The Rotary Club of Westerville recognized its November 2025 Students of the Month during the club luncheon at The Medallion Club Nov. 6.
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!
November 2025 honoree profiles
Westerville Central: Drew Tinkham’s favorite subjects are math and science. The senior is a member of the swim team and National Honor Society and serves as a peer tutor and senior class officer. He coaches at Buckeye swim club. He has been recognized as a scholar athlete and is on the honor roll. He plans to study math and/or statistics at Ohio State University or Case Western Reserve University. “I enjoy speaking and interacting with others.”
Westerville North: Milani Howard’s favorite subjects are English, History, Medical Terminology, and Anatomy. The senior is a Delaware Area Career Center student ambassador, a senior class officer, co-director of WNHS’ Black History Month show, social media manager for WNHS’ Black Student Union. She is also a member of the Black Scholar Alliance, Westerville Education Student Foundation, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Sending Sunshine, Warrior Athlete Leadership Team, Link Crew and Young Feminists. She is currently completing her work-based learning for DACC at Westar OBGYN, a women’s health clinic in Westerville. She has participated in the Health Occupations Students of America program and is certified in CPR and OSHA. She also assisted in creating Hues of Purple, a student-founded domestic violence awareness organization, in addition to working two part-time jobs. She received a Superior Academic Performance award from the National Technical Honor Society as well as multiple Academic Excellence recognitions in science, English and language arts, world language, social studies and visual and performing arts. She plans to study nursing at Ohio State University or the University of Cincinnati. “I just want to thank everyone again for having me here today. It really means a lot to be able to share my story and experiences with such an inspiring group. I appreciate the opportunity, and I hope something I said today inspires you to be more involved.”
Westerville South: Mark Chavez’s favorite subjects are IB History, English, IB Spanish and Orchestra. The senior serves as the Student Council President, National Honor Society Vice President and a class officer. He is also a Hope Squad student leader, a member of the Westerville Student Education Foundation and runs the Latino Club. Among his awards and accolades: Westerville Education Foundation Recognition of Achievement Award; awards from the Ohio Music Education Association for ensemble and solo performances; and honors roll. He plans to study political science or history on a pre-law track at Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Northwestern University, Georgetown University or Yale University. “My dedication for success is one that is not solely driven for my own gratification but for that of others. As uplifting spirits and fostering smiles is what has ultimately propelled me forward to develop and grow a unified community.”
CAPTION (ABOVE PHOTO): From left – Rotary Club of Westerville 2025-26 President Dave Read, Drew Tinkham of Westerville Central, Milani Howard of Westerville North, Mark Chavez of Westerville South and Rotary Student of the Month Committee Chairwoman Carol Faulkner.
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.www.westervillerotary.com/contact-form. Read more about the Rotary International organization at Rotary.org.
Interested in joining?
The Rotary Club of Westerville is accepting applications for new membership.
The best way to pursue membership is to contact an existing Club member, and attend one of our lunches or events as her or his guest. Members of the public also are welcome to attend our events on their own, to see what our service club is all about. If possible, please give notice of your intent to attend a luncheon or social by emailing WestervilleRotaryEvents@gmail.com.
We hope to see you soon!