Kara Stoller has been named as valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class of Wayne Trace High School. Her parents are Neil and Sandy Stoller. She earned a GPA of 4.0.
After high school, Stoller plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne for secondary Spanish education because she is passionate about language learning and experiencing new cultures.
Her extracurriculars include volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, student council, national honor society, church youth group. She earned several awards while in high school including Accounting Award, and Volleyball Most Improved.
Stoller has the following hobbies and interests outside of school: reading and art. Her most memorable high school experience was senior homecoming.
Rylee Miller has been named as valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class of Wayne Trace High School. Rylee’s Seth and Amber Miller. She earned a GPA of 4.0.
After high school Rylee plans to attend Defiance College to earn a middle childhood education degree for science and math. “To put it simply, I have chosen this career path because I love kids and I love school. I have excelled in my science and math classes and have a passion for these subjects, which is something I want to pass on to the next generation. I work well with children and have decided that this is something that I would love to devote my life to, so I am beyond excited to start my journey in education.”
Her extracurriculars include four year high school choir member; three year participant of the spring musical; seven year member of Firehouse Youth Group, in which I’ve been a worship leader for the past three years; Two year member of the National Honor Society. Awards and recognitions she earned are the following: Best New Talent (2021), and Best Supporting Actress (2022); scholarships from Defiance College, including their Dean’s scholarship and the Discover Defiance grant, and Alumni Trustee scholarship.
Outside of school Rylee enjoys music. “I love music! I play guitar and piano and am on the worship team in my youth group. I spend a large majority of my free time trying to better myself on these skills.; I have a bit of a coffee obsession. Trying different coffee shops with my friends is always a fun way to spend my spare time. I love Jesus! Studying his word and bible journaling are a favorite pastime of mine, as well.”
When asked what her most memorable high school experience, she stated, “Last year, my choir journeyed to Orlando, Florida, where we went to Universal Studios for a few days. It’s one of the best trips I’ve ever been on and is packed full of unforgettable memories.”
Sydnee Sinn has been named as valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class of Wayne Trace High School. Sydnee’s parents areJoshua and Christina Sinn. She earned a GPA of 4.0.
After high school, Sydnee plants to attend Michigan State University to major in biology. She chose Michigan State because she received a scholarship to run on their cross country and track and field teams. She wants to enter the medical field with her biology degree and enter the radiology field.
Sinn’s extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, and track and field. She is two-time State Champion in track, in the 400m and 4x400m. She has also been part of the All-Ohio Track Team for the past two years. Throughout high school she has also been a member of Student Council (Senior Class President), National Honor Society (Vice-President), and Yearbook Staff.
Awards and recognition she has earned are College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program member, and Franklin B. Walter Scholarship.
Outside of school Sydnee enjoys running, reading, and other physical activity such as biking, swimming, and skiing. She also enjoys all outdoors activities and other events where she can interact with others.
Her most memorable high school experience was this: “My most memorable high school experience was winning two State Championships in track my junior year. I won the 400m dash and was part of the winning 4x400m relay. This had always been a major goal of mine, so to see it come true was an amazing experience.”
Kiara Bahena has been named as valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class of Wayne Trace High School. Sydnee’s parents are Ramiro and Katrina Bahena. She earned a GPA of 4.0.
After high school Kiara plants to attend the University of Saint Francis and majoring in nursing and become a pediatric nurse practitioner. “I want to be a source of comfort for others when times are hard,” she commented.
Her extracurriculars include varsity cross-country and track and field; Spanish Club President; Student Council Vice-President; Secretary of National Honors Society; Head of 5k Beneficiary; Head lifeguard at Paulding Pool; PCA at Country Inn
Kiara earned the following awards and recognitions: State Champion 4×4 2022; State Runner-up 4×4 2021; Horatio Alger State Scholar; NHS Scholarship National Semi-Finalist; Robin G. Thomas Sizemore Scholarship winner; St.Rita’s Medical Center Scholar; Zonta Scholarship Winner.
Outside of school Kiara stated the following about her interests and hobbies, “I enjoy staying active outside school by running or lifting. I also enjoy relaxing by doing puzzles or watching cooking shows. I also love reading poetry and adventure books.” Bahena continues about her most memorable high school experience, “My most memorable high school experience was going to the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus with my teammates and winning a state championship.”
Laura Thornell has been named as valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class of Wayne Trace High School. Sydnee’s parents are Jason and Beth Thornell. She earned a GPA of 4.0.
After high school Laura plans to attend the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wane, Indiana and major in Biology-Pre-Physician Assistant Studies after graduation. “I have always been interested in medicine, I enjoy working with people, and I want to improve the lives of others, which is why l want to become a physician assistant,” stated Thornell.
Her extracurriculars include being a member of the National Honor Society and student council, softball for 4 years, volleyball for 3 years, and cross country for 1 year. She also participated in 4-H and her church’s Y-Disciple youth group.
Laura earned the following awards and recognitions in high school: a Presidential scholarship from the University of Saint Francis as well as Legacy and Catholic Faith scholarships; Artwork awards: 2023 Scholastic Art Competition – Silver Kev, 2023 Ohio Governor’s Art Competition- Regional Winner and 2023 Huntington University Show – Honorable mention; Leadership award – cross country.
Outside of school she enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with my friends and family. She also raises dairy/beef feeders for 4-H and spend lots of time outdoors.
When asked what her most memorable high school experience, she commented, “My most memorable High School experience was lighting an accidental fire in Physics as a class and having to use the fire extinguisher to put it out.”
