High school students honored for leadership

Several area high-schoolers were recognized by the United Way recently for their contributions to improving the community.

Fourteen students were honored with the first ever Outstanding Student Award by the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area during this year’s Global Youth Service Day.

“These awards were developed to recognize the exceptional efforts of young people who have taken on the responsibility of being leaders and problem solvers in our community through a variety of volunteer projects and service learning opportunities,” said Bill Perry, Creative Services Manager for the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area.

The students were nominated by teachers, parents and fellow volunteers. Each student was given a laptop that was provided by an anonymous donor.

The award recipients had to be between the ages of 14 and 18 and live in Montgomery, Greene or Preble counties. The students had participated in a wide variety of projects including working at food banks and community clean-up projects.

The Outstanding Student Award recipients were:

• Clare Geraghty, senior, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, has demonstrated a commitment to her academics as well as her community, having accrued almost 400 hours of service beyond her requirement.

• Stephen Hawkins, senior, Fairborn High School, is an accomplished writer and baseball player who is a member of the National Honor Society and Freshman Focus leader.

• Lindsey Herzog, junior, Eaton High School is a varsity cheerleader who has long been achieving academic excellence in addition to athletic excellence. She is the ultimate team player who has volunteered her time with many organizations

• Robert Krupa, junior, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School is involved in Hands in Harmony, as well as pep band, percussion ensemble, aceppella, and choir.

• Abby Lynch, freshman, Wayne High School, a longtime Girl Scout who has taken on many leadership duties in her troupe.

• Mariah Manson, senior, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School is a member of student council, the National Honor Society and the dance team. She has volunteered with Join Hands Miami Valley and the Mary Scott Nursing home, as well as with the Special Olympics.

• Maya Manson, senior, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, volunteers with disadvantaged youth, as well as at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and with her church.

• Kathryn Marshall, senior, Chaminade Julienne High School was nominated by two different teachers. She is a successful student in the classroom as well on the track and field and cross country teams, pep band, and as a volunteer at a local senior center.

• Jacob Matteson, senior, Fairborn High School, is a member of the JROTC and a golfer. His community service experience includes the Fairborn Senior Center, Parks Department and Sonset Café.

• Macy Merle, a senior at The Miami Valley School has volunteered for many service projects with many organizations both locally and abroad. She is President of the student body, is very successful in the classroom as well as being a two sport varsity athlete.

• Nia Robinson, senior, Stivers School for the Arts, is a Miami Valley Hospital volunteer, and has also served at the Mary Scott nursing home. She mentors younger students at her school as well as participating in dance, basketball, and many clubs.

• Rekia Salter, senior, Xenia High School, maintains a 4.5 GPA all while being involved in dance, choir, theater, and many volunteer activities. She is also a letter winner in track and volleyball.

• Kathryn Suttling, senior, Beavercreek High School is a member of her high schools service club and volunteers at soup kitchens, with senior citizens and at her school in the summer.

• Jessica Waters, sophomore, Beavercreek High School, is accomplished in the classroom as well as on the Beavercreek dance and cheerleading teams. Waters says that she “has epilepsy, it does not have her.” Much of her work revolves around spreading and living this message.

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