Fallen Hero, Daniel "Weston" Sherrer '12, Presented 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award
On November 25, St. Charles proudly bestowed its 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award on Daniel "Weston" Sherrer '12. A Morrow County Sheriff’s Deputy, Weston was killed in the line of duty on May 26 after responding to a domestic situation. On hand to accept the posthumous award were his parents, Daniel and Julie Sherrer. In additon, several of his St. Charles classmates and law enforcement representatives attended the event which was followed by a special reception.
Photo: (Front) The Sherrer's; (Middle) Kevin Lawler '12, Jimmie Ryan '12, and Travis Nixon '12; (Back) Will Gitz '12, Michael Hoy '12, and Alex Kocher '12.
See below the tribute presented by Head of School Jim Lower in honor of Daniel "Weston" Sherrer who was posthumously presented the 2025 St. Charles Distinguished Alumnus Award on November 25 at the All-School Thanksgiving Mass:
Photo: (Front) The Sherrer's; (Middle) Kevin Lawler '12, Jimmie Ryan '12, and Travis Nixon '12; (Back) Will Gitz '12, Michael Hoy '12, and Alex Kocher '12.
See below the tribute presented by Head of School Jim Lower in honor of Daniel "Weston" Sherrer who was posthumously presented the 2025 St. Charles Distinguished Alumnus Award on November 25 at the All-School Thanksgiving Mass:
Good morning. My name is Jim Lower, and as Head of School at St. Charles Preparatory School, it is my honor to address this community this morning.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award was established in 2005 to honor alumni whose professional achievements, volunteerism, and community advocacy have brought pride to St. Charles Preparatory School. These alumni exemplify the values we hold dear: integrity, service, and a deep affection for this community. They live by high moral and ethical standards, inspiring others with their lives.
This year, we are privileged to honor, posthumously, Daniel "Weston" Sherrer, a member of the Class of 2012. Weston, tragically, lost his life in the line of duty last spring while serving with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department.
When Weston was a student here at St. Charles, he completed the same curriculum that you young men are taking today. He took four years of Latin, Pre-Calculus, Physics…he was not afraid to take on a challenge. He played rugby and wrestled and was involved in numerous service opportunities like St. John’s Community Kitchen and led his homeroom in collecting Christmas gifts for children from St. Dominic’s parish.
When young children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, the answers are often grand and bold— astronauts, scientists, professional athlete. The allure of public safety, with its inherent heroism and responsibility, often leads many to say they want to be a firefighter or a police officer.
For Weston, the dream of becoming a police officer wasn’t a fleeting childhood fancy. When he was a student at St. Michael Grade School, when asked what he hoped to be, Weston wrote: "My big dream is to become a policeman. I want to catch the villains… and I’m willing to risk my life for the people in the United States.”
While many of us change our aspirations as we grow, Weston’s dream remained steadfast. He pursued it with determination, enrolling in the Peace Officer Training Academy in 2020. After graduating a year later, he served as a deputy for the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department. For four years, he stood on the frontlines, facing danger daily to protect others. It was during one of these dangerous calls, responding to a domestic violence situation, that he tragically lost his life.
Weston’s colleagues remember him as someone who always put others first. His impact was far-reaching, and even after his passing, three separate inmates from the Morrow County Jail reached out to express their gratitude for the kindness he had shown them.
Every day, law enforcement officers across the country put on their uniforms, not knowing what challenges lie ahead. They respond to emergencies, protect the vulnerable, and serve with courage in situations most of us can only imagine. They often go without a simple “thank you” for their sacrifices.
Today, we not only honor Weston but also acknowledge the hard work, and dedication of law enforcement officers everywhere. Whether responding to emergencies, upholding the law, or providing comfort in times of uncertainty, their work ensures our safety, often at great personal risk.
We are fortunate to have several members of law enforcement with us today to help honor Weston and to join in extending our deepest sympathy and support to the Sherrer family.
To every officer out there: Thank you. Thank you for your selflessness, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.
And to you, Weston—thank you for your service. Your life and your sacrifice are a vivid reminder of the risks law enforcement professionals face daily.
Weston was the embodiment of what it means to be your Brother’s Keeper. He gave his life in service to others, embodying the very spirit of St. Charles.
On behalf of St. Charles Preparatory School, its staff, faculty, students, alumni, and the citizens of Ohio, if they will come forward at this time, it is my honor to present the St. Charles Distinguished Alumnus Award to Weston’s family—in memory of a son, a brother, and a true hero.
END
St. Charles Preparatory School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
St. Charles Preparatory School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.
St. Charles Preparatory School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.
© 2022 St Charles Preparatory School