Two Manheim Township School District students are recipients of the Manheim Township Educational Foundation (MTEF) 2020 James L. and Jane Louise Wertz Memorial Award. The award is presented annually to two Manheim Township freshmen, as selected by freshman class educators, to acknowledge their outstanding improvement in academics, social skills, volunteerism, and athletics. The winners of the 2020 Wertz Memorial Awards were Ariyanah Alford and Doug Johnson.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, MTEF executive director Jenny Germann presented this year's Wertz Memorial Awards to the students virtually by arranging a video call with each of them. Each winner received a certificate along with a check in recognition of his or her freshman year accomplishments.
Ariyanah is the daughter of Daveena Clinton. The teacher who nominated Ariyanah shared that she has shown improvements in English class during her freshman year. The teacher noted that while Ariyanah is quiet in class, her writing is insightful and demonstrates that she is able to voice her opinions through this medium. Ariyanah noted that eighth grade was challenging for her and that she wanted to improve during her freshman year. She also mentioned she was thankful for the support of her friends and family.
Doug is the son of Tracy Johnson. The teacher who nominated Doug said that Doug is cooperative, asks questions when needed, and has maintained A's and B's even during online learning. His teacher also shared that while Doug was quiet in the beginning of the year, he has become more talkative and gets along well with his peers. Doug said that he struggled in eighth grade, but after attending summer school, he decided to put forth a solid effort in his freshman year. His efforts and improvements have been recognized, and his teacher was honored to nominate Doug for this award.
The award is given in memory of siblings James L. Wertz and Jane Louise Wertz. James graduated from Manheim Township in 1982. He passed away in 2006. Jane graduated in 1985, and she passed away in July 2014. Their parents, Robert L. Wertz and Elizabeth Jean Wertz, established this award through MTEF to honor their belief that success is found through hard work. Robert and Elizabeth understand that the transition from middle school to high school is often difficult for students. Therefore, this award is given to two students who demonstrated a great deal of positive growth during their freshman year.
Readers who wish to learn more about MTEF, may visit http://www.MTEF.net. Questions may be directed to Germann by emailing administrator@mtef.net or calling 717-735-1751.
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