Gatewood High School senior Katherine Schvltz Lacksen, daughter of Jeff and Mary Lacksen, was honored as September Rotary Student of the Month. Lacksen’s academic and extracurricular achievements include having the highest honors (grades 6 through 11), acknowledgment as the Coca-Cola Scholastic Academic Leader (grades 9 through 11), receiving the 2008 Georgia Certificate of Merit and being a member of the National Honor Society.

Her leadership achievements include receiving the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award, being a member of the Anchor Club, serving as the 12th grade class president and serving as class secretary/treasurer for four years. Additionally, Lacksen is active in her community and for 2007-2008, she completed 100 community service hours with the following programs: Hancock County Helping Hands Food Bank, Sunday School Teacher, Gators Gatta Run, and nursing homes.

Upon graduation from Gatewood, she plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in biology with the hopes of having a career in the field of sports medicine.

Joe DeLoach was honored as Rotary Teacher of the Month for September.

DeLoach has received this acknowledgment several times during the last two years. DeLoach is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, Georgia College State University and University of Georgia. He has a BS in biology and a masters in education. DeLoach has taught 38 years, of which eight have been at Gatewood. Additionally he is the SGA Sponsor, director of One-Act Play and is a Guidance Counselor.

It is evident DeLoach inspires his students to be the best and serves as a mentor to ensure students have a ‘well rounded educational experience.’

Rotarian Alex Falanga presented certificates to both Lacksen and DeLoach, which acknowledged their selection as Rotary Club Student and Teacher of the Month.

Additionally Falanga stated: “The Rotary Club’s Student and Teacher of the Month is one of the most significant programs our Rotary Club has. This recognition provides an opportunity for the Rotary Club to acknowledge the ‘best students’ in our communities and a chance to meet ‘our future leaders.’