2012 R.K. Thompson boy finalists listed

Van Wert independent/VW Service Club information

Five area boys have been selected for the 2012 R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award, according to Andy Gearhart and John Gemmer, co-chairmen of the Van Wert Service Club’s selection committee.  The awards banquet is to be held on Tuesday, April 24.  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: Jose Cuevas, son of the late Jose Cuevas and the late Rosario Contreras; Daniel Bashore, son of Gregg and Sandy Bashore; Dallis Gibson, son of Berry and Angie Gibson; Robert Laing, son of Kevin and Barbara Laing; Nate Stevens, son of Ed and Vicki Stevens.

Cuevas is a senior at Vantage Career Center.  He has previously been employed at Kentucky Fried Chicken and Fricker’s, both in Van Wert.

Bashore is a senior at Van Wert High School where he is involved in Choir, Band, National Honor Society and BETA Club.  He also volunteers at Van Wert Manor and with the Salvation Army.  After graduation, he will attend Miami University and major in Psychology and Music.

Gibson is a senior at Crestview High School where he is involved in FFA, National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball and Model United Nations.  He also volunteers with several organizations and is an active member of his church youth group.  Following graduation, he plans on attending The Ohio State University to obtain a degree in Agricultural Engineering.  He is currently employed at CW Farms and Gibson Construction.

Laing is a senior at Van Wert High School where he is involved in National Honor Society, BETA Club, Band, and Scholastic Bowl Team and is president of his class.  He is also involved in DeMolay, is an Eagle Scout and is active in his church.  After graduation, he will be attending Miami University to pursue a double major in pre-dentistry and political science.

Stevens is a senior at Van Wert High School where he is involved in cross country and track.  He is also a volunteer at the Van Wert County Council on Aging and is active in his church youth group.  Following graduation, he plans on attending the University of Cincinnati to major in industrial design.  He is currently employed at Treece Landscaping and Design.