When senior Tiffany Woloszyn talks about the many activities and organizations that she has been heavily involved with during her time at Portage High School, the word that she mentions most often is “amazing.” That is fitting for someone whose community involvement, faith and work ethic can best be summed up by that word.
Woloszyn is the National Honor Society President and serves as the driving force behind making the school’s most prestigious organization function. Her job entails overseeing the other officers, running the meetings and assisting any NHS members with any issues that may arise.
“I was nominated for president and I wasn’t too sure I was going to run, until I talked to [NHS adviser] Ms. [Cathy] Nye and she pointed out that I am a great leader and she kind of boosted up my confidence a little bit,” Woloszyn said. “I wanted to just make this year an amazing year and follow in [previous president] Zach Lundy’s footsteps.”
NHS’s mission is to serve the community and volunteer to help any good cause. Woloszyn is passionate about doing anything she can to help others.
“I love volunteering because I love the feeling you get afterward,” Woloszyn said. “It’s not about yourself, but it’s about giving back to the community and brightening someone’s day with a little bit of effort on your part.”
Woloszyn’s dedication to NHS is just the tip of the ice berg when listing her involvements and accomplishments. She has made the most of her tenure in high school, including her trip to the Natural Helpers Retreat.
“That was an amazing experience,” she said. “I was very blessed to go on my first retreat and I’m a senior leader, so we’re planning the next retreat. I grew closer to so many friends and I really learned how to help other people in a better way.”
Woloszyn, who is involved in plays and musicals, is very familiar with the PHS stage, where she was the second finalist in the Class of 2013 Distinguished Young Woman competition last spring.
“I loved getting to know all of the girls a little bit better and just joining together to compete for some scholarships and I was kind of speechless when I knew I was one of the top three,” she said. “I just kept doubting myself, but it was a very nice reward.”
Woloszyn is the president of Choraliers and choreographs all of the group’s dances. She is aided tremendously by vice president Shannon Summers, who is by her side 24/7. Another of her families within the school is the color guard.
“It is one, big, giant family,” she said. “We spend hours and hours at practice and we learn so much and it is just a bunch of people joining together to accomplish one goal. It is a phenomenal feeling when you get off the field and you know that you just put your best foot forward and had an amazing show.”
Religion is also an important aspect of Woloszyn’s life. She sings in two contemporary worship bands, is an active leader in her youth group and participates in her church’s Christmas and Easter dramas.
“My youth leader, Sonya, along with my pastor and his wife are huge inspirations to me,” she said. “They’ve led me to Christ and I’m truly blessed to have them in my life.”
Woloszyn also draws inspiration from Sandy Cherry, who attends her church and also works in the book store at PHS.
Woloszyn aspires to enter the medical field by studying pediatric oncology nursing at either Indiana University Northwest or Purdue University North Central. Perhaps her biggest inspiration comes from her mother, who is a nurse.
“I’ve looked up to her since day one,” she said. “I’m thankful for everything she’s done for me throughout the years, and the continuous support she provides me. I would be nothing without my Lord and all the amazing people He has put in my life.”