Racine, Ohio — Southern Local Celebrates Academic Excellence at 39th Annual Banquet
Southern Local honored 76 outstanding students during its 39th Annual Academic Banquet, held under this year’s theme, “Night of Discovery.” The event celebrated academic achievement across grades 4–12, recognizing students for their dedication and success.
(Denotes students who will be honored at the County Academic Banquet on May 7.)
Seniors: Lauren Allen, Murphy Dunfee, Jaylynn Hupp*, Noah Leachman*, Audrey Riffle, Kiersten Rose*, Nathan Shuster*
Juniors: Caden Hupp, Dalen Gibson, Rece Johnson, Sophie Popp, Annabella Russell, Sydney Stout, Edie Templeton, Braydin Thomas
Sophomores: Vivian Allen, Ashley Brown, Ella Caldwell, Connor Fisher, Damien Gilland, Payton Herald, Blake Hudson*, Emma Leachman*
Freshmen: Kailey Aldridge, Marcy Evans, Greyson Duvall, Kamryn Hupp, Bentley “Jett” Lisle, Shyla Little, Dayton Reiber, Lyddia Smith, Abram Thomas
Eighth Grade: Caleb DeLong, Colten Grubb, Kendall Hupp*, Lily Koren*, Layla Nibert, Jovi Wolfe, Carlee Young
Seventh Grade: Malakai Durham, Alice Jordan, Jacob Molden, Kyson Neutzling, Olivia Norris, Chloe Sacko, AlexZander Starcher, Kadence Zuspan
Sixth Grade: Lyla Beasley, Munro Bush, Madden Casto, Alexandra Cornell, Cannon Davis, Jaxon Hensler*, Augustus McDaniel, Liam McKendree, Logan Reece, Waylon Sellers*
Fifth Grade: Cheyenne Gatrell, Hudson Harris, Harbour Knight, Rozlyn Marcinko, Avamae Ramage, Addelyn Stover, Sawyer Whittington, Carley Wyant
Fourth Grade: Kinzlee Aldridge, Warren Cammarata, Kathryn Hill*, Alexander Hilyard, Bennett House, Riley Nottingham, Temperance Scott, Benton Shoults, Aizik Streight, Avery Stout, Chaylor Young*
The evening’s program featured a welcome from Superintendent Mr. Tony Deem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Audrey Riffle. The event was emceed by Audrianna Herrera (Class of 2025) and Lizzie Herrera (Class of 2023). Noah Leachman delivered the invocation, and dinner was served by Southern Local staff.
Students were formally recognized by Mr. Deem, with awards presented by Board of Education President Mrs. Ashli Peterman. Additional presentations included support from the Pomeroy Middleport Rotary Club, led by Mr. Gene Triplett, who awarded three $50 gift cards, and a Southern Local Education Association gift card presentation by Mr. Jordan Pickens. The evening concluded with a benediction by Jaylynn Hupp.
Southern Local extends its sincere appreciation to the Academic Banquet Committee: Tony Deem, Daniel Otto, Tricia McNickle, Beth Bay, Kim Grueser, Rachel Hupp, Jenni Roush, Courtney Manuel, Emma Wolfe, Christi Hendrix, Russ Fields, and Jen Hill. Additional thanks go to staff members Jeff Beaver, Ryan Chapman, and Meg Guinther for their contributions in preparing for the event.
Each honored student will receive a commemorative plaque created by HR Signs and Ts, along with a professional photo by Roots Photography.
Most importantly, Southern Local thanks its generous sponsors, Doral LLC and Home National Bank. Their continued support makes it possible to recognize and celebrate these deserving students.
Congratulations to all honorees and their families on this outstanding achievement.