PORTAGE — Twenty Bowling Green High School students in FFA, DECA, band and choir have been recognized for their state and international accomplishments.
At the May 21 school board meeting, held at Portage Village Hall, students shook hands with the board after being called to the front of the room.
FFA Advisor Stephanie Conway recognized Zack Bechstein, Cole Brokaw, Henry Strow and Annie Urban for earning their State FFA Degree.
Drew Thomas placed fourth in the state with his Proficiency project; and Brokaw, Wyatt Bechstein and Tyler Schwind placed 11th at state in Ag Mechanics Skills.
Averie Crawford, Urban and Aiden Meyer earned the status of gold rated officers.
DECA Advisor Cara Maxey introduced her international competitors, including Casey Moore, Braden Loomis and Drake Joseph, Project Management: Sales Project; Jackson Horst, Personal Financial Literacy; and Tessa Kirchner, Liam Triggs and AJ Miller, Integrated Marketing Service Campaign.
Libby Barnett and Rose Walters were recognized for earning a spot in the Ohio Music Educators (OMEA) All-State Choir, Ava Peper was honored for being chosen for the OMEA All-State Band and Eli Metzger was recognized for being chosen for the OMEA All-State Orchestra.
Also at the meeting, the board accepted $104,859 in gifts:
$2,810 to Kenwood 5th Grade Camp from Kenwood Elementary PTO; $100 to Jr. Bobcat Basics from the Fite/Waldron family; $1,200 from the Lee Hakel family, $1,384 from Lorraine Miners, $200 from anonymous, and $100 from Kenneth and Irene Rieman for the school lunch balance; $250 for After Prom from NAMI of Wood County; $150 to the high school Key Club from BG Kiwanis / Mike Shertzer; $300 for the high school drama club from Diane Shetzer;
$1,000 for the Peggy L. Schmeltz scholarships from Janet and Dennis Bower; $4,000 for AmVets Post 711 scholarships from AmVets Post #711;
$100 from Morey and Rose Loomis, $300 from Overcashier & Horst, $250 from Stephen Bateson and $200 from Aaron and Angela Moore, all for the DECA International Career Development Conference; snacks valued at $100 for Kenwood Elementary from Eileen Underwood and Richard Rowlands; and school supplies valued at $100 for Crim Elementary students from Marsha Hammersmith.
Bobcat athletics will benefit from $500 for the high school track program from anonymous; $2,200 for the BGHS track and football programs from BG Jr. Bobcats; $22,090 for the BGHS track pole vault and high jump pits, $4,000 for the football scoreboard installation, and $5,750 for the laser grading of baseball and softball fields, all from the Bobcat Athletic Boosters; $2,500 for the football scoreboard installation and $55,000 for new weight room equipment, paint and signage, all from the Bobcat Athletic Foundation; and golf clubs valued at $375 for the high school golf teams from Mary M. Flory.
The board also learned Kenwood Elementary needs new shoes, socks and underwear for its Bobcat Basics Pantry to get a head start on next school year.
Crim Elementary needs little bottled waters, unisex clothing and laudry soap for families in need.
The middle school could use some trapper keepers for next school year.
The school nurse is requesting basic elastic waist pants and shorts for boys and girls in various sizes and underwear for boys and girls sizes 5/6 to 10/12.
Conneaut Elementary and the high school have no needs at this time.
