R.K. Thompson Award girl finalists named

VW independent/submitted information

Five area girls have been selected for the 2016 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 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 students who do the best with what they have.

This year’s girl finalists include Samantha Brooks, daughter of Chris and Kathy Brooks; Anna Gorman, daughter of Troy Gorman and Kris Crosby; Domonique Grothause, daughter of Maria Grothause; Caitlin Wilder, daughter of Ray Sudduth and Jennifer Wilder; and Claire Zaleski, daughter of Richard and Julie Zaleski.

Brooks is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is involved in National Honor Society, Beta Club, Service Pack and theatre.

After graduation, she will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in social work. She is currently employed at Little Caesar’s Pizza.

Gorman is a senior at Lincolnview High School, where she is involved in Beta Club, Spanish Club, and Lincolnview FFA, while also competing in cross country and track and field.

After graduation, she plans on continue running at the collegiate level, while pursuing a degree allowing her to help other reach their personal athletic goals.

Grothause is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is a captain of the volleyball and track and field teams, while also involved in Beta Club, National Honor Society, Service Pack and being a Junior Rotarian.

After graduation, she plans to attend The Ohio State University to study biology, with a goal of pursuing a career in orthopedics. She is currently employed at Brewed Expressions, while also working as a childcare provider.

Wilder is a senior at Vantage where she is a Student Ambassador and secretary of the Senior Class. She is a member of LifeHouse Church, where she is a small group leader in the youth ministry. Caitlin is currently employed at Vancrest Health Care Centerin Convoy.

After graduation, she plans to continue her employment in the medical field, with a goal of earning enough to pursue her college aspirations.

Zaleski is a senior at Crestview High School, where she is involved in FFA, FCA, National Honor Society, FCCLA, Student Council (vice president) and is captain of the volleyball and basketball teams.

After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Toledo to pursue a degree in nursing. She is currently employed as a PRN at Vancrest Health Care Center.