Lillyan Vonderwell, the 2023 Exchange Club’s Youth of the Year, wrote an essay about how her sensei impacted her life.
LIMA — The Greek philosopher Diogenes said, “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” Judging by the 13 students who were selected by the Lima Exchange Club as representatives of a top student in their respective schools, the future looks bright.
Their activities varied but students were actively involved in their schools. Some of the students participated in sports, some were in music. Many were taking advanced placement courses and were leaders in the National Honor Society. Most have been admitted to universities to further their career goals. Some are undecided about a major in college.
Nominated students were asked to submit an essay on the topic, “Many people have someone whom they admire, whether a parent, sibling, friend, teacher, etc. Share a story about someone who has greatly impacted your own life and the lives of others. Reflect on the qualities and actions of the person and explain why they have impacted you and your future.” Essays were submitted by students and evaluated independently by judges who were not members of the club.
Delphos St. John’s senior Lillyan Vonderwell was selected from a group of 13 Allen County seniors as the club’s 2023 Youth of the Year. She read her essay to the club. It was about her relationship with her sensei, her karate instructor. In her essay Vonderwell said, “Over the course of 10 years, I’ve learned the meaning of respect, discipline, progress and reaching long-term goals. It’s not hard to see how these lessons were easily applied to all aspects of my life … he taught me that the sky isn’t the limit. The only limit is myself.”
Vonderwell received a $200 check for being the nominee from Delphos St. John’s High School and an additional $500 check for being chosen the club’s 2023 Youth of the Year. Her essay will now be forwarded to the District level of Exchange where she will compete for an additional scholarship award of $1000.
Here is the complete list of students honored today with $200 scholarship checks: Allen East High School, Samuel Kill; Apollo Career Center, Ti’Shaunna Brown; Bath High School, Rachel Clark; Bluffton High School, Lauren Speicher; Delphos Jefferson High School, Levi Rode; Delphos St. John’s High School, Lillyan Vonderwell; Elida High School, Grant Hardeman; Lima Central Catholic High School, Ben Siatkosky; Lima Senior High School, Evan Large; Lima Temple Christian High School, Caleb Kizer; Perry High School, Olivia Trent; Shawnee High School, Carter Kohli; and Spencerville High School, Carter Ringwald.
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
