The 34th annual West Branch High School Senior Academic Recognition Banquet honored 13 students for being in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. From left, front row, Emmy Jones, Sam Koneval, Sophia Ayers, Macy Wilson, Emma Sanor, Mary Buehler; back row, Brynn Smith, Olivia Showalter, Sophia Gregory, Griffin Flickinger and Rose Maendel. Not pictured: Beau Alazaus and Aaron Tucker. (Submitted photo)

BELOIT — The 34th annual West Branch High School Senior Academic Recognition Banquet was held Wednesday, May 15, at the Almost Home Event Center in Sebring. This year’s banquet honored 13 students who are in the top 10 percent of the Class of 2024 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. Micki Egli, superintendent of West Branch Schools, along with West Branch High School Assistant Principal Penny DeShields, recognized the students’ accomplishments as they were honored. Olivia Showalter, 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 13 students, who celebrated their academic excellence over a four-year period, along with their parents and selected teacher, were:

— Beau Alazaus, son of Shawn and Marti Alazaus of Alliance. Beau plans to study exercise science at Walsh University. He has been offered a Merit Scholarship, a Governor’s Merit Scholarship and an Athletic Scholarship. Activities include National Honor Society member, 4.0 Honor Roll, WBHS football team captain. Beau selected his 12th grade stats teacher and father, Shawn Alazaus.

— Sophia M. Ayers, daughter of Steven and Krista Ayers of Alliance. Sophia plans to study early childhood education at Kent State University. She has been offered a KSU Academic Achievement Scholarship and a KSU Honors College Scholarship. Activities include head majorette and featured twirler, choir vice president and Young & Alive member, Educator Rising President. Sophia selected her 10th grade Geometry and Success 101 teacher Beth Cooley.

— Mary Buehler, daughter of Adam and Tamara Buehler of Berlin Center. Mary plans to study biology and Spanish at Loyola University in Maryland. She has been offered a Loyola Presidential Scholarship. Activities include Academic Challenge president, Art Club president, All-league Second Team in 2024 Mahoning Quiz Bowl League. Mary selected her 10th – 12th grade Spanish teacher Erica Ross.

— Griffin Flickinger, son of Heath and Jeannie Flickinger of Beloit. Griffin plans to study mechanical engineering at The University of Akron. He has been offered an Akron University Merit Scholarship. Activities onclude boys soccer team captain and three-year letter winner, 2023 American Legion of Ohio – Buckeye Boys State participant. Griffin selected his 10th grade American History teacher Chris Adams.

— Sophia Gregory, daughter of Levi and Andrea Gregory of Alliance. Sophia plans to study pre-med and play basketball at Youngstown State University. She has been offered a Youngstown University Full Ride Athletic Scholarship. Activities include Academic All-Ohio in soccer, basketball and track, National Honor Society member, First Team All-Ohio in soccer, basketball and track. Sophia selected her 9th – 12th grade high school track coach Michael Falasca.

— Emmy M. Jones, daughter of Casey and Tracie Jones of Homeworth. Emmy plans to study biochemistry at Youngstown State University. She has been offered a Governor’s Merit Scholarship, an Honors Program Scholarship, a Trustee’s Scholarship and an Honors Housing Scholarship. Activities include National Honor Society member, EBC Scholar Athlete Award, Circle 62 4-H member. Emmy selected her 9th and 10th grade American/World History teacher Angela Mulinix.

— Samantha Koneval, daughter of Stephen Koneval of Beloit and Christine Koneval of Salem. Samantha plans to study biology/pre-med at the University of South Carolina. She has been offered a USC Academic Scholarship and Athletic Scholarship. Activities include National Honor Society treasurer, Student Council vice president, soccer team captain. Samantha selected her 11th grade chemistry teacher Tara Robb.

— Rose Maendel, daughter of Beth Maendel of Alliance. Rose plans to attend Stark State College. Activities include Creative Arts vice president, OYM Fine Arts Drama Category state winner, Mount Union Art Fest Vendor teen winner. Rose selected her 6th and 7th grade computer applications teacher Lori Schlueter.

— Emma Sanor, daughter of Jamie and Kellie Sanor of Beloit. Emma plans to study NICU Nursing or Child Life Specialist at Walsh University. She has been offered a Walsh University Academic Scholarship. Activities include National Honor Society member, church nursery leader, Environmental and Art Club member. Emma selected her 2nd grade teacher Anne Cushman.

— Olivia Showalter, daughter of Scott and Julie Showalter of Beloit. Olivia plans to study exercise science at Youngstown State University. She has been offered a Trustee’s Scholarship, a Governor’s Scholarship, and an Honors College Scholarship. Activities include class valedictorian, National Honor Society vice president, EBC Scholar Athlete. Olivia selected her 4th grade Language Arts teacher Jennifer Rohaley.

— Brynn A. Smith, daughter of Brad and Jen Smith of Beloit. Brynn plans to study business administration and entrepreneurship at John Carroll University. She has been offered a renewable John Carroll Merit Magis Scholarship, a renewable Governor’s Merit Scholarship and a J.L. Francis Schoarship. Activities include class valedictorian – summa cum laude with distinction and commencement speaker, Yearbook editor, Elks Teenager of the Year. Brynn selected her 1st – 4th grade art teacher Brooke Klenke.

— Aaron Tucker, son of Christopher and Carrie Tucker of Alliance. Aaron plans to study finance at the University of Mount Union. He has been offered a Governor’s Award, a Trustee Scholarship, a Legacy Award Scholarship and a Campus Visit Award. Activities include class valedictorian, National Honor Society member, First team All – EBC and All District baseball. Aaron selected his 9th – 12th grade engineering teacher Rodger Sharp.

— Macy Wilson, daughter of Bill and Shelley Wilson of Homeworth. Macy plans to study physician’s assistant at Bowling Green State University. She has been offered a BGSU Academics Scholarship. Activities include Elk’s January Teen of the Month, National Honor Society member, Junior nominee for Bright Leaders. Macy selected her 10th – 12th grade school counselor Jana Stitle.