R.K. Thompson girl finalists announced

VW independent/submitted information

Five area girls have been selected for the 2017 R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award, according to Breanne Sudduth and Anthony Adams, co-chairs of the Van Wert Service Club’s Selection Committee.

The awards banquet is to be held Wednesday, April 19, while the program provides cash awards to Van Wert County high school seniors who best exhibit the trait of self-reliance. These awards are designed to seek out and honor students who do the best with what they have.

This year’s girl finalists include Madison Buecker, daughter of Mark Buecker and Kristy Grindell; Maggie Cripe, daughter of Doug and Sarah Cripe; Bailey Stegaman, daughter of Rich Strunkenburg and Stacie Stegaman; Cora Millay, daughter of Jeff and Cynthia Millay; and Brooke Ripley, daughter of Van and Kelly Ripley.

Buecker is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is involved in Student Council, Scholastic Bowl, yearbook staff, and journalism staff, as well as performing in both the fall play and spring musical.

After graduation, she will attend Xavier University in Cincinnati majoring in early childhood education. Buecker is currently employed at CVS.

Cripe is a senior at Van Wert High School, where she is involved in marching, pep, and Symphonic bands. Outside school, she is involved with 4-H, the Delphos First Assembly of God youth group and creating promotional videos for several area organizations.

After graduation, she plans to attend Taylor University and pursue a degree in film and media production.  Cripe is currently employed at Pizza Hut.

Stegaman is a senior at Vantage Career Center, where she is engaged in the Welding and Fabrication program. At Vantage, Stegaman is a Student Ambassador and involved with the Interactive Media department. After graduation, she plans on attending college in Jacksonville, Florida, to earn certifications in both pipe and underwater welding. She is currently employed at Fricker’s and the Tavern.

Millay is a senior at Crestview High School, where she is Senior Class secretary.  Other activities include FCA student leader, varsity softball team, National Honor Society, Blue Club, Knight Vision show choir, and performing in the school musical. After graduation, Millay plans on continuing her love of softball at Spring Arbor University, where plans to major in business and Spanish.

Ripley is a senior at Crestview High School, where she is vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Art, Tech, and Debate clubs, in addition to the varsity cross country team.

After graduation, she plans to attend the Columbus College of Art and Design to pursue bachelor and graduate degrees in fine arts and art history, with a goal of teaching at the college level. She is currently employed at Pizza Hut.