Mercer Island High School seniors Dana Berejka and Colin Gersch were the Mercer Island Rotary Club’s students of the month for December.

Berejka is involved with MIHS leadership and was elected class vice president in 2016 and is currently ASB public relations coordinator. She is co-president of the Gender Equality Club and Treasurer of S.A.F.E. (Sober Awesome Fun Events) Club, and also participates with Women in STEM Club and Natural Helpers.

Outside of school, she is a student representative for the Healthy Youth Initiative and participates with the mother/daughter organization, National Charity League.

Berejka has earned varsity letters for Mercer Island fastpitch for the past three years and she is looking forward to playing her senior season this spring.

Several years ago, Berejka started a nonprofit organization called The Diane Foundation, in honor of her World Vision sponsor child who passed away from malaria. The Diane Foundation raises money for and awareness of malaria prevention. She has since, with a partner, started Knitting for Nets, where they sell Mercer Island crocheted spirit wear at Mercer Island games and on Etsy. All net proceeds go to buy mosquito nets.

Berejka hopes to major in global health in college to pursue her passion in science and community service.

Gersch is captain of the school’s cross country team and president of the Spanish Honor Society. He currently has a 3.8 GPA and is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Gersch has earned many awards and honors this year, including the Presidential Service Award, Admiral Award for volunteering over 100 hours of service and two awards through the National League of Young Men for serving the most service hours in a year and for acting as the organization’s best leader.

Gersch led a cultural immersion in Guatemala that included building a school, as a junior leader for Global Visionaries. He has also been involved in various volunteer opportunities, including the VOICE program during the summer, Safe Rides that offers free confidential ride service to MIHS students during the weekend, the Healthy Youth Initiative and serves as a Bridges leader.