Self-Reliance Award girl finalists named

Van Wert independent/VW Service Club information

Five area girls 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 on 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 girl finalists are Toni Acquaviva, daughter of Trisha and Josh Font; Jessica Burger, daughter of Ray and Rochelle Burger; Kala East, daughter of Michael and Cindy East; Megan Lawson, daughter of Willard and Lisa Lawson; and Rebecca Ries, daughter of Cheryl Ries and Bruce Ries.

Toni Acquaviva

Aquaviva is a senior at Van Wert High School where she is involved in softball, is captain of the basketball team and is Student Body treasurer.

After graduation, she will be attending Ohio University to become a nurse practitioner.  She is currently employed at The Orchard Tree restaurant.

Jessica Burger

Burger is a senior at Crestview High School, where she is involved in softball, volleyball, is captain of the basketball team, National Honor Society and is president of the senior class. She attends Mt. Victory Church, is involved in 4-H and is a Salvation Army volunteer.

After graduation, she plans to attend Ball State University and study nursing.

Kala East

East is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is involved in Beta Club and is captain of the varsity soccer team. She also volunteers with The Salvation Army and is a member of the Lifehouse  youth group.  After graduation, she plans of attending the University of Cincinnati to study communication sciences and disorders. She is currently employed at The Orchard Tree restaurant.

Megan Lawson

Lawson is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is involved in Beta Club, GAP Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club and Project Lead the Way. She attends St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert.

Megan also volunteers at Wee Care Day Care Center and with the United Way.

After graduation, she plans on majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in art.  She is currently employed at the Van Wert Cinemas.

Rebecca Ries

Ries is a senior at Van Wert High School.  She is involved with church youth group mission trips, the church volleyball team and volunteers with her student council food drive and with Blessings in a Backpack.

After graduation, she plans on attending The Ohio State University-Lima Campus to pursue a degree in psychology. She is currently employed at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert.