Outstanding students in the West Shore Career-Tech program were recognized by members and guests of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River at the club's March 19 meeting.

West Shore Career-Technical District Outstanding Student Award recipients were honored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River at its noon luncheon on March 19 at the Don Umerley Civic Center.

The 15 students, top performers in their Career-Technical programs, were chosen for their exemplary accomplishments in the classroom, school activities, clubs, athletics and service in the community. Each student exemplifies traits of leadership, dedication, responsibility, caring, community involvement, and initiative.

“The Rotary Outstanding Students represent the “best of the best” in the West Shore Career Technical District. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to give all of our students rich academic, technical and real world experiences,” remarked Bill DiMascio, West Shore Career-Technical District educational coordinator.

“These students have taken full advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. No matter what path they chose to follow for future success, we know they possess the relevant knowledge and skills to achieve to their fullest potential.”

School administrators, parents, and guests were among those in attendance. According to Rotarian Nancy Ralls, West Shore Career-Technical District career development coordinator, this is the 21st year the club has honored the Outstanding Student Award winners.

The Rotary club will present each student with a gift card and a plaque to honor their achievements at West Shore’s annual Career Passport and Student Recognition Assembly on May 17. Each award recipient is automatically nominated to receive the “Career-Technical Student of the Year Award” which will be announced at West Shore’s Career Passport and Student Recognition Assembly.

West Shore districts are Bay Village, Lakewood, Rocky River and Westlake. This year West Shore is serving 526 students in its workforce development programs.

The 2017-18 Outstanding Student Award recipients are: Kevin Slemc, automotive technology;  Chelsea Inak, business management; Waheeb Zahriyeh, community-based training at GFS; Haley Wlodarczyk, community-based training at the Marriott; Matt Wick, community-based training at Rae Ann; Alexander Markham, construction trades; De’Vryon, culinary arts; Johnnesha Johnson, early childhood education; Omar Mansour, electronic technology; Alexander Gerakis, health careers technology; Micah Inak, media art and design; Natalie Pape, medical office management; Andrew Van Auken, networking/Cisco; Akosh Raffai, engineering/Project Lead the Way; and Melinda Warren, theatre arts.