SIDNEY — The Sidney Rotary Club Scholarship Committee announced the annual recipients of the Rotary Scholarships. Recipients of the $1,000 scholarships include: Lehman’s valedictorian, Caroline Heitmeyer; Russia’s valedictorian, Erin Gaerke; Fort Loramie’s valedictorian, Hillary Benanzer; and senior Bobbi Lowe from Sidney High School. The recipients of these scholarships will be honored at the regular Rotary Club Luncheon meeting to be held June 13 at noon at the Moose Golf course.
Caroline Heitmeyer is the daughter of Daniel and Jill Heitmeyer of Sidney. Heitmeyer is a member of the National Honor Society, and has served as Class President for the last three years. She is a member of the Lehman’s Cross Country and swimming teams. She also serves as a Big Sister. She has been involved in Interact, Student Ambassadors and SAAC. Her counselor said, “Caroline’s character has been forged through adversity, and she has emerged as a person of strong convictions who also possesses compassion.” She plans to attend Miami University and earn a bachelor’s degree in both Nutrition and Kinesiology.
Erin Gaerke is the daughter of Jason and Judie Gaerke. She attends Russia High School and will graduate their valedictorian. During high school, Gaerke participated in many activities both in and out of school. Junior Fair Board and 4-H Camps were a few of her favorites. During school, you could see her on the track, in the music wing with her flute or serving as the class treasurer. “Even though Erin’s academic pursuits are commendable, it is her ability to be an essential part of the school community that demonstrates her well-rounded nature,” her teacher said. She plans to attend The Ohio State University in the area of Operation Management and Agricultural Communications.
Hillary Benanzer is the daughter of William and Lisa Benanzer of Fort Loramie, Ohio. Benanzer is the valedictorian of her class. She has participated in National Honor Society, served as an elementary volunteer and been a member of the Academia Team. Benanzer played softball throughout high school at Fort Loramie High School. She plans to attend Ohio University and study English, particularly the area of creative writing. One day she hopes to write copy for national television.
Bobbi Lowe is the daughter of Kevin and Melissa Lowe. She served as Class President of Sidney High Schoool and a Student Government officer, was a cheerleader and sang in choir. One of her teachers wrote, “Her commitment to any activity she involves herself in is, without a doubt, one of the many fine qualities she possesses. Miss Lowe will attend the University of Cincinnati. Her final goal is to one day become a nurse at the Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati.”
The criteria used for selecting these students included academics, financial need, leadership and community involvement as well as teacher recommendations. The Youth and Scholarship Committee members who assisted with the selection process included: Sidney Police Chief Will Balling; Sr. Executive Recruiter Pete DeLuke and Associates, Inc., Roger Mowery; Director of the Ross Historical Society Tilda Philpot; Craig Albers, attorney with Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister’ & Shenk; and the chairperson, Mary E. Smith, Superintendent Christian Academy Schools.
