Xenia Grad to Try His Skills at College Level
Xenia grad Warhola anxious to try his skills at the college level
Valedictorian, soccer and cabaret star to attend Univ. of Mich.
By Mark Gokavi, Staff Writer
9:14 AM Thursday, May 26, 2011
XENIA Chad Warhola didnt write the book on overcoming adversity.
But he did write an essay about it that helped him win a 2011 Anthony Munoz Straight A scholarship.
Munozs foundation website said the $5,000 award goes to someone who is pursuing Academic excellence, Athletic Achievement, and an Active role in the community while possessing a strong Ambition, a winning Attitude and the ability to overcome Adversity.
Warhola overcame a painful childhood skin disease, asthma, financial difficulties and his parents divorce. The valedictorian (4.649 GPA) and class president of Xenia High Schools seniors who graduated last night, was also the boys soccer team captain and a four-year starter for the team, a member of the National Honor Society and enjoyed singing and dancing. He plans to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan.
His mother, Janelle Bertke, talked about snuggling and reading by the fireplace in a drafty old home after her divorce when her son was 3 years old. She said theyd go swimming at the YMCA or visit the library when it was cold or the water heater was out.
It was rough, she said. He didnt always get what he wanted and had to wait, and he was OK with that. When I read his essays for the scholarships, it made me cry. I told him I was so sorry that he did have to sacrifice.
He said its what made him the beginning of the man hes going to be. Hes a good boy.
For his part, Warhola said: Give credit to my mom. She was always there for me. She sacrificed so much.
He missed more than a month of second grade due to Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, a skin disease that he said was hell.
It starts out kind of like chicken pox; youve got these blotchy, red marks all over your body. You feel like youre kind of being seared by a hot iron.
Warhola spent a lot of time in Childrens hospitals around Ohio due to HSP and a serious case of childhood asthma.
School counselor Becky Tittle said: Chad is one of those students that you will always remember due to his positive attitude and willingness to accept any challenge. He challenged himself academically by taking all the honors and AP courses available.
His outgoing personality and musical talent have assisted him in having a positive experience at the high school. Chad dealt with his parents divorce and a childhood illness that prevented him from attending school. Chad is always looking for the next challenge and develops a plan to be successful.
When Warhola hears hes being complimented, he talks about others. He said his AP history and soccer coach Patrick Marrinan is a great mentor and perfect teacher.
Although he admits the financial pressures of the past few years his mother and father Gregory both ended up out of work he said they and stepfather Joe Bertke have committed to helping him with the out-of-state tuition he needs to pay his first year at UM.
Money is always an issue for us, said Warhola, who has scholarships that will pay for about a quarter of his freshman bill.
After performing in Xenia High School cabaret production last weekend, Warhola is in a school vocal ensemble that will perform in New York City in June.
Warhola will head to Ann Arbors UM this fall where hell begin working toward a degree in biomedical engineering. He intends to try out for Michigans mens glee club, and hopes to play club soccer.
Asked if he ever just wants to do nothing, Warhola said yes, then added: I dont want to waste time. Lifes too short. I have too many people relying or counting on me or expecting so much of my so why waste what I have to give. I think its too selfish. My mom taught me that. My dad inspires my work ethic.
Theres so much to do and theres so little time and theres so much to see in the world, I want to be able to do it all.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.