Rotary Club of Ashland names Student of the Month for March

Sortia Sherrow
April 28, 2024

From acting to academics to outdoor adventures, Sortia Sherrow stands out

Rotary Club of Ashland

Sortia Sherrow was presented with Ashland Rotary Club’s Student of The Month for March at the club’s luncheon meeting on April 25.

She was born in Ashland then spent her first seven years in Athens, Ohio. She returned to Ashland, attended Helman Elementary and joined Ashland‘s Children’s Theater. Throughout middle and high school, she worked in leadership roles to build the theater community for fellow students, ensuring that the legacy of Betsy Bishop lived on. Last year she played the nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” and last month played Ms. Honey in the musical, Matilda.

“My parents have raised me to believe that I can do anything if I set my mind to it and work hard. They have given me this sense of confidence that whatever happens, I can figure it out,” she said. Sortia is happiest when she is outdoors or spending time with her many animal companions — preferably both. She is excited to see what her future holds and to learn how she can make a difference in the world.

Patrick Grady, CAA, Athletics and Activities Director at Ashland High School, shared teacher’s  comments in support of her receiving this honor:

From Shaun Hennessy: ”Sortia has served on the Thespian Cabinet all year, and participated in Regional Acting Competition … she was part of the team that presented for Honor Troupe at the State Thespian Festival and won best presentation.”

Nancy Martin: “Sortia was a Rockstar at Distance Learning … she responded to questions and analyzed the text thoughtfully; she brought the energy and enthusiasm that made the class feel as though we were meeting in person.”

Jesse Stonewood: “I had Sortia Sherrow in my biochemistry class last year. Even though it is a tough class, Sortia showed up every day with a positive attitude and wiliness to work hard . she was always willing to help others out.”

Mckael Kenfield: ”She is an amazingly talented young woman who adds so much life to our AP class … it has been truly an honor being her teacher.”

Betsy Bishop: ”Kind, generous, inclusive, dedicated and service-oriented are just some words to describe her! … What a wonderful human!”

Paul Huard: ”I have educated high school students for 20 years and she is among a handful that I would call the most talented and insightful pupils of my career. In short, Sortia represents the best that Ashland High School has to offer.”

Sortia has been accepted to OSU Cascades’ Forestry program where she will study Natural Resources and the goal of becoming either a wildlife biologist or a wildlife veterinarian.

The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon Thursdays in Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland. For more information, go to ashlandrotary.org.

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Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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