Kaitlyn Kaniuth

Embodying Summit’s Core Values: “I show my compassion through volunteering. I volunteered with an organization in Sunnyvale called Animal Assisted Happiness that helps people with disabilities receive animal therapy. Additionally, I’ve led three Summit orientations, and I volunteered with Reach Potentials at a farmer's market to collect food rescues (food that is still good to eat but does not meet the standard to sell) to redistribute among low-income families who do not have access to produce. I enjoy volunteering because I am able to give back to my community and help others in need. I show integrity through my morals. I value honesty and doing what is right in every aspect of my life. I stay true to myself even when situations make it difficult [...].” - Kaitlyn Kaniuth (Denali Student - Self Nomination)

Oster Scholars’ Concrete Next Step: When Kaitlyn was little, she spent hours every day in her neighborhood garden observing the plants and wildlife. As she has gotten older, her passion for animals and the outdoors has grown, and I have pursued these passions in any way I can. Exploring these interests has allowed her to understand the urgent need for environmental protection and realize her dream of becoming an environmental engineer so she can help protect and conserve the environment and wildlife. Kaitlyn has been accepted to multiple colleges and she plans to attend a four-year university in the fall, most likely a UC, and I will be majoring in environmental engineering. After graduation, She is most interested in working on projects revolving around water: getting microplastics out of the ocean, making clean water accessible to poverty-stricken areas, and working towards creating renewable energy powered by waves.