By MARIE THOMAS/Sentinel Education Editor
Scores of high school students in Wood County live alcohol- and drug-free lives, but 20 of them have been
honored with “Footprints Worth Following” achievement awards.
The awards were presented as part of the kickoff to Red Ribbon Week, which will start Oct. 26. Ceremonies
were held Friday at the Wood County Educational Service Center.
Students, representing each of the nine high schools in Wood County plus Penta Career Center, were
nominated by community members based on their leadership in school and in their communities. This year’s
recipients, listed by school district, included:
• Lake High School: Jayna Kubuske and Kaysie Brittenham.
Kubuske is president of student council and Helping Hands, and is a varsity cheerleader and feature
twirling with the band.
Brittenham participates in the Bike to Mackinaw Island, coaches Junior Flyers basketball, and works with
the children’s ministry in her church.
• Otsego High School: Michael Hannewald and Tyler Carson.
Hannewald “is the epitome of a true role model,” said Kim Graham, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD)
specialist with the WCESC. He holds leadership roles in FFA and National Honor Society, and demonstrates
critical thinking skills.
Carson is president of student council, competes in baseball and golf, and is working on his Eagle Scout
project.
• North Baltimore High School: Megan Moser and Corey North.
Moser is active in both CAFFY and Teen Institute, and is a leader in the Parent’s Out night program. She
“personifies creativity, energy and determination,” Graham stated.
North serves his community through Park Fun Days, and is involved in sports and band.
• Northwood High School: Robert Roach and Kirsten Wegman.
Roach attended the state Teen Institute conference and was invited to attend this year’s Youth Leadership
conference.
Wegman participates in student government, helps as a fifth-grade camp counselor, and volunteers at Vail
Meadows Stables working with special needs children.
• Eastwood High School: Ashley Marsh and Chase Baldwin.
According to Graham, Marsh “embodies the meaning of involvement.” She participates in music, People Inc.
and Youth In Philanthropy Encouraging Excellence.
Baldwin is vice president of National Honor Society, and he volunteers at a children’s bereavement camp.

• Rossford High School: Tiffany Dupuis and Sarah Wilson.
Dupuis demonstrates leadership and is a great role model for her peers, said Graham.
Wilson is president of National Honor Society and book club, and is active in numerous other student
groups.
• Penta Career Center: Adrienne Studyvin and Diamond Lorenc.
Studyvin serves in a leadership role in the fire/EMT program, and Lorenc earned a scholarship to attend
the state Teen Institute at Kenyon College this summer.
• Bowling Green High School: Emily Gerken and Rachael Gutknecht.
Gerken is an active Teen Institute member and has attended the Wood County retreat as well as the
Northwest Ohio Regional Youth Leadership program. She is working on her Gold Award in Girl Scouts.
Gutknecht founded the Letters to Soldiers program at BGHS and has organized service projects through her
involvement in various school groups.
Both honorees and donated hundreds of hours in their community.
• Elmwood High School: LeeAnn Irwin and Travis Wagner.
Irwin is student council president and has organized many spirit week and after-prom activities.
Wagner “strives for success” and is a member of National Honor Society.
• Perrysburg High School: Devon Giesige and Jessie Mackiewicz.
Giesige has shown her leadership skills in Teen Institute, and she encourages others to be drug-free.
Mackiewicz has been instrumental in getting her TI club to fund raise for Make a Wish Foundation, and she
has been a trend-setter when it comes to taking initiative.
Two students — Erik Binder of Rossford High School and Jessica Schulte of Eastwood High School — also
spoke about their involvement in Teen Institute.
“I think it’s really important what we do,” said Binder, who recently went through training that will
allow him to mentor middle school students.
Schulte said being drug-free is easier than people might think. “It’s a simple no. It’s not as hard as
people think. You just say no and walk away from the situation.”
Being in Teen Institute “makes me know I’m not alone,” she continued. “I not the only one at Eastwood who
is drug free.”