Bremke, Thompson Rotary's Student of Month

by DONNA MARIE SHURR

Interact Club Advisor

Each month the Oberlin Rotary Club honors two Oberlin High School students as Seniors of the Month. These young people are being recognized for their good character and positive attitude. They have contributed their time and energy by helping the school and community, and are excellent role models for the students at Oberlin High School. The Oberlin Rotary Club will donate $50 to a charity or project in the student's name.

The seniors of the month for December, 2009, are Devin Matthew Bremke and Cassie Thompson. Since kindergarten, both seniors have spent their educational career in the Oberlin city schools. They were honored on Dec. 18, 2009, at a weekly noon luncheon of the Oberlin Rotary Club at the Oberlin Inn.

Bremke recently received the honor of being nominated for the 2009 Better Business Bureau's "Students of Integrity Award." This award places him among a group of students throughout the nation who are committed to excellence in their pursuits and exhibit high moral character. Raised in a farming family, many of Bremke's interests and activities are related to agriculture.

His outstanding student achievement, community service record and character earned Bremke membership in Oberlin High School's National Honor Society. He has received academic honors throughout his high school career. In 2006 Bremke received the President's Education Awards Program citation, Career Based Education (CBE) Program Exemplary Student certificate, and the Award for Outstanding Work in Integrated Science. In 2007, he was named the U.S. History Outstanding Student.

Outside school, Bremke is involved in many organizations and service activities. He has been a 4-H member for 12 years and has been active on the Lorain County Junior Fair Board for the past four years as a volunteer. He was chairman of the swine department in 2008, co-chair of the swine department in 2009 and is presently serving as vice president. Bremke was named to the Royal Court in 2009. He has also been a member of the Lorain County Junior Leaders from 2004-2009, serving as president in 2006 and 2008 and vice president in 2007.

Much of Bremke's work experience revolves around the family farm where his jobs include attending the farm animals including cattle, sheep, goats, swine and horses. For the past three years, Bremke has also enjoyed working for Gibson's Bakery as a baker and stocker. His hobby and pastime is small game hunting.

Like Rotary, Bremke believes in service to the community. For the past five summers he has been a volunteer camp counselor at the Cloverbud Camp and Kelly's Island Junior Camp. He participates in cleaning up the local bike path, sending cards to soldiers who are overseas, raising money for Easter Seals, and working clothing drives which benefit Blessing House.

Bremke believes his strength is his self-determination to accomplish his goals. He would like to be remembered as a hard- working individual. Bremke said, "You should work hard and smart; you will accomplish whatever you set your mind to. As I continue in my college career I hope to be the best I can be in order to help people."

Although Bremke is a PSEO student at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and has been accepted for another two years tuition-free, he is exploring other possibilities. He has benefited in many ways and developed skills by taking college courses during his high school career but he is investigating the advantages of a four-year institution. Bremke plans to attend college in the fall with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. He is applying to Ohio State, Cleveland State, Ohio Northern and Oberlin College.

Thompson has enjoyed being in the Oberlin school district since kindergarten. She loves that she has known her fellow students for more than 10 years, developing close bonds with many of them. Music has been a large part of Thompson's life. She began marching band while in middle school and has developed her talent, playing clarinet. In her junior year she participated as section and squad leader moving on to be drill captain leader during her senior year. Thompson's dedication to band and school spirit led her to play in Pep Band for four years as well. Pep band plays for basketball games during the winter season.

Through dedication to her studies, Thompson's academic achievement has earned the privilege of being a member of National Honor Society and the Tri-M Honor Society. Athletics is also very important to her. Thompson has played soccer for Oberlin High School for four years, each year earning a varsity letter.

Following in her family tradition, Thompson is employed at IGA just like both of her brothers, Paul and Ben; Thompson keeps a busy schedule as a part-time cashier. She enjoys interacting with the many interesting people that come in daily. First Church youth group has offered Thompson many opportunities for fun and personal growth. She has spent her entire life interacting with the church family and has benefited from the support and encouragement of the congregation.

The Appalachian Service project last year was a highlight in her life. Not only did she have lots of fun with the other young people, she developed many skills as she helped dig a trench behind an elderly man's home to protect it from the encroaching mountain eroding his foundation. She and the other students returned full of appreciation for what they have been given.

Thompson's plans after high school include attending a liberal arts college and then continuing on to graduate school. Her first choice is the College of Wooster. Thompson has been committed to community service through her involvement in National Honor Society and her church youth group.

Thompson believes her biggest strength is her outgoing personality. She believes it has made it easy for her to interact with others and give her the confidence to move toward her goals. She said, "I would like to be remembered as a hard worker who also knows how to have a little fun."