Karen Hookstra

If you only had one word to describe Karen Hookstra, it would probably be: determined. She has always been determined to be the best and to succeed at any task that she undertook. Even as a four year old, starting kindergarten, she was determined to be responsible for herself. She still recalls how she would be the first in her household to wake up (without an alarm- a habit that she continues to this day), bathe, dress herself, prepare her own breakfast, and then wait patiently for the rest of the family to get up and start their day. Karen's commitment to excel has served her well over the years, she ran track, was an Honor Student, and achieved the perfect attendance award over and over again. She has always been willing to show up, on time, and ready to do the job!! Even though Karen's parents could easily afford to send her to college, she chose to work full time, maintain a full time school load, and commute five days a week. She is justifiably proud of having her