AAUW March Girls of the Month

Faith Kluesner plans to attend an out-of-state college after graduation, where she will study biochemical engineering or biotechnology. She is the daughter of Melanie Crow and the sister of Jackson Crow (11). At Carlsbad High School, Faith is drum major for the marching band—a role that highlights her leadership skills—while also playing flute in the varsity concert band and competing on the varsity Cavegirl basketball team.

She is also active at St. Edward’s Church and dances at Cheryl’s School of Dance. Faith has earned All-Academic All-District honors in basketball and received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. With her strong academic record and leadership, Faith is being recognized for her academic achievements during her high school years.

Olivia Jang plans to continue her education after graduation with a double major in anthropology and biology. She is the daughter of Jay Jang and Jiyen Kim and the sister of Benjamin Jang (16). At Carlsbad High School, Olivia has been deeply involved in both academics and activities, competing as a varsity swimmer, where she is a five-time letterman, two-time captain, and state qualifier and finalist, while also serving as a two-time drum major for the Caveman Band.

She has been a longtime member of the Cavern City Swim Club and works at the CHS Natatorium as a lifeguard, assistant manager, and swim instructor. Olivia is also involved in Student Council and the Literacy Club and is captain of the Science Bowl team.

She has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar finalist and a Presidential Scholars Program nominee and has earned AP Scholar honors, including AP Scholar with Distinction. She has also earned the NMSI STEM Star Award. With everything she has taken on, Olivia is being recognized for the high level of academic excellence she has maintained throughout high school.

Solina Darby plans to attend Texas Tech University after graduation, where she will major in pre-nursing. She is the daughter of Ryan and Clarissa Darby and the sister of Bryce Darby (13). At Carlsbad High School, Solina has been involved in soccer and also played basketball through her senior year. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned All-A Honor Roll recognition, as well as the Presidential Award.

Balancing school and athletics, Solina has stayed focused on her academics throughout high school. She is being recognized for the academic success she has shown during her high school years as she prepares for what comes next.

Meagan McKibben plans to attend New Mexico Highlands University after graduation, where she will run track while working toward a double major in early childhood education and exercise science. She is the daughter of Terry and Jill McKibben and the sister of Wesley McKibben (21). At Carlsbad High School, Meagan has been involved in Cavegirl soccer, track and field, National Honor Society, Educators Rising, and 4-H.

She has earned All-District honors in soccer as a defender and has been named All-District Academic for soccer for two years. Meagan has been a strong presence both in the classroom and in athletics, and she is being recognized for her academic success throughout her high school years.