Lions Clubs and Lake Schools recognize December honorees

The Lions Clubs of Uniontown and Hartville have joined forces to honor outstanding students, teachers, employees and volunteers of Lake Local Schools every month. Lake Local Board of Education member Jenny Anderson and Hartville Lions Sandy and Pete Procaccio presented the awards at the Dec. 15 board meeting. Each honoree received a framed certificate commemorating the occasion and a gift certificate to local businesses. The Lions Club is a nonprofit service organization that raises funds for projects and activities to help make the community a better place.

Evan Chadima, a third-grade pupil at Lake Elementary School, is the son of Emil and Whitney Chadima. He is respectful and responsible and consistently demonstrates kindness toward classmates. Evan is a good friend to others, always willing to lend a helping hand, share and include everyone. He has a positive attitude and a caring nature.

Kenadie Boyer, a third-grade pupil at Lake Elementary School, is the daughter of Donnie and Krista Boyer. She is bright, hardworking and kind. Kenadie is always up for a challenge and is a very collaborative learner. She consistently shows a growth mindset in the classroom community and is a leader and positive example.

Beau Lile, a fifth-grade student at Lake Elementary School, is the son of Hannah and Andrew Lile. He is a hard worker and very attentive in class. Beau is always engaged with classroom activities and loves to participate and volunteer. He is a great role model who is also kind and helpful to his classmates. Beau is respectful to his teachers and peers and is a conscientious student who often completes challenges and activities to extend his learning. School is very important to Beau.

Peyton DiRuzza, a fifth-grade student at Lake Elementary School, is the daughter of Christian and Lisa DiRuzza. She is a model of good character and shows honesty, respect and integrity on a daily basis. Peyton is very responsible, works hard and strives to do her best each day. She is focused during class and uses the strategies she learns. Peyton is an excellent role model to her peers and always approaches her work with a smile.

Owen Richards, an eighth-grade student at Lake Middle/High School, is the son of Rusty and Amanda Richards. He consistently gives his best effort in everything he does. Owen never fails to tell others to enjoy their day or weekend and genuinely cares about his schoolwork and the people around him.

Emma Westfall, an eighth-grade student at Lake Middle/High School, is the daughter of Heather and Chad Westfall. She is a bright spot in the school day and embodies what it means to be a Blue Streak. Her kindness and willingness to support classmates stand out, and her driven, caring and determined nature inspires both peers and teachers.

Molly McCulley, a senior at Lake Middle/High School, is the daughter of Kevin and Jody McCulley. She has a strong work ethic and accepts responsibility for her assignments, actions and academic performance. Molly balances schoolwork, athletics and employment with confidence and reliability.

Liam VanElzen, a senior at Lake Middle/High School, is the son of Andy and Debbie VanElzen. He exemplifies leadership both inside and outside the classroom by supporting classmates and ensuring others understand the material. His maturity, kindness and respect have earned him admiration from students, staff and administrators alike.

Teacher of the Month Mariana Romeo is in her second year at Lake Elementary School. She has already made a positive impact by blending PBIS practices with high academic expectations. She greets students each morning with warmth and has transitioned seamlessly from second grade to her current role teaching third grade.

Employee of the Month Emily Walls was first hired as director of the Lake Middle/High School fall play before joining the district full time as a special education aide. She has since taken on numerous additional roles, including flag corps coordinator, drama club adviser, PASS camp director and graduation ceremony coordinator. Emily is known for stepping beyond job requirements to support students with special needs.

Volunteer of the Month Ed Carter serves as senior minister at Marlboro Christian Church and volunteers weekly at Lake Middle/High School with the Fellowship of Christian Students. He is also a key supporter of 222, a Thursday after-school program providing spiritual, social and recreational opportunities for students. Carter’s consistent presence and encouragement have made a lasting impact on the Lake community.