Students of the Month Program

 The students to receive this honor for the month of November are Charlotte Keating

(visual arts) and Lucas Willis (music/performing arts). 

Charlotte is a sophomore at Anthony Wayne High School who lives in Monclova. When asked why she enjoys the visual arts, Charlotte shares, “I love to draw dragons. My favorite medium is water brush markers/alcohol markers.” 

Charlotte plans to attend college majoring in either art or creative writing.

She is the daughter of Kate and Kris Keating.  

Lucas is a student at AWHS from Waterville. When reflecting on his musical experiences Lucas shares “I enjoy music because I find it as a way to express myself in a way that’s special to me, and only I have the sound on the saxophone that I have, that is unique to me.”
 

He has made All State Band and received 11 superior ratings in small and large group solos and ensembles. Eight of these honors were Class A music.

Lucas is the son of Jo Heinold and Kevin Willis. Upon graduation, he plans on attending Ohio State or UPenn for Actuarial Science, but he does plan on continuing playing the saxophone and participating in music whenever possible.

The students to receive this honor for the month of December are Aislinn Clouse (visual arts) and Foster Thompson (music/performing arts). 

Aislinn is a senior at Anthony Wayne High School who lives in Waterville. When asked why she enjoys the visual arts, Aislinn shares, “I like how open and free arts are. They can be used to express yourself, your feelings, current topics in the world etc. It’s an outlet for most people and adopts feelings of comfortability and understanding.” Aislinn’s ceramic artwork was shown in local art shows.

Aislinn plans to attend college majoring in either English, Biology or Art. She is the daughter of Brooke Hertzfeld and Zachary Clouse.  

Foster is a junior at AWHS from Waterville. When reflecting on her musical experiences, Foster shares “When it comes to music there are endless possibilities. Music has created a safe place for me in the last couple of years and has helped me grow along the way. I wasn't always sure of what my own personal talent would be, but I still remember the day I picked up a guitar and played like there was no tomorrow. That day changed a lot for me. I went to an arts school for two years then came back to Anthony Wayne and figured that I had a passion for singing and music. I auditioned for Close Harmony my freshman year and made it in, and from there I've only been more involved than ever. My whole motto is Being involved because you're never really aware of the good memories you have until after the moment has passed."

Foster’s interest in music grew throughout her career in school. In her 6th grade year, she participated in the Musical "Elf Jr." and was in several guitar classes. In high school Foster joined Close Harmony, Concert Band, Marching Band, Symphonic Winds and Pep Band. He participated in Solo en Ensemble for both choir and band, receiving superior ratings on tuba and vocal solo and an excellent rating on brass sextet. She was also in the musical production "Once Upon a Mattress" as the Jester role, got involved in FCCLA with a 2nd in the national ranking, and played broomball. This year, she is also in Symphonic Chorale, and Ciel Voix. She continues to work hard to strive for the ultimate musical experience.

Foster is the daughter of Marie Martin and Tony Martin. Upon graduation, she plans on going to college. She is interested in studying either musical education at the high school level or going into Neuropsychology.

 Our visual artist of the month is Monclova resident, Carly Hemmelgarn. She is the daughter of Jason and Casey Hemmelgarn. Carly is no stranger to the student art world; she has shown and competed in numerous local, juried art shows, and has even shown her art as far away as Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is currently working on illustrating a children's book for a local author, who happens to be a family friend. Carly told us that she loves using the creative process to destress and unwind. There is nothing better to her than getting lost in her work. Carly had plans to study anthropology/archeology or environmental conservation at an institute of higher learning yet to be determined. Wherever life take Carly, she assured us that art and music will go with her! We couldn't be happier to hear that. Good luck, Carly! 

Our performance artist of the month lets no grass grow under his feet. Austin Wilson, of Waterville, has been in about every band and band function that Anthony Wayne schools had to offer, including the marching, jazz, pep, and concert bands, to name just a few. The son of proud parents, Jennifer and Brian Wilson, Austin has performed in numerous local shows and competitions where he has been awarded a superior rating for his talent on the baritone saxophone! How cool is that? Austin plans on attending the United States Naval Academy and studying astronautical engineering, and maybe even joining the academy's drum and bugle corps. Seemingly meticulous in nature, Austin told us that he enjoys working out tiny details in music to make the performance better or figure out the perfect place to put his own special twist on it. Sounds like a very talented young man to us!  Good luck to you, Austin. We're sure you'll make us proud!