ADRIAN — Student success stories at Adrian Public Schools have been highlighted recently by the district.
One such success story is that of senior Gabe Venerable, who during a school board meeting in November, was honored and recognized for receiving the Silent Servant Award, which recognizes a student’s commitment to community service and leadership.
This honor, presented by the Peter R. Marsh Foundation, includes a scholarship and a commemorative plaque.
Each year, the Peter R. Marsh Foundation awards scholarships to public high school students for engaging in selfless, voluntary service to their communities. The students are nominated by school staff members and are recognized in a public award ceremony.
Unlike scholarships that recognize athletics or academic achievements, the Silent Servant Scholarship Award rewards students for benevolence, a behavior and set of values that will sustain their families and communities for decades to come, according to prmfoundation.org. For more information about the Silent Servant Award and its mission, visit the Peter R. Marsh Foundation website.
Dana Noel, Venerable’s school guidance counselor who nominated him for the award, said, “Gabriel Venerable is an amazing young man. He is so compassionate and gives so much of his time to others in the community. His involvement and selflessness make him a positive role model to his peers and the younger generation.”
Adrian High School Principal Sam Skeels praised Venerable’s dedication, saying, “Gabe is the epitome of a servant leader. His selflessness and commitment to others have created a lasting impact on our school and community. He inspires us all to strive for the same level of empathy and service.”
Venerable serves as treasurer of the Key Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. Equations, art club, orchestra and theatrical plays are among some of the other school functions he is involved in. He’s also an athlete, participating in bowling and hockey. He referees youth hockey, mentoring the next generation of athletes, too.
Adrian Public Schools described Venerable as a remarkable leader and an active participant in his school and community.
Beyond school, Venerable’s community service extends to restoring gravestones in Findlay, Ohio, collecting food for local food banks and volunteering with Scouts to clean up Michigan International Speedway (MIS) after summer concert series.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition, but it’s not just about me. I’ve been lucky to have opportunities to help others and learn from them along the way,” Venerable said. “Serving my community has taught me so much about empathy and the importance of being there for one another.”
Subscribe Now:For all the latest local developments, breaking news, and high school and college sports content.
The Silent Servant Award emphasizes the importance of empathy and service, encouraging students to inspire their peers to adopt similar values. Venerable’s dedication to community service exemplifies the transformative power of giving back, Adrian schools said, making him deserving of this distinguished honor.
His compassion shines in his work with Project Unify, where he fosters relationships with students facing learning and physical challenges. Through games, lunches and participation in the Special Olympics, Venerable is able to build bonds that inspire his peers and the broader community.
As customary at the monthly meetings of the Adrian Public Schools Board of Education, six students across the Adrian schools district were publicly recognized and named as Outstanding Citizens of the Month during the school board’s December meeting.
Each month, the school board along with Superintendent Nate Parker, recognizes six students for being named Outstanding Citizens. The students are nominated for recognition by building teachers and administrators.
The Outstanding Citizenship award is part of Adrian’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) program that teaches students the qualities of Maple PRIDE (Productivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Excellence) throughout all aspects of the school district.
Those students to be named Outstanding Citizens for December 2024 include Stella Rosales, Alexander Elementary School; Sage Skinner, Lincoln Elementary School; Harmonie Quigley, Michener Elementary School; Kade Davis, Prairie Elementary School; Lily Yatzek, Springbrook Middle School; and Renee Awad, Adrian High School.
To learn more about Adrian Public Schools, visit adrianmaples.org.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LenaweeHeineman.
