Veronica Winget

Gig Harbor High School senior accomplished in biology and research, ranked at top of class

Veronica Winget plans to study biochemistry in college, and she already has a list of achievements in biology. Her project won awards at several fairs, and she participated in the Intel International Science Fair during her freshman year.

While at the fair, she said she saw so many “cool projects” that she became interested in research.

Her project was impressive. With a partner, Winget wanted to learn about the technology behind biological fuel cells. She contacted a leading researcher at an Oregon university who was testing alternative fuel sources, then she set out to investigate the effect of different electrode materials on the energy output of bacterial fuel cells.

The project entailed gathering mud in Puget Sound, learning about bacteria, interviewing college professors, building a fuel cell, then writing a research paper.

Winget and her partner got a small amount of electricity from the prototype, and after they won at the state level, they represented Washington at the international fair.

As a volunteer at a veterinary clinic, Winget has watched surgeries and other procedures. The experience prompted her to consider another career potential — medicine.

“In looking back at my 13-plus years of teaching, I would rank Veronica as my No. 1 student,” said Kristin Bergh, Gig Harbor High science teacher. “Whether as a researcher, doctor or a professor, Veronica is sure to have a positive impact on her world.”

Winget is ranked No. 1 in her class with a 4.0 grade-point average. She said she puts academics first, which means she’s had to make sacrifices — this year, she had to stop competing with the school’s swim team in order to fit everything into her schedule.

Winget’s contributions include several clubs, including Model United Nations. She helped redraft the club’s constitution and served as president for two years. She considers her time with Model United Nations as one of the highlights of her high school career.

As a member of the United Way Youth Leadership Council, Winget also had an opportunity to become involved with a variety of projects, including the restoration of a historic building, visiting a home for AIDS patients and volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club.

“You get to see a lot of different things in the community,” she said. “It’s really enlightening.”

“Veronica will be successful in her future endeavors, as she is a mature and intelligent person who views science not only as an academic challenge but as a way she might contribute to the improvement of her community,” Bergh said.

Veronica Winget

Education: Senior, Gig Harbor High School

GPA: 4.0

Parents: Joshua and Carol Winget

Activities/achievements: Awards from Intel International Science Fair award, National Science League, South Sound Regional Science Fair, Washington State Science Fair; swim team varsity letter; Tacoma Swim Club; Medical Explorers; Harbor Animal Hospital volunteer; Model United Nations president; United Way Youth Leadership Council secretary; Environmental Club; JV tennis

Favorite teacher: “I have had so many amazing teachers at GHHS, it would be impossible to choose just one,” she said. “However, one of the most inspirational and influential ... was Ms. (Kristin) Bergh. She inspired me to pursue science as a career.”

Best thing about high school: The many opportunities for getting involved outside the classroom.