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Messenger photo by Lori Smith
Whitehall artists who were recently honored include (clockwise, starting at top) David Walters, Whitehall-Yearling High School; Raven Fuller, Rosemore Middle School; Viktoria Bedalli, Beechwood Elementary School; Christopher Wilson, Etna Road Elementary School; and Austin Nichols, Kae Avenue Elementary School. |
The creations of art students from each of the Whitehall schools were recently designated as part of the district’s 2008 permanent art collection.
"Every year the art teachers pick the work from one of their students in each building," explained Superintendent Judyth Dobbert-Meloy. That student’s work is professionally framed and hung in the administration building for all to enjoy the following year. "We want to thank Key Bank, who each year gives a savings bond to each of these students."
Among the students honored were Viktoria Bedalli, a fourth-grader at Beechwood Elementary School who created a multi-color landscape out of paper and watercolors; Christopher Wilson, a first-grader at Etna Road Elementary School who created a brightly colored abstract drawing; Austin Nichols, a third-grader at Kae Avenue Elementary School who used earth stones to make a rustic impression of a kangaroo; Raven Fuller of Rosemore Middle School who made a giant cell phone out of paper mache; and David Walters, a sophomore at Whitehall-Yearling High School who created a pencil drawing of sea shells.
She credited the instructors with expanding the students’ talents, and continued, "As you can see, we have very, very talented students. Our students really create excellent things."
In other news, the board recognized 212 volunteers for their contribution to the Whitehall school district. They were presented with a certificate of appreciation and a small gift.
"We really do appreciate their time and effort," Dobbert-Meloy said. "It makes such a difference to our children. We sincerely appreciate all your efforts."
Board member Blythe Wood echoed her sentiments.
"We appreciate their work," she said. "Without them, we could not be successful."
She noted that teacher appreciation week was coming up soon, and encouraged all to thank a teacher.
"We have amazing teachers in this district and I hope they know how much we appreciate them," she said.
Board member Carolyn McIntosh said the volunteer efforts – even if it is something as simple as walking a student to the bathroom – give teachers more time to focus on teaching.
"Thanks to all the people who make things work," she said.
Also during the meeting, the board:
Recognized Carey Adkins, son of board member McIntosh, and Joshua Wood, son of board member Wood, as the 2008 Buckeye Boys State representatives.
Recognized Faness Haygood and Taylor Ragland as the 2008 Buckeye Girls State Representative, with Patrece Hogans serving as the alternate.
Approved a three-year professional service contract with Wilson, Shannon & Snow Inc., an independent public accountant, for purposes of auditing the general purpose financial statements for fiscal year 2008, 2009 and 2010. The estimated cost is to be $23,400 per year. "Not every school district gets to go with a private office on their audit,"
Dobbert-Meloy pointed out, noting that Treasurer Tim Penton has an excellent record for clean audits.
Agreed to re-enroll in the 2009 Southwestern OEP Council Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program and named Hunter Consulting Group as the third party administrator of the program. The 2009 enrollment fee is $3,192. "They have been much more aggressive and that has worked in our favor," Penton commented.
Approved the retirement of Janice Roerig, a teacher at Whitehall-Yearling High School, after 31 years of service to the district, and the retirement of Sharon Vosburg, an intervention specialist at Rosemore Middle School, after 23 years of service to the district.
