The Heart of the Panther Awards were handed out to seniors Kris Garrett, Ali Marboe, and Orlando Vasquez, band teacher Jim Kovach, and Hats Off Limousine on May 30, as the highest award from Wenatchee High School.

Hats Off Limousine company won the community support award this year. The award was presented by fitness teacher and adaptive P.E. teacher Shelley Jelsing. Hats Off Limousine has been supporting the special education prom for 9 years, and as the prom has grown, they have provided more vehicles and volunteers. They always come with “gracious hearts and huge smiles,” Jelsing said.

The Super Staff Heart of the Panther award went to band teacher Jim Kovach this year. Kovach is the Washington Music Educators Association Regional President and was inducted into the Washington Music Hall of Fame last February.

“Mr. Kovach is one of my favorite teachers because of the way he interacts with the class,” sophomore Kevin Wilson said. “He isn’t just a teacher to us; he’s a lifelong friend and inspiration to those around him.”

The Heart of the Panther award for attitude went to senior Kris Garrett this year. Nomination forms said that “every interaction with [Garrett] has been pleasant]” and that he is “the type of kid that underclassmen appreciate.”

“[At the awards assembly] once they started saying stuff about DECA and wrestling and whatnot I started to put two and two together,” Garrett said. “I honestly didn’t know what I was saying [up there]. It was incredibly surreal and humbling.”

“Kris displays nothing but hard work and respect,” Athletic Director BJ Kuntz said.

The Heart of the Panther award for involvement went to senior Ali Marboe. “I feel so honored to be given this award,” Marboe said. “I honestly had no idea I was getting the award until my name was called… I love WHS and it has given me so many opportunities and friendships that I will cherish forever.”

The extra effort Heart of the Panther award went to senior Orlando Vasquez. At the assembly, assistant principal Ricardo Iñiguez said that Vasquez is quiet, observant, and flies under the radar. He talks to the administration with ideas of how to improve safety and security at WHS, and has been on a difficult road in life. Vasquez ran away from home because his home environment was “not suitable for much of anything,” and for personal problems.

“I got a lot of help from good people,” Vasquez said. He was very surprised to get the award, but Iñiguez’s introduction tipped him off. “About halfway [through] I realized it was gonna be me… I kinda didn’t believe it at first. It was a great moment.”