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The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its November 2022 Students of the Month during its luncheon meeting Nov. 3. 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.

November 2022 honoree profiles

Westerville Central: Amari Kiluvia’s favorite subject is English. The senior competes in the school’s track & field team as well as AAU Track & Field. She is a gymnastics coach at Buckeye Gymnastics. Among the awards and achievements she’s received: honor roll, certificate of commendation, First Year Track & Field Varsity Award, Most Scored Points award. She is interested in attending Texas Christian University, Boston University, Jacksonville University or Kent State University. “Extremely grateful to be in the position that I am. I am thankful for all the help and guidance  from the Westerville Central Staff and for making me a better student athlete.” 

Kiluvia was initially nominated last month but could not attend the lunch. The club honored her at Thursday’s meeting.

Westerville North: Dezmon Howard’s favorite subjects are math, anatomy and sociology. The senior is a senior class officer and vice president of the Black Student Union. He competes in the school’s varsity soccer team and has performed in the school’s Black History Month production. He serves as team leader in a middle school boys mentoring group for athletes and is a member of the equity round table group and Chess Club. He also works part-time and serves as a singer dancer for his church. He is involved in club soccer at New Albany FC and has volunteered throughout the community, working with teachers and Westerville Area Resource Ministry on various projects. Among the awards and honors he’s received: Scholar Athlete, Scholar Academic Award, The National Society of High School Scholars, Coaches Award (Boys Soccer), Woodshed Award (Boys Soccer), ambassador of Walnut Springs Middle School. He is interested in attending Youngstown State University, Indiana University or the University of North Carolina. “I am more than grateful to be recognized for my accomplishments. I appreciate being selected and I want everyone to know that kindness goes a long way. You made it to where you are today with the help of others, so don’t be afraid to give back and help the people around you reach their success.”

Westerville South: Nina Goodlett’s favorite subjects are English and history. The senior is a member of Hope Squad, National Honor Society and Black Student Union. She is involved in the Global Scholars Program; the high school newspaper, The Scribe; and cheerleading. She volunteers at Annehurst Elementary through the iCan program and works part-time. Among the awards and achievements she’s received: Cats with Class, Honor Roll, Merit Roll, and Student of the Month (sophomore year). She is interested in attending Otterbein University, Ohio Dominican University, Miami University or the University of Cincinnati with plans to study journalism and education. “I will graduate when I am 17 and would like to say a special thank you to my parents and teachers for their support and encouragement throughout my years of schooling.”

St. Francis DeSales: Maddie Hill competes on the school’s girls tennis and girls lacrosse teams. The senior is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club and Animal Lovers Club as well as serves as a student ambassador. She volunteers at the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) and served as a mentor for the organization’s Kids Lunch Club. She also volunteers for a dog rescue called RescuedOhio, working at various events throughout the year and has fostered puppies for the group. She has been on the school’s Honor Roll throughout high school and received the OTCA Silver Racquet Award and OTCA Gold Racquet Award. Other awards include Academic All-Ohio and Academic All-League. She is interested in attending Indiana University, University of South Carolina or University of Michigan to study sports management or media advertising with a focus on sports.

THANK YOU to the Westerville City School District for its ongoing participation and support for our Students of the Month Program. Read more at westerville.k12.oh.us.

CAPTION: Pictured (from left): Rotary Club of Westerville Students of the Month Program Chairwoman Carol Faulkner, St. Francis DeSales senior Maddie Hill, Westerville North senior Dezmon Howard, Westerville South senior Nina Goodlett, Westerville Central senior Amari Kiluvia and Rotary Club of Westerville President Jim Meacham. Kiluvia was initially nominated last month but could not attend the lunch. The club honored her at Thursday’s meeting.

About the Rotary Club of Westerville

Founded in 1959, the Rotary Club of Westerville is a service club of business professionals and leaders working to improve our community and larger world. We are part of Rotary International. Find out more at WestervilleRotary.com. Contact the Club and learn how to join at www.westervillerotary.com/contact-form.