MAY 16 MEDIA RELEASE__Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Student Leaders United class on graduation! This talented group of high school Sophomores from across the county was recognized at their graduation program on May 14, 2025. The event was held at Mid-Ohio Energy and sponsored by Quest and Midwest BBQ. School leadership, program volunteers and family members attended.

The 26 students represented the following schools: Ada High School, Hardin Northern High School, Kenton High School, Ridgemont High School, Riverdale High School, and Upper Scioto Valley High School. Student Leaders United is done in partnership with several members of the 2023 Hardin Leadership, Inc., and the United Way.

From October through March, the students were exposed to various leadership roles and responsibilities. They participated in programs that included public speaking, stress management, consensus building, and financial literacy. The students also received, evaluated, and awarded grant money to members of their school community. Nine grants were awarded in total.

The Student Leaders United programming committee thanks the food sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and school personnel who made this program possible. Financial sponsors for this program include Hardin Leadership, Inc., Graphic Packaging, Middlefield Bank, Mid-Ohio Energy, OhioHealth, The Rogers Agency, and Quest FCU.

The Student United Planning Committee and all six county schools hope to continue with this program for the 2025/26 school year.

2025 Student Leaders Graduates

Ada

• Chloe Hunsicker
• Taliana Parker
• Blake Zoladz
• Jacob Rush

Kenton

• Sawyer Buxton
• Alana James
• Alexis Ratliff
• Trevor Roesner

U.S.V.

• Bryden Castle
• Lyric Aldridge
• Lauren Thompson
• Audrey Lawrence

Ridgemont

• Aiden Minix
• Tanner Vanbuskirk
• Skylah Taylor
• Brooklyn Large

Riverdale

• Dylann Thacker
• Annalese Woodruff
• Samuel Boucher
• Cole Tucker

Hardin Northern

• Cody Thiel
• Keston Emerine
• Stella Morrison
• Alexis Oakley