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Excellence is –

“Completing something I started with superior quality…”

“Doing what is right and believing in yourself…”

“A quality that everyone should strive for…”

The 2013 Senior Awards Program was recently held on May 16^th.  Students were recognized for their excellence via awards and scholarships.  Mr. Gebhardt pointed out that we are always proud of our graduating classes but this one has been particularly outstanding.  Three young ladies embody the excellence found in the class of 2013.  (Jeanette Gourley, Madison Hartshorn, and Clara Young) each was awarded Girl Scout’s highest honor The Gold Star Award during their senior year.  Only 5% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn The Gold Award.  Winners of the Gold Star are seen as a role model and distinguished leader.  They must be able to master time management skills.  The ladies were challenged to create a vision of change by completing a rigorous community service project.  Each of their projects enhanced the nearby Caesar’s Creek Nature Center.  Its many visitors will be able to enjoy the community legacy left by these ladies.

When asked what “excellence” means to you; Jeanette Gourley said, “Excellence to me means completing something I started with superior quality.  I believe my Gold Award project shows excellence in leadership and execution.”  For Jeanette’s Gold Award she created an outdoor classroom and called it the “Golden Canopy.”  An area was cleared, mulched, benches were built, and signs were placed appropriately.  To educate visitors she made animal flip books containing information about animals native to Caesar’s Creek.  An open house was held that drew over 125 people to the Nature Center.  The feedback she received supported her project as a welcomed addition.  Jeanette plans to attend Miami University.  She enjoys swimming, tennis, skiing, National Honors Society, student council and SADD.

“Excellence” to Madison Hartshorn means, “Striving to be your best in not only school and sports, but also in everyday life.  Being excellent is doing what is right and believing in yourself even when times are tough.”  Madison renovated a children’s room in the Caesar Creek Nature Center for her Gold Award project.  The focus of the room was the life of a honey bee.  She included many displays and even a fully functioning indoor bee observation hive.  Madison’s plans to attend Ohio State University to major in biomedical engineering attend medical school and earn a PhD.  She has enjoyed soccer, swimming, track, running, and being a part of the REDO group at school.

Clare Young’s definition of “excellence” is, “A quality that everyone should strive for.  Even though I feel that there is a broad definition of excellence, it is being the best you can be.”  For Clare’s Gold Award she designed and built outdoor educational areas at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.  She created a pamphlet with games, information and websites.  Clare named her project “Discovery Central.”  It has brought lots of new visitors and attention to the Nature Center.  After graduation Clare will attend Ohio State University and major in neuroscience.  While in high school she has enjoyed the WHS Band, Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, art, and reading.