A record number of local students were recognized for their academic achievements and three Lakers earned scholarships during the recent 46th Annual Bellefontaine Rotary Honors Night.
The Bellefontaine Rotary Club hosted the event at Bellefontaine High School for more than 230 soon-to-be graduates. 44 ILHS seniors who have earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher during their high school career were recognized, along with two ILHS students who are enrolled at Ohio Hi Point.
The Bellefontaine Rotary Club provided certificates and chocolates.
Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik was the keynote speaker. She told the seniors to not be afraid to do your thing and take your shot!
"You all are among some of the most gifted and dedicated that our great state has to offer. And here's the secret...your generation holds the key to Ohio's future. So wherever you go, whatever you do...once you've made the decision to take your shot, you have to do so with your whole heart and never look back!"
ILHS students recognized are: Stephanie Altstaetter, Brittany Austin, Chase Baldwin, Lauren Barhorst, Rachel Barnes, Mason Beres, Caleb Bihn, Tristen Bills, Elizabeth Braun, Kiersten Clem, Dylan Cooley (OHP), Brayden Dempster, Sierra DeWeese, Metea Duncan, Alain Ellison, Hunter Gross, Jonathan Henry, Matthew Hines, Heidi Hoffman, Jaelyn Hughes, Victoria Hurley, Austin Hutton, Jessica Jacobs (OHP), Lily Jenkins, Megan Kimbler, Rece Kimmel, Emma King, Allison Kinney, Gavin Lones, Jalan Martin, Meadow McCullough, Paige Mefford, Chad Minnich, Isaac Morrison, Brant Parsell, Grace Pequignot, Katelyn Pippin, Marah Reames, Madisyn Roach, Regan Ross, Makayla Strauser, Mason Swygart, Faith Tegtmeyer, Tia Tracey, Creek Wischmeyer and Beau Young
At the conclusion of the event, the Bellefontaine Rotary Club announced 2023 Scholarship winners. Brittany Austin, Jaelyn Hughes and Creek Wischmeyer from ILHS each earned a $1,000 award.