The Exchange Club of Sebastian recently honored its Youth of the Month recipients at a ceremony held in the Tiffany Room of Capt Hirams Resort. These outstanding pre-high and high school students were recognized for their exceptional academic achievements, active community involvement, strong leadership skills, and exemplary citizenship in and out of school.
The October honorees included Christian Harris from Storm Grove Middle School, Sebastian Letcher from Sebastian River Middle School, Zoe Nichelsen from Sebastian Charter Junior High School, and Elizabeth Hall and Michael Green from Sebastian River High School.
Christian Harris (Storm Grove Middle School)
Christian Harris is model student at Storm Grove Middle School. He is a mature and well-rounded young man known for his quiet demeanor and strong work ethic. Harris is a dedicated student who actively participates in class discussions and collaborates effectively with his peers. With a kind heart and a sense of humor, Christian is admired by his classmates, teachers, and family.
An exceptional math and science student, Christian represented Storm Grove at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair as a seventh grader. His creative approach to science has earned him recognition, and he is poised to impact the field significantly. Beyond his academic pursuits, Christian is involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including the National Junior Honor Society, the school’s theater and choral programs, and community service at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.
In accepting his award Christian thanked all of his teachers (especially his dad!) and said, “it’s been great, Storm Grove is an amazing school … thank you!”
Sebastian Letcher (Sebastian River Middle School)
Sebastian Letcher, a standout student at Sebastian River Middle School, is a model of hard work, dedication, and maturity. His exceptional academic performance places him at the top of his class, and his positive and supportive demeanor makes him a beloved classmate.
Sebastian embodies the qualities of an IB Learner, demonstrating care, risk-taking, and moral behavior. He has excelled in academic and extracurricular pursuits, including leadership roles on the basketball and football teams.
What truly sets Sebastian apart is his compassionate nature and unwavering willingness to help others. In a world where selflessness is often undervalued, Sebastian’s kindness and positive attitude make him a remarkable individual who is destined to make a significant impact on the world.
Zoe Nichelsen (Sebastian Charter Junior High School)
Zoe Nichelsen, a dedicated student at Sebastian Charter Junior High School, is a passionate learner with a strong desire to help others. Her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic have made her a valuable asset to her classmates.
She is a natural leader in the classroom, confidently discussing and explaining complex concepts to her peers. Outside of school, she serves as the SCJHS Junior Excel Club president and is an accomplished horsewoman.
Beyond her academic achievements, Zoe is known for her integrity, trustworthiness, and willingness to lend a helping hand.
In accepting her Youth of the Month award, Zoe said, “Thank you to all the teachers who help me when I’m struggling. I am so happy to be here today.”
Elizabeth Hall (Sebastian River High School)
Elizabeth Hall, a high-achieving IB Diploma Candidate, is a dedicated and compassionate student with a 4.45 Weighted GPA and a class ranking of 15th. Her commitment to excellence is evident in all her endeavors, and she consistently meets her goals with determination.
Throughout her high school career, Elizabeth has been actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, the SRHS Band and Color Guard, Masterminds, and the Teens Listen Oral History Project. She has also volunteered extensively at St. Sebastian Catholic Church and the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation.
Elizabeth’s dedication to serving her community and her exceptional academic performance have earned her the recognition of Youth of the Month. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to the Exchange Club, her family, and her teachers. Elizabeth plans to pursue her passion for pediatric dentistry by attending either the University of Florida or the University of South Florida.
Michael Green (Sebastian River High School)
Michael Green, a distinguished IB Diploma Candidate, is a high-achieving student with a 4.55 Weighted GPA and a class ranking of 5th. His dedication to academics and leadership is evident in his involvement in the National Honor Society, the College Board’s National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and the National First-Generation Recognition Program. As a math tutor for his Senior Year CAS Project, Michael demonstrates his commitment to helping others succeed.
His inquisitive nature and principled approach to learning make him a valuable asset to his classmates. His ability to ask thought-provoking questions and seek a deeper understanding of complex concepts is a testament to his intellectual curiosity.
Beyond his academic achievements, Michael is a dedicated athlete, serving as the captain of the SRHS Bowling Team for three years. He has competed in numerous bowling tournaments and leagues, earning scholarship money and achieving recognition as one of the top junior bowlers in the country.
Michael’s musical talents have also earned him accolades, including Superior ratings for his saxophone solos at both the district and state levels. He has actively participated in the SRHS Band, Jazz Band, and Solo and Ensemble units.
In addition to his academic and extracurricular pursuits, Michael has volunteered at the Sebastian Christian Church and the Roseland Methodist Church.
His passion for understanding the inner workings of electronics has led him to explore the engineering field, and he has attended the UCF Engineering Camp to gain hands-on experience.
Michael’s accomplishments have earned him a full scholarship to the Florida Institute of Technology, where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. In his acceptance speech, he thanked the Exchange Club and his counselors at SRHS for their support and guidance.
Exchange Club of Sebastian focuses on four key areas:
- Protecting our Youth: Preventing child abuse is their national project, and they actively work to keep our kids safe.
- Building Strong Futures: The Exchange Club supports youth activities and programs, helping young people thrive.
- Celebrating America: They foster pride in our country and recognize the contributions of veterans and public servants.
- Serving Sebastian: From local initiatives to community service projects, the Exchange Club is dedicated to making Sebastian a better place.
The Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament is an exciting annual tournament that raises crucial funds for Exchange Club projects, with over $1 million donated.
Join the Exchange Club of Sebastian for lunch at Capt Hiram’s Resort every Wednesday (except the first Wednesday) from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm to learn more about the club’s mission and how you can contribute.
