WABASH COUNTY, IN- The Wabash Kiwanis Club is excited to once again announce the distribution of award monies to four local high school seniors as part of the organization’s Self-Reliance program.
For 34-consecutive years, the Wabash Kiwanis Club has administered this program, which has honored a small group of seniors who have exemplified self-reliance and excellence despite hardships in their lives.
Winners for this year include Roxanne Billman of Northfield Jr. – Sr. High School, Breanna Callaway and Ella Clifford of Manchester Jr. – Sr. High School, and Olivia Harden of Wabash High School.
These four young adults will be honored with $1,000 given to each senior, who can use these funds as they see fit to further their respective young careers. Awards and certificates will be given to the winners, who will be accompanied by family, friends and school leadership, at a 60-minute lunch ceremony at noon on Tuesday, May 16, at the Honeywell Center.
“This award recognizes the strength and self-reliance of Wabash County students,” Self-Reliance Committee Chair Beth Miller said. “It is always a pleasure to meet and get to know these amazing young people. They have great futures ahead of them and are wonderful representatives of our schools.”
This program’s awards are made possible in 2023 thanks to Midwest Eye Consultants, Ford Meter Box Foundation, the Wabash Kiwanis Club and an anonymous donor.
For 2023, Wabash Kiwanis received 15 applicants from four Wabash County schools for the awards. Applications, essays and references from all applicants were read by a committee of Kiwanis members and eight semi-finalists were selected. Those eight were interviewed by a three-person committee from the Club. Billman, Callaway, Clifford and Harden were selected after the interviews.
“These young women are exactly who we want these awards to be given to,” Wabash Kiwanis President Josh Blossom said. “They’ve all exhibited qualities that we look for in Self-Reliance Award winners and separated themselves from the other 11 applicants through essays, interviews and references from their support people.
“We wish them nothing but the best going forward and look forward to honoring them later this month.”
Those who have questions or are interested in attending the ceremony on May 16 should contact Miller at 260-568-1128. Cost is $25 for lunch through the Honeywell Center.
Except for the sons and daughters of Wabash Kiwanis Club members, all high school seniors in Wabash County are eligible to compete for these awards.