The Westerville Kiwanis Club held its 51st annual Academic Varsity Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening, April 17, when the top 30 senior scholars from Westerville high schools were honored. The evening included a dinner and special recognition of 10 students from Westerville Central, 10 students from Westerville North, and 10 students from Westerville South High School.
Guest speaker was Dr. Dan Good, retiring Superintendent of Westerville City Schools. He thanked Ray Bertelsen, Chairman of the Kiwanis’ Academic Varsity Committee, for “championing our public schools both during his esteemed career there and since his retirement.” He also thanked the Kiwanis Club collectively, saying, “While many associations showcase our impressive learners for specific achievements both curricular and extra-curricular, no other non-profit collectively esteems high school seniors who have dedicated themselves to and achieved extraordinary scholarship.” Dr. Good talked about technological advances and social media, even offering audience members the opportunity to send a Tweet about the evening’s activities. While the Internet is full of negative predictions for this year’s graduating class, Dr. Good believes that the millennial generation – especially those being honored at this function – have great potential. “Millennials are demanding capitalism with a conscience,” he said, adding that this group of Academic Varsity members has all the right attributes to train for, secure and flourish in fields that will promote peace, justice and healing in our world. He encouraged the students to stay calm and maintain a positive focus. His presentation ended with the singing by students and adults of Natasha Bedingfield’s song, Unwritten. Each pupil was given a blank journal and a pen inscribed with their name. “Today is where your book begins,” he concluded.