The following students have been named West Liberty-Salem Seniors of the Month for September:

Name: Taran Gregory Logwood

Parents: Shawn and Stacey Logwood

School Activities and Awards: I am a team captain for the Varsity football and basketball teams. In school, I am a senior class student officer, a member of the euchre club, Mock Trial, and the entrepreneur club. I am in the National Honor Society and Key Club and was previously on the Link Crew. I have taught Junior Achievement lessons to elementary students, assisted with the Special Olympics wheelchair basketball games and performed hundreds of hours of community service. I have been selected to receive the Better Business Bureau’s Students of Integrity Scholarship.

I have earned the OHC North Player of the Year award, first team conference, regional and all Ohio honors the past two seasons for basketball. I was honored to be on this year’s Homecoming Court. Academically, I have earned the superintendent’s White Tiger award, Highest Honors honor roll, as well as maintained a 3.75+ GPA academic standing from freshman to senior year.

If I were principal for a day: I would host a staff 2 on 2 basketball tournament for the whole student body to watch. There would be student sections to support their favorite staff person. Whichever team wins, their homeroom class can have a pizza party.

Favorite school memory: I have made many great memories with great friends at WL-S. I have really enjoyed the activities during homecoming week and prom, but I will never forget during the 22-23 basketball season a home victory over our rivals Fairbanks, where the stands were packed with fans and students. The atmosphere was electric that night and Tiger Pride was strong.

People who have been an inspiration to me include: My mother and father

Because: They have sacrificed so much time and effort into every I have desired to do. They work hard everyday to provide a great life for my sister and myself, and they are my greatest inspirations. They have taught me right from wrong, and made me into who I am today.

Lately, I have been reading books written by Angie Thomas, specifically, The Hate U Give and On The Come Up.

My advice to parents: Show up for your kids. Having a strong support system makes any kid feel valued and loved. Looking into the stands and seeing your parents smiling at you is the best feeling in the world.

My biggest regret: My biggest regret is not being as involved as I possibly could have been in high school. There was so many clubs and fun activities that I missed out on because I was afraid to put myself out there and not enough time to try new things.

Next year I will be: I will attending college, studying pre-law, psychology, or medicine. I will hopefully be playing college basketball as well.

Advisor: Greg Johnson, MS/HS Principal

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Name: Akira Whitman

Parents: James and Lana Whitman

School Activities and Awards: I am involved in National Honor Society, United Way, Student Council, Key Club, Spanish Club, Book Club, Chess Club, Euchre Club, Calculus Club, and Physics Club.

If I were principal for a day: I would have the entire student body watch Christmas movies together with a bunch of snacks.

Favorite school memory: I have so many favorite memories of school, but at the top would have to be doing labs with the best anatomy class ever. Shout out to Mrs. Neer!

People who have been an inspiration to me include: My entire family, my grandparents, all my friends, especially my best friend Isabella, my neighbor Bill Detrick, and all my teachers.

Because: They are truly some of the most amazing people. They encourage me to be a better person and believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. I’ve been so incredibly blessed with awesome family, friends, and teachers.

Lately, I have been reading: Graphs in Physics and Calculus, and The Lord of the Flies in English.

My advice to parents: Don’t expect your kids to be perfect but always encourage them to be the best version of themselves.

My biggest regret: I am thankful that I don’t have one yet.

Next year I will be: This is a great question and one that I don’t quite know the answer to yet. If I had to take my best guess, I’ll be at college getting my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences with the intention of becoming a dentist.

Advisor: Greg Johnson, MS/HS Principal