Lions Club Student of the Month

May 2022

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Lions Club Student of the Month for May is Morgan Ellis, the last, but definitely not least of another year of exceptional VHS students and athletes recognized by Lions Club members. Her proud parents are Savannah and Shawn Ellis.

Morgan is currently ranked in the top third of her class with a strong 3.870 GPA. She has been on the distinguished honor roll and honor roll throughout her career at Vermilion High School. She is an active member of Student Council and the Broadcast Journalism class that produces Sailor News Network. She works tirelessly with the Boys and Girls Club after school program every day, and is also a member of the Northeast Ohio Boys and Girls Club.

Morgan created her own podcast, “Around the Harbor”, which she produces and hosts. The podcast features VHS sports reports and interviews. She also creates and posts both the volleyball and basketball write ups for the Athletic Department website. She is a fixture at the scorer’s tables for both the basketball and volleyball games, working the video boards. This summer Morgan will intern with the Sandusky Register newspaper and WOBL radio.

According to her yearbook advisor, Ms. Ann Zgodinski, she is a tireless worker and role model for other students. Ms. Z added that Morgan is passionate about her future plans, and will no doubt be a success. B & G staff member Beth Schaefer says Morgan is a very committed helper, and has been a consistently positive role model for the children attending Boys and Girls Club.

April 2022

Jacob Webb is an extremely talented and busy young man. In the classroom, he ranks in the top third of his class with a 3.6 GPA. He is involved in Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. He also participates in National Honor Society, Peer Leadership class, Link Crew, Big Buddies, Green Schools initiative and Game Club.

On the athletic fields Jacob is active in Cross Country and Track, earning multiple letters in both sports, was chosen Cross Country Rookie of the Year and earned the Coaches Award. On the VHS Swim team he was selected for the Swim Sailor Strong Award.

Outside of school Jacob is super active in Boys Scouts, having won Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, the OA Founders Award and the Erie/Huron Active Arrowmen Award, and was chosen to receive the Sagamore Award from the Beaumont Scout Reservation. As a member of Troop 409, he was on the Erie/Huron Lodge Executive Committee as the Naxa Sian Chapter Chief. He has been involved in the National Youth Leadership Training Staff and functioned as the troop guide, Quartermaster of Equipment and a member of the Scribes. He is also involved in the Order of the Arrow Summit Experience and The Philamont Itinerary B.

Teachers who have had Jacob as a student, or who know him through activities, say he is a delightful young man who works very hard and is a leader. His smile and bubbly personality make him a refreshing presence in the hallways. Jacob is the son of Stacey and James Webb.

March 2022

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The March Lions Club Student of the Month Laura Rutger, daughter of Lisa and Chuck Rutger.

Laura is at the top of her class, ranking #1, with a spectacular GPA of 4.436, earned while taking College Credit Plus and advanced courses. In her Junior year she was chosen Student of the Year in both English and French, and has consistently been on the high or distinguished Honor Roll, earning all A’s or better throughout her four years of high school. Laura also has been chosen to receive several Silver Key awards for her artwork.

School activities include National Honor Society, where she serves as vice-president, Peer Leadership, Student Council, Principal’s Advisory Committee, Senior Class vice-president, founding member of the National Green School Society, Teen Leadership, Link Crew, Big Buddies Program, Golf team and Leo Club!

Outside of school, Laura volunteers for Operation Christmas Joy and St. Mary’s Catholic Church Youth Group. She helps out with food distribution at the food pantry in addition to working as a babysitter and also at Mill Manor. During the summer she volunteers as an instructor for Vacation Bible School.

Teachers and advisors would say that Laura is hard working and considerate of her classmates. As her NHS advisor, Mr. D’Egidio adds, “Having seen her grow over the last few years from a wide-eyed freshman to a confident, strong, mature young woman has been a pleasure. She is truly a fine young woman who will be great someday.”

February 2022

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February Lions Club Student of the Month Noah Jamison is known for his big personality, equally big smile and as a good friend to his peers.

In school Noah sports a quality 3.6 GPA and ranks in the top third of his graduating class. He is a multi-year member of the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll and was awarded Student of the Year in Music three years in a row. He is involved with the Wind Ensemble, Sailor Marching Band (field commander) and Jazz Band. Throughout his years at VHS Noah has participated in numerous theater and musical productions.

Noah was elected Student Council President this year, and serves on the Principal’s Advisory Committee, Link Crew and Peer Leadership. He is also a member of the Ohio Association of Student Leaders and Teen Leadership Corps, and the Set Sail Seminar. When he isn’t busy leading on the field or in the classroom Noah works as Assistant Manager at Main Street Soda grill.

With his infectious smile and welcoming personality, Noah is a beacon for friends and classmates to turn to when they need assistance. As his teachers would say, “He is an asset at VHS. His personality and wit are a positive addition in any classroom or group.”

Teresa and Mike Jamison are Noah’s proud parents. He is pictured here with his father and Lions Club member Bill Decker.

January 2022

Ben Rini with father Michael Rini and Lions Club member Bill Decker.

Lions Club Student of the Month for January is Ben Rini, a young man with a big personality, a bigger smile, and even bigger accomplishments. As a student, he sports a hefty 4.07 GPA and ranks 17th in his class. He is Senior representative to Student Council and a member Peer Leadership. He is also a member of National Honor Society, Teen Leaderships Corps, Link Crew, and Big Buddies.

In football Ben is a four-year letterman, three-time team Captain, and two-time All Ohio and Sandusky Bay Conference. He has also been named 1st team All-Lorain County and earned several other awards. In basketball, Ben is a three-year letterman, two-time team captain, and Academic All-Sandusky Bay Conference. In Swimming, he is a four-year letterman, two-time team captain, and a four-time district qualifier. In Track, Ben is a letterman and district champ in shot put, district runner up in Discus, and a regional qualifier.

Outside of school Ben is active with Toys for Tots, Secret Santa, and is a Club sailing mentor and volunteers to teach swim lessons.

To top off his long list of accomplishments, Ben is the Principal’s Nominee to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Ohio District 4. Teachers, coaches, and those who know him all agree that he is hard working, outgoing and a person who lights up a room with his positive attitude and engaging personality.

Ben is the son of Colleen and Mike Rini. He is pictured here with his father and Lions Club member Bill Decker.

December 2021

The Lions Club student of the month for December is Tanis Pancost, a young man with a variety of talents and abilities that make him a unique individual. As a student, he ranks 32 in his class with a solid 3.5 GPA. He is a representative for Buckeye Boys State, and has won local awards including the Excellency Award for his Model United Nations position paper and the 2020 American Legion Americanism Award. Tanis currently serves as editor of the VHS newspaper, The Compass, as technical director for marching band, and participates in the Principal's Advisory Council, Model United Nations, and Games Club.

Outside of school, Tanis shares his talents in the theatrical world as an active member of the Caryl Crane Youth Theater based in Huron, Ohio. Beginning at age 5 Tanis played a variety of roles in many productions. He won several awards over the years, one of which is the Sheridan Giles Technical Theater Scholarship Award. He is also set to compete in several statewide theatrical competitions as a member of the Spotlight Squad Theater Competition team. Off stage and out of the classroom, Tanis has achieved membership in the Boys Scouts Order of the Arrow Brotherhood and is a current member of troop 208.

At VHS Tanis has become a beacon for other students, as he is not afraid to speak up or speak out when he sees something that is wrong. He has attended several Board of Education meetings and was a presenter as a student representative. Whether it be in the classroom or the hallway, Tanis is willing to step in to solve problems and hold the school environment accountable.

As Doc Decker always says, behind good students are good parents and that saying applies here. Tanis is pictured here with proud parents Kellie and Brian Pancost and Lions Club member Bill Decker.

November 2021

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The November Lions Club Student of the Month is senior Hallie Habermehl. Hallie is actively involved in school, sports, and her community. Her pleasant disposition makes her a sought-after friend and confidant for many of those around her.

Academically, Hallie is at the top of the class. She ranks number one with an outstanding GPA of 4.421, while taking several college prep and advanced courses. She has received countless awards for academics including Outstanding Department Student in grades 9, 10 and 11; 4 years of Sandusky Bay All-Academic Awards; Scholastic Art Awards, including two Silver Keys and 1 Gold Key; and an Academic Letter from Vermilion High School. Activities in school include National Honor Society, Student Council (treasurer and student body vice-president), Peer Leadership and Link Crew. Recently Hallie was the recipient of the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution Award.

Hallie is also a standout athlete. She earned 4-year letters for volleyball and basketball, served as captain of both the volleyball and basketball teams, holds several career and season records for volleyball, has been selected 1st team All-District, 1st team All Lorain County, 1st team All Sandusky Bay Conference and All Ohio Honorable Mention for Volleyball and 2nd team All Lorain County Honorable Mention and All Sandusky Bay Conference Honorable Mention for Basketball. She is also a member of the girls track team.

Hallie “relaxes” by serving as a Vacation Bible School Group Leader, volunteering her time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and volunteering with various basketball and volleyball youth leagues as an instructor and coach. She also works at Brewed Awakenings in Vermilion.

Hallie’s teachers would add that she is a hard-working, dedicated young lady who works well with others and is not afraid to stand out or ask questions. She is the daughter of Cara and Kurt Habermehl.

October 2021

Student Sophia Flemister with mother and Lions Club member Bill Decker.

Sophia Flemister is the October Lions Club Student of the Month is a wonderful young lady who has her hands into a lot of activities.

Sophia is a gifted athlete. She was undefeated in SBC Tennis this season, and was recognized as 1st team All-Conference, team Most Valuable Player, 1st seed in Districts, and District Honorable Mention. She was awarded the Most Improved Bowler in 9th and 10th grade, and earned the Coach’s Award and three varsity letters for the bowling team. In Volleyball she was named Most Improved Player as a freshman, earned the Coach’s Award as a sophomore, and is a member of the 2021 undefeated District Champion Volleyball team. She is also a member of the track and field team.

Sophia currently has a 4.270 GPS and ranks 5^th in her class. She has earned a place on the high and distinguished honor roll every semester at VHS, and was awarded an academic letter for her achievement. Throughout her high school career Sophia has been named outstanding department student for English, science, history, Spanish and math.

Other activities include: National Honor Society (president), Speech and Debate (earned a Ruby Pin), Student Council (vice-president), Marching Band (president and trumpet section leader), Theater (actress and lighting technician), Model United Nations, Art Club, Chess Club, Coding Club (founder and president), Game Club, Academic Challenge team, Principal’s Advisory Committee, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Leo Club (secretary). The American Legion selected Sophia for Buckeye’s Girls State, where she earned the position of County Engineer.

When she isn’t busy planning, playing, studying and rehearsing, Sophia works at Dunkin Donuts and helps tutor her peers at Vermilion High School.

Physics teacher Mr. Schneid, says, “She is a wonderful young lady with a great personality and a pleasure to have in class”. National Honor Society Advisors Mr. D’Egidio and Mrs. Pancost both agree, “She is a tireless worker and strives to make a difference to all around her.”

Sophia is the daughter of Jayne and Mina Flemister.

September 2021

Congratulations James Jessen

Lion’s Club begins the new school year by honoring James Jessen as the September Student of the Month. James is a multi-talented young lady, with many great accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom. As a student at Vermilion High School, she ranks 18th in her class and sports a sparkling 3.97 GPA. She has been on the honor roll every quarter of her high school and middle school career.

James is active at VHS as the 2021 Buckeye Girls State representative and Leo Club Vice-President for 2021-22. She is a two-year member of National Honor Society and has been active for four years on the Principal’s Advisory Council, a group that helps to improve the student/school environment.

When not excelling academically in the classroom, James is excelling musically in the band room, where she was named Section leader for 2021-22. She is also a member of the award-winning VHS Jazz Band and Concert Band and is an active member of Art Club and the newly-formed Game Club.

Outside of school James earned the Lorain County Regional Scholastic Art Contest Honorable Mention Award and was the Local Business Art Award recipient for 2020. She also shares her talents with the community, for example, she is an active member and contributing artist for the Greater Port Clinton Area Artists Association. James also owns and operates her own business “James and the Giant Canvas”, supporting the Ottawa County Humane Society with a percentage of her profits.

James’ teachers say she is a hard worker and fun to have in class. Having seen James advance through school since she was young, most teachers add that she is conscientious and dedicated to making sure she is at her best. She is a very personable and well-mannered young lady. Without a doubt, James will be a success no matter what path she decides to take after graduation.

James is the daughter of Rebecca Jessen and the late Joseph Jessen.