WABASH, IN- The Wabash Kiwanis Club is excited to once again announce the distribution of award monies to four local high school seniors as part of the organization’s Self-Reliance program.
Awards and recognition took place at a luncheon ceremony at the Honeywell Center on Tuesday afternoon, honoring these individuals for their exceptionalism in front of Kiwanis members, as well as the recipients’ loved ones, community leaders and local educators.
For 37-consecutive years, the Wabash Kiwanis Club has administered this program, which has honored a small group of young men and women who have exemplified self-reliance and excellence despite hardships in their lives.
Winners for this year include Avery Akins and Grace Hall of Manchester Jr. – Sr. High School, Mandy Johnson of Wabash High School, and Owen Enyeart of Southwood Jr. – Sr. High School.
These four soon-to-be-grads were honored with $1,500 awards given to each recipient, who can use these funds as they see fit to further their respective young careers.
“I’ve spent a lot of years being a part of or administering this program and every year I’m inspired by these young people,” Self-Reliance Committee Chair Beth Miller said. “We have a group of Kiwanians who help us determine the winners each year through a lengthy process.
“These three young women and this young man are great examples of what self-reliance can create. The future is in good hands.”
This program’s awards are made possible in 2026 thanks to Ford Meter Box, Midwest Eye Consultants, and anonymous donors.
This year, Wabash Kiwanis received applications from Wabash County schools. Then, applications, essays and references from all applicants were read by a committee of four Kiwanis members and six semi-finalists were selected. Those six were interviewed by a committee from the Club. Akins, Hall, Johnson, and Enyeart were selected as finalists after the interviews.
“Every year we offer these awards to graduating high school seniors and every year we find four very deserving students,” Club President Jana Thibos said. “And we’re shown every year that self-reliance comes in many forms. These four winners all have different stories, but they’re all on the same great path to success.”
Those who have questions or would like more information about the program should contact Miller at 260-568-1128.
Except for the children of Wabash Kiwanis Club members, all high school seniors in Wabash County are eligible to compete for these awards.
