At a recent ceremony at Capt Hirams Resort, the Exchange Club of Sebastian recognized its December Youth of the Month honorees. These outstanding middle and high school students were celebrated for their academic excellence, community involvement, leadership, and citizenship.
This month’s recipients include:
- Nathan Garcia – Storm Grove Middle School
- Emily Ogilvie – Sebastian River Middle School
- Bella Francis – Sebastian Charter Junior High School
- Sophia King – Sebastian River High School
- Edward Steinwand – Sebastian River High School
Nathan Garcia (Storm Grove Middle School)
Nathan Garcia is an exceptional Storm Grove Middle School student, consistently earning A’s in advanced courses. He actively participates in the VB Theater Guild, the SGMS Chorus, and the Drama Troupe, showcasing his talent and dedication to the arts and a contagious enthusiasm and positive attitude.
Beyond his academic and artistic achievements, Nathan is a respectful, kind, and exemplary citizen who leads by example. He contributes meaningfully to class discussions with thoughtful questions, consistently strives for his best, and treats his peers with kindness. Inquisitive and diligent, Nathan works effectively both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating quiet leadership by supporting his classmates. He readily offers assistance, ensuring everyone is on the right track.
Nathan’s responsibility and talent shine through in his performances, where he is always prepared and brings joy to the arts. He is a role model and a valuable representative of Storm Grove Middle School.
Emily Ogilvie (Sebastian River Middle School)
Emily Ogilvie is a quiet, reliable, and exceptionally hard-working Sebastian River Middle School student. Consistently performing at the top of her class with a 4.5 weighted GPA, she exemplifies the IB MYP Learner Profile traits: caring, principled, balanced, knowledgeable, and more. She perseveres through challenges, reflects on her mistakes, and seeks clarification when needed, effectively balancing her many in-school and extracurricular activities.
Emily is a model student inside and outside the classroom, demonstrating maturity, excellent behavior, and a cooperative spirit. She actively participates in class discussions and is a talented scientist, having developed an impressive science project for the school’s Science Fair Exposition. Her high academic achievements are a testament to her strong work ethic, willpower, and perseverance. Genuine, trustworthy, and bright, Emily will surely accomplish remarkable things in the future. In accepting her award, Emily expressed gratitude to the Exchange Club and her teachers.
Bella Francis (Sebastian Charter Junior High School)
Bella Francis is an exceptionally hard-working, respectful, and dedicated student with a strong work ethic. Always prepared and focused, she consistently strives for excellence, going above and beyond to produce outstanding work. Bella is a strong self-advocate and perseveres until she achieves her goals, consistently scoring at or near the top of her class. Throughout 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, her Science Fair projects have been among the best at Sebastian Charter Junior High (SCJH), earning her invitations to present at the Indian River Regional Science Fair.
Beyond her academic achievements, Bella is known for her kindness, honesty, and outstanding character. She is responsible, trustworthy, caring, and respectful to both staff and her peers. Pleasant and helpful, Bella demonstrates exceptional character traits and is poised for success in high school and beyond. Upon receiving the award, Bella thanked the Exchange Club, acknowledging her hard work and expressing her gratitude.
Sophia King (Sebastian River High School)
Sophia King, an IB Diploma Candidate ranked 10th in her class with a 4.525 weighted GPA, is an exemplary student and campus leader at Sebastian River High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar who has received recognition from the College Board’s National Rural & Small-Town and National Hispanic Recognition Programs.
Sophia’s achievements in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are extensive. As the current SRHS FBLA Chapter President (since May 2023), she led the chapter to a National Silver Champion Chapter Award for excellence. She has also served as Florida FBLA Region 3 Vice President and President, co-hosting over 15 workshops and a podcast, co-writing four member toolkits, and organizing the first-ever District 17 conference with over 100 attendees. She is a nominee for Who’s Who in Florida FBLA.
Sophia is a four-year Varsity Tennis player, a 3A District 14 semifinalist, Editor-in-Chief of the SRHS Yearbook, and a Senior Class Officer. In July 2022, she participated in the Wharton Global Youth Program (Essentials of Entrepreneurship), developing and pitching a business model. Her work experience includes Operations Manager for Sharkwear, Marketing Director and Website Developer for Ohana Stronger Together (a non-profit), Social Media Manager for Motto Mortgage Riverside, and Sales Intern for Zesty Fox Farms. Despite occasional absences for yearbook duties, Sophia consistently excels academically.
In accepting her award, Sophia thanked the Exchange Club, her family, and her teachers for this “incredible honor.” She plans to major in management and marketing.
Edward Steinwand (Sebastian River High School)
Edward Steinwand is an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.5 weighted GPA and is ranked 12th in his class.
He has been a goalie on a competitive soccer team (10 years) and helped the 2023 Club team defeat the #2 in North America. He participated in the Florida State Olympic Development Program and is a 4-Year Varsity Starter. He led SRHS to its 1st playoff win in 8 years (4 Penalty Kick saves). He has been Captain since his sophomore year and received the MVP Award in his Junior Year. He is a member of the 2024 UPSL Soccer League (Semiprofessional team).
His community service includes training youth soccer players (Goalkeepers), Peer-to-Peer Club of afterschool mentoring at Fellsmere Elementary, and he helps coach Competition Teams. His interests include musical percussion, photography, and motorsports.
Edward is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an outstanding young man across a variety of metrics–he’s a hard-working accomplished student, a disciplined and talented athlete, and a genuinely good person.
In accepting his award, Edward thanked our club for what it does for the youth in this community. He has applied at UF and UCF and plans to major in Bio-Chemistry.
Exchange Club of Sebastian
The Exchange Club of Sebastian is a community organization focused on child abuse prevention, youth activities, Americanism, and community service. They host a weekly luncheon meeting and an annual charity fishing tournament. Learn more at www.bluewateropen.com.