The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its April 2021 Students of the Month during a virtual meeting April 1. Throughout the school year, from October through May, the Club honors four students from local high schools each month. Working with the school principals and counselors, one student each month is chosen from Westerville Central, Westerville North, Westerville South and St. Francis DeSales high schools. The students, their parents, and the school administrators are introduced and honored at the Rotary Club’s first weekly luncheon each month.
April 2021 Honoree Profiles
Westerville Central: Heliana Campos Duran’s favorite subjects are Spanish and science. The senior is a member of the Key Club and National Honors Society. She also serves as an office helper and volunteers at Vineyard Church during Spanish services. She has received the following awards and recognition: Student of the Month, Underclassman Student Scholar Award, Gold Service Award. She plans to attend Columbus State Community College then transfer to Ohio State University to study exercise science. “Thank you for recognizing my hard work during a especially hard year! Moving from Venezuela to Westerville was a big change in my life but I’m super thankful to the Westerville City Schools staff for helping me every step of the way. Can’t wait to keep giving back to the community that received me with open arms!”
Westerville North: Nate Morse’s favorite subjects are history and English. The senior is involved in wrestling, mixed martial arts and future soldier training. He has received the following recognitions: First-team OCC, 4-time varsity letterman, merit role, Westerville Kindness Hero Award. He plans to join the U.S. Army Rangers. “Prior to leaving for basic training, I look forward to traveling to Guatemala in June, where I will stay with a local host family, and participate in a mission trip.”
Westerville South: Ella Dickerson’s favorite subjects are English and American Sign Language. The senior is involved in theatre, student news club, digital art, fashion and makeup. She received the following recognitions: Cats With Class, Dean’s List, Honor Roll, Herb Sprowls Grant, Best Actress in a Play and Honor Thespian. She will study general communications with plans to add a major in theatre performance at Kent State University this fall. “I’ve experienced homelessness and extreme poverty and come out on top!”
St. Francis DeSales: Leah Vanasdale’s favorite subjects are English and computer science. The senior is co-president of DeSales’ St. Vincent de Paul Club as well as a member of the astronomy and environmental clubs. She has served on the Diocesan Friends of the Poor Committee for the past two years to help organize the Walk for the Poor. She has received the following recognitions: National Merit Semifinalist and Finalist, National AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and AP Scholar with Honor. She is interested in attending Miami University. “I’m greatly honored to have been named Student of the Month! Thank you to those who nominated me!”
PICTURED (from left): Ella Dickerson, Leah Vanasdale, Heliana Campos Duran, Nate Morse
THANK YOU to the Westerville City School District for its ongoing participation and support for our Students of the Month Program. Read more at westerville.k12.oh.us.
Founded in 1959, the Rotary Club of Westerville is a service club of business professionals and leaders working to improve our community and larger world. We are part of Rotary International. Find out more at WestervilleRotary.com. Contact the Club and learn how to join at www.westervillerotary.com/contact-form.