By: Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

Dodie Hook has officially retired after an impressive 24-year tenure as the publisher of the Akron Hometowner. Her dedication and leadership have significantly shaped the publication and its connection with the community.

 The Akron-Westfield cross country program continues to head in the right direction under head coach Jerod Bruget.

The fourth-year program is still growing, but the numbers that matter tell Bruget the foundation for success is in place.

“We had two all-conference runners in Noah Boie and Isabel Utesch, and Noah was also an Academic All-American” Bruget said.

 The Akron-Westfield volleyball team had plenty of reasons to feel good about the 2024 season. Head Coach Robyn Van Eldik had a talented senior class coming off an 11-win season in 2023.

“I have eight seniors and probably six will be starting,” Van Eldik said before the season. “I’ve coached the senior class since seventh grade AAU, and our goal is always to do the very best we can and make it the state tournament.”

The Akron-Westfield football team may not have achieved all their goals in 2024, but they certainly proved to be a resilient group who never gave up on the season.

Head coach John Sievert had to replace 14 seniors from an 8-2 team in 2023, but he did not shy away from the expectations of himself and the program as the season began.

By Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

By Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

On October 15, Lloyd Borchers was called in for one final mission, Mission 23.

By: Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

Kaylene Hawkins, daughter of Louis and Madalyn Vieselmeyer, served her country by completing various United States Army assignments before settling in Akron with her husband, Travis Hawkins. She continues to serve her country by fulfilling much-needed roles within the Akron community.

By Sabrina Escalante 

Akron Hometowner

Emily Colt has proudly exhibited her patriotism and respect for veterans by volunteering twice as a community guardian for the Midwest Honor Mission Flights 20 and 23. During these experiences, she assisted in honoring the sacrifices and service of our nation’s heroes by ensuring they received the recognition and support they deserved throughout their flights.