The September 12, 2012, meeting of the Portage Exchange Club was the first meeting of the school year to celebrate outstanding Students of the Month. Portage High School Assistant Principal John Zack and Athletic Director Kelly Bermes presented the seniors who represented the Fall Athletic Program. Several parents and one of the student's younger brother were also in attendance.
The students and their parents enjoyed a breakfast courtesy of the club. Then the students introduced themselves and talked about their activities, achievements and future plans. Zack presented each with a certificate.
Devin Kludt has played several positions on the football team, including noseguard and outside line backer. He also participates in track and wrestling. He maintains a 3.3 GPA and plans to attend either Purdue University or Indiana State. He volunteers at the Hobart Animal Shelter and does other volunteer activities with the school’s Captains Council.
Alex Becker is captain of the boys’ soccer team. He has played soccer both for the school system and on a traveling team for many years. He carries a 3.5 GPA and plans to study either business or pre-law at Indiana University or Butler University. He also participates in the Captains Council volunteer activities.
Michaela Miller is a member of the girls’ varsity volleyball team. She has a 4.2 GPA and has many Advanced Placement classes. As a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), she has been involved in volunteer activities such as a blood drive and handing out water during the Popcorn Festival race. Miller plans to attend Purdue University to study nursing.
Jeff McElfresh is the Number 1 singles player in boys’ tennis. This is remarkable since he has only played tennis for two years. He is captain of the Mathematics Academic team, which is first in this area. He maintains a 4.5 GPA and is 6th in the senior class. As a member of the Captains Council and National Honor Society, he is involved in many volunteer activities. He also tutors math at the Boys and Girls Club. McElfresh plans to study electrical engineering at Purdue or Rose-Hulman.
The Portage Exchange Club recognizes outstanding seniors on the second Tuesday of every month. This is a scholarship program. The students are selected by a panel of administrators, based on their academic standing, extracurricular activities, community involvement and leadership. Students chosen as students of the month may apply for Student of the Year. The winner of the local club award receives $1000 and is eligible to participate in the District competition for a $1500 scholarship. That winner then goes on to the national competition for a $10,000 scholarship and a paid trip to the national convention.
The Portage Exchange Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. at Miller’s Assisted Living, 5911 Lute Road. Visitors are welcome. For more information, please contact president Peggy Berbesque at 762-2201 or Mike or Linda Lemond at 762-5764.
Photo: Left to Right: Portage Exchange Club President Peggy Berbesque, PHS Assistant Principal John Zack, Devin Kludt, Michaela Miller, Jeff McElfresh, Alex Becker, and Athletic Director Kelly Bermes