VWHS holds 2013 awards convocation

CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer

For Van Wert High School’s Class of 2013, it was a chance to sit back, breathe a sigh of relief, and relish in the accomplishments and accolades they have earned over the past four years.

There was plenty to go around. A total of 28 scholarships and 12 departmental awards were passed out during Friday’s annual senior convocation ceremony, and the school’s candidates for the title of graduate of distinction were recognized.

To be considered for the top honor, students must be ranked in the top 10 percent of their class, and carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.85 or higher. They also must have successfully completed a minimum of three of six advanced placement courses offered.  The 2013 Van Wert High School Graduates of Distinction are Sarah Aurand, Alex Bair, Melissa Bono, Sydney Collins, Joe Hurless, Caleb Markward, Daniel Thompson, Andrew Todd, Scott Turner and Nik Wolford.

The top-scoring students will receive the Graduate of Distinction medallion during the commencement ceremony and will also be featured in a picture in the hallway of the school. Graduates of Distinction were also winners of numerous other scholarships and honors during the ceremony.

Turner, who will be attending the Ohio State University to major in music, took home several awards, including departmental awards in instrumental music and language arts, in addition to the Margaret Shaffer Maney Music Memorial Scholarship.

In presenting the award, Dr. Dondra Maney noted her mother-in-law’s passion for vocal and instrumental music during a time in American history that saw limited opportunities for students.

“When you think about that time, you realize her class was the one getting ready to go into World War II, so the opportunity to major in music, like I did, wasn’t there for her,” Maney said. “But she used music her whole life and we’re proud to honor her memory today with this scholarship.”

Markward was also a big winner on the day, taking home multiple awards, one of which included Central Mutual Insurance Company’s Black Inc. Award.

Representing Central, company President/CEO F.W. Purmort also presented the company’s Charitable & Educational Foundation scholarships after giving a brief history of the charitable outreach of Central. Purmort noted that the scholarship program is an expression of gratitude to the community for its long-standing support of company. Since its inception, Central has granted 48 scholarships to area students.

“Selfishly, it was also formed in part to reward and support graduates who may eventually seek careers in the property and casualty insurance industry,” Purmort said, adding that each $5,000 scholarship can be renewed up to three additional years. The 2013 Central scholarship recipients are Sierra Kesler, Markward and Hurless.

Van Wert Rotary Club’s scholarship winners, Hurless and Katie Etter, were lauded by retired teacher and Rotary Club member Lois Gehres, who noted the pair’s academic successes, as well as their citizenship and leadership efforts in the community.

“Of all the things Rotary does in this community, and there are many, for me the best thing we do is give scholarships,” Gehres said, adding that the Student Rotarian program, in which students attend the club’s meetings for one month, is beneficial for both the students, as well as Rotary members.

The renewable scholarship recipient is selected by a panel of area guidance counselor and Gehres said that, although the club can choose only two students, “every applicant is worthy of this scholarship.”

Van Wert High School Principal Bill Clifton chose Livia Butler and Jacob Brake as this year’s Cougar Pride Award winners, and noted that both students were excellent representatives of Van Wert High School. Award criteria include being a good student in the classroom, as well as being actively involved in extracurricular activities offered at VWHS.

“I believe it’s important to display a sense of respect towards your community, school and each other,” Clifton said, adding, “and it’s important to have the utmost pride in being a Van Wert Cougar. Be proud of it. Brag about it.”

The presentation of honor cords was also held, recognizing students who will graduate cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude from Van Wert High School. In closing, Clifton thanked students for their commitment in the classroom and the community, and recognized the Class of 2013 for its accomplishments.

“You are beginning to close in on thirteen long and somewhat difficult, yet rewarding, years in school,” Clifton said. “Today is about recognizing you for your achievements, your commitment and your accomplishments.”

Other scholarship and award winners recognized during the ceremony include:

YWCA Community Involvement Award and Carrols/Burger King Scholarship – Katie Etter

United States Military Appointment at West Point – Nik Wolford

Braun Industries Project Lead the Way Engineering Scholarship — Alex Bair

Psi Iota Xi Scholarship – Brooke Fuerst

John F. Maney Business Memorial Scholarship – Robbie Trittschuh

Optimist Club Service Scholarship – Sierra Kesler

Tom Hittle Hero Award – Terrin Contreras

Van Wert Service Pack Scholarship – Melissa Bono and Joe Hurless

Junior Achievement Scholarship – Maggie Allmandinger, Katie Etter, Caleb Markward

Ralph McCuddy Science Scholarship – Alex Bair

Van Wert Federation of Teachers Scholarship – Scott Turner, Colten Royer, Matt Saunier

Captain George L. Purmont Prize – Melissa Bono

Adolph and Letitia Weck Scholarship – Sarah Aurand

Gaylord Leslie Golf Scholarship – Jacob Brake and Tyler Turnwald

Chuck Thompson Scholar Athlete Award – Jacey Eikenbary and Daniel Thompson

American Legion Citizenship and Americanism Award – Jessica Klausing, Jacob Hoverman, Caleb Markward, Rebecca Johnson

Delta Epsilon Phi Senior – Robbie Trittschuh

Rembrandt Award — Daniel Thompson

Cougar’s Roar Journalism Award — Skylar Wood

TV Production Award — Logan Ray

OHSAA Awards — Kase Schalois, Caleb Markward

Departmental Awards

Art — Brooke Fuerst

Family & Consumer Science — Maggie Couts

Science — Alex Bair

French — Caleb Markward

Vocal music — Jacob Hoverman

Spanish — Corrine Nouza

Math — Alex Bair

Social Studies — Matt Saunier

German ­– Joe Hurless

Language arts — Scott Turner

Commencement speakers — Katie Etter, Caleb Markward, Joe Hurless (photos of all the awards in sometime late next week)