2020 R.K. Thompson girl finalists named

VW independent/submitted information

Five area girls 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 program provides cash awards to seniors of Van Wert County High Schools 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 girl finalists include McKenzie Berry, daughter of Charles and Michelle Berry; Morgan Dowler, daughter of Stephen and Casey Dowler; Madelyn Lamb, daughter of David and Cindy Lamb; Desiree Reinhart and Victoria Snyder, daughter of Jeff and Stacey Snyder.

Berry is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, and choir. She is a member of LifeHouse Church, in addition to volunteer activities with the American Red Cross and Van Wert Blessings in a Backpack. After graduation, Berry plans to attend the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Work history includes Greve Chrysler and Foster Family Chiropractic.

Dowler is a senior at Crestview High Schoo,l where she serves as Senior Class president, as well as president of FCCLA and the KEY program. Other activities include FFA, National Honor Society, Crestview Art Club, varsity softball, and Junior Rotarian. Volunteer activities include Feeding America meal packaging, Red Cross, YWCA Junior Advocacy, and 4-H Exchange Club. After graduation, Dowler plans to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, to pursue a double major in business and interior design and minor in marketing. 

Lamb is a senior at Crestview High School, where she is vice president of National Honor Society, secretary of Student Council, and editor of the yearbook, in addition to participating in FFA, volleyball, track and field, and FCCLA.  Community activities include volunteering for the Red Cross, Van Wert County Fair Junior Fair Board and 4-H. Following graduation, Lamb will sit for her real estate license exam while attending Bowling Green State University to obtain a degree in business administration with a minor in hospitality, tourism, and event planning. 

Reinhart is a senior at Lincolnview High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Spanish Club. She is also involved in the CEO program at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School in Van Wert. Following graduation, Reinhart plans to attend Wright State University-Lake Campus majoring in elementary education. Work experience includes head cook at Olympic Lanes, babysitting, and dietary aide at Vancrest Health Care Center. 

Snyder is a senior at Lincolnview High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish Club, Student Council secretary, president of the Spirit Squad, vice president of Lincolnview FFA, and captain of the cross country and track teams. Other activities include church involvement, serving as the Peony Pageant candidate for Lincolnview, as well as several other community-related activities. After graduation, Snyder plans to attend The Ohio State University majoring in livestock management, with a specialization in swine and minor in agribusiness.