Meet Green's Top 25, Class of 2008

The best of the best were celebrated during Green High School’s Top 25 banquet. Sponsored by the Park Honda family, the dinner centered around Green’s top 25 students honoring their top educators. Many educators were teachers from all grade levels, youth pastors and family members.

Green High School Principal Gary Geis explained the top 25 students submit the name of their honored educator to him. If the educator was not selected by another student, the teen writes an essay about why they selected their honoree. The honorees are invited and do not know who selected them until they are seated together at dinner.

So, perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening arrived before the dinner began with Gus Dudak, who had told Geis he was honoring his sister, Katie. But it was a ruse. Dudek, with the complicity of Green Assistant Principal Cindy Brown, had selected Geis. Geis said he was shocked and honored, and perhaps, temporarily, speechless.
Geis was not the only speechless, surprised person in the room. There were many tears too, as students shared from their heart what their honoree meant to them.

Matt Somogye said Mark Tomeko “had a profound impact on my educator and has shown me the type of teacher I will strive to be.”

Jennifer Willoughby said Patty Berardi, a language arts teacher, “Taught me by example, how to be a better person.”

Clara Ditto honored her brother, Andrew, because, “Not only has he helped shape me into a motivated student, but we have also shared many laughs and many good memories..”

Katie Gamby said Kate Garcia took her “under her wing...
opened her mind to many different truths about Jesus and God’s church.”
Lindsay Nine said many people impacted her life, including Jen Srail whose “love for the Lord is contagious and refreshing.”

Billy Dodd said Dan Jerin taught him football fundamentals. “We always left the field better than the day before,” he said of Jerin. “Coach demanded solid character.”

Brian “Gus” Dudek said Green High School Principal Gary Geis, never puts the spotlight on himself. “He’s a great role m odel,” said Dudek.

Nate Carman said Shawn Thomas, the cross country coach, influenced him. “I admire for his ability to lead as well as to motivate and inspire,” Carman stated.

Jennifer Fenkanyn said she will always remember teacher Matt Ohlson who taughter her “the human element” by teaching her that everyone is human and everyone makes mistakes while learning. He understood and helped her and his students learn, she explained.

Steven Brodecky said his youth group leader from the Chapel in Green, Mark Godden, led a guys-only, weekly Bible study. “He taught me to look at trials we face as an opportunity to grow closer to God,” said Brodecky.

Brooke Lowrie honored her aunt, Susan Murphy, a lady with her own style and intensity. “She spent many hours working for Habitat for Humanity and at soup kitchens on holidays,” said Lowrie of her aunt’s generosity.

Daniel Darkow’s honored educator, Kevin Hornish, has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 304 for more than 30 years as a Scout, leader and now a Scoutmaster. From Hornish, Darkow said he has learned leadership and effective commications.

Maria Messner said Steve Garcia has challenged her to live her life for Christ. “I have seen what a life that is dedicated to following Jesus Christ looks like,” she said.

Lee Schmidt’s honoree was Richard Brown, his grandfather. “His unselfish example has made a tremendous impact on my life,” said Schmidt.

Corry Holliday said Leonard Holliday, her grandfather, has shown her the importance of seizing every opportunity. “Through his wisdom and example, I’ve realized how little the $20 bill means and how important the love is behind it,” said Corry.

Maria Ciccolini said Frank DeVitis has offered her guidance in creating and running the school newspaper. “This educator has taught me inexplicably about life, people, faith, relationships, trust, dreams and individuality,” she stated.

Jennifer Korman said Dave Cowley is an educator that stand out because of his unrivaled academic drive and determination. “Being my algebra and geometry teacher, he taught me the fundamentals of math in a way that it became my favorite subject,” she concluded.

Holly Stansbery said ninth grade teacher Kevin Finucan has taught her to take time out for others and through his example, she hopes to make a difference in the world.

Charles Janini said Sheila Conley’s impact on his life can not be measured. He said the elementary teacher “instilled in me a love for learning I still hold today.”

Matt Mottice’s grandfather, James Bowen, Sr., taught him the disciplines of hard work. “Through his examples, I have learned important values such as generosity, love, care, persistence and respect,” Mottice said.

Jen Sprandel said her grandmother, Joan Sprandel, has given her adorable trinklets and unwavering support. “This woman has been present at nearly every high school soccer playoff game of mine,” said Jen. “She has comforted me after devastating losses and celebrated with me after spectacular victories.”

Cliff Wolosiansky’s honoree could not attend the top 25 banquet because Dean, his brother, was pitching for The Ohio State University in Florida. “In my eyes, his character and leadership qualities stand out and effect everybody around him,” said Cliff. He then led the audience in a familiar cheer. O-H I-O.

Tanner Watkins said Scott Bantum helped him develop an appreciation for singing, acting and dancing. “He has been a good friend that has taught me to be a confident performer,” he said of Bantum.

Melanie Kline said Rob Stopp could turn a friendly game of dodgeball into a heated competition, which only demonstrates his passion for life, family and faith. “His example encouraged me to give my best and taught me to step out in faith and make it on my own.”

Amanda Rose said she learned many lessons, not only in basketball, but in life from Tony Whitmer. “I have learned from him the keys to being a good teammate, and even better leader, are respect,” she commented.