April 2026 Students of the Month

The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its April 2026 Students of the Month during its April 9 meeting.

Throughout the school year, from October through May, the Club honors four students from local high schools each month. Working with the school principals and counselors, one student each month is chosen from Westerville Central, Westerville North, Westerville South and St. Francis DeSales high schools.

The students, their parents, and the school administrators are introduced and honored at a Rotary Club luncheon each month.

Thank you to Charlie Boss of the Westerville City School District for her write-up on Westerville district children!

April 2026 Honoree Profiles

Westerville Central: Candice Pho’s favorite subjects are biology and chemistry. The junior is president and founder of WCHS’ DECA chapter, vice president of the Environmental Club, a Key Club officer and a student leader with Hope Squad and Link Crew. She is involved in tennis, National Honor Society, Red Cross Club, Asian Student Union and WCHS’ Leadership Summit. She is also a student leader with STREEM, a local Columbus student coalition focused on advocating for their high school peers. She and her sister, Camryn, competed in the Financial Services Team Decision Making event, placing first in the regional DECA competition, second at the State Career Development Conference (SCDC) and qualified for the International Career Development Conference. She is a 2025 TECH CORPS Hackathon winner and was recognized by state leaders in the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives for the achievement. She received the Golden Service Award from Key Club, an AP High Five recognition and a 2025 College Board recognition. She is a three-time scholar athlete and earned 3rd Team OCC in tennis. She has been on the honor roll every year. She is interested in attending Boston University to study molecular biology.

Westerville North: Arden Heckman’s favorite subject is English. The senior is involved in Girls Soccer, Girls Wrestling, Young Feminists Club, Global Scholars, W.A.L.T., Sending Sunshine, National Honors Society. Among her awards and accolades:

• Soccer: JV Defensive Player of the Year, 2nd Team All-OCC, six-time Player of the Game, four-time scholar athlete, Donatos Friday Night Rivals Scholar Athlete of the Week.
• Wrestling: Sectional Champion, District Placer, State placer, two-time Team MVP Award, Courage Award, All N Award, three-time scholar athlete, Jersey Mike’s Player of the Week Award.
• Track & Field: JV Warrior Classic Long Jump Champion, Coaches Award and scholar athlete.

She was the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Voice of Democracy district runner-up. She also received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award and various school academic awards in world language, science, math, English, social studies, business and visual & performing arts.

She will attend Otterbein University to double major in business administration & management and economics as well as a minor in Italian. “Thank you so much to the Rotary Club for this recognition as well as the entire staff and student body of Westerville North, especially our administration. Thank you as well to my mom, sisters, and grandparents who always have my back! And finally, to the Westerville City School District and superintendent’s office for creating an environment where I can grow and learn to the best of my ability.”

Westerville South: Ethan Bennett’s favorite subjects are history and math. The senior is involved in basketball, National Honor Society and Rotary’s I-CAN program. Among his awards and accolades: honor roll, academic letter and varsity letter in basketball. He will attend the University of Georgia to study environmental engineering.

St Francis DeSales: Senior Anna Bogan is a member of NHS and Latin NHS. She is a varsity cheerleader, and she plays and coaches lacrosse. She has participated in several student-led initiatives, including the annual canned food drive. Anna plans to attend Clemson and study health sciences.

CAPTION (ABOVE PHOTO): 2025-26 Rotary Club President Dave Read, Westerville Central senior Abi Gilbert (March recipient), Westerville North senior Arden Heckman, Westerville Central junior Candice Pho, Westerville South senior Ethan Bennett, Anna Bogan, and Rotary Club Student of the Month Chairwoman Carol Faulkner.