Ada program graduates are Chloe Hunsicker, Taliana Parker, Blake Zoladz and Jacob Rush

MAY 1 MEDIA RELEASE, KENTON__The 2024-2025 Student Leaders United class will graduate on May 14 at Mid-Ohio Energy. This talented group of high school sophomores from across the county will be recognized for participating in this program. The event, sponsored by Quest FCU and Midwest BBQ, will include school leadership, program volunteers, and family members.

The group of 26 students represents 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 three 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 public speaking, stress management, consensus building, and financial literacy programs. The students also received, evaluated, and awarded grant money to members of their school community. This year, the students also learned about service learning and looked for improvement areas within their communities.

Ridgemont High School's students stated, “We decided to use our money to put two microwaves in our lunchroom, one will be for everyone’s use, and one will be for people  with allergies.  This will allow students to bring food from home and have a way to warm it up.” 

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, ServeOhio 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
• KestonEmerine
• Stella Morrison
• Alexis Oakley