Wabash Kiwanis Club announce awards to local high school seniors

WABASH, IN- The Wabash Kiwanis Club is excited to once again announce the distribution of award monies to four local high school seniors as part of the organization’s Self-Reliance program. Awards and recognition took place at a luncheon ceremony at the Honeywell Center on Tuesday afternoon, honoring these individuals for their exceptionalism in front of Kiwanis members, as well as the recipients’ loved ones, community leaders and local educators. For 36-consecutive years, the Wabash Kiwanis Club has administered this program, which has honored a small group of young men and women who have exemplified self-reliance and excellence despite hardships in their lives. Winners for this year include Averi Haecker of Southwood Jr. - Sr. High School, Trever Herron of Wabash High School, and Taylor Haupert and Zachary Ozenbaugh of Manchester Jr. - Sr. High School. These four soon-to-be-grads were honored with $1,500 awards given to each recipient, who can use these funds as they see fit to further their respective young careers. “The Self-Reliance Program is very important to me as a long-time Kiwanian,” Self-Reliance Committee Chair Beth Miller said. “The opportunity to meet and get to know these great young people is extremely uplifting. It makes one realize that the future is in good hands with these talented, determined, self-motivated young adults to lead the way. It is an honor to have a small part in supporting their efforts." This program’s awards are made possible in 2025 thanks to Midwest Eye Consultants, Ford Meter Box and anonymous donors. This year, Wabash Kiwanis received applications from Wabash County schools. Then, applications, essays and references from all applicants were read by a committee of four Kiwanis members and eight semi-finalists were selected. Those eight were interviewed by a three-person committee from the Club. Haecker, Haupert, Herron and Ozenbaugh were selected as finalists after the interviews. “The Wabash Kiwanis Club loves celebrating our Self-Reliance program every year,” Club President Brittany Hanna said. “More so, we love celebrating these young adults in Wabash County who exemplify resilience and determination. “They deserve these awards and we’re thankful that we could share their stories with our organization and the community.” Those who have questions or would like more information about the program should contact Miller at 260-568-1128. Except for the children of Wabash Kiwanis Club members, all high school seniors in Wabash County are eligible to compete for these awards.