Exchange Club Recognizes Outstanding Freshman Students

Portage-Exchange-Outstanding-FreshmenThe Portage Exchange Club welcomed four outstanding freshman students and their families to the April 11, 2012 breakfast meeting at Topperz Restaurant in Portage.

PHS Assistant Principal Andrew Halaschak introduced the students, saying, "These students are absolutely amazing! Academically, they have a 4.3 combined GPA, and they are very involved in their school and community, too."

Paige Dickey is a member of the tennis team and the Spell Bowl team. She plans to attend Indiana University after high school to study to become a molecular geneticist.

Kelly Gardner plans to go into education and become a teacher. She enjoys helping her elderly friends with their housecleaning and gardening chores, as well as working with her grandfather at the Historical Society.

Nathan Timmermann is a member of the jazz, concert and marching bands. He is also a member of the Thespians and is working as a tech for the upcoming musical "The Wedding Singer."

Max Harsha arrived a bit later than the others, since he was at school campaigning for sophomore class president. He is presently president of the freshman class and a Student Council District Representative. He also is a member of the speech team and the track team. Harsha enjoys being involved with his community, participating in activities such as Relay for Life, the annual food drives for the Food Pantry and visiting nursing home patients. He plans to attend Loyola University to become a neurosurgeon.

Photo: (L to R) Joan Hasse-Rodriguez, president of the Portage Exchange Club, the four outstanding freshman--Max Harsha, Kelly Gardner, Nathan Timmermann, Paige Dickey--and PHS Assistant Principal Andrew Halaschak