2011 Self-Reliance boy finalists selected

Van Wert independent/VW Service Club information

Five area boys have been selected for the 2011 R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award, according to Andy Gearhart and John Gemmer, co-chairman of the Van Wert Service Club’s selection committee.  The awards banquet is to be held Tuesday, April 19.  The program provides cash awards to Van Wert County High School seniors who best exhibit the trait of self-reliance.  These awards are designed to seek out and honor the student who does the best with what he or she has.

This year’s boy finalists are Matthew Allmandinger, son of Dave and Mary Allmandinger; Anthony Hauter, son of Krista Connor and Tony Hauter; Joseph Overmyer, son of Joshua and Kathleen Overmyer; Nathanael Simson, son of Jay and Bonita Lynn Simson; and Kevin Yeung, son of Stephanie Yeung and Kei Shing Yeung.

Matthew Allmandinger

Allmandinger is a senior at Lincolnview High School, where he is involved in Lincolnview FFA, the Industrial Technology Club and a Junior Rotarian.  He is also president of the Van Wert County Junior Fair Board, member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church Youth Group and is a volunteer with the Ohio City Fire Department

After graduation, he hopes to attend the University of Northwest Ohio in Lima to pursue a degree in agriculture business management.  He is currently employed at Allmandinger Farms and is owner-operator of Allmandinger Custom Baling and Snow Removal.

Anthony Hauter

Hauter is a senior at Van Wert High School, where he is involved in Beta Club, National Honor Society, was a captain of the football team and a Junior Rotarian. He is a member of Lifehouse Church and volunteers with The Salvation Army and Van Wert Parks Department.

After graduation, he plans on attending the University of Cincinnati to major in business. He is currently employed at the Orchard Tree Restaurant.

Joseph Overmyer

Overmyer is a senior at Crestview High School, where he is involved in FFA, is president of Student Council, a member of the varsity baseball team and captain of the football team. He is also involved in 4-H, Youth for Christ, and Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

After graduation, he plans on attending college to pursue a degree in sports management. He is currently employed at McDonald’s and raises market livestock.

Nathaniel Simson

Simson is a senior at Van Wert High School, where he is involved in Beta Club, track, cross country, bowling, Quiz Bowl and Symphonic Band.  He is also involved in Boy Scouts, DeMolay, and the Channel 6 News Team. He attends Olive Branch Church of God and First Church of God Youth Group.

After graduation, he plans on attending Ball State University to pursue a degree in telecommunications. He is currently employed at Bob Evans Restaurant in Van Wert.

Kevin Yeung

Yeung is a senior at Van Wert High School, where he is involved in Beta Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, was captain of the varsity tennis team, GAP and a Junior Rotarian.  He is a member of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Youth Group and is a Cougar Mentor.

After graduation, he plans on attending the University of Cincinnati to pursue a degree in either computer or mechanical engineering, combined with a business degree. He is currently employed by Statewide Ford and Peking Restaurant.