(Middlefield, OH) - On Monday, April 14th senior Aubreigh Kitzmiller was recognized for her exceptional characteristics and leadership qualities. During a luncheon located at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, she was presented with the Franklin B. Walter award. Kitzmiller marks the first Cardinal Huskie recipient to win the award since 2019.
Kitzmiller is currently a senior at Cardinal High School where she is a member of the National Honors Society and serves as president of the club. She is also a member of Student Council and Key Club where she has assisted with many Blood Drives, Veterans Day Breakfasts, and many more community events. Her leadership qualities have been put to good use as she has served as a class officer.
Not only is Aubreigh a devoted member of her community, she has also spent countless hours on the course and track as she has participated in cross country and track and field. During her senior seasons she had been selected as captain by her teammates and coaches. A couple of years ago, Cardinal’s athletic director partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance, where several student-athletes were selected to participate in leadership council classes once a month. Aubreigh was nominated for this committee as well. Just recently, she and her classmate Carter Tucker were recognized as Cardinal Local Schools CVC Sportsmanship Award recipient of the year. She is also up for the Jo Harris Award - an award that is given out to the top senior female student-athlete.
As if she had not already had enough on her plate, she is an active member of her church community - Rock of Grace. There, she sings in the youth group’s worship team and also leads kids ministry and also participates in Vacation Bible School. Events such as these have helped her to collect well over 200 hours of community service in other events such as these and working the concession stands or community clean-up day for her high school. She held the position of teacher and office aide last school year. She also volunteered at a community outreach internship through University Hospitals and Geauga Growth Partnership last summer. While also balancing school and sports, she is a dietary aide at Ohman Family Living.
It has been a decorated high school career for Kitzmiller. As her days are numbered as a high school student, her current GPA status is 4.413 with a weighted schedule. As she captured the Kiwanis Freshman of the Year Award in the spring of 2022, she added more to her resume. She was the recipient of Achievement in Science and English in 2023, and is also a two-time Voice of Democracy Essay Winner which is selected by the local VFW. Kitzmiller is also a recipient of the following scholarships - Academic Scholarship from Kent State University, Ohio Governor’s Merit Scholarship, Honors College Scholarship through Kent State University, Voice of Democracy, Kent Legacy Scholarship, and most recently the Franklin B. Walter Award.
As we dove into this year’s Franklin B.Walter award, these students are first selected by their administration team at their respected high school. The administration team is asked to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Kitzmiller. She is instructed to then complete an application process which consists of an essay including all of her community involvement and high school achievements. Once her application is completed, she submits it to the Geauga County ESC (Educational Service Center). From there, the students are selected one by one, representing Ohio’s 88 counties. The award was named after the state superintendent who served from March 1977 until August 1991 for the Public Instruction. Franklin B. Walter himself dedicated his life to improving the educational opportunities for students in Ohio. This award was designed to honor students with outstanding academic achievement.
“This award, to me, is so special because I was nominated by the administration at Cardinal. I am honored that they chose me to represent our school district,” said Aubreigh Kitzmiller. “I am thankful for all the staff at Cardinal who have poured into me and encouraged me throughout high school. In my future, I hope to honor the Cardinal legacy and all those who have helped me along the way. I was driven to accomplish what I have because I believe serving others is so important. I want to work hard and use my skills and blessings to help others which I hope to always do, especially in my career of nursing.”
“We are so proud of Aubreigh for being a recipient of this prestigious award,” said Paul Gerycz, Cardinal High School principal. “Aubreigh is an exceptional individual, excellent student, and represents her family, school, and community at the highest level. As a senior, Aubreigh is enrolled in all college courses. She is also involved in multiple extra curricular activities at Cardinal High School including National Honors Society, Key Club, cross country and track teams, student council, and the Positive Coaching Alliance Leadership Council. This award is well-deserved!”
Kiztmiller will be recognized at the May 14th Board of Education - Regular Session for her accomplishment.
In just a few short months, Aubreigh will continue her studies at Kent State University where she plans on earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Her ultimate goal is to become an obstetrics nurse before furthering her education in women’s health nurse practitioner.
“I am so thankful for this award and experience,” said Kitzmiller.
Our Huskie Family wishes Aubreigh and the rest of the Class of 2025 the best of luck in their future endeavors!