Youth Asset Builders recognized

More than 30 students from area schools were recognized Tuesday afternoon as part of the Seneca County Family and Children First Youth Asset Builder Program, organized by the Rotary Club of Tiffin. The Youth Asset Builder Program identifies winners by their use of 40 "developmental assets." Assets are described by the categories of support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and positive identity. Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Jay Meyer, who is the featured speaker for the event each year, said Tuesday youth who have more developmental assets are less likely to participate in high-risk behavior, and to participate in more thriving behaviors. Stephanie Cheney-Sigero of North Central Academy was nominated as a Youth Asset Builder by school counselor Rita Overmier. "Stephanie cares harder than anyone I have ever met for all of the students at North Central Academy," Overmier said. During the school year, Cheney-Sigero came to Overmier with food to be served to other students for Thanksgiving. "(Stephanie) shared with me she used her part-time job money from Subway to purchase this food," Overmier said. "Stephanie then told me in her sweet voice that she wanted to make sure each student had a Thanksgiving dinner and didn't have to spend Thanksgiving alone." Overmier said Cheney-Sigero was up until 2 a.m. cooking turkey, ham and side dishes the night before. In addition, Overmier said Cheney-Sigero sits with lonely students at lunch and reaches out to students at NCA. "I am nominating Stephanie because I have not met such a genuinely nice student that does random acts of kindness only to brighten someone's day," Overmier said. Fostoria Junior and Senior High School student Marisol Cooper was nominated by her school counselor, Teresa Vogel. "This has been the year of challenges for Marisol," Vogel said. "She has pushed, pushed and pushed her way through all odds." Vogel said Cooper survived a house fire physically unharmed and later survived a car accident, which required her to have major surgery. Marisol is an athlete and honor roll student. "Despite the challenges, she is one determined person who pushes through with such personal power," Vogel said. Nominated by Molly Lofton, Wendy Demith and Margaret Wise of the Budding Genius Noble 4-5 Elementary after school program, Majoli Henkel was said to be a "warrior." The nomination states, "(Majoli) doesn't let physical challenges get in her way — they make her stronger." This is Henkel's second year in the Budding Genius Program. "Her deep respect for her teachers is obvious in all she says and does in the program," according to the nomination. "She has a 'can-do' attitude and never uses excuses." "As I look through the 40 Developmental Assets, one student comes to mind," Jillian Baker, Seneca East High School teacher said of her student Aiden White. "All external and internal assets are represented in this amazing student," Baker said. According to Baker, White volunteers in the community, tutors, involved in yearbook, National Honor Society and cheerleading, to name a few. "The assets and values which have been instilled in him are present in everything he does and helps to instill those values in others.," Baker said. "Aiden has definitely grown up to be a healthy, caring and responsible young adult." The 2022 Youth Asset Builders are as follows: Amelia Boes of Seneca East; Stephanie Cheney-Sigero of North Central Academy; Emma Collins of Calvert Catholic Schools; Mason Cooley of Fostoria City Schools; Marisol Cooper of Fostoria City Schools; Kylee Cornett of the Budding Genius Noble After School Program; Brayden Distel of Noble 4-5 Elementary School; Braden Dorsky of St. Paul's United Methodist Church; Ashley Edmond of the Key Club of Columbian High School; Asialee Ellis of Krout 2-3 Elementary School; Mercedeez Gostnell of Fostoria City Schools; Hannah Hampshire of Tiffin Middle School; Majoli Henkel of the Budding Genus Noble After School Program; Ella Holmes of Fostoria City Schools; Keltin Hurt of Krout 2-3 Elementary School; Jonathan Jeffrey of the SMYL Impact Program; Shakara LeGrant of Krout 2-3 Elementary School; Carter Lindhorst of St. Paul's United Methodist Church; Seth Miller of the Seneca Friendship Club; Annabelle Murphy of Krout 2-3 Elementary School; Colette Murphy Washington K-1 Elementary School; Kylin Opp of Krout 2-3 Elementary School; Olyvia Perry of Noble 4-5 Elementary School; Desirea Reasons of Fostoria City Schools; Ellie Reinhart of Calvert Catholic Schools; Bianca Seem of Fostoria City Schools; Brayden Shoemaker of Noble 4-5 Elementary School; Alexa Snay of Seneca East; Clayton Sooy of Old Fort; Isabel Stockmaster of Seneca East; Michael Thacker of Noble 4-5 Elementary School; Kaleeha Thigpen of Washington K-1 Elementary School; Aiden White of Seneca East; and Ella Woodruff of Krout 2-3 Elementary School.