Paulding Exempted Village Schools
Malia Brooke Manz has been named Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Paulding High School. She earned a 4.45 GPA during her high school career. At age 13, Malia started her own non-profit organization named Prayer Buddies. She is also a part of the AC young group, is a volunteer for various ministries like AGCI and Calvary Ministries in Ethiopia. Manz is Vice President of Paulding’s chapter of National Honor Society, on the Dean’s List at Defiance College, All A Honor Roll Every year at PHS, and winner of the Franklin B Walter Scholarship (county level). Her hobbies include traveling the world especially Ethiopia. She loves running her own business too that supports a family in Ethiopia. She loves spending time with Jesus, friends and family. Manz stated about her favorite high school memory, “Honestly, anything that happened in Mr. Davis’ room was memorable and always so much fun! I also loved being an office worker and talking to Mrs. Mansfield on a daily basis.” In the fall she plans to pursue a Marketing degree at Purdue Fort Wayne. Because she took CCP in high school, she only has two years left to obtain her Bachelor’s degree, and then she plans to get into the mission field and build God’s Kingdom. Malia’s parents are Christopher and Erica Manz.
Aiden Miller has been named Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Paulding High School. He earned a 4.393 GPA during his high school career. While in high school, Miller was a member of the Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, Engineering Team, National Honor Society, and the Golf team. He has also been active in 4-H and Oakwood Arbor. He earned Trine’s Chemical Engineering Chair Scholarship. Outside of academics, Aiden likes to golf, make things with his 3D printer and learn about new things. “My most memorable moment in high school was when my golf bal got stuck in a tree during a golf match at Auglaize,” stated Miller. This fall Aiden plans to attend Trine University to major in Chemical Engineering. He is the son of Mike and Deedi Miller.
Wayne Trace Local Schools
Meara Rager has been named as a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Wayne Trace High School. She will be attending Purdue University Fort Wayne to major in biology. She states that her biologies classes in high school were the most rewarding classes she has taken at PHS. Her involvements in school include art club, robotics, scholastic bowl, tutoring and NHS. Rager has earned a Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key, been featured in the Celebrating Art Top 25, 3rd Place at COSI Fantastic Flyers Art Competition, AP Scholar Award, National Rural & Small Town Recognition Award, and Spanish I, Biology, Algebra II, Junior Art, AP Biology Departmental Awards. Outside of school, Meara enjoys traditional and digital art, survival and rogue like video games and building worlds, stories and characters in her imagination, and she also likes to watch YouTube and listen to music. The most memorable for her was, “coming home from school after exams on my last day of my junior year. That was the day that it hit me: I had one year left.” She is also realizing that the end of her high school career is ending and she is both scared and excited for the future. Meara’s parents are Sherri and Eric Rager.
Eli Stuart has been named as a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Wayne Trace High School. Eli plans to attend Northwest State Community College and earn an associates degree in computer programming, then plans to transfer to a 4-year college for a bachelor’s degree. During high school Eli has earned the Ohio Merit Scholarship, Presidential Honors Scholarship, Foundations Scholarship, BEST Engineering notebook, BEST Website and Miscellaneous Academic Awards. Outside the classroom he enjoys robotics, esports, NHS, Scholastic Bowl, and ushering at church. Most memorable to him will be going to Pittsburg for the Regional Robotics Competition. Eli’s parents are Ed and Julie Stuart.
Emma Laukhuf has been named as a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Wayne Trace High School. This fall Emma plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne for elementary education. “I love working with kids and have always wanted to be a teacher,” she states. She has earned the Franklin B Walters Scholarship (school representative), Band “Go Joe” Award, Outstanding New Member Choir Award, and Spanish III Department Award. Emma is involved in Band, Choir, National Honor Society, school musical, student council, Spanish Club and her church youth group. Her interest outside of school include reading, playing guitar, and cooking. Summertime is when Emma likes to take walks or ride her bicycle and travel. She will most remember the school musicals she was a part of in high school, especially Sponge Bob the Musical and Bye Bye Birdie. Emma’s parents are Michael and Lisa Laukhuf.
Kyle Stoller has been named as a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Wayne Trace High School. He plans to enter the workforce after high school and work on the family dairy farm because he says he enjoys the challenge of growing the business. Kyle participated in football for 3 years, basketball for 4 years, National Honor Society for 2 years, Student Council his senior year, Class President – freshman, sophomore, and junior year, and participates in his church youth group. Outside the classroom, Kyle enjoys driving tractors, playing golf, and hanging out with his friends. He will always remember going to Regionals for basketball his junior year. Kyle’s parents are Trent and Jodi Stoller.
Olivia Meraz has been named a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Wayne Trace High School. This fall she plans to attend Northwest State Community College and then join the military to serve her country. She wants to pursue a career in the medical field or a career with animals. She has earned the Americanism and Government Test State Winner, Northwest State Community College Presidential Scholarship and Academic Letter – 4 years. Olivia has participated in cross country, track & field, Liveries 4-H Club president, Puns on the Walls 4-H club, Paulding County Jr. Fairboard president, Wayne Trace FFA vice president, and National Honor Society. Outside the classroom, she enjoys walking in the woods, riding her bicycle, swimming, hunting, working and being around animals. “My favorite high school memory is my senior year of cross country. I loved getting to spend time with so many amazing people,” Meraz commented. Her parents are Saul and Lucinda Meraz.
Antwerp Local Schools
Hannah Molitor has been named a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Antwerp High School. Hannah plans to attend Trine University majoring in Exercise Science on an accelerated 3+3 path to pursue a degree in physical therapy. She has earned the Presidential Merit Scholarship from Trine University, Out-of-State Grant from Trine University, Pre-Health Track Award from Trine University, and the Paulding County Hospital Foundation Scholarship; Academic Awards – Top English Student; Top Chemistry Student; Top Geometry Student; Top AP Psychology Student; Top Calculus Student; Academic Excellence award; Academic Honor Roll all 4 years. Athletic Awards – Gymnastics District 2nd place All-Around finish; Gymnastics District Bars Champion; Certificate of Excellence (Superintendent’s Award); Gymnastics District All-Around Champion; Gymnastics District Bars Champion; Gymnastics District Beam Champion; Certificate of Achievement (Superintendent’s Award); Gymnastics District All-Around Champion; Gymnastics District Vault 5th place finish; Gymnastics District Bars Champion; Gymnastics District Beam Champion; Gymnastics Districts Floor 3rd place finish; Varsity Gymnastics Team District Sportsmanship award; Gymnastics All State award; Varsity Cheerleading award; Varsity Gymnastics award 4 years; Scholar Athlete award; Academic All-Ohio (gymnastics); All-District award; 4-year certificate of recognition award; 4-H awards – Senior Beef Showmanship Winner; Grand Champion Market Steer; Reserve Champion Market Steer; Champion of Champion Beef Showmanship winner; Reserve Champion Market Steer; Reserve Champion Prospect Steer. During high school, she has participated in Church activities such as Vacation Bible School volunteer; Ice cream shop employee; Varsity Cheerleading; National Honor Society; Senior Class President; Future Teachers of America; Varsity Gymnastics; Office position for a small business; Gymnastics coach; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; 4-H, Vice President. Outside the classroom, Hannah also enjoys coaching gymnastics, going to church, working at KB Scoops, reading and hanging out with friends. Making it to State in Gymnastics all four years tops her favorite high school memories. “I also really enjoyed the send-offs that the school organized for me. The send-offs were surreal experiences and it was very special to see the hallways packed with people who were proud of me and support me every step of the way,” Hannah stated. Her parents are Chad and Kim Molitor.
Brooke Molitor has been named a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Antwerp High School. This fall she plans to attend Trine University majoring in Exercise Science on an accelerated DPT 3+3 track to become a physical therapist. Varsity Cheerleading; Vacation Bible School Preschool Leader; Varsity Gymnastics; NHS, Vice President; 4-H, Secretary & President; Gymnastics Coach; File Clerk for Attorney; Office Position for a small business; Ice Cream Shop Employee; Future Teachers of America. Athletic Awards – Varsity Gymnastics District Bars Second Place Finish; Superintendent’s Award; Varsity Gymnastics Team District Sportsmanship Award; Varsity Cheerleading Award; Varsity Cheerleading Antwerp Rotary Award; Varsity Gymnastics Award; Scholar Athlete Award; All-District Varsity Gymnastics; Academic All-Ohio District Gymnastics Award; Academic Awards – English Top Student; Calculus Top Student; AP Psychology Top Student; Academic Excellence Award; Academic Honor Roll; 4-H – Senior Beef Showmanship Winner; Scholarships – Presidential Scholarship – Trine University; Out-of-State Grant – Trine University; and Pre-Health Track – Trine University. Outside of school Brooke enjoys coaching gymnastics, hanging out with friends and watching movies. Her most memorable high school moments was going to State for Gymnastics for her freshman and senior years. Her parents are Chad and Kim Molitor.
Leila Spyker has been named a Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Antwerp High School. She plans to attend University of Toledo to pursue a degree in Computer Science Engineering. “I’ve always enjoyed the creativity and problem solving that goes along with computer science, and UT offers a world-class education close to home,” Spyker commented. Leila is a Jehovah’s Witness so she participates in the door-to-door ministry as well as volunteer in her congregation. She has earned the Holcim Megawatt Scholarship, Central Insurance Companies & Charitable Foundation Scholarship, and Bruckhart Scholarship; Cumulative Score of 35 on the ACT; President’s Summit Award from the University of Toledo; National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award & National Hispanic Recognition Award (awarded by The College Board for outstanding performance on the PSAT); Honored by superintendent and school board for academic achievement in 2023; Perfect score (5) on the AP Biology exam and above average score (4) on the AP Statistics exam; Various school awards for excellence in specific courses and overall academic excellence since 2021; 41 credit hours of college coursework through CCP completed with 4.0 GPA; acceptance into University of Toledo’s Jesup Scott Honors College. Leila stated, “The last night of Beauty & the Beast – everyone was in tears but having so much fun at the same time! We had our most heartfelt finale and left notes for each other in programs. I have so many pictures, especially from bowling afterwards.” Leila’s parents are Anthony J Spyker and Sharon L Stokes-Spyker.
Hicksville Exempted Village Schools
Noah Harmon has been named Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Hicksville High School. Noah’s high school academic achievements & awards include All-League First Team in Toledo Area Academic Quiz League, Outstanding World History Student, Outstanding Physical Science Student, Outstanding Chemistry Student, Outstanding Honors English 11 Student, Director’s Award for Outstanding Musicianship, Certificate of Excellence in Varsity Academic Quiz Team, Second Overall Individual Scorer GMC Quiz League, All A’s Honor Roll, and Franklin B. Walter Award. Harmon also participated in Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Choir, Theatre, Golf, Track & Field, Academic Quiz Team as Team Captain, Student Council as a Class Representative, National Honor Society as President, and Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout. He programmed and operated the lights for five middle and high school musicals. After high school, Noah plans to attend Kent State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. Noah’s parents are Todd and Julie Harmon of Paulding, Ohio.
Delaney Begley has been named Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Hicksville High School. Her academic achievements & awards include National Honor Society, Innovative Interview Finalist, Honor Roll (All 4 years), Honors English Writing Award, Repeated Outstanding Art Student Award, Outstanding Spanish Student Award. Delaney was the Elementary Sign Choir Co-Facilitator, Toledo Deaf Coffee Event Attendee, HHS Drama Department Musical Participant, Drug Free Leadership Council Senior Ambassador, King’s Cross Church Youth Group member, and King’s Cross Church Bible Quiz Team member. She was the Designer of 2023 HHS Musical Production Poster (“Into the Woods”); was the Hicksville Middle School Musical Stage Manager, volunteered as a Elementary Lunch HS Student Representative, Christmas Cruise-Thru Volunteer, Kindergarten Reading Aid, Family Literacy Night Volunteer, and a former Praise and Worship Team Member. Begley plans to attend Bluffton University, Bluffton Ohio next fall to study Social Work. Delaney is the daughter of Craig and Amanda Begley of Hicksville, OH.
Aubrie Baird has been named Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Hicksville High School. She is achieved the All A Honor Roll for 4 years Award. She has been Vice President for Student council, Vice President for National Honor Society, and participated in 4-H for 9 years. Baird stated, “Through 4H, I have been involved with many community service projects such as assisting with set up for Christmas Cruise Thru, planting and weeding in community gardens, and walking dogs at the animal shelter. I volunteered to work concession stands for a variety of events at my school. I helped the Kindergarten teachers decorate the halls for Christmas. I have volunteered at my church the past 2 summers with Vacation Bible School.” After high school Aubrie plans to attend Rhodes State College, Lima OH to study in the Occupational Assistant Program. Her parents are Kenny and Tiffany Baird of Hicksville, OH
