Each month, Jersey Shore Area High School selects two students to honor as students of the month. Kaitlyn Marie Herman, Lions Club Student of the Month, and Rahel Birhane Hartman, Business and Professional Women’s Student of the Month, have been acknowledged for their efforts for the month of January.

Kaitlyn Marie Herman, the daughter of Joseph and Pamela Herman from Cogan Station, is a prominent figure in various school clubs and extracurricular activities, Kaitlyn has not only received multiple accolades but also harbors significant aspirations for her future endeavors. Maintaining a distinguished honor roll status since seventh grade, Kaitlyn currently boasts an impressive GPA of 96.47%, securing her position within the top 15% of her class. Her commitment extends beyond academics as she has been an integral part of the Lady Dawgs varsity softball team throughout all four years of high school, highlighted by her earning a varsity letter each season. Last year, Kaitlyn was chosen as “Athlete of the Week” on WBRE news. Additionally, Kaitlyn’s active involvement in clubs such as pep club, outdoor club, Key Club and student council showcases her dedication to fostering a well-rounded school community. Kaitlyn is a member of National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, English Honor Society and Math Honor Society during her junior and senior years. Her leadership skills were further exemplified as the president of the National Honors Society and secretary for the class of 2024 during her senior year. Beyond her academic pursuits, Kaitlyn has contributed to a dairy farm, balancing part-time work with a diverse range of responsibilities, from preparing piglets for photoshoots to assisting in deliveries. Kaitlyn also job shadows at Rosebird Veterinary Center twice a week and rides with a mobile veterinarian. Outside of school, Kaitlyn indulges in her passions for art, cookie decorating, baking, outdoor activities and spending quality time with her family. Looking ahead, Kaitlyn envisions herself pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences with a pre-vet concentration after high school. Her plans include applying to Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania and other universities offering animal science degrees, with the goal of getting a doctorate and becoming a veterinarian. Kaitlyn’s journey continues to be one marked by dedication, achievement and a passion for making a positive impact in both academic and extracurricular realms.

Rahel Birhane Hartman, the daughter of Matt and Beth Hartman, has consistently demonstrated excellence, holding the position of vice president for the Class of 2024 for four consecutive years. A distinguished honor roll student, Rahel’s commitment to academic success is complemented by her active participation in various clubs, where she often assumed leadership roles. Rahel’s extensive involvement includes a four-year commitment to Key Club and student council, three years in Bible Club and two years each in pep club and the Youth Development Task Force. Notably, she served as the treasurer for Key Club, student council and pep club during her senior year. She was inducted to the Nation Honors Society, National English Honors Society and Math Honors Society. Her contributions extend to the prom committee during her junior year and her role as a homecoming representative in her senior year. As a freshman, Rahel was selected as a Lioness Student of the Month. On the athletic front, Rahel showcased her versatility by participating in various varsity sports at Jersey Shore. She played softball and basketball for a year, engaged in track and field for two years and dedicated all four years to tennis. Her achievements in sports include earning varsity letters in tennis and track and field, captaining the tennis team during her senior year, securing the PHAC team league and district championship in tennis and clinching a commendable third place at districts for Javelin. Rahel is an inaugural member of the newly formed Unified Bocce Ball with the Life Skills class. Beyond her academic and athletic commitments, Rahel actively contributes to her community. She participates in a youth fellowship group, volunteers at the New Love Center and has worked at the Jiffy Market and Phil-It Up. In the fall of 2023, Rahel represented Jersey Shore High School as the Flaming Foliage representative. During her leisure time, Rahel enjoys activities such as thrifting, painting and writing, emphasizing her well-rounded and creative nature. Post-graduation, Rahel has set her sights on Slippery Rock University, where she plans to major in recreational therapy. Rahel’s journey is marked by leadership, academic prowess and a commitment to positively impact her school and community.