The top ten percent of the West Branch High School 2023 graduating class, from left, first row, Hannah Rush, Emily Sprowl, Lydia Cackovic, Jocelyn Carte, Lachlan Cameron, Chelsea Tharp, Allyson Hartzell; second row, Allison Zion, Landon Wilson, Michael Kanagy, Lukasz Greschaw, Dru DeShields, Croesus Brock, Anna Curry and Taylar Whitted. (Photo courtesy Dunlap Photography)

BELOIT — The 33rd annual West Branch High School Senior Academic Recognition Banquet was held May 10 at Almost Home Event Center in Sebring. This year’s banquet honored 15 students who are in the top ten percent of the Class of 2023 along with their parents and a teacher chosen by each honored senior. The seniors selected the educator who most significantly influenced their educational career.

Brian Coffee, principal of West Branch High School, welcomed the guests and served as master of ceremonies. Coffee, along with West Branch High School Assistant Principal Penny DeShields, recognized the students’ accomplishments as they were honored. Anna Curry, West Branch High School senior, gave the invocation.

The evening’s celebration was planned by the Academic Recognition Banquet Committee which included Coffee, Jill Boyle, Treva Cline, Suzanne Denny, Mona McNeely and Lori Schlueter.

The students, who celebrated their academic excellence over a four-year period, along with their parents and selected teacher, were:

Croesus Brock, son of Christopher and Coria Brock of Salem. Croesus plans to study secondary English education at the University of Cincinnati. He has been offered a Cincinnati University Presidential Scholarship and a Cincinnati University Scholarship. Activities include president of Educator’s Rising, secretary of Choir, Band and Young & Alive, November Elks Student of the Month. Croesus selected his middle school and high school Choral/Theatre teacher, Krista Clay.

Lydia Cackovic, daughter of Michael and Barbara Cackovic of Salem. Lydia, a fully licensed cosmetologist specializing in formal hair and makeup, plans to join the workforce after graduation. Activities include Cosmetology student at Mahoning County Career & Technical Center, completed 1,500 hours needed to test for State Board, passed State Board Test/License Cosmetology. Lydia selected her 11th grade MCCTC English teacher, Alissa Kolar.

Lachlan Cameron, daughter of Andy and Marge Cameron of Beloit. Lachlan plans to study Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University. She has been offered a Maximus Scholarship and a YWCA Leadership Award. Activities include captain of Girls’ Golf Team, YWCA Leadership Award recipient, National Honor Society member. Lachlan selected her 8th grade Algebra I teacher, Daniel Hall.

Jocelyn Carte, daughter of Adriana Carte of Sebring. Jocelyn plans to study Computer Science & Engineering at The Ohio State University. Activities include National Honor Society member, 2019 Congressional Apps Challenge winner, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Presidential Award. Jocelyn selected her high school Spanish 3-4 teacher, Erica Polinori.

Anna Curry, daughter of Mark and Marcie Curry of Salem. Anna plans to study Criminal Justice & Pre-Law at Malone University. She has been offered an Emma & Walter Malone Scholarship and an EFC Scholarship. Activities include West Branch & JO Volleyball, National Honor Society member, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Distinction. Anna selected her high school AP Government teacher, Shane Blommel.

Dru DeShields, son of Walt and Penny DeShields of Beloit. Dru plans to study Sports Administration and play football at Kent State University. He has been offered a Kent State University Football Scholarship. Activities include National Honor Society member, class officer, All-Ohio Division IV First Team Quarterback for 2021 & 2022. Dru selected his 7th and 8th grade football and 8th grade basketball coach and high school football coach, Tim Cooper.

Lukasz Greschaw, son of Jason and Mary Greschaw of Sebring. Lukasz plans to study Air Traffic Controlling at Kent State University. He has been offered a KSU Presidential Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Activities include maintained a 3.9 throughout high school, two-year varsity football letter winner, three-year track letter winner. Lukasz selected his 3rd grade science teacher, Stacy McInturff.

Allison Hartzell, daughter of Kirk Hartzell of North Georgetown and Debra Hartzell of Salem. Allison plans to study history/education at Hiram College. She has been offered a Dean’s Scholarship, a Hiram Grant and an Athena/Woman of the Year Scholarship. Activities include 2nd & 3rd All-League Academic Challenge, President of Band & Academic Challenge, 2021 & 2022 EBC Honors Choir Selectee. Allison selected her high school Academic Challenge Coach and English teacher, Mary Jo Kidd.

Michael Kanagy, son of David and Mikki Kanagy of Beloit. Michael plans to study biology and attend medical school to become a physician at University of Mount Union. He has been offered a University of Mount Union Trustees’ Scholarship. Activities include National Honor Society president, Buckeye Boys’ State Outstanding Citizen Award, All-Ohio Football Academic Award. Michael selected his middle school science and STEM teacher, Denise Ginocchi.

Hannah Rush, daughter of Dan & Nicole Kurpely of Salem. Hannah plans to forensic psychology at the University of Toledo. Activities: Earned an honors diploma, 8th grade mentor, senior volleyball captain. Hannah selected her high school geometry teacher, Beth Cooley.

Emily Sprowl, daughter of Robert and Rene Sprowl of Salem. Emily plans to study pharmacy at the University of Toledo. Activities include National Honor Society member, Track Team member, Volleyball member. Emily selected her high school AP biology and honors biology teacher, Kristen Tice.

Chelsea Tharp, daughter of Aaron and Jenny Tharp of Homeworth. Chelsea plans to study education and integrated social studies at John Carroll University. She has been offered a John Carroll Magis Scholarship and a John Carroll Cora Personalis Scholarship. Activities includes Colorguard captain, Class of 2023 valedictorian, National Honor Society secretary. Chelsea selected her 8th and 9th grade science teacher, Michael Brown.

Taylar Whitted, daughter of Roger and Tammi Whitted of North Benton. Taylar plans to study business at the University of Mount Union. She has been offered a Manzilla Multicultural Award, a University of Mount Union Trustees’ Scholarship and an Ohio College Opportunity Grant. Activities include National Honor Society member, president of West Branch FFA, 8th grade mentor. Taylar selected her high school Ag Business teacher, Greg Sharp.

Landon Wilson, son of Bill and Shelley Wilson of Homeworth. Landon plans to study pre-med anesthesiology at The Ohio State University. Activities include four-year golf letterman, Class of 2023 salutatorian, Ben Curtis Golf Academy Athlete of the Month. Landon selected his high school biology and chemistry teacher, Tara Robb.

Allison K. Zion, daughter of Christopher and Amanda Zion of Beloit. Allison plans to study dental hygiene at Youngstown State University. She has been offered a Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship, a Sokolov Honors College Scholarship and a Youngstown State Trustees’ Scholarship. Activities include Class of 2023 valedictorian and commencement speaker, Girls’ Tennis First-team EBC and NET – three-year letter winner, four-year letter winner and treasurer of the marching band. Allison selected her high school honors geometry and honors advanced math and trig teacher, Gina Solak.