Last summer, Sun Valley Summer Symphony conservatory patrons chose 18-year-old Anneka Preston as the guest conductor for the prestigious seasonal symphony. During the Pops Night Event, she conducted the opening piece in front of 500 audience members.
"I am really lucky I live in a place I feel valued," Preston, a Hailey resident, said.
Born in Hailey, Preston excels in music and school, and finds time to volunteer and participate in a variety of activities. Her accomplishments have now earned her the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau's "Youth Citizen of the Year" award. The well-spoken young woman credits the supportive Wood River Valley community for her success.
"My mom raised me on her own. It really does take a village. It provided a lot of drive for me," she said.
Her mother, Shelly Preston, is a 15-year employee of the Blaine County Recreation District. Anneka has volunteered extensively with the district; leading activities for children through the Recess from School program and as a Blaine County Aquatics Center swim instructor.
"I was brought up in their programs. It's my way of giving back," she said.
A senior at Wood River high school, Preston volunteers extensively as an American Red Cross volunteer, a Blaine County School District Environmental Camp counselor, a Wagon Days event full-time volunteer, a Community School Garage Sale volunteer and as a Girl Scout.
"I was an insta-volunteer. That allowed me to develop a lot of relationships with people. I have a lot of role models."
Preston speaks proudly of her volunteer work at the Sun Valley Adaptive Sports summer camp, a camp for youths with physical and mental handicaps.
"I went into it thinking it was going to be a babysitting job—but it was beneficial for both of us."
She explained the connections she made with children—the days that children began to recognize and miss her when she wasn't around.
"The kids really loved it, but I loved it, too," Preston said.
Despite an impressive three-page resume, it's clear Preston doesn't do things for outward recognition. Drive comes from her innate curiosity.
"I can identify myself as a lifelong learner."
This year, Preston pursued "The science of bio-diesel" for her high school senior project requirement. Beyond learning about bio-diesel, she made 6 liters of the alternative fuel out of grocery-store deli oil.
"I like researching out of the topic to get a better understanding," she said.
Preston takes a rigorous course load including advanced-placement and summer-school classes. She has made the honor roll since 2002 and is a National Honor Society member. She has earned the U.S. Congressional silver and bronze medals for community service, personal development and physical fitness.
"My mom really, really pushed me to excel in the areas I wasn't really strong in."
She has applied to six universities across the country, with thoughts of pursing a degree in environmental science, literature, political science or biology.
"I just always want to be educated in what is going on. There is so much to know."
She acquires experience by participating in nationwide programs and conferences.
"I take on activities as they come to me. When things come to me that interest me, I take them," she said.
She is a dancer and a musician. Music is her greatest passion. Spending 10 hours a week, Anneka sings with the Wood River High School Jazz Choir and Concert Choir. She also trains with the Sun Valley Summer Music Conservatory, where she earned the opportunity to conduct the orchestra.
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Awards Banquet
Anneka Preston will receive her award during the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber's Community Awards Dinner Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in River Run Lodge, near Ketchum.
Anneka Preston will receive the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau "Youth Citizen of the Year" award. Photo by David N. Seelig
