During the meeting on May 18, 2018, Rotarian Mike Brown presented the Character Champ Scholarship winners from McKinley High School: Oni Jones (Dec.'17) and Jalen Turner (Mar '18). ONI JONES
Oni Jones is a leader, a scholar, and a great person. She has been on Honor Roll since freshman year, has lettered 3 years for the cross-country team, and lettered three years in the band. Not only is she great in the classroom, she has been amazing in extracurricular activities as well. She has held lead positions in four musicals: Mary Poppins, Godspell, The Wiz, and 42nd street. She has been accepted into National Honor Society, holds a leadership role in McKinley Women of Honor, and was awarded the 'Academic Award' for the cross-country team. We are very proud of Oni at McKinley High School, as she is a very kind and respectful person. She plans to attend either Kenyon College or Oberlin College, and wants to major in the field of art.
JALEN TURNER
Jalen Turner is hardworking in his academics and community service. Jalen has been creating his own community service by conducting donation drives. He collects money, as well as toiletry and food donations and donates them to local shelters. One of the shelters he donates to is The Hunter House. The Hunter House is a drug addiction and mentor house, in conjunction with SMHA, which helps people with recovery services. Jalen has been actively building his organization since 2014. He is a member of First Church of God in Christ, where he also volunteers and assists with events. Jalen also works part-time at BJ's Wholesale Club. As you can see, he is a very active young man.
Jalen also provides Thanksgiving dinner at his church for 50 to 100 people, planning the entire event. He solicits donations for this dinner and directs a team of volunteers to prepare and serve this dinner. Monthly, he tries to create events with other local charities to provide food and clothing to families in need. Easter will be his next big event, with an Easter basket giveaway.
Upon graduation, Jalen plans to attend Kent State, teh University of Akron, or Walsh University, with intentions to major in Business Administration. We are pleased to honor Jalen with this award. Jalen is true asset to the community and he should be proud of what he has accomplished over the last several years of service in helping others.
Jalen also provides Thanksgiving dinner at his church for 50 to 100 people, planning the entire event. He solicits donations for this dinner and directs a team of volunteers to prepare and serve this dinner. Monthly, he tries to create events with other local charities to provide food and clothing to families in need. Easter will be his next big event, with an Easter basket giveaway.
Upon graduation, Jalen plans to attend Kent State, teh University of Akron, or Walsh University, with intentions to major in Business Administration. We are pleased to honor Jalen with this award. Jalen is true asset to the community and he should be proud of what he has accomplished over the last several years of service in helping others.