The top six students in Columbian High School's senior class honored those who have had a significant impact on their lives Thursday evening.
Randy Schwartz, a member of Tiffin City Board of Education, told the seniors during the annual Excellence in Education dinner at Camden Falls that they have shown the community citizenship still exists. Their academic prowess is only one area in which they shine, he said.
"We congratulate and thank you (mentors) for making a difference in the life of a student," he said.
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PHOTO BY JILL GOSCHE
Senior Alicia Miller (left) speaks about Mark Ingalls (right), her Spanish teacher, during Columbian High School’s Excellence in Education program at Camden Falls Thursday evening.
Senior Alicia Goshe chose to honor the late David Mowrey, whose wife, Sharyn, accepted the award. Mowrey was Goshe's teacher for the Harvesting Excellence in Gifted and Highly Talented Students program.
Goshe recalled doing logic puzzles constantly and expressed appreciation to him for introducing her to the beauty and power of deduction.
"David Mowrey was a man of passion," she said.
Senior Nathan Armstrong said David Hershey, a math teacher, is a blessing to him and to Tiffin City Schools. He said Hershey is an excellent math teacher, and he said he looks up to him because he acts the way a Christian should.
"He is my favorite teacher and an inspiration to me. ... He enjoys life," he said.
Senior Andrew Hoover honored Sue Fuller, adviser of Key Club. He said he realized she is a kind and genuine person and described her as a mentor and lifelong friend.
Senior Douglas Fox recognized Matt Gooding, his Sunday school teacher. He said Gooding taught him that to succeed, he has to keep the Lord first.
"From experience, I know this to be true," he said.
Senior Alicia Miller recalled a time Mark Ingalls, a Spanish teacher, spoke about time. He told his students people can either waste, spend or invest their time. Investing is what people with a vision do, and people must share themselves with others, she said.
"Never was a moment of my time wasted with Mr. Ingalls," she said.
Senior Elizabeth Miller said basketball coach Breena Lofquist has changed her outlook about helping others and how to make herself a better person.
"She is a role model, teacher and coach," she said.
