The Lima Exchange Club honored 12 Allen County seniors as Youth of the Year, awarding scholarships and recognizing Delphos St. John’s Alaina Martin for her top essay on giving back to the community.

“I don’t think you realize how much money you’re going to spend each month until you’re the one actually spending it. So I think that it gives them a greater appreciation for their parents, their guardians, caretakers, but then I also think it’s preparing them for the next step after they graduate high school,” said Kelsey Joseph, director of marketing for Superior Credit Union.