Lakewood City Schools celebrated academic excellence at their recent Board of Education meeting, highlighting the achievements of two semifinalists and five commended students in a prestigious scholarship competition.

Madeline Gabella and Danka Wenzel were recognized as semifinalists, with both students aiming to pursue college degrees in forensic science and biology, respectively. Their success places them in contention for one of over 7,500 scholarships to be awarded in February.

The board also honored five commended students: Beckett Broadwater, Anna Deso, Helen Fraunfelder, William Cosgrove, and Connor Pierce. Although they will not advance in the scholarship competition, their strong academic performances were celebrated. Each student has plans to major in fields such as mathematics, science, biology, and engineering.

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Antonio was present to commend the students, emphasizing the importance of recognizing academic achievements. He expressed pride in their accomplishments and encouraged them to leverage their talents for future success. The Board of Education also extended their congratulations, reinforcing the community's support for these young scholars.

This recognition not only highlights the students' hard work but also underscores the commitment of Lakewood City Schools to fostering academic excellence and community engagement.