March 2026 Students of the Month

The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its March 2026 Students of the Month during a March 5 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!

March 2026 Honoree Profiles

Westerville Central: Abi Gilbert’s favorite subjects are business and health. The senior serves as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, a National Honor Society officer and competes on WCHS’ golf team. Among her awards and accolades: scholar athlete all throughout high school, FCA leadership award and a National Society of High School Scholars nominee. She plans to attend the University of South Florida to study marketing and entrepreneurship. “Tribulation builds character. Although I have gone through uncontrollable circumstances, they have been imperative to who I have become. I strive to lead with love, remembering the reason why I am on this earth and remembering that everyone else is here for a purpose as well.”

Westerville North: Shira Baumann’s favorite subjects are history and English. The senior is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, WNHS girls tennis team captain, Student Council President. She is involved in the Warrior Athlete Leadership Team, Hope Squad, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Advisory, Warrior Way Leadership Team and theatre. Among her awards and accolades: AP Scholar with Distinction, scholar athlete all throughout high school and Buckeye Girls State representative. She plans to attend Princeton University to study comparative literature. “I am grateful to the Rotary Club of Westerville for giving me this honor, the teachers and administrators of Westerville North, the Westerville Community, my church family, my loving family, and God.”

Westerville South: Elijah Burney’s favorite subjects are math and history. The senior is involved in marching band, Hope Squad and the Black History Month student show. Among his awards and accolades: Cats with Class, Most Improved Wind Member, Student of the Month. He plans to attend either the Ohio State University, The Culinary Institute of America or the University of Cincinnati. “I love to help people. I love volunteering. I’m very passionate about Hope Squad and I love cooking.”

St Francis DeSales: Senior John Hockaday is a football player, a member of NHS, and a recipient of the Humanitarian scholarship. He’s involved in community projects, such as coaching fundamentals to youth football teams. John plans to study psychology at The Ohio State University.