Latest news with #KeyClub
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Las Vegas athlete to head to prestigious military academy
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas student is showing that hard work, discipline, and dedication truly pay off. Jackson Bentham, a standout athlete and student leader, is now taking the next bold step in his journey, heading to one of the nation's most prestigious military academies. 'To be blessed enough to be one of the few that got into the academy has been a huge accomplishment,' Bentham said. Bentham exemplifies what it means to be a high achiever. A dedicated three-sport athlete in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, he also leads as Senior Class President and stays actively involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, and Model United Nations. Now, he's bringing his talent, discipline, and leadership to the next level. 'Ever since a young age, I knew I wanted to go serve in the military, and so, I've always been fond of the academies,' Bentham said. 'I got accepted into the Navy Academy, but I have a long lineage of service in the army in my family, and so knowing that I went with West Point.' Situated in New York, West Point is the nation's oldest and one of its most selective military academies. Admission requires exceptional academic and physical qualifications, along with a nomination from a member of Congress or another military-affiliated source. 'You have to get a congressional nomination either from a representative of the House or a senator. You have to do physical tests,' Bentham said. 'You have to have good grades and be in a lot of extracurriculars to achieve something like this.' Bentham started the application process over a year ago and ultimately secured four nominations, including ones from Congressman Steven Horsford and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. 'We are so very proud of him. Our family is deeply patriotic and deeply American, and so to have this happen is just sincerely a dream come true,' said Jackson's mother, Shannon Bentham. Jackson's mother, Shannon Bentham, said this milestone has been a long time coming. 'Even as early as second grade, he would hold up his little sign that says 'I want to be' and it began as a military person, and then over time, it eventually turned into West Point cadet,' Bentham said. 'I have this long line of photos of him documenting this kid's goal early on, so it's been quite impressive to watch him move through that goal and ultimately achieve it.' The official appointment arrived in January. On June 30, Jackson will head to New York to begin basic training, kicking off an intensive 8-week boot camp that will mark his official entry as a West Point cadet. 'It really is a great way to commission you into the Army as an officer and it's very prestigious,' Bentham said. 'I plan to major in international affairs. I've always been fond of studying the global marketplace and global policy.' Following graduation, he plans to serve eight years, five on active duty, with the remaining three in either active duty or the reserves. For Jackson and his family, this accomplishment isn't just personal – it's patriotic. 'We are so very proud of him,' his mother said. 'Our family is deeply patriotic and deeply American, and to have this happen is just sincerely a dream come true.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Senior spotlight: Sports and activities keep New Philadelphia High's Sloan Agar busy
Editor's Note: The Times-Reporter is profiling one senior from each of the school districts in Tuscarawas County coinciding with graduation. They were nominated by school administrators. NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ Sports and extracurricular activities keep New Philadelphia High School senior Sloan Agar busy, not always giving her a lot of time to pursue her passions of working with animals and constructing fairy gardens. Agar, 18, is the daughter of Heather and Justin Agar. At school, she participates in track and volleyball. She is also president of the student council and a member of the Key Club, the National Honor Society and the Art Club. More on graduating seniors: His business has equipment valued at $500K and he farms 300 acres. What's next? Graduation She enjoyed participating in track. "That was really fun. We have a really young team this year, so I'm making friends with freshmen. I'm one of the only seniors on the team. I have to be a leader for that," she said. "I have to take them under my wing and show them what to do, how to be at practice and try their best. Also, for them to not be nervous and know they're OK if they get freaked out after a bad race or something." New Philadelphia had a great volleyball team this year, she said. She was grateful for the work of the coaches who supported the players in everything they were involved in at high school. "It's really a family, our volleyball team." The student council does fundraisers for the Rainbow Connection, and the officers shop for people as part of their involvement in Share A Christmas, she said. "It's a lot of fun." The Key Club makes blankets and does monthly birthday visits to the shelter in New Philadelphia operated by the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County. Outside of school, Agar likes to volunteer at the shelter operated by the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. Her busy schedule hasn't allowed her to volunteer much in recent years. "I just love the animals. I love cats. I want to do it more in the summer, especially. I haven't had a chance in a bit, because I've been so busy with sports and school," she said. "I just really love animals, and I just think it would be a nice thing to do to help my community. I know they need help." Even though she loves cats, Agar said working with dogs at the shelter is more fun. In the past, she has taken dogs for walks and helped clean their cages. She plans on volunteering at the shelter this summer. More: Senior Spotlight: Emily Kuemerle overcame dyslexia and thrives at school and on the farm She has been constructing fairy gardens since she was in the seventh grade and shows them at the Tuscarawas County Fair each year. According to a fairy garden is a small garden (or corner of a garden) designed to look like an inviting spot for fairies. Fairy gardens can be in the ground or in a pot or other container. Typical fairy gardens include miniature accessories that look like they can be used by fairies. Agar puts her gardens in baskets. "Every year since the seventh grade, I've put a fairy garden in the fair. I started doing it with my grandparents. That's always just been something fun to do because I love gardening," she said. Her grandparents, Linda and Dave Agar, do a lot of gardening at their home in New Philadelphia. After graduation, Agar plans on attending Miami University of Ohio to study accounting. Following college, "I'm not really sure what I want to do. I might want to go to law school. I'm not really sure. It's kind of up in the air," she said. Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Sports, school activities kept New Philadelphia senior Sloan Agar busy
Indianapolis Star
12-05-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for May 12-16
Each week, readers vote on central Indiana students who were nominated by their schools for their excellence in the classroom and beyond. Readers can vote for their favorite student throughout the week at the bottom of this story on with polling closing at noon on Thursday, May 15. Winners will be announced every Friday. This contest aims to introduce readers not just to the student who winds up winning but to all of the highly accomplished nominees. Here's what nominating school leaders had to say about this week's nominees: Cody Martin is an outstanding student leader in both Key Club and National Honor Society. He's helped raise thousands for service projects, served breakfast to WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans, and led a project installing Little Free Libraries in our community. He helped host a carnival for individuals with disabilities and is often seen playing with children while parents connect with support organizations. Cody planned and led a breakfast for local veterans and has worked hard to become a confident presenter, earning several scholarships. His heart for service, leadership, and kindness make him a deserving Student of the Month. Tom Gallagher embodies our promise: "Lead with humility, serve with love, trust in Providence." A four-year GCHS football player, Tom led quietly with grit and sportsmanship, even after an injury sidelined him in his senior season. He remained committed, supporting teammates in practice and on the sidelines. In class, Tom shows love through respectful, kind interactions. Though not always front and center, his steady, humble presence is a model of quiet leadership. Saymon has grown and matured so much during the last three years at Speedway High School. He is working very hard this quarter to make good choices and to do his best. For his hard work and desire to do the right things, Saymon was selected as a Student of the Quarter. Additionally, he helps our in-school food pantry, Sparky's Closet. He works tirelessly to move items from delivery trucks to storage inside the school. Then, twice a month, he assists with doing a food distribution to local families as they drive up to the school. He helps to make this program a success along with his teacher, Mrs. Courtney Wilkerson. Lily is a compassionate and driven student leader whose dedication to service and excellence shines in every aspect of her life. As managing editor of The Journal, senior officer of Key Club, and national honor society member, Lily consistently leads with integrity. She balances academics, a 20-hour workweek, church volunteering, and multiple leadership roles, all while pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Whether mentoring 5th graders at Cards@Camp or organizing school events, Lily uplifts others with empathy and commitment. Her future in nursing will no doubt reflect the same heart and purpose she brings to Southport. Cadet Lt. Col. Angelo Hogan has served exceptionally this year as the Battalion Commander of our Army JROTC program. Additionally, Angelo was recently selected by a brigade leadership board to serve next school year as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major for all of the IPS Army JROTC programs, an exceptional achievement considering he is a second-year cadet. He is the class president of the sophomore class, has a 3.96 GPA, and ranks 9th out of 206 students. A quiet leader, Ryan never seeks attention but is always first to help, whether through four years of baseball, three years in band, or volunteering at Douglas MacArthur Elementary to support kids in their 'Specials' classes. He's a dedicated member of FLOTS, serving with heart and humility. Ryan leads by example, giving his time simply because he cares. His actions define his character. Perry Meridian is better because of him. Roncalli Band Director Laura Gottman states, "Xochitl is an amazing student at Roncalli. She constantly volunteers her time with the band, jazz band, lab band, and the South Deanery elementary band on top of her already being in band and her busy schedule. Xochitl's humor and personality light up a room. Every day, I know that Xochitl will make me laugh and put others at ease. High degrees of participation in learning activities and intellectual curiosity within the classroom were also cited. Sophie has been such an amazingly hard worker. She is so persistent through her academic challenges. We love the high, achievable, academic goals she sets for herself. She takes advantage of the resources our school offers all students, such as study tables, to make sure she understands topics well. She doesn't hesitate to work hard for her goals and understanding. Her persistence and questioning are contagious to her classmates, too. No one is afraid to ask questions in her class and a large part of it is due to her boldness and bravery, to always ask focused, clarifying questions that many students benefit from too. Ian exemplifies leadership and effort both in and out of the classroom. In Spanish, he engages in conversation and continually improves. He was also instrumental in organizing the first Junior Giveback Day, managing multiple responsibilities with confidence and maturity. Glory has truly shone with incredible dedication to our classroom community. Her creativity and initiative brought our class play to a whole new level! Glory's always ready to help others, share ideas, and contribute in meaningful ways. Her positive attitude, leadership, and willingness to go the extra mile make her an outstanding role model to her classmates. Ava Hess is the President of the Class of '25 at Martinsville High School and was voted Homecoming Queen. She has been a varsity cheerleader on the Conference Champ M.H.S. cheer team, and she has assisted with Sparkle Cheer. She is a member of F.F.A. and is a 10-year 4-H Member. Ava is a member of our "Red Blue Crew," which helped the School earn the "WTHR Operation Football Spirit Award." She is a Peer Tutor and was a Delegate to Hoosier Girls' State. Ava will attend Franklin College to major in Business and will be a member of the Cheer Team there.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Extra Effort: Senior Gabby Lane a key student volunteer at East Peoria
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — She is a four-year varsity softball player and likely will set the school record for most games played in a career. But there's more to Gabby Lane than what fans see on a softball field. 'I find it a pleasure to be tired at the end of the day,' said Lane. 'When I go home and I'm not tired, I feel like I haven't done enough. Going home tired is very rewarding.' Lane is a go-getter as a two-sport athlete and as a student. The softball and volleyball player is also a Key Club member who helps with 'Egg My Yard,' a fundraising Easter egg hunt. She helps mentor freshmen through the Link Crew and is an east Peoria Young Life senior leader. Lane helped teammates gather clothing and hygiene donations in a school-wide 'Stuff-A-Bus' campaign. 'I love doing (activities) with my teammates. I find a lot of pleasure in doing that. Sports has brought us all together,' said lane. 'Doing things with them and then by myself makes me feel more involved.' Lane has been a three-year starter at shortstop but has played some first base and outfield this season. She moves around school with a smile, too. 'People say, 'Is she always that happy?' And 90 percent of the time she is,' said East Peoria softball coach Denee Menzione. 'Everybody knows Gabby, she's a great student. Teachers in the classroom love her and want more of her.' She knows she'll have great memories from her high school sports career but Lane says getting involved in non-sports activities has been equally as rewarding. 'Going out of my way to meet new people and find new experiences has been eye-opening,' said Lane. 'Being able to connect with them on the same level is very rewarding.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fighting hunger one bowl at a time
Greater Johnstown School District students, faculty and staff and area artists shaped clay and decorated more than 500 ceramic dishes, all to help in the fight against hunger. And that's admirable. Now in its 14th year, the school's Key Club's annual Empty Bowls dinner has raised more than $50,000 for local nonprofits to address food insecurity. Attendees choose handcrafted bowls, and then receive a small meal of soup and a side of bread. The fundraiser supports the Cambria County Backpack Project, the Women's Help Center Inc. and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Art teacher and Key Club co-adviser Cindy Maloy told our Kelly Urban that 'we pick these three (nonprofits) because they are so instrumental in serving our families and our community and homelessness and hunger.' Empty Bowls was started by a Michigan art teacher in 1990 as a way to raise awareness of food insecurity and to allow artists and students to make a difference. Spinoff fundraisers have sprouted since, including at Greater Johnstown, with proceeds going back to the community. A new addition to this year's fundraiser was a Soup 'R Bowl event at Made in Johnstown. Twenty talented artists competed against each other – and the clock – to create 352 bowls in almost three hours with 400 pounds of clay donated by Made in Johnstown. Maloy said Empty Bowls is a project that students want to experience. She said, 'Our students have big hearts and they want to give back to the community and make an impact, and this gets them involved and shows that they can do big things.' This annual fundraiser helps our community fight hunger one bowl at a time.
