May 28, 2025 -- Dozens of students, their families, and principals flocked to Huntington Park. As they arrived, the rain cleared, the clouds lifted, and the first hints of sunshine cracked through the gray sky. For these students and their cheer squads, it was time for a celebration a year in the making. 

“It feels good to be celebrated,” said Kaleese Vickers-Gheen, a junior at Marion-Franklin High School. “I've had so many supporters through high school, so it’s nice to know that someone is seeing what I’ve been doing.”

Presented by the Columbus Youth Foundation, 94 students from across Columbus City Schools received the 2025 Best All-Around Student Awards. At Huntington Park, East High School’s band filled the park with music. Smiles and the sizzle of concession stands serve up dime-a-dogs to every hungry scholar. For one night, these students were center stage.

“Each of the students each day puts their best foot forward,” said Columbus Scioto Principal, Cary Cordell. “[These students] strive for excellence, do a great job, and our leaders in the buildings.”

Recognized as the city’s Best All-Around Students, the honorees didn’t earn that title from grades alone. Each student demonstrated excellence inside the classroom and far beyond it. 

This group of scholars is involved in sports teams, music programs, robotics clubs, student government, and more. They serve as school leaders, community volunteers, and student-athletes, many juggling multiple responsibilities while standing out for their integrity, compassion, and drive.

“These students truly represent the best of our District,” said Supervisor for Student Leadership and Engagement, Mia Prewitt. “[This acknowledgement] is a confidence booster for them. [It’s a moment to] let the students know that they're on the right track and to continue to blossom.”

Some of the students honored are members of the CCS Superintendent’s Student Ambassadors program, a leadership group of middle and high school students who meet regularly with District leaders. They offer insight, share student experiences, and help shape their school culture and climate.

“It's really important to me to set a good example,” said Ebenezer Vasquez Fuentes, Superintendent Student Ambassador and South High School freshman. “Even as a freshman, I want to show the students at my school that you can get a chance to be great.”

At Columbus City Schools, students are encouraged to follow the path that fuels them. Whether STEM, fine arts, service, or leadership, the District invests in the whole child. The honorees at Huntington Park are a reflection of that approach. Their accomplishments embody the traits of the CCS Portrait of a Graduate: students who are adaptable, collaborative, civically engaged, and ready to lead.

“[At Wedgewood and CCS] we really focus on those Portrait of a Graduate characteristics,” said Wedgewood Middle School Principal, Dr. Amanda Mitskevich. “Whether it's Wedgwood or any Columbus City School, we don’t just go in every day to teach something out of a book, we are working towards making well-rounded citizens.”

As the sun set over the stadium, the smiles stayed bright. The celebration offered a pause from the rush of graduation season and a moment to reflect on all they’ve achieved and all that’s ahead. For these 94 students, the Best All-Around honor is more than a title. It symbolizes their impact and a reminder that they’re just getting started.