Super Students
Saturday, May 24, 1997
Name: Yanavah Nelson
Age: 11
School: Kahuku Elementary School
Favorite subject: Science
Future: Astronomer
In about the year 2012, a headline in the Star-Bulletin might read "Local Star Discovers Distant Galaxy" if Yanavah Nelson's wishes come true. Yanavah lives up to her name
"I'd like to be an astronomer and an actress someday," said Nelson, a Kahuku Elementary sixth-grader. "I like all kinds of science and I like acting out characters."
In Navajo, "Yanavah" means "arise to meet the challenge," and Nelson is an excellent student and an active member in her community.
"She's my strength," said Deanna Wolfgramm, Nelson's mother. "She's quiet, but dynamic -- very dependable and responsible." For example, the family had to borrow a van from a friend when theirs broke down. Wolfgramm said Yanavah noticed it was dirty. "While I was taking a nap, Yanavah washed the van and watched the young ones at the same time," Wolfgramm said. "That's just Yanavah."
Three years ago, Nelson and her family moved from Salt Lake City to Hawaii when her father, Etoni Wolfgramm, decided he wanted to finish school at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. "I like living in Hawaii better," she said. "I like the beach."
Throughout her elementary school career, Nelson has been a straight-A student.
She excels in math and the sciences, but also enjoys giving oral presentations.
"She's an awesome student," said Ernest Muh, Nelson's teacher. "She's full of energy that radiates in the classroom and amongst her friends."
Mary Sano, Special to the Star-Bulletin
