2020 R.K. Thompson boy finalists named

VW independent/submitted information

Five area boys have been selected as finalists for the 2020 R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award, according to Breanne Sudduth and Anthony Adams, co-chairs of the Van Wert Service Club’s selection committee. The Self-Reliance Award program provides cash awards to Van Wert County High School seniors who best exhibit the trait of self-reliance. The awards are designed to seek out and honor students who do the best with what they have.

This year’s boys’ finalists include Nicholas Carter, son of William and Traci Carter; Jakeb Hilleary, son of Geary Hilleary and Melissa Baer; Ryan Pratt, son of Jeff and LeeAnn Pratt; Wyatt Richardson, son of Stephen and Debra Richardson; and Kaden Short, son of Jeff and Leigh Short.

Carter is a senior at Van Wert High School, where he is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, FCA, cocker, and is captain of the robotics and tennis teams. He is also involved in the CEO program and works at Alliance Automation in Van Wert. After graduation, he will be attending the University of Toledo pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Carter has worked at Sycamore Ice Cream and is also heavily involved with First United Methodist Church in Van Wert. 

Hilleary is a senior at Van Wert High School, where he is a member of Beta Club, and Student Council president, while also competing on the football and basketball teams. He is also involved in the CEO program working at National Door & Trim in Van Wert. Following graduation, he plans to enter Bowling Green State University majoring in business administration. Hilleary has also worked at Treece Landscaping for the past two summers.

Pratt is a senior at Van Wert High School, where he is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council, the Select Choir, and varsity football team. He is also involved in the CEO program and works at Foster Family Chiropractic in Van Wert. Volunteer activities include the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Pregnancy Life Center, and St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert. After graduation, he plans to attend The University of Saint Francis on a pre-chiropractic track. Work history includes custodian at Van Wert High School, umpire for the Van Wert City Parks Department and office work at Foster Family Chiropractic. 

Richardson is a senior at Vantage Career Center, where he is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, and is a Student Ambassador, while also running cross country for his home school: Crestview. He volunteers his time taking photos at all the local schools around Van Wert County. After high school, he will peruse photography as a career, attending Western Kentucky University to major in photojournalism. Richardson’s work history includes photography and writing for both The Delphos Herald and Van Wert independent, as well as working at Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service in Van Wert.

Short is a senior at Crestview High School, where he is president of the National Honor Society, captain of the football and basketball teams, and a member of FFA, baseball, Student Council, and the Chess Club. After graduation, he plans on attending The Ohio State University majoring in psychology. Short is a member of North Union Methodist Church in rural Van Wert County, serving as an usher, greeter, and youth aide. Work history includes mulching, mowing, and general labor for various individuals.