The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its February 2021 Students of the Month during a virtual meeting Feb. 4. 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.
February 2021 honoree profiles
Westerville Central: Rugie Kabia’s favorite subjects are history and science. The junior is involved in the school’s All 4 One student group and Student Voices for Unity, a banner project with a group from other Westerville schools. She has worked alongside the Westerville Student Education Foundation. She also plays basketball and runs track. She enjoys learning about history and loves to read/write/listen to spoken words. She has received participation awards as a manager for the basketball, track and football programs, a varsity letter for basketball, an outstanding scholar athlete award. She has received the underclassmen award for grades and has been named student of the month. She is interested in studying nursing at Spelman College, Hampton University, Howard University or North Carolina A&T. “Thank you for the honor and privilege to be a part of this,” she said.
Westerville North: James (Jake) Gooding’s favorite subjects are math and science. The senior is involved in host of activities including: Varsity Wrestling, National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Class Officer, Student Council, Westerville Student Education Foundation, Global Scholars, YoungLife, Warrior Way Leadership Day, Chem Gems, Warrior Wrestling Reading Buddy Program, Volunteer Coach for Westerville United Youth Wrestling. He is ranked first in this class, attended Buckeye Boys State and has received various awards and honors including National AP Scholar, Male Winter Season Hard-Hat Award Recipient, PSAT All-Star, Superior Academic Performance Award, Outstanding Student Award in multiple subjects, Academic Varsity Letter, Wrestling Varsity Letter, Scholar Athlete, All-Ohio Academic Team for Wrestling and a state qualifier in Wrestling. He plans to study biomedical engineering and pursue an MBA while wrestling at a collegiate level. He hopes to attend Princeton, Duke or Ohio University. “I’d like to thank God, my family, and everyone who’s provided support to help get me to where I am today.”
Westerville South: Michelle Nkansah-Wiafe’s favorite subjects are the social sciences and business. The senior is treasurer of Student Council, a school library assistant, Committee Leader for recycling in the National Honor Society, and a member of Key Club and the Global Scholars program. She has received the Cats with Class award and was a Scholar Athlete for the two years. She has been on the Honor Roll since freshman year, and is 3rd year Academic Letter. She plans to study business administration at Ohio State University.
St. Francis DeSales: Maya Steiger’s favorite subjects are psychology, bioethics and child development. The senior is involved in the St. Vincent DePaul Club, Stallions for Life, Environmental Club, and Sororitas (a women’s Bible study). She is also a member of the Friends of the Poor Committee and volunteers at the CHA Animal Shelter. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She plans to study psychology at either Otterbein University, University of Dayton, Xavier University, or Ohio Northern University. “I am deeply honored to be selected as the Rotary Club Student of the Month for DeSales. Thank you so much for this opportunity and thank you for all the work you put into serving our community.”
Photo caption: February 2021 Rotary Club of Westerville Students of the Month – Rugie Kabia of Westerville Central, James (Jake) Gooding of Westerville North, Michelle Nkansah-Wiafe of Westerville South and Maya Steiger of St. Francis DeSales.
THANK YOU to the Westerville City School District for its ongoing participation and support for our Students of the Month Program. Read more about the district at westerville.k12.oh.us.