The Science Department at Dixon High School has selected Vanessa Lopez (center) as the November Young Woman of the Month. Lopez was joined by Samantha Beasdale of Dixon High School (left) and Soroptimist President Barbara Rigdon (right). Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon High School science department has selected Vanessa Lopez as the Soroptimist International of Dixon’s November Young Woman of the Month.

Lopez is the daughter of Brenden Chechourka and Katie Knizeuski. Lopez has an older sister, Samantha, who is currently a Oregon Institute of Technology student.

Samantha Bleasdale, a Dixon High School science teacher, said that Lopez was unanimously voted for this honor by the science department.

“She has really set the bar high for excellence. She is kind and intelligent. She brings positivity to the classroom,”  Bleasdale said.

All the science teachers at the high school have had Lopez as a student and describe her as “driven,” “exceptional,” “committed to excellence” and most notably, “a rock star.” Lopez is most proud of earning a 4 on her AP Bio test.

Beyond her love of science, Lopez also has an interest in serving her community. Last year, she joined the Public Service Academy and completed more than 30 hours of community service, including organizing holiday activities for young children and assisting with other events in the schools and community. Lopez has also been team manager of the boys’ varsity football team for three years.

When asked what sparked her interest in science, Lopez said that she had always had a fascination with the various components of life and the world around us; she is particularly interested in genetics.

It is with this type of deep conviction and passion that Soroptimist International of Dixon members are convinced that Lopez is well prepared and suited for her field of study and wish her well with her future pursuits. Lopez plans to obtain her Ph.D. in genetics and become a clinical geneticist. She hopes to attend Washington State University or Texas A&M.