Lauryn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for February 2026 for representing personal courage. She is the daughter of Layne and Becky Lercher and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Feb. 10.
The following is a compilation of statements made by her nominators, “'Lauryn has stepped out of her comfort zone to be a leader by example. She took the initiative to help set up a large Pink Out event to donate money to breast cancer awareness. From the start, Lauryn has been the student leading in every aspect of the planning. Lauryn also shows tremendous responsibility and accountability to ensure tasks are done effectively and efficiently. Lastly, she does a great job of getting other students involved to give them a chance to be leaders in various roles, as well. She is above her years of wisdom and has taken the initiative to reach out to community members, administration, and more to help make this event a success. She remains positive, solution-focused, and courageous in the face of any and all problems that arise. The mindset to stay composed, positive and empathetic while making important decisions is a next-level result of her courage.”
Lercher is an outstanding senior with a 4.28 GPA and a 100% attendance for all four years of high school. She is currently the president of DECA and a member of National Honor Society. She is an active athlete, playing both tennis and basketball. She serves as the captain of the basketball team and has earned the honors of Central Ozark Academic All-Conference and District Academic All-Conference.
Lercher will graduate with academic honors, as well as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certification from her health science class. She plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and has received a $14,000 scholarship. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner/pediatric oncologist.
