SEBASTIAN — Five students from area middle and high schools have been named Youth of the Month by the Exchange Club of Sebastian. They were recognized for their high scholastic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and good citizenship at school and home.
The honorees are Blake Bruckner (Storm Grove Middle School), Thomas Hand (Sebastian Charter Junior High School), Jacob Plate (Sebastian River Middle School), and Guinevere Hall and Tyler Hendricksen (Sebastian River High School).
Blake Bruckner (Storm Grove Middle School)
Blake Bruckner is known for his dedicated work ethic and positive attitude. He is proficient in math, approaching intricate topics with curiosity and resolve. He guides classmates with patience and empathyand offers uplifting pep talks that enliven the classroom. Over the past two years, he has demonstrated notable growth, which he credits to the support of others.
Thomas Hand (Sebastian Charter Junior High School)
Thomas Hand stands out for his integrity and reliability, as well as for consistently earning A-plus grades in geometry—even while taking the 10th-grade course as an eighth grader. Through his participation in the National Junior Honor Society and his exemplary citizenship, Hand exemplifies leadership. Having produced award-winning science fair projects at both school and regional levels, he also competes on the Science Olympiad team, with a competition at Florida Atlantic University in February. Attentive, participatory, and respectful in Spanish class, he holds an A-plus average and has earned his teachers’ confidence in his future success.
Jacob Plate (Sebastian River Middle School)
Jacob Plate is praised in our community for his devotion to academics and patriotism. Maturity, intelligence, and responsibility shine through his strong class participation. Always respectful and kind, he takes ownership of his education and serves as a role model for his peers. Exemplifying International Baccalaureate learner traits, Plate raises and lowers the school flag independently each day with care and respect, highlighting his commitment and integrity in the IB community.
Guinevere Hall (Sebastian River High School)
Guinevere Hall, an IB Diploma candidate with a 4.55 weighted GPA and ranked 15th in her class, distinguishes herself as a member of the National Honor Society and as captain of the Masterminds Competition Team. Since August, she has performed flute and piccolo in the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra and played in the Sebastian River High School band all four years, serving as a soloist in halftime shows in 2023 and 2025. As first chair in the wind ensemble, she has earned superior ratings in solo and ensemble, and as a quartermaster lieutenant, she has taken on executive leadership of the Prism Crew.
Her community service spans years: since 2016, she has served as an altar server at St. Sebastian Catholic Church and helped organize events such as fellowship gatherings, Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, and Breakfast with Santa. Mentoring musically at Sebastian River Middle and Storm Grove Middle schools, Hall has also repainted the Indian River Turtle Statue at Fire Station No. 11 as her Creativity, Activity, Service project. She tutors algebra and geometry at the North County Learning Center and runs an Etsy shop, Penguincrafts, for handmade fashion items. Hall is described as intellectually curious and respectful by those around her.
In accepting the award, she thanked everyone, especially her parents. She has been accepted to the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, and Florida State University, and plans to study music therapy at FSU.
Tyler Hendricksen (Sebastian River High School)
An IB Diploma candidate with a 4.38 weighted GPA in the top 10% of his class, Tyler Hendricksen mentors in the Peer-to-Peer program at Fellsmere Elementary and assists at the North County Library, where he puts away books and sets up audiovisual equipment. Through the Junior Scientist Program, he surveys regrowth in cleared Brazilian pepper tree lots alongside mentors from Florida Atlantic University. As Interact Club president, he coordinates volunteer efforts with the Rotary Club of Sebastian for local events and drives. He also plans youth activities at Countryside Citrus and works as a lifeguard at the North County Aquatic Center.
Known for his stellar academics, kind heart, and humor, Hendricksen balances commitments with a cheerful disposition. In accepting the award, he thanked his parents for giving him the freedom to choose his path. He plans to study biology with a focus on botany at the University of North Florida.
The Exchange Club of Sebastian sponsors the Youth of the Month program to highlight pre-high school and high school students who excel academically while contributing positively to their schools and communities.
