Buckeye Local High School students recently joined pupils at West Elementary School in Adena for the 2nd & 7 Program, which was started by former Ohio State University football players as an outreach to improve reading among youth
West Elementary Benefits from Foundation
ADENA-Second-graders at West Elementary in Adena are benefitting from a foundation created by former Ohio State Buckeyes that aims to promote literacy and create positive role models.
Forty schoolchildren received free books and a visit from Buckeye Local High School athletes as part of the 2nd & 7 Foundation, a non-profit organization created by former OSU Buckeyes Luke Fickell, Mike Vraber, and Ryan Miller in 1999 as an outreach to improve reading among youth. The Columbus-based group has since gone national and distributed some 150,000 books to students across the country.
Lisa Brown, a second-grade teacher at West, said she received an email from the foundation and contacted them to get involved, and a program was held with BLHS boys’ and girls’ basketball team members. Joined by Coach Greg Haberfield and Assistant Coach Jim Figurski, the athletes read five books to the kids and provided free copies of books to Brown and Sharon Rine’s students.
“The purpose is to promote reading by providing free books in schools and using positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward,” said Brown. “Each book has a lesson on doing the right thing, so the message of the book is a good lesson as well.”
She said the children enjoyed the program and hopefully it could make a return in the future.
“They loved it and they asked questions to the players. Coach Figurski also connected with them and said that the players made good grades and the Principal’s List,” she added. “[The foundation] is also willing to send us one more set of books and we hope to do this one more time.”
ADENA-Second-graders at West Elementary in Adena are benefitting from a foundation created by former Ohio State Buckeyes that aims to promote literacy and create positive role models.
Forty schoolchildren received free books and a visit from Buckeye Local High School athletes as part of the 2nd & 7 Foundation, a non-profit organization created by former OSU Buckeyes Luke Fickell, Mike Vraber, and Ryan Miller in 1999 as an outreach to improve reading among youth. The Columbus-based group has since gone national and distributed some 150,000 books to students across the country.
Lisa Brown, a second-grade teacher at West, said she received an email from the foundation and contacted them to get involved, and a program was held with BLHS boys’ and girls’ basketball team members. Joined by Coach Greg Haberfield and Assistant Coach Jim Figurski, the athletes read five books to the kids and provided free copies of books to Brown and Sharon Rine’s students.
“The purpose is to promote reading by providing free books in schools and using positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward,” said Brown. “Each book has a lesson on doing the right thing, so the message of the book is a good lesson as well.”
She said the children enjoyed the program and hopefully it could make a return in the future.
“They loved it and they asked questions to the players. Coach Figurski also connected with them and said that the players made good grades and the Principal’s List,” she added. “[The foundation] is also willing to send us one more set of books and we hope to do this one more time.”
Former Buckeye Local High School wrestling coach Dan Doyle is pictured with his wife, Cindy, after being inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame West Virginia Chapter in Charleston. Doyle led the matmen to two consecutive OVAC championships and currently serves as director of the OVAC Ron Mauck Wrestling Tournament in Wheeling.
Former BL Coach Inducted into Hall of Fame
CONNORVILLE-Former Buckeye Local High School Principal and wrestling coach Dan Doyle has cemented his place as a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame following a recent induction in Charleston.
Doyle, of Wheeling, was among six people who joined the ranks of the HOF during the West Virginia Chapter’s ceremony on Oct. 30. He has a storied career with local grapplers, leading Buckeye Local’s program as OVAC champions for two consecutive years and later as director of the OVAC Ron Mauck Tournament. Doyle was recognized for his lifetime service to wrestling but said he did not achieve the milestone alone.
“I’ve been very fortunate. It’s a feel-good thing but it’s not an individual award. It’s an award for all the people who were along with us for the ride,” Doyle said. “This represents a lot of people. It’s been such a blessing in my life to have these people around me.”
Quite of a few of his past colleagues and former wrestlers turned out for the induction ceremony and he said his own fascination with the sport began during childhood.
“I was the youngest of four boys and we all wrestled at Wheeling Central,” he said, added that he won both the OVAC title and state championship during his senior year.
He even wrestled against members of a team led by Dick Edge, former coach for Triadelphia, Warwood, and Wintersville High Schools and a fellow inductee whom Doyle also considered as a mentor along with Ron Mauck, Bill Welker, and Bill Hinegardner. Doyle would continue as a grappler at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., and became a three-time NCAA Division III national qualifier.
After college, he went on started the program at Jefferson Union High School (currently Edison High School), where he coached for eight years before moving on to Buckeye Local Schools. He spent another 12 years leading programs at Buckeye South, Buckeye Southwest and eventually Buckeye Local High School. While there, the Panthers were two-time overall OVAC championship winners in 1996-97 and also earned two conference dual meet wins. As a result, Doyle would gain several district coach of the year honors and an OVAC Coach of the Year award. He stayed at the helm long enough to watch the next generation of Doyles perform on the mat.
“I was assistant principal and coach at Buckeye Local and they wanted me to be principal, but I wanted to watch my son complete his senior year. In 1997, I walked away from coaching,” he added.
On that note, Sean has carried on the tradition and coached at Wheeling Park High School but now heads the wrestling program at Wheeling Jesuit University.
Doyle recalled his own days at Buckeye Local and the great work of his assistant coaches, including current BLHS Assistant Principal Gus Hanson.
“I’ve been blessed with a lot of good people,” he said. “There were great coaches and student athletes, parents who supported us and even the schools.”
Hanson later repaid the compliment, saying Doyle was a great coach in his own right.
“We hope to name the wrestling room after the Doyle family,” Hanson added. “He started the program here and built it up. I had the privilege of coaching with him and he did a lot of great things.”
Doyle went on to assist Ron Mauck with the OVAC tournaments for 15 years and is currently the director. Additionally, he served as president of the OVAC Conference for two years and spent 12 years as an executive board member.
Meanwhile, Doyle spent a total of 36 years in education. He left Buckeye Local in 2001 and eventually became superintendent of Noble County Schools before retiring in 2013. Most recently, he was interim superintendent of Frontier Local Schools and has been employed as an adjunct professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville and as a consultant/benefits coordinator for Jefferson Health Plan, the self-funded insurance program provided through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. He currently resides in Wheeling with Cindy, his wife of 42 years and with whom he also shares two daughters, Erin and Megan, and nine grandchildren. One grandson also wrestles on the WJU team.
BL’s Bates Attends National Science, Tech Academy
CONNORVILLE-Buckeye Local High School sophomore Sean Bates had a unique experience this summer as a delegate of the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders.
The Congress, which is sponsored by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). According to the website, the purpose of the event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal. The Academy is a membership organization chartered in 2014 to inspire and support all K-12 and college students who wish to devote their lives to science and technology. Participants must carry a 3.5 grade point average or higher and be nominated by teacher, administrator or other official to serve as a delegate.
Students from across the country converged upon the University of Massachusetts (UMass) near Boston, Mass., on June 29-July 1 and heard from a variety of national science medalists and Nobel Laureates in the fields of science and technology. They included such speakers as Dr. John C. Mather, a 2006 Nobel Prize winner for physics and director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists; Dr. J. Craig Venter, 2009 Presidential National Medal of Science Winner who decoded the human genome; Dr. Robert S. Langer, a professor at Massachusetts Institute to Technology (MIT) and recipient of the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation; Dr. Cherry Murray, a past dean of the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation; and Dr. Robert Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet and founder of 3Com, to name a few.
Bates, the grandson of Gerald and Betty Bates of Rayland, learned of his nomination late last year.
“It was interesting,” he said. “We heard from different speakers.”
He recommended the experience to other youth and said he one day hopes to become an architect.
During the three-day Congress, the young delegates learned about leading scientific research; received advice from deans of the world's top tech universities; and learned about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology.
Meanwhile, the Academy offers free services and programs to students who have the desire to learn more about their future in science or technology. Some of the offerings include online social networks through which future
scientists and technologists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by tech and science leaders; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more. Based in Washington, D.C. and with an office in Boston, Mass., the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to advances in society as scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
CONNORVILLE-Buckeye Local High School sophomore Sean Bates had a unique experience this summer as a delegate of the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders.
The Congress, which is sponsored by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). According to the website, the purpose of the event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal. The Academy is a membership organization chartered in 2014 to inspire and support all K-12 and college students who wish to devote their lives to science and technology. Participants must carry a 3.5 grade point average or higher and be nominated by teacher, administrator or other official to serve as a delegate.
Students from across the country converged upon the University of Massachusetts (UMass) near Boston, Mass., on June 29-July 1 and heard from a variety of national science medalists and Nobel Laureates in the fields of science and technology. They included such speakers as Dr. John C. Mather, a 2006 Nobel Prize winner for physics and director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists; Dr. J. Craig Venter, 2009 Presidential National Medal of Science Winner who decoded the human genome; Dr. Robert S. Langer, a professor at Massachusetts Institute to Technology (MIT) and recipient of the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation; Dr. Cherry Murray, a past dean of the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation; and Dr. Robert Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet and founder of 3Com, to name a few.
Bates, the grandson of Gerald and Betty Bates of Rayland, learned of his nomination late last year.
“It was interesting,” he said. “We heard from different speakers.”
He recommended the experience to other youth and said he one day hopes to become an architect.
During the three-day Congress, the young delegates learned about leading scientific research; received advice from deans of the world's top tech universities; and learned about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology.
Meanwhile, the Academy offers free services and programs to students who have the desire to learn more about their future in science or technology. Some of the offerings include online social networks through which future
scientists and technologists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by tech and science leaders; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more. Based in Washington, D.C. and with an office in Boston, Mass., the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to advances in society as scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
BL’s Cornish Headed to Norwich University
CONNORVILLE-Buckeye Local High School senior Wyatt Cornish is looking to carve out his path in life and the first step will be at Norwich University.
Cornish, the son of Michael Cornish and Lesley Hopkins of Adena, learned that he was accepted to the prestigious military college during Thanksgiving break and plans to study nuclear engineering. Founded in 1819 by Capt. Alden Partridge, the small, private learning institution located in Northfield, Vt., near the state capital of Montpelier boasts both a Corps of Cadets and civilian students and is known for having nationally recognized and award-winning study programs. Cornish was inspired to apply by a relative and was certainly feeling thankful when he earned a four-year, $72,000 scholarship to the university after submitting his application only two weeks earlier.
“My stepmom’s family member went there and I applied to other academies. I decided to apply there and got accepted,” he said, adding that his letter arrived on Nov. 25. “I was pretty excited. I couldn’t believe it at first.”
He plans to visit the campus over the next few weeks and will take part in the Reserve Officers Training Center (ROTC) program, which was founded at Norwich in 1820.
While at Buckeye Local, Cornish has maintained a 3.5 grade point average and acted as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the Science Club and co-captain of the wrestling team. He has long held an interest in science, so there was no surprise that he opted to follow that career path. However, he first plans to enter the Armed Forces after earning his college degree.
“I hope to join the military, either the Navy or Army, for 20 years and then work in the field, possibly as a military contractor. Whatever opportunity presents itself,” he said. “I’ve always liked science and physics. I heard about [nuclear engineering] and thought it was the future. There are many opportunities for it to evolve and we can use it for nuclear power. There are endless possibilities.”
Cornish added that many of his family members were in the U.S. Army, so the military is essentially in his blood. He is looking forward to his new opportunity with excitement and relish.
“It will be a big change and probably a different atmosphere being in Vermont,” he said.
According to its website, Norwich University includes dozens of study programs, many of which have earned national recognition. It also yields 2,300 cadets, civilian residents and commuters, as well as about 1,200 online graduate students. The university houses all four branches of the U.S. Department of Defense’s military services and cadets can also pursue a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard through a special program called Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS) or by attending Officer Candidate School after graduation.
Norwich also was the first to admit women into the Corps of Cadets in 1974, teach engineering, and include international students. Among its accolades are the National Security Agency’s designation as a Center of Excellence in Information Security Education and an Emmy Award for its communication program, plus the university counts leaders of television networks, companies, and past military battles among its distinguished alumni.
CONNORVILLE-Buckeye Local High School senior Wyatt Cornish is looking to carve out his path in life and the first step will be at Norwich University.
Cornish, the son of Michael Cornish and Lesley Hopkins of Adena, learned that he was accepted to the prestigious military college during Thanksgiving break and plans to study nuclear engineering. Founded in 1819 by Capt. Alden Partridge, the small, private learning institution located in Northfield, Vt., near the state capital of Montpelier boasts both a Corps of Cadets and civilian students and is known for having nationally recognized and award-winning study programs. Cornish was inspired to apply by a relative and was certainly feeling thankful when he earned a four-year, $72,000 scholarship to the university after submitting his application only two weeks earlier.
“My stepmom’s family member went there and I applied to other academies. I decided to apply there and got accepted,” he said, adding that his letter arrived on Nov. 25. “I was pretty excited. I couldn’t believe it at first.”
He plans to visit the campus over the next few weeks and will take part in the Reserve Officers Training Center (ROTC) program, which was founded at Norwich in 1820.
While at Buckeye Local, Cornish has maintained a 3.5 grade point average and acted as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the Science Club and co-captain of the wrestling team. He has long held an interest in science, so there was no surprise that he opted to follow that career path. However, he first plans to enter the Armed Forces after earning his college degree.
“I hope to join the military, either the Navy or Army, for 20 years and then work in the field, possibly as a military contractor. Whatever opportunity presents itself,” he said. “I’ve always liked science and physics. I heard about [nuclear engineering] and thought it was the future. There are many opportunities for it to evolve and we can use it for nuclear power. There are endless possibilities.”
Cornish added that many of his family members were in the U.S. Army, so the military is essentially in his blood. He is looking forward to his new opportunity with excitement and relish.
“It will be a big change and probably a different atmosphere being in Vermont,” he said.
According to its website, Norwich University includes dozens of study programs, many of which have earned national recognition. It also yields 2,300 cadets, civilian residents and commuters, as well as about 1,200 online graduate students. The university houses all four branches of the U.S. Department of Defense’s military services and cadets can also pursue a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard through a special program called Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS) or by attending Officer Candidate School after graduation.
Norwich also was the first to admit women into the Corps of Cadets in 1974, teach engineering, and include international students. Among its accolades are the National Security Agency’s designation as a Center of Excellence in Information Security Education and an Emmy Award for its communication program, plus the university counts leaders of television networks, companies, and past military battles among its distinguished alumni.
Frank Hoagland, who was recently elected as state senator for the 30th District, was the featured speaker during Buckeye Local High School’s Veteran’s Day assembly on Nov. 11. Local veterans joined students to mark the occasion and pay tribute to military heroes.
BLHS Honors Veterans
CONNORVILLE-Students at Buckeye Local High School took time to honor those who have defended of our country during a Veteran’s Day assembly on Nov. 11.
More than two dozen local veterans joined hundreds of junior high and high school students to hear words and music of reflection and recognition for true military heroes.
Principal Coy Sudvary welcomed the crowd and introduced the veterans while the BLHS Band performed the National Anthem and the choir sang “God Bless America” and “America, Of Thee I Sing.” Student Shay Christian led the invocation, followed by the junior high student council and 2016 Boys and Girls State delegates with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Featured speaker was Ohio Senator-elect Frank Hoagland (R-30), a retired Navy SEAL. and owner of Special Tactics and Rescue Training (S.T.A.R.T.) of Mingo Junction, who said he was honored to be a veteran. He said his father, whom he counted as an inspiration, wanted him to work as an engineer but he opted to join the Armed Forces instead.
“I became one of the luckiest people on the earth. The people I served with, they were my family. We were at the cutting edge of the sword; we really did amazing things,” he added. “The reason I’m standing here today is because of the guy in front of me, the guy to my right, the guy to my left, and the guy in back.”
He encouraged the students to follow their dreams and also consider those who are giving of themselves in the military now.
“I truly believe America is the greatest place in the world. I love this country more than I love myself, and I will give all I can to the people around me to make sure we are successful,” he continued. “Think about the men and women overseas who are serving this great country so you can live safe at home. I want you to pray they come home safely because they have families. I want you to love this country.”
Other highlights included students Katie Banal, who detailed the creation of Veteran’s Day; Jasmine Edge, who read an essay on Old Glory; and Anna Cermak, Ethan Boroski and Lukas Dickerson demonstrating the folding of the flag. Americanism in Government contest winners were then recognized by officials with the Brilliant American
Legion Post 573, Adena American Legion Post 525, Piney Fork American Legion Post 735, and Dillonvale American Legion Post 529. Winners included seniors Abel Maxwell and Leah Holman, juniors Kaylee Sabo and James Mills, sophomores Abby Nightingale and Sean Bates, and freshmen Mary Dagan and Samuel Sabo.
The event also included a rifle salute by the veteran’s groups, a performance of “Taps” by Peyton Poch and Kaylee Anderson, and benediction by student Jared Moore. Sudvary then thanked everyone involved with organizing the assembly and closed with some final thoughts, telling students they should not honor veterans for just one day, but all year long.
“There is a lot of turmoil in this country, but there is one thing we need to make sure of: that we are good Americans. Respect the Constitution and respect the people who are fighting for your freedom,” he commented.
He ended with a quote from President John F. Kennedy: “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.”
CONNORVILLE-Students at Buckeye Local High School took time to honor those who have defended of our country during a Veteran’s Day assembly on Nov. 11.
More than two dozen local veterans joined hundreds of junior high and high school students to hear words and music of reflection and recognition for true military heroes.
Principal Coy Sudvary welcomed the crowd and introduced the veterans while the BLHS Band performed the National Anthem and the choir sang “God Bless America” and “America, Of Thee I Sing.” Student Shay Christian led the invocation, followed by the junior high student council and 2016 Boys and Girls State delegates with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Featured speaker was Ohio Senator-elect Frank Hoagland (R-30), a retired Navy SEAL. and owner of Special Tactics and Rescue Training (S.T.A.R.T.) of Mingo Junction, who said he was honored to be a veteran. He said his father, whom he counted as an inspiration, wanted him to work as an engineer but he opted to join the Armed Forces instead.
“I became one of the luckiest people on the earth. The people I served with, they were my family. We were at the cutting edge of the sword; we really did amazing things,” he added. “The reason I’m standing here today is because of the guy in front of me, the guy to my right, the guy to my left, and the guy in back.”
He encouraged the students to follow their dreams and also consider those who are giving of themselves in the military now.
“I truly believe America is the greatest place in the world. I love this country more than I love myself, and I will give all I can to the people around me to make sure we are successful,” he continued. “Think about the men and women overseas who are serving this great country so you can live safe at home. I want you to pray they come home safely because they have families. I want you to love this country.”
Other highlights included students Katie Banal, who detailed the creation of Veteran’s Day; Jasmine Edge, who read an essay on Old Glory; and Anna Cermak, Ethan Boroski and Lukas Dickerson demonstrating the folding of the flag. Americanism in Government contest winners were then recognized by officials with the Brilliant American
Legion Post 573, Adena American Legion Post 525, Piney Fork American Legion Post 735, and Dillonvale American Legion Post 529. Winners included seniors Abel Maxwell and Leah Holman, juniors Kaylee Sabo and James Mills, sophomores Abby Nightingale and Sean Bates, and freshmen Mary Dagan and Samuel Sabo.
The event also included a rifle salute by the veteran’s groups, a performance of “Taps” by Peyton Poch and Kaylee Anderson, and benediction by student Jared Moore. Sudvary then thanked everyone involved with organizing the assembly and closed with some final thoughts, telling students they should not honor veterans for just one day, but all year long.
“There is a lot of turmoil in this country, but there is one thing we need to make sure of: that we are good Americans. Respect the Constitution and respect the people who are fighting for your freedom,” he commented.
He ended with a quote from President John F. Kennedy: “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.”
Students at Buckeye North Elementary in Brilliant gathered dozens of stockings filled with playing cards and other items, which were then shipped overseas to soldiers for the Christmas holiday. The collection was part of the Boatsie’s Boxes campaign in Wheeling and another two dozen stockings were also raised from local chapters of the Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority.
North Elementary Collects for Troops
BRILLIANT- Students at Buckeye North Elementary came together to support troops stationed overseas by brightening their holidays.
The school collected items that were then placed into stockings as part of the Boatsie’s Boxes, Inc. Operation Christmas Stocking No. 13 campaign based in Wheeling. Nearly stockings in all were filled for the benefit, with 22 gathered at the school, another 15 donated by the Alpha Delta Kappa Epsilon Chapter educational sorority in Brilliant and 12 more given by the ADK Omicron chapter in Mingo.
North Elementary Principal Susie Nolan, who also heads the Brilliant ADK organization, said the school has taken part in the campaign at least a decade and students were glad to help liven up the lives of those who are deployed and won’t be home for Christmas.
“We [held the collection] over the whole month of October,” she said. “There is a list of items that are suggested that people send in and then each classroom fills their stockings.”
Empty stockings were provided by the Wheeling group and some of the wanted items included snacks such as Christmas candy, chocolates, Slim Jims, Trail Mix, nuts, chewing gum, dried fruit; entertainment items such as DVD’s, CD’s, playing cards; and care items from travel dental kits, lip balm, and wet wipes to crew socks, small cans of shaving cream and razors. The stockings were then sealed with a rubber band and $2 was added per stocking to help defray shipping costs. The items were delivered to Wheeling around Nov. 10 and then packed into boxes and mailed in time for the holiday season.
“[Boatsie] does a tremendous job organizing this and giving to our troops,” Nolan added. “It is always a pleasure to work with her. This teaches our students to give during the holidays and to appreciate our troops.”
BRILLIANT- Students at Buckeye North Elementary came together to support troops stationed overseas by brightening their holidays.
The school collected items that were then placed into stockings as part of the Boatsie’s Boxes, Inc. Operation Christmas Stocking No. 13 campaign based in Wheeling. Nearly stockings in all were filled for the benefit, with 22 gathered at the school, another 15 donated by the Alpha Delta Kappa Epsilon Chapter educational sorority in Brilliant and 12 more given by the ADK Omicron chapter in Mingo.
North Elementary Principal Susie Nolan, who also heads the Brilliant ADK organization, said the school has taken part in the campaign at least a decade and students were glad to help liven up the lives of those who are deployed and won’t be home for Christmas.
“We [held the collection] over the whole month of October,” she said. “There is a list of items that are suggested that people send in and then each classroom fills their stockings.”
Empty stockings were provided by the Wheeling group and some of the wanted items included snacks such as Christmas candy, chocolates, Slim Jims, Trail Mix, nuts, chewing gum, dried fruit; entertainment items such as DVD’s, CD’s, playing cards; and care items from travel dental kits, lip balm, and wet wipes to crew socks, small cans of shaving cream and razors. The stockings were then sealed with a rubber band and $2 was added per stocking to help defray shipping costs. The items were delivered to Wheeling around Nov. 10 and then packed into boxes and mailed in time for the holiday season.
“[Boatsie] does a tremendous job organizing this and giving to our troops,” Nolan added. “It is always a pleasure to work with her. This teaches our students to give during the holidays and to appreciate our troops.”
Parent Awareness Night at BLHS
CONNORVILLE-Parents and the community are invited to take part in a special school safety gathering on Nov. 29.
Sponsored by the Buckeye Local School District Safety Committee and Special Tactics and Rescue Training (S.T.A.R.T.), LLC, the Parent Awareness Night event will start at 6 p.m. and is designed to open up discussion about safety and what communities are facing today. Dinero Ciardelli, president of S.T.A.R.T., LLC, said the idea was spurred by discussion between safety committee members, which include teachers, administrators, school board members, S.T.A.R.T. representatives and even some local safety forces.
“We did one three years ago at South [Elementary],” Ciardelli added, saying events were held in different schools but turnout was low. “It got brought up because of the Watch D.O.G. group at North. We ran a lockdown drill there and the Watch D.O.G.’s were there, and it led to more conversation.”
It was addressed at a recent safety meeting and officials opted to hold a more district-wide venue at the high school and invite parents, community members and even local leaders to join in the discussion. Topics may range from drugs to how schools handle various crises.
“It’s not all about what we’ve been doing. It’s about what the buildings have been doing, so we’ll have the principals there to answer questions,” he added, saying S.T.A.R.T. officials will also make a presentation. “It’s not all about the safety side. There are drugs in the district and we’re bringing up what is around here. [We’ll also discuss] the Coleman Group in Steubenville and how they can help kids in the district.”
Coleman Professional Services is a nationally recognized provider of behavioral health and rehabilitation programs and currently works with Buckeye Local Schools to assist students. Ciardelli noted that the purpose was to open communication and clear up any misconceptions about training in the schools.
“It’s not telling them the safety plan but educating parents and the community as to where we are as a whole as a district and in the buildings. We run these drills a lot at Buckeye and we want to clear up what’s happening. We’re training teachers on what to do in a situation.”
Officials said the school district was committed to providing a safe and secure learning and working environment, and they believe school safety was a shared responsibility among teachers, administration, staff, parents, and students. However, the reality is that schools could be touched directly or indirectly by a crisis at any time. For more information, contact BLHS at (740) 859-2196.
Local dad Geordie Lindsay, a volunteer in the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program at North Elementary in Brilliant, chats with school Principal Susan Nolan while greeting students at a recent event. About 20 dads are giving their time to build a presence and be positive role models for kids in the building.
Dads Taking Part in Watch D.O.G.S. Program
BRILLIANT- Local dads are going back to school in a national program that is finding some success at Buckeye North Elementary.
About 20 dads so far have signed on for the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program, which kicked off in October. Watch D.O.G.S. is used in schools across the country and provides a presence of fathers and father figures in students’ lives. Volunteers spend a day at the school and assist in the classrooms, patrol the hallways and school grounds, interact with students at lunch, and help during student dismissals.
The program was formed in Arkansas in 1998 to increase male involvement in the schools be they fathers, grandfathers, uncles, stepdads, and even adult brothers, and the goal is to provide a positive role model and be an extra set of eyes and ears in the building. Watch D.O.G.S. is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering and has been implemented in more than 5,300 schools across the country and the world.
Principal Susan Nolan said it has been very successful so far and the fathers really enjoy it.
“It’s been going great. The ones that have been in are thrilled and at the end of the day they say they’ll be back,” Nolan said.
Geordie Lindsay, who has two sons attending North, had hoped to institute the program in the past and signed on when it finally came into fruition. He met children in the hallways with hellos and high fives and said he’s enjoyed his time at school.
“We had nearly 60 dads sign up [during the kickoff event in October] and I think it will grow. We’ve had a lot of fun and met a lot of kids.”
His schedule includes a morning orientation before heading out to help in the classroom. He also spends time patrolling the halls and vicinity and gets a chance to interact with the students at lunch and recess.
“It’s been a really good experience. It’s exciting for the kids to see someone different walk into their classroom,” he continued. “It makes you feel good to be around them.”
Lindsay helped do the legwork for organizing the program and is part of the leadership team while Nolan handles the daily operations. He also made connections with Keith Schumacher, a local native who is involved with the
national organization and helped provide some materials for the launch, which drew hundreds of dads and kids. Lindsay credited Schumacher for his assistance and noted that other schools have shown interest in expanding the program into their buildings.
Volunteers must undergo a BCI background check to participate, and when at the school they wear special Watch D.O.G.S. T-shirts and “dog tags” as identifiers and check in with Nolan before starting their day. The dads get a free lunch and may dine with their student and later have their picture taken with Nolan for a Wall of Fame to be set up at the school. For more information about Watch D.O.G.S., contact the school at (740) 598-4589 or the program itself at (888) 540-3647, e-mail [email protected], or visit the website at www.fathers.com/watchdogs.
The Buckeye Local Jr. High School wrestling team earned first place by only a half-point lead at the BMC Championships on Jan. 14 at Steubenville Catholic Central High School. Pictured with their trophy are, front from left, Tyler Donahue, Caleb Bonar, John Totterdale, Brian Palmer and Braunson Wallace. Back: Justin Driscoll, Coach Tony Francis, Billy Henderson, Rhys Francis, Ayden Krupinski, Coach Michael Wilt, Danny Nation and volunteer assistant Jimmy Nation.
BLJHS Wrestling Team Named BMC Champs
CONNORVILLE-The Buckeye Local Jr. High School wrestling team gained top honors at the 2017 Buckeye Mountaineer Conference Tournament on Jan. 14.
The 10-person team triumphed over a dozen other schools as they grappled on the mat at Steubenville Catholic Central High School. Among those participating were Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Oak Glen, Beaver Local and East Liverpool, to name a few. Coach Mike Wilt was proud of his athletes and said was a narrow victory.
“We won by a half a point. It was a tight tournament,” he said. “I was very happy for the kids and they were ecstatic.”
Team members included Caleb Bonar in the 86-pound weight class, Brian Palmer in the 110-pound class and Danny Nation in the 122-pound class, all of whom placed second at the end. Rounding out the athletes were Braunson Wallace, Billy Henderson, Rhys Francis, Ayden Krupinski, Tyler Donahue, John Tottendale and Justin Driscoll.
The team holds a 4-0 dual record and wraps up their season with a final OVAC tournament at Union Local High School on Jan. 27-28. Meanwhile, Wilt added that everyone was enjoying their accomplishment.
“We have wrestlers who have [participated] for years and others who haven’t. The success is spreading.”
BLJHS Wrestling Team Named BMC Champs
CONNORVILLE-The Buckeye Local Jr. High School wrestling team gained top honors at the 2017 Buckeye Mountaineer Conference Tournament on Jan. 14.
The 10-person team triumphed over a dozen other schools as they grappled on the mat at Steubenville Catholic Central High School. Among those participating were Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Oak Glen, Beaver Local and East Liverpool, to name a few. Coach Mike Wilt was proud of his athletes and said was a narrow victory.
“We won by a half a point. It was a tight tournament,” he said. “I was very happy for the kids and they were ecstatic.”
Team members included Caleb Bonar in the 86-pound weight class, Brian Palmer in the 110-pound class and Danny Nation in the 122-pound class, all of whom placed second at the end. Rounding out the athletes were Braunson Wallace, Billy Henderson, Rhys Francis, Ayden Krupinski, Tyler Donahue, John Tottendale and Justin Driscoll.
The team holds a 4-0 dual record and wraps up their season with a final OVAC tournament at Union Local High School on Jan. 27-28. Meanwhile, Wilt added that everyone was enjoying their accomplishment.
“We have wrestlers who have [participated] for years and others who haven’t. The success is spreading.”
Family Recovery Center Takes Outreach to Schools
ADENA-The Family Recovery Center is taking its outreach services to West Elementary to help students address life skills and making good decisions.
Prevention Specialist Michelle Paulowski was at the site this fall talking to various grades as part of a six-week Aiming High program, and returned Jan. 19 to speak with more students. Paulowski will instruct first-, fourth- and sixth-graders each Thursday through late February, weather permitting, on lessons entitled “Two Good for Drugs” and “Too Good for Violence.”
School nurse Delores Spragg said Paulowski has been giving presentations about peer pressure, self-esteem and bullying one day per week to keep students informed about what they may face and how to deal with situations that arise.
“This is an educational outreach program to get information out there so kids are aware of what’s going on, plus there is bullying in society and this teaches coping skills,” Spragg added. “She’s already been here and did presentations for kindergarten, second-, third- and fifth-grades. Now, she will talk to first-, fourth- and sixth-grades.”
“We talk about feelings, emotions and making good decisions and then I touch upon tobacco and alcohol,” Paulowski explained.
She uses puppets to engage younger children in her presentations while upperclassmen take part in games and other activities. She said the Family Recovery Center conducted programs at Jefferson County schools for the past several years, while the center itself has been helping people in Lisbon, Columbiana County, for several decades. The Family Recovery Center helps provide access to services for people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. It is a non-profit corporation licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Its prevention services are aimed at youth as a means of early intervention and Paulowski hoped to bring it to more local schools.
She and other representatives have been at sites from the Edison, Indian Creek and Steubenville City to Buckeye Local school districts in order to reach more youth.
“Our goal is to get in all of the schools,” Paulowski said.
South Elementary Hosting K-9 Unit Jan. 25
TILTONSVILLE-South Elementary School is going to the dogs—the police dogs, that is—during a special visit this Wednesday.
The school will be visited by Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Scott Bayless and his K-9 partner, Alex, at 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. The event is tied to a third-grade reading assignment and Patty Tustin, reading and Language Arts teacher at the school, said she third-grade team partners Amy Burkhead and Danica Guthrie have worked together to provide unique experiences for students that are educational, memorable and fun.
“The purpose of the visit is to help our third-grade students develop background knowledge and understanding about the unique partnership between an officer and his canine,” she said. “Our students are starting a unit of study that includes a story entitled ‘Aero and Officer Mike: Police Partners’ written by Joan Plummer Russell. This experience will provide a community connection and real-world lessons about the role of a K-9 and the responsibilities law officials have when caring for and training them.”
Tustin said this marked the first time for the visit and contacted Mason Boyce, the parent of a student and OSHP trooper, about finding an officer and he introduced her to Tpr. Bayless. About 38 third-graders were participating in the event and she was optimistic that they would love meeting the canine cop.
“I believe that making real-world connections is what the students enjoy the most about experiences such as this,” she added. “Reading in a book about an officer and his K-9 is great, but meeting one in person enhances that understanding and knowledge development even further.”
Tustin noted that she and her third-grade team were always looking for new ways to build upon the students’ background knowledge and will continue to add visits and similar events in the future. She also thanked Mr. Boyce for making the visit happen, as well as South Elementary Principal Cindy Schooler for encouraging such fun learning opportunities for students.
OVETA Instructors Heading to Energy Conference
CONNORVILLE-Instructors with the Ohio Valley Energy Technology Academy are heading to Pittsburgh this week to network with energy officials and spread the word and build partnerships to prepare students for the workforce.
For the third year, the academy based at Buckeye Local High School is being represented at the Hart Energy Midstream Conference on Jan. 24-26 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Instructors Anthony Barsch and Kevin McCain plan to meet with members of oil and gas companies in the hopes of making connections and formulating partnerships. McCain said OVETA leaders first attended the venue when they were in the midst of establishing the energy school, while he and Barsch returned last year. About 200-300 companies have participated in the past and officials say it opens up a wealth of opportunities for the students.
“They have conferences where you listen to executives of different companies and also exhibits,” he said.
Talks with surrounding schools, companies and organizations have spawned classroom lectures from experts and field trips to rig sites throughout the region. For instance, OVETA leaders have been in contact with representatives of Franklin University in Columbus, which provides an online energy program and has connections with Belmont College in St. Clairsville. McCain said they hope to take students to the local college to learn more.
“Franklin University has a program where when you come out of Belmont College, you can go online and get a Bachelor of Energy Management degree. It’s broad-based [and involves] the business side of gas and oil, plus it offers a chance for career advancement,” he added. “We met with a Franklin University professor who would like to come in and discuss the program in February.”
Another longtime partnership with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 83 of Wheeling has led to the union’s plans to lend a virtual welder to instruct the students. No exact date was set but officials hoped to have it on-site over the next few weeks.
Now in its second year, OVETA currently has 42 students and provides blended learning to prepare its graduates for continued education in related fields or to directly enter the workforce. Leaders also plan to offer heavy equipment training as well as OSHA 10, OSHA 30, SafeLandUSA and rig pass certification through the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP) to give pupils even more advantages.
Funds Raised for School Uniforms
CONNORVILLE-Longtime efforts to raise money have paid off for the Buckeye Local High School Panther Marching Band, which is now in the midst of acquiring some much-needed new uniforms.
Band Director Bill Stephens said about $26,000 was raised over the past six years and enabled officials to purchase more than 100 new uniforms to replace outdated gear that is now 15 years old, but more fundraising is underway to complete the ensemble with new headwear.
“We raised enough money for the uniforms but need to raise another $12,000 for the hats,” Stephens said. “We have ordered uniforms for 125 band members and plan to have them before fall.”
Funding came from contributions and such moneymakers as chicken dinners, coupon nights at area restaurants, concession stands at school events, and pepperoni roll sales while the band’s recent spring pops concert also earned another $2,100 in donations. Next is a spaghetti dinner benefit on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indian Club in Tiltonsville. The cost for a meal is $8 for pasta, roll and a drink with desserts also available for purchase. Dine-in and carryout service are available while 50-50 and other raffles will be held. All proceeds will go to the uniform /drumline fund complete the wardrobe upgrade. For more information, call (740) 381-4433.
Meanwhile, most of the items have been purchased through RRR Band Uniforms of Lexington, Ky., which Stephens said was owned by a Martins Ferry native. The new outfits feature a similar military-style look as the current uniforms and will also include the school logo, and instead of their blue shako hats the musicians will soon don chrome helmets.
Stephens said none of this would be possible without the public’s backing.
“We are grateful for the community’s support,” he concluded.
Anyone wishing to donate may also send checks in care of the Buckeye Local Band Boosters at 10692 State Highway 150, Rayland, Ohio 43938.
OVETA Students Visit Job Fair
CONNORVILLE-Seventeen students involved with the Ohio Valley Energy Technology Academy headed to Wheeling on March 30 to learn about opportunities during the 2017 Construction Job & Career Fair.
An estimated 500 students from both sides of the Ohio River converged at the WesBanco Arena at an event co-sponsored by the Upper Ohio Valley Building and Trades Council and Project Best, the latter of which is a construction industry labor-management organization encompassing over 500 contractors and 6,000 building trades craftsmen and apprentices serving the Upper Ohio Valley region. The youth met with local companies and trade union representatives to learn about well-paying job opportunities in the workforce if they opted not to go to college. Officials shared details about requirements to work in the fields of carpentry, electrical, HVAC, construction, welding, roofing and more, as well as how construction was prospering in the area. OVETA instructor Anthony Barsch said it was the first time his students attended and they learned some valuable insight.
“They had different companies and displays and we saw demonstrations,” Barsch said. “They were introduced to labor jobs in the valley.”
Among the groups participating were Laborers’ Local 809 in Steubenville and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 33 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local 141 of Wheeling. Representatives spoke to the students about high school and training requirements and apprenticeships which could help potential employees get their foot in the door.
David Anderson, a senior in the OVETA program, said he viewed bricklaying demonstrations and spoke to union representatives in the HVAC trade, which gave him ideas of what was available in the community.
Junior Josh Barcus said he also learned a lot from the visit.
“It was interesting to do the hands-on pipe bending on the virtual welder,” Barcus added, saying the simulated tool had been loaned to OVETA in the past for use in his class.
Meanwhile, Barsch said more events were coming down the pike with a visit from Ohio Means Jobs on April 27 at 10 a.m. Representatives will hold a presentation and show the job opportunities that are offered on their website.
Students with the Ohio Valley Energy Technology Academy met with Poe Goski of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 33 during the 2017 Construction Job and Career Fair on March 30 in Wheeling. The event allowed students to interact with trade representatives and learn about opportunities for well-paying jobs in the growing construction field.
Students Learn about Distracted Driving
CONNORVILLE-Buckeye Local High School students got a high-tech lesson about what could happen when they become driven to distraction.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Wintersville Post spent the week of April 3-7 in area high schools with a driving simulator to show youth the dangers of not paying attention while behind the wheel. Trooper Tim Zook was on hand that Friday and said it was the second year that OSHP provided the program. Officials also visited Indian Creek, Edison, Harrison and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School before stopping at BLHS.
“The Ohio Department of Transportation offered us use of the simulator, so we’ve gone into the schools,” he said. “[The students] can see the distractions that are out there while driving.”
This year’s event happened to coincide with the upcoming prom season, but the message is an important one. Relatively new licensed drivers had a chance to sit down at the simulator and use their cell phones in a scenario which involved taking a “friend” to work after he loses his own phone. The driver is then instructed to use his or her phones to make faux calls and texts, which in turn could distract them long enough to cause an accident. Trooper Zook said the teens also had to face vehicle and pedestrian traffic so they understood what could occur in real life. The simulator even played out emergency response and a courtroom session in severe cases, while possible repercussions included repair and rising insurance costs for a minor fender-bender to jail time and a license suspension for a fatality.
Some of the teens on hand said the simulator reinforced a valuable lesson.
“It was cool,” said senior Garrett Carter. “I would just pay attention to the road more and I would definitely watch my speed.”
Junior Kadin Weaver said he liked the program and it instilled what he already knew, while fellow junior Caleb Elson said he did his best to be a safe driver.
“I try not to look at my phone,” Elson said. “I see so many people on the road texting and driving. I set my phone in the console or the glove compartment or give it to my passenger.”
Trooper Zook said most of his actual crash cases involving area youth were caused by speeding. Still, the OSHP plans to travel with the simulator again this fall and visit other schools such as Steubenville, Toronto and Catholic Central in a bid to deter distracted driving.
BLHS to Host “Magic Gives Back”
CONNORVILLE-It will be a night filled with magic as Buckeye Local High School hosts “Magic Gives Back” on April 29.
The event, which begins at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, features world-renowned magician Rick Smith Jr. and other entertainers who will leave the audience spellbound with their illusions. Tickets are available online for $15 for general seating in the rear of the theater, $20 for ultimate seating in the side sections and $30 for VIP seating in the center section. Proceeds from the show benefit the BLHS Class of 2020.
BLHS Guidance Counselor Andy Long, who serves as co-advisor with social studies teacher Joshua Leasure, said about five acts are expected for the supernatural showcase and was the show was inspired by Principal Coy Sudvary, who had seen one of the magicians perform in Columbus and connected the production company and the class co-advisors. Long added that such an event had never been held before and it should make for an exciting evening.
“There will be card throwing since Rick Smith Jr. holds the Guinness world record for throwing a card over 216 feet, and there will be other card tricks, floating objects, juggling, and strongman feats,” he added.
Smith has been amazing audiences for two decades with his trademark card-throwing skills, close-up magic and slight of hand. Grand illusions range from appearances and disappearances to levitations and Harry Houdini’s famous metamorphosis, while he has appeared on such national television shows as “America’s Got Talent,” “Ellen,” “Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Last Call with Carson Daly,” among others.
Long said the class has been busy raising money through raffles and soy candle sales with a hoagie sale slated over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, tickets for the show are on sale now at www.MagicGivesBack.com.
Senior Allexis Spencer was crowned 2017 Buckeye Local High School Queen of Queens during the annual pageant on April 6 and will now go on to compete at the OVAC Queen of Queens contest this July. She is pictured, at right, with first runner-up Neali Helms.
Young People’s Concert Comes to BLHS
CONNORVILLE-Buckeye Local High School played host to the Wheeling Symphony as the orchestra presented the 2017 Young People’s Concert on May 2.
Thirty-six musicians gathered in the school auditorium to provide the soundtrack for the program, “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” with actors from the Chicago-based Classical Kids Live! Maestro Andre´ Raphel led the orchestra in performances of 31 pieces from Ludwig van Beethoven’s repertoire as actors Leslie-Ann Sheppard and Chris Petschler played a boy named Christoph and his uncle as they exchanged correspondence about the younger’s interaction with the legendary composer, who resides in an apartment at the boy’s home. Among the accompanying pieces the youth heard were “Ode to Joy,” “Moonlight Sonata” and “Fur Elise.”
The program was performed for high school and elementary students, and Wheeling Symphony Executive Director Bruce Wheeler said while it was the first time at Buckeye Local, the Young People’s Concerts have been a community fixture for decades.
“We go to four or five locations and try to hit Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania,” he said, adding that the series was provided through grants from such sponsors as the National Endowment for the Arts. “Our Young People’s Concerts have been going on for 40 or 50 years. Part of our mission, along with performing music, is education. This is part of our educational outreach program.”
He explained that plans came into fruition when the musicians sought a local venue and one of the orchestra members knew BLHS band director Bill Stephens. Symphony officials then contacted school leaders, who agreed to host the program.
Wheeler added that a script and accompanying playlist were sent by the Classical Kids Live organization and one rehearsal was done that Sunday with the actors, who traveled from Los Angeles and Chicago to take part. They then spent the week of May 1-5 traveling to schools in the Tri-State Area spreading the melodic message. He said the program also helped the children learn more about Beethoven, including his life and profound love of music. Wheeler was pleased with the young crowd and invited them to the symphony’s final season performance on May 12 at the Capitol Music Hall. He continued that band students can also take part in the youth orchestra while the symphony’s estimated 76 professional musicians also work with larger establishments such as the Pittsburgh Ballet and Civic Light Opera.
Meanwhile, BLHS Principal Coy Sudvary said the program was something new for the students.
“Our kids don’t get to experience things like this,” Sudvary said.
Team BLUE Sets Mission, Plans Rally
DILLONVALE-Plans are underway to welcome students back to school in August, but that is one just one facet of a new committee designed to promote the Buckeye Local School District.
About a dozen school and community members of the Team B.L.U.E. (Buckeye Local Uniting Everyone) committee met on June 21 at Buckeye Local High School to help restore the roar in the Panther community. The strategic planning committee has met since May and includes teachers, administrators, staff and community members. It has drawn upwards of 45 people to previous sessions to address ways of building trust, transparency and unity.
Topping the group’s list is sponsoring the annual Back to School Bash after a 21st Century Grant through the Ohio Department of Education expired. Funding from the grant had partially covered costs for events until it lapsed this year and the committee agreed to take on the bash, which has attracted about 600 people in the past. Activities are slated for Aug. 6 from 3-5 p.m. at BLHS and are preceded by the school band’s chicken dinner fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m., while fun and games, food, door prizes and school supplies are also on tap. However, more ideas are eyed to add sales vendors as something new and different for attendants. The bash intends to help students prepare for the upcoming school year and will cover aspects related to education, health and wellness and safety. Letters were being distributed seeking monetary contributions from businesses and organizations and also inviting them to provide a booth or table at the event and distribute information about themselves to the public.
Member Belinda Boyce provided flyers to be placed in libraries and businesses and help advertise the event, while she also distributed lists to assign individual responsibilities for planning the bash. The group also discussed adding a free live performer, raffles and sales vendors such as Lularoe or Origami Owl to peddle their wares and cater to adult attendants.
“Most of the vendor tables were school athletes and organizations, not vendors who sold items,” said Tricia Zaccagnini, a BLHS alumna, teacher and committee member. Boyce suggested charging sales vendors for their tables and a $20 fee was later established for the two-hour festivities, while school organizations were free.
Discussion ensued about whether to establish a fund to collect monetary donations, but in the end they opted to utilize the current Back to School Bash Committee account created through the school district. Solicitation letters were being sent throughout the area to help raise money for school supplies and the overall activity and Boyce planned to approach her Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority to make a contribution. More ideas ranged from sponsoring a swim night event at the community pool in Tiltonsville to selling items as a fundraiser at War Memorial Stadium during football games.
Meanwhile, the committee approved its mission statement to promote Buckeye Local Schools. Team B.L.U.E. stated its mission was “to enable initiatives that promote unity, positivity, community involvement, and pride within the Buckeye Local School District, therefore sustaining a strong and prosperous future for the BL community, staff, and most importantly, students.”
The group also plans to discuss its main objectives, such as unifying elementary schools with events and creating an alumni association to reconnect past graduates, plus holding an alumni night during sporting events to get more people involved. For now, information is being shared through the Team Buckeye Facebook page but a Team B.L.U.E. page will eventually be created. The next meeting was set for July 6 at 6 p.m. at the high school and the public is invited to attend. At that time, officials plan to continue discussing responsibilities and break into subcommittees to focus on activities and objectives.
Zaccagnini said Team B.L.U.E. was a community group and members needn’t be associated with the schools to take part.
“We need broader community involvement so we can involve people who don’t have kids in the system,” she noted. “Whether you have kids who have already graduated or kids that are two [years old], you can come out and still participate.”
BL Preschools Earn SUTQ Five-Star Rating
DILLONVALE-Preschools in the Buckeye Local School District have been recognized for providing a top-notch education by earning a five-star rating through the Step Up To Quality program.
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ), which is a five-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and state Department of Job and Family Services, recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations. The program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children. Buckeye South, North and West Elementary schools received the designation following on-site reviews this spring by state officials. Thomas Brown, administrative coordinator of special programs, said the status indicates the quality services the district has strived to provide its students.
“The state has a rating program, and to be eligible the facilities have to meet three-star criteria and do more to get the extra points,” Brown explained. “We learned of the five-star rating at the beginning of June.”
He said schools conduct desk reviews over a three-year period with on-site reviews held during the fourth year, and state officials look at such criteria as extensive parental involvement, differentiation in curriculum, small class size ratio and highly qualified professionals. Brown added that Buckeye Local Schools were included in the first wave of districts when the Step Up to Quality program started four years ago.
“We were four-star schools and now this is the first time they were all five stars. It’s great because we’ve always known we had great preschools, but it’s nice they have been recognized for it. It lets the community know we earned the highest rating possible in the state for our preschool program.”
The three locations yielded a total of 85 preschool students during the past term. Brown said the district can maintain the five-star rating for the next three years through desk reviews and will undergo another site review in 2021.
Cindy Schooler, principal at Buckeye South in Tiltonsville, noted her delight over her building’s rating.
“There are different steps to complete [including] curriculum, engaging parents, academics and school environment, among others. We’re excited,” she said. “Not only have we done a good job, but everything is excellent and we’re trying to do the best for our students.”
Buckeye North Principal Susan Nolan was also pleased with the designation.
“It is fantastic. We have a top-notch program here at North, but also in all the elementary buildings that shows people the professionalism and dedication these teachers have,” Nolan added. “They are mandated by the state to follow strict guidelines that they must provide upon inspection. It is not easy to always get the top score and you really have to work for it. It is a great accomplishment and well deserved by all.”
William Luther, principal at Buckeye West, agreed.
“The teachers and assistants put in a lot of time and effort to work for a five-star rating. They worked hard for it and they work hard for the students every day.”
“The teachers and aides put in a lot of time and effort, not only to achieve this rating but to give a quality education to students at Buckeye Local Schools,” concluded interim Superintendent Scott Celestin.
Strategic Planning Committee Aims to Promote Buckeye Local
DILLONVALE-A new strategic planning committee has been formed to help bolster positivity and unity within the Buckeye Local School District.
Known as Team B.L.U.E. (Buckeye Local Uniting Everyone), the panel comprises teachers, administrators, staff and community members and its goal is to promote the positive aspects of the district. Susan Nolan, principal at North Elementary in Brilliant, said the group first met on May 11 and has conducted several sessions since then, attracting upwards of 45 people at Buckeye Local High School. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at the high school and anyone interested in participating may attend.
Nolan said the committee’s goal is to boost Panther pride despite the recent failure of the district’s 4.8-mill emergency levy, one the district has since placed back on the ballot this fall to help maintain operations and emerge from fiscal watch through the Ohio Department of Education.
“The people in the committee want to work towards restoring the roar in Buckeye Local,” Nolan explained. “Even though the levy didn’t pass, there are things in Buckeye Local that we want to promote. We want to rebuild trust and build transparency and become one instead of separate schools.”
For the latter, she said the idea was to have the schools work together on events and decorate classrooms to show school spirit. The group has also chosen to oversee the annual Back-to-School Bash, which is held each August to kick off the new school year. It is set for Aug. 6 at BLHS, starting with the high school band’s chicken dinner fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. with the bash to follow from 3-5 p.m. School- and community-based organizations will have tables with information, plus there will be giveaways and fun activities for the family, while incoming students and parents can also meet the school principals. Between 600 and 700 people have attend the annual bash and Nolan hopes the momentum will continue.
She explained that previous festivities were partially funded through an ODE 21st Century Grant, but the funding has since expired. Plans are underway to seek another grant and the response may not be known until August when this year’s bash is slated, while the committee was also seeking a Wal-Mart Community Award to help defray costs. She also put out the call for monetary donations from the community to help support the event.
“At our last meeting, we agreed to take on the Back-to-School Bash because we figured it would be a great step to show we’re there to promote the kids and positive things in our district. We believe this is something that would be really positive and the team members are taking on a lot of responsibilities to get things going,” she added. “We’re looking for monetary and other donations and will be asking churches to make baskets to raffle [as they have done at prior events].”
Nolan noted that the bash, which has been held for more than a decade, will retain the same format and hopes are to see the activity continue in the years to come. Meanwhile, Team B.L.U.E. is also developing a mission statement to promote unity, positivity and involvement plus a Facebook page to spread information. Committee members also plan to update officials during the monthly school boar sessions.
She encouraged the public to attend the upcoming committee meeting and become involved.
“Anyone is invited to come who has an interest in promoting the positive aspects of Buckeye Local,” Nolan concluded.