WALLA WALLA – Waitsburg High School seniors Caitlyn Jones and Zion Branson received the Exchange Club of Walla Walla Youth of the Month Awards for December. DeSales students Cara Hall and Jacob Edstrom also received December recognition.

The seniors will be eligible to compete for the Exchange Club's Youth of the Year Award and a $1,000 college scholarship. The 2015-16 Youth of the Year theme is "Responsible Citizenship for a Strong America." The program is coordinated by Mark Higgins.

While in high school, Caitlyn Jones has been active in a variety of activities. She has played volleyball all four years of high school.  As a junior, she was ASB Secretary and FFA Secretary.  Caitlyn is a member of Waitsburg FFA and Leos, as well as being an active member of her class.  After high school, Caitlyn plans to attend Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, where she will study elementary education.

  Zion Branson is also a senior at Waitsburg High School.  Zion is a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track all four years of high school.  As a sophomore, Zion attended the 2B State Track meet where he competed in the shot put.  In December, he was named Offensive Lineman for the 2B All-State Football Team. After graduation, Zion will attend college, though at this time he is undecided as to where or what he will study.