One of the highlights of Westerville’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast celebration, held each year at the Villa Milano Banquet and Conference Center, is the bestowing of Fouse Awards, given to students who exemplify the characteristics demonstrated by Dr. King. These attributes include tolerance, respect, kindness, courage, and tenacity. This year two pupils were honored on January 20 – Michael Riebe, a fourth grader at Mark Twain Elementary School; and Arianna Kellum, an eighth grade student at Genoa Middle School. Dr. John Kellogg, Superintendent of Westerville City Schools, presented the honorees. Each student received a trophy and a $50 Amazon gift card.
Riebe was nominated by Mark Twain Principal Vicki Moss, who said he is tolerant and respectful of individual differences in others. As the brother of two adopted special needs boys, Riebe “has a tender heart” and does not dwell on, but embraces their differences. He displays caring and kindness towards others and has worked with second grade English as a Second Language students who struggle with reading and comprehension. Riebe is a member of Cub Scouts and has participated in numerous community service projects, including volunteering at the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) and selling popcorn to earn money for the pack. He divides his weekly allowance into three categories – savings, spending, and “God money,” which is donated to the support of an eight-year old child from Kenya, whom he sponsors. He is also a tenacious fundraiser. Last year, he organized a virtual ride for Pelotonia and raised $1,350 in support of a teacher diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, he plans to continue his fund raising efforts in support of WARM, with a goal of $1,200. “Michael Riebe lives his life through positive behavior and actions,” Moss concluded. “He is a student who truly exhibits the positive characteristics of Martin Luther King.”
Arianna Kellum was nominated by Genoa Language Arts teacher Brandy Spears, who said Kellum has the talent, motivation, and curiosity that drives her to engage in enrichment opportunities that expand her intellect and understanding of the world around her. “Arianna has a great hunger for acquiring knowledge about different cultures and social settings and how these things shaped the world in which we live today,” she wrote. “Her giving nature and nurturing personality endear her to a variety of individuals, children and adults alike. She collaborates well with others, regardless of their race, religion, culture gender or defining characteristics.” Kellum is a “natural” at carrying on conversations. Her charisma motivates others to make positive changes. She is involved in the Thank Goodness I’m Female (TGIF) group at Genoa, which has empowered her to embrace the leadership ability she inherently possesses. She also actively works as a Student Council Representative to support the school, local communities, and national philanthropic organizations. She also maintains exemplary grades in accelerated courses while playing year-round soccer with the Columbus Blast. “Individuals like Arianna are the catalyst our world needs for social change,” Spears concluded. “She knows that now is the time that the world needs dedicated leaders to step up and facilitate the changes needed to make our world a more positive and productive place to live, and she is eager and ready to accept those challenges.”
The breakfast meeting was hosted by WBNS 10-TV news anchor Angela An. Keynote speaker was Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, Senior Pastor of the First Church of God. Westerville Central High School graduate Taribo Osuobeni recited a poem, and community volunteer John Beck received the Alston Award.