The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, November 5. November students are: Jacquelyn Birchak, Westerville Central High School; Leah Gaus, Westerville North High School; Matt Hoffman, Westerville South High School; and Joe Braun, St. Francis DeSales High School.
The purpose of the program is twofold: to recognize outstanding students who have distinguished themselves by serving their school and to expose them to the Rotary Club and its ideal of “Service Above Self.” Students selected join Rotarians for lunch every week for a month, and have the opportunity to interact with members.
Jacquelyn Birchak, a junior at Westerville Central, holds a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7. Her favorite subjects of study are Spanish and Physics. She is a member of the Key Club, Ski Club, Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, Renaissance (president), Junior Mentorship and the girls’ tennis team. She also serves as an office volunteer. Birchak participated in an international community service trip to Costa Rica. She plans to major in International Business.
English and Literature are Leah Gaus’ favorite subjects of study at Westerville North, where she is a senior who holds a GPA of 4.78. She is president of the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance; is a member of the Warrior Way Leadership Academy; is a National Honor Society representative; and serves on the Academic Boosters Board. Gaus volunteered as a Youth at the Booth Machine Judge during last year’s general election and is currently planning a 40th anniversary charity celebration. She has earned numerous academic awards and is focused on giving back to the community. She hopes to attend Ashland University, where she will major in Creative Writing.
Matt Hoffman is a senior at Westerville South, where he holds a GPA of 4.12. History and Physics are his favorite subjects. Hoffman is involved in numerous activities, including varsity golf, basketball, the National Honor Society, theater, Student Council and the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. He has received a number of academic and athletic awards and is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate. Hoffman has volunteered at the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) and at the Memorial Tournament. He is employed at the Westerville Golf Center. Hoffman plans to study accounting at Miami (Ohio) University or Marshall.
Calculus and Economics are Joe Braun’s favorite classes. The St. Francis DeSales senior holds a GPA of 4.12. He is active in Ski Club (president), Business Club, Chemistry Club (treasurer), and Math Club (officer). He also plays baseball. Braun is a Student Ambassador who is a member of the National Honor Society. He is also a National Merit Commended Student. Braun plans to study Finance at Miami University or Notre Dame.