February 2026 Students of the Month

The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its February 2026 Students of the Month during the club luncheon at The Medallion Club on February 5th.

Throughout the school year, from October through May, the Club honors four students from each local high school. 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!

February 2026 Honoree Profiles

Westerville Central: Persia Berko’s favorite subjects are math and chemistry. The senior is involved in Battle of the Books, the Global Scholars program, Westerville Student Education Foundation and jazz band. She is also a Hope Squad student leader and library assistant. Among her awards and accolades:  Columbus State Community College’s Dean’s List (Summer 2025), Governor’s Merit Scholarship, AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award, Honor Roll and AP High 5. She plans to attend either Ohio State University, Ohio Wesleyan University or Otterbein University.

“I’m very grateful to Mr. Ogle for nominating me for this award and to both him and Ms. Polito for trusting me and guiding me through my project.”

Westerville North: McBright Ashu’s favorite subjects are AP Calculus and honors chemistry. The senior is involved in WNHS’ Black History Month program, National Honor Society, the Warrior Way Leadership Team and the Warrior Athletic Leadership Team. He is also a senior class officer, Black Student Union vice president, Link Crew student leader and photographer for WNHS’ football team. He owns his own photography business and is a four-time honor roll recipient. He plans to study computer science at Ohio State University.

“My journey since coming to the United States has been very difficult but I find Westerville City schools to be my support system throughout my journey and I always want to give and help my community as much as they’ve helped me.”

Westerville South: Emily Whitehead’s favorite subjects are government and statistics. The senior is involved in National Honor Society, Westerville Student Education Foundation, Hope Squad and CATS Student Athletic Leadership Council. She is also a Varsity Cross Country and Track captain, social media manager for Key Club, huddle leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a Link Crew student leader. She has volunteered for multiple groups, community events and agencies including I Can, Westerville Caring and Sharing, Westerville Christian Church VBS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp, Leadership Westerville Service Day, Columbus Marathon, WARM Holiday Food Drive and Red Cross Blood Drive. She has also raised more than $13,000 for cancer research foundations since she was in the first-grade. Among her awards and accolades: Cats with Class, four-time Scholar Athlete, four-time Honor Roll, three-time Academic Letter, Freshman Cross Country Coaches’ Award, two-time Cross Country Pride Heart and Determination Award. She plans to attend Xavier University to study business with a possible focus on entrepreneurship and marketing to pursue real estate.

“Thank you so much for this honor. Service has always been important to me and I’m thankful for opportunities to serve in our community. I am so happy I have had the chance to be a leader at Westerville South, supporting and leading my teammates, sharing my faith, making decisions for our school community, and helping my peers learn how they can serve others. I have had great teachers and mentors at Westerville South who have helped me learn and become who I am. I’m looking forward to growing as a person in college and continuing to be involved in the community around me.”

St Francis DeSales: Senior Kaelyn Nicholas is the family relations coordinator for the Golden Hearts club, a volunteer for Run the Race club and Special Olympics, and a member of NHS. She enjoys math and science, and she plans to study nursing in college.