LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Some of Lima’s best and brightest students were recognized for their hard work ahead of their spring graduation during the annual “Youth Appreciation Week” awards ceremony held by the Lima Noon Optimist Club.
Thirteen local students were honored for their outstanding academic achievements, as well as their volunteerism, good citizenship, and leadership skills.
Thirteen local students were honored for their outstanding academic achievements, as well as their volunteerism, good citizenship, and leadership skills. County Commissioner Cory Noonan and Amber Martin, Coordinator of Small Business and Workplace Development, attended the event on behalf of Mayor Sharetta Smith to present proclamations recognizing Youth Appreciation Week.
The recipients were joined by their parents, along with a teacher or guidance counselor who nominated them for the award. For these students, while the recognition is appreciated, it’s what they do when nobody is looking that earned them this honor.
"I mean yeah I think like I said, it's truly just volunteer, you know? Like we don't do it to get recognized, we do it because we truly enjoy doing it. So I think it is nice to get recognized every once in a while because it's not even why we're doing it but it is nice every once in a while to get recognized," said Moriah Szuch, a senior at Temple Christian High School.
"It's really nice. I mean it's really good to be credited for the work that you know all of here do. I mean I think all these kids are incredible. I think we all do great things and I think we've all got bright futures," said Hale hensley, a senior at Bath High School.
Congratulations to the winners of the Optimist Youth Award!
Student School or Organization
Cara Schwartz Allen County 4-H
Lane Wildermuth Allen County Junior Fair
Kaiya Hinebaugh Allen East High School
Jadin Miller Apollo Career Center
Hale Hensley Bath High School
Emily Long Elida High School
Emma Hunley Lima Central Catholic
Bailey Hoover Lima Senior
Shyanna Fugatt Perry High School
Diego Williams Salvation Army
Caiden Garlock Shawnee High School
Carder Orr Spencerville High School
Moriah Szuch Temple Christian School
