VIDEO: Akron High School Students Inducted Into National Honor Society

A group of ten Akron High School students were inducted into the school's chapter of the National Honor Society, reflecting their commitment to the values of character, scholarship, leadership and service. 

You are here because you have taken the time to invest in yourself,” said student Whitley Koopman. “Whether it be in academics, sports, or the arts, you have taken every opportunity to grow into a capable and hard-working young adult. But what truly sets you apart is that somehow, in the rush of everyday life, you put aside time to serve others.”

The Akron High School juniors inducted during the February 5, 2026 ceremony are:

Audrey Garverick

Audrey Garverick plays an extensive role within her school community by holding three leadership positions: as Vice President on the Student Council and as an active member at large of Student Government; as well serving on the School Board as an Elementary Liaison where she is always representing the interests of students with thoughtfulness and compassion. Additionally, Audrey is a member of the Principal Advisory Council where her ideas and input improve our school. In addition to being involved in many extracurricular activities, Audrey is the Captain and MVP of the Akron High School swim team. She leads by example by showing her commitment and enthusiasm not only through her own performances but also by mentoring young swimmers on the Akron swim team. Audrey has volunteered at many school events; helped with the NYSSMA music festival, and performed with the Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble. When not actively participating in school events, she tries her hand at karate, photography, guitar lessons, and composing music. Audrey truly embodies all of the principles and values of the National Honor Society, and we are proud to welcome her into the National Honor Society. Congratulations, Audrey!

Benjamin Gerstung

As a dedicated athlete, Ben Gerstung participates in numerous sports: Varsity Basketball being named Captain, MVP, and a League Champion; Track; Golf; Football; and Unified Basketball. Through these sports Ben demonstrates organization, teamwork, and perseverance while maintaining his academic excellence. In addition to athletics, Ben is an active member of the music department playing the Baritone in multiple Akron bands, including Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band the past four years while also playing piano in his personal time. Ben is not just a musical artist but is in Akron’s AP Art class. His artwork was chosen to be on the Akron 2025-2026 School Calendar and his work was also displayed at the Keenan Center Art Show. Ben also represents his peers as being the Class of 2026 Vice President for the last two years; there he has participated in leadership summits and working concession stands. Ben is also deeply committed to service through his volunteer work at his church by making food for the homeless people of Buffalo. He also volunteers everyday in the third grade elementary classroom during a study hall, volunteers in youth basketball programs, and works for Akron Newstead Recreation all to prepare for his future career of Early Childhood Special Education. Ben wants to thank his parents for their love and support and for pushing him to his fullest potential. Congratulations, Ben, on all you have achieved so far, and welcome to the National Honor Society!

Madilyn Jelson

Madilyn Jelson is a student that excels in all areas, be it athletics, music, or the classroom. Madilyn has played a variety of sports including swim, tennis, and volleyball, putting forth great effort in each one. In each sport she has earned Scholar Athlete status, and was Rookie of the Year in tennis. Madilyn displays excellent talent in her variety of instruments as well. She has been in band for her entire high school career where she exceptionally plays the oboe, piano, and trumpet. She also plays her trumpet in both the pep band and jazz band; along with recently playing piano in the Orchestra this year. Given her music skills, it’s clear how Madilyn is very talented and creative. She also displays her creativity with her exceptional crochet skills. Madilyn's enthusiasm is also present in her academics, being one of the top students in her class. When not being occupied with music, or academics, Madilyn uses her leadership and hard work ethic in student government, serving as the Secretary for the past three years. Madilyn also displayed her extraordinary leadership skills with her involvement in the student leadership program where she helped out at a nursing home. Madilyn is always willing to use her free time to help others, whether it be at NYSSMA, Dia de Los Muertos in the library, boys swim all-league, or basketball concessions. While her accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable, her character shines just as bright. This is exemplified by how she is known by her classmates as being very helpful, kind, and driven. Madilyn would like to thank her parents and her siblings for their constant support and encouragement. Congratulations Madilyn on all your accomplishments, and welcome to the National Honor Society!

Paige Kozlowski

Paige Kozlowski shines academically as a top student in her class. Paige was also a member of the varsity girls soccer team this past season. Outside of school, Paige has a passion for horseback riding. Paige is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) where she was a Captain as a 10th and 11th grader and earned the Sportsmanship Award as a junior, also earning her way to the Zones Competition for all of her high school years. Paige also serves a vital role in helping the community. She actively gives horseback riding instructions, participates in charity events for IEA, helps at IEA summer camps, IEA shows, and also assists at 4H fairs. Paige also volunteered in the Akron community by contributing her time helping at the middle school dance as a 10th and 11th grader. Paige, your contributions academically, and as a leader and active service member in your community are extremely admirable. Congratulations! Welcome to the National Honor Society!

Sarah Lumberg

Musically, Sarah Lumberg shows impressive skill within the musical as a cast member, a pianist for the jazz band, and a member of the Varsity Chorale. Sarah’s creativity shines through her writing, art, cooking, photography, and as a long standing member of the yearbook staff. Sarah makes time for a vast amount of community service and has been a member of the Interact Club for her whole high school career. Athletically, Sarah displays incredible growth and skill throughout her four years on the tennis team and her three years in fall cheer, making the competition team twice. She has also been a dedicated four-year member of the ski club. Sarah would like to thank her parents for supporting her academic journey. She would also like to thank her teachers for helping her with anything she needs. Welcome to the National Honor Society, Sarah. Congratulations! 

Jamie Mapes

Jamie Mapes’ vast involvement within the school and community proves extremely impressive. Jamie continually displays leadership within the student council as the Treasurer, a Member-at-Large in student government, and the leader of  her section for marching band and the pit orchestra. Her prior leadership training with the Junior Rotary Youth proves her determination and problem solving abilities. Her care for the community is reflected in her vast participation in community service such as bake sales, raising awareness for mental health, and embarking on a trip to the Dominican Republic. Athletically, Jamie displays leadership as the Captain of the JV volleyball team, participates in competition cheer, and has had prior experience in track and field. Impressively, Jamie finds time to learn a new instrument in jazz band and to be a part-time employee. One of her career goals for the future is to pursue an environmental science major. Jamie would like to thank her mom, dad, aunt, and cousin Katie for their support. Congratulations, Jamie, and welcome to the National Honor Society!

Averi Monkelbaan

For her senior year, Averi Monkelbaan is a member of the New Visions Nursing Program through Erie 1 BOCES. She has pursued a challenging course of study that requires responsibility, compassion, and professionalism. Through clinical rotations at Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo and related coursework, Averi has exemplified a genuine interest in helping others and a very impressive maturity for her age. Her commitment to the nursing field reflects her strong work ethic and her desire to serve her community. In addition to her academics, and demonstrating balance in her commitments, Averi has participated in many extracurricular activities such as Connect Life Club, Varsity Chorale, Swimming, Field Hockey, and Dance. Averi also plays club and travel field hockey while volunteering for Akron’s youth field hockey program. Averi also helped her community by volunteering at Mercy Flight, the Connect Life facility, St. Mary’s Cemetery, and at Our Lady of Peace Church. Averi would like to thank her parents, siblings, and grandparents for their love and support. Whether in the classroom, at the hospital, or on the field, Averi approaches every responsibility with focus and determination. These qualities make her a deserving member of the National Honor Society. Congratulations, Averi!

Kylee Rebmann

Kylee Rebmann is one of the best-hearted people in all of Akron, showing the love in her heart through countless time spent serving others, such as setting up the Octagon House and the middle school halloween dances, gathering school supplies for kids in Honduras, and also giving attention to the Seniors Citizens of Akron through events like game nights, Senior Center planting and singing, and tech coaching. In school she is extremely active through clubs, sports, and other organizations. She is an active member of the Connect Life Club, Varsity Chorus, the Principal Advisory Committee, serves as the treasurer in Interact, the President of her class’s student government, a co-captain for the Colorguard, and has also been the prop manager of the musical for the past two years. Athletically, Kylee is awesome; she is involved in recreational sports such as pickleball, football, and volleyball. She is in both Varsity cross country and track and field where she demonstrates her extreme talent in running and endurance. In her sophomore year, she was the MVP and this year she is one of the Captains of the Cross Country team. Most importantly, she is a good person who cares for her people and even others whom she may not know. She sends her thanks to her parents, Chris and Kristin Rebmann, for the support and encouragement that they give her to do what she loves. Kylee, you will be a wonderful addition to Akron’s National Honor Society. Congratulations!

Molly Rooney

Molly Rooney is a well rounded individual who excels academically, athletically, and as a strong member in the Akron community. Molly is a member of Akron’s track and field team and has also been a member of the volleyball team in her Freshman year and the soccer team in her Junior year. Molly is also an extremely involved member of Akron High School's student government and Interact Club, serving as a Member-at-Large in both activities. Molly not only makes a major impact on the Akron community by participating in community car wash, volunteering at the Senior Center, performing Octagon House clean up, and food drive events, but also on communities in other parts of the world as well. Molly has played a vital role in supplying school supplies for schools in Honduras and as an Interact Club member has traveled to the Dominican Republic to provide supplies and support to children living in underserved communities. Molly also excels musically where she plays the trumpet in all of the Akron band department’s music events. In all of Molly’s musical endeavors, she leads her section serving as section leader. She has also volunteered her time to participate in the musical’s Pit Orchestra for last year's musical “The Music Man” and assisted in making sure that when Akron hosted NYSSMA solo fest, everything ran smoothly. Molly would like to thank her parents for all of their support.
Congratulations, Molly! We could not be more proud to welcome you to the National Honor Society!

Austin Vandenbosch

Austin Vandenbosch consistently demonstrates exemplary traits in all aspects of his life. He has continued developing his skills in leadership and teamwork, participating in the Student council, Student Government, and serving as the Vice President of the Interact Club in his Junior year.  Austin also serves in the Principal Advisory Committee and serves as a student representative on the Board of Education. During Austin’s high school career, he has excelled in the classroom earning himself a top spot in his class. He excels as a member of the color guard and was also selected to be the lead role of the musical. Austin proves his musical excellence with an All-County selection for Varsity Chorale in his Sophomore year. Despite his jam-packed schedule, Austin finds a way to pursue interests in fashion, art, and find new hobbies. It is our pleasure to welcome you to the National Honor Society. Congratulations, Austin!