“Violet is the most hard-working and driven young lady I have ever met. Her drive and passion with everything she does is truly amazing. She strives to be the best rower with each stroke. Cannot wait to see where she ends up!”

“For the past four years, I have had the good fortune to be one of Violet’s 4-H leaders. From the day she joined the Vashon Rock Riders 4-H Club her leadership qualities were evident to young members and adults alike.”

“Violet serves as a mentor and exemplar for other club members. She explains how to perform various 4-H requirements through coaching and demonstration, displaying kindness and patience with those who struggle.”

“Violet exhibits exceptional grace under pressure. Horses are unpredictable, often carrying a rider to victory or putting her in the dirt within the same hour. Whichever of these occurs at a show, she maintains a positive attitude, calm demeanor, and, above all, good sportsmanship. She loses with aplomb, wins with humility, and always finds something worthwhile about either experience.”

“Perhaps the quality I admire most about Violet is her insatiable curiosity. I would not be at all surprised if I learned that ‘why?’ was her first word! Her thirst for knowledge is unquenchable, and she puts forth the effort required to find answers to her questions.”

“I firmly believe that any college or university will be fortunate to have Violet Alpen as a member of its student body, and I recommend her to you without reservation.”