BY MORRIEPONGRATZ
Los Alamos

I want to take this opportunity to recognize two of our communities’ young leaders and applaud them for being selected as semifinalists in the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program (https://losalamosreporter.com/2025/11/05/two-lahs-seniors-named-2026-coca-cola-scholars-program-semifinalists/

Through Key Club I have known John Kang and Alyssa Sun since they were first-year students. John has served a Secretary for the LAHS Key Club. Alyssa serves as President of the Interact Club. I write not of their academic prowess, but of their commitment to community service.

I recall John’s inventive ways to crush aluminum cans as he helped our Kiwanis club collect aluminum on the third Saturday of odd-numbered months. John is also a hero by supporting the Key Club’s cotton candy sales. Vaporized sugar sticks to everything and especially the innards of the cotton candy machines. John is our champion when it comes to cleaning the machines after long hours of cotton candy sales.

While also a great cotton candy spinner Alyssa has played a key role in recruiting students to support the Meals of Hope project. The last time I looked she had recruited over 40 students for that project!

As the high school PA announcer, I have many opportunities to tout the athletic achievements of our youth. Thanks for allowing me to also acknowledge the community service of our students!