SIDNEY — Erin Gaerke, Kiwanian Teen of the Year for 2015-2016, was awarded a plaque and $1,500 during the regular meeting of the Sidney Kiwanis Club, Aug. 3.

Gaerke graduated in May as valedictorian of her class at Russia High School. She will attend the Ohio State University to study operation management and agricultural communications.

During high school, Gaerke participated was president of the Junior Fair Board, a Shelby County Fair queen candidate and was active in 4-H. She took top honors in the Shelby County Right to Life Pro-Life Oratory contest. At school, she ran on the track team, played flute in the band and served as class treasurer. She was a member of National Honor Society, student council, Academia, Science Olympiad team, book club, Envirothon and Future Teachers of America.

Gaerke was a delegate to Buckeye Girls State, participated in the farm bureau’s Capital Challenge, the Shelby County Oratory Contest, the Tipp City Mum Festival, the Ohio Right to Life Oratory contest and the Rotary Club 4-Way Speech Contest.

She received the Shelby County Art Award and the top FTA award

Commenting on leaving high school and heading to college, Gaerke said, “I am a little sad about leaving high school, but I am glad to see what OSU has in store for me.”