BLANCHESTER — The fall season saw a lot of accomplishments for the Blanchester school system.
Monday night’s Blanchester school board meeting gave the spotlight to various students, staff members, and groups for their accomplishments.
Athletic Director Bryan Pennix recognized student-athletes not only for their accomplishments on the field but also for their work in the classroom.
“A few weeks ago it was my honor to recognize 71 of our student-athletes for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher while participating in their fall sport. That’s over half our athletes,” said Pennix, adding that 10 of them maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Pennix also recognized the tennis team for their accomplishments including winning the league title for the eighth time. He also recognized the varsity football team for their playoff qualification making it one of five teams in the school’s history to qualify.
Band Director David Wood and the marching band were recognized for their qualification in the State Marching Band finals — the sixth time in the school’s history, with the last time back in 1998.
“This group has worked very, very diligently over the last several years to make this accomplishment,” said Wood. “I certainly couldn’t have done it without their dedication to one another, doing things the right way, and just being the best they can be.”
High School Principal Pandy McCarty aimed the spotlight upon seniors Dakota Johnson and Allie Davis for their respective entries in two different essay contests.
Johnson from Blanchester High School won third prize in a writing contest sponsored by Great Plains Enterprises, LLC Flight Training Center at the Clinton County Airport. Johnson’s prize consisted of an hour of flight training with a certified flight instructor.
Allie Davis won a writing contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) receiving a $200 scholarship. Davis is in contention to win a $5,000 scholarship in the regional contest.
For the Blanchester Intermediate School, fifth-grade teacher Melissa Lindsey was honored for her work in helping students with their mental and emotional needs.
Middle School Principal Ryan Briggs highlighted the first-place quiz bowl teams of each grade and the students of the months for September, October, and November.
The quiz bowl teams consisted of: Gavin Hayslip, Anna Peters, Tobi Tedrick, and Lilli Bates for the sixth-grade team; James Deemer, Morgyn Coyle, Maggie Grant, and Nikki White for the seventh-grade team; and Gracyn Phillips, Aubrey Stevens, Blade Medley, and Quentin Rice for the eighth-grade team.
The middle school students of the month were: for September, 6th grade – Jocelyn Lansing, 7th grade – Caleb Sears, 8th grade – Carolyn Koch; for October, 6th grade – Nathan Cornett, 7th grade – Kealey James, 8th grade – Taylor Baker; and for November, 6th grade – Josie Freudiger, 7th grade – Ryan Maines, and 8th grade – Chase Vance.
