On Wednesday, May 3rd, Chillicothe High School will hold its Second Annual Keys to Success Awards Ceremony.
In 2015 Superintendent Jon Saxton and CHS Distinguished Alumnus Gary Von Kennel created a program aimed at encouraging students to make positive choices in an attempt to create a “movement” to “take back” Chillicothe after reports had circulated internationally about the opiate addiction problem in this once-thriving first capital of Ohio city. A group of highly committed volunteers joined to serve in advisory capacities and local entrepreneurs Bill, Bart, and Linda Herrnstein owners of Herrnstein Auto Group in Chillicothe donated a 2016 Dodge Dart to be awarded to a deserving student. In its inaugural year about one hundred students agreed to strive for decent grades, to be good citizens, and to submit to a series of drug tests to prove they were living “drug free” as members of the Keys to Success club.
On May 3 nearly 400 CHS students will be recognized for their involvement in Keys to Success. Dozens of prizes including gift cards, ipods, Bluetooth speakers, a bike, Beats earphones, a 55” TV, and much more will be awarded. A scholarship, sponsored by graduates from the Class of 1981 is being provided for 3 outstanding CHS Seniors with $2,500 going to the 1st place recipient, and this year one lucky Junior or Senior member of Keys to Success will take home a brand new 2016 model Kia Koup from Herrnstein Auto Group.
Keynote speaker for the event will be Brad Hurtig, a nationally acclaimed speaker who was featured on ESPN for his outstanding athletic accomplishments after a devastating accident resulted in him losing both his hands. Brad’s inspiring story, and resolve to “find a way” speaks to all students about overcoming adversity and becoming successful.
The program will begin with Brad’s talk at 9:00 a.m. followed by the awards presentation and recognition of members of the 2016-2017 Keys to Success program.