institutions. Charity learns her coursework independently and studies safely with a parent-approved group

Charity also works at Smarter Than Your Dog day care for 20-25 hours a week, a job that fits right in with her future plans. When she visits her dad in eastern Washington, she again demonstrates her time efficiency by working with the goats on their farm; she plans to become a large animal veterinarian. Goats, the smallest of the large animals, make the cut! Charity got her start in this direction in a 4-H group.

Before the world changed, Charity participated in a wide range of school activities including soccer, cheer and wind ensemble. Her volunteering schedule also kept her busy, and while it still does, it too has changed. Her most recent activity was working with townspeople on the beautiful First Friday luminaries cheering the town. Everyone kept a safe outside distance.

Charity plans to study Veterinary Science at WSU after finishing at Skagit and then go on to a veterinary school for a four year program.

Secilia Ugut and Bill Jordan are Charity’s proud parents. While the world has changed, La Conner continues to nurture young people who meet new challenges.

Charity has been awarded a gift certificate to Vintage La Conner, the thrift shop made possible by Soroptimist volunteers and generous donations from the community.

Source: Soroptimist International of La Conner