Ohio School Board awards presented

The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) hosted its Northwest Regional Fall Conference Thursday evening, at Sentinel Career and Technology Center. The program attracted northwest Ohio's education professionals as they gathered for a night of recognition, presentations and awards. The evening began with a welcome and introduction from Christopher Widman, the northwest region president of OSBA and board member for Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers. A dinner prepared by the Sentinel Culinary and Hospitality Management students was served around 6 p.m., and a musical performance from the Seneca East Select Choir was given during the meal under the direction of Kim Spencer. The choir–consisting of students in grades seven through 12–also sang the "Star Spangled Banner" to begin the evening. Additionally, centerpiece decorations were made by Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology students. Before educational professionals were recognized with awards, several speeches were given by members of the OSBA, including a presentation from Carol-Ann Molnar, Northwest Region Nominating Committee chair, and region past president. Then, Robert Heard Sr., OSBA president and board member of Cleveland Municipal, gave a warm welcome. Next, a legislative update was given by Jennifer Hogue, director of OSBA legislative services, and an overall OSBA update was provided by Rick Lewis, chief executive officer for OSBA. Then, Kathy McFarland, OSBA deputy chief executive provided an update followed by Mark Bobo, senior membership engagement consultant for the OSBA, who also provided an OSBA membership update. Later in the evening, the following awards were presented: Recognition of 45-year veteran board member: Mark Miller, North Point ESC and EHOVE Career Center. OSBA Star Awards Aptitude Award recipients: Lori Arnold, Mohawk Local; Cindy Erickson, Leipsic Local; Tracy Hovest, Bowling Green City; John Jones, Huron City and EHOVE Career Center; Kevin Landin, Ottoville Local; Julie McDonald, Danbury Local; Thomas Patterson, Sandusky City; Jeremy Scoles, Bluffton EV; Vicki Smith, Western Buckeye ESC; Chrstine Varwig, Toledo City; and Christopher Widman, Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers. Recognition Award recipients: Rachel Geiger, Springfield Local; Sherri Koback, Springfield Local; Paul Lockwood II, North Point ESC and EHOVE Career Center; Thomas Patterson, Sandusky City; and Chrstine Varwig, Toledo City. Master Board Member: Chrstine Varwig, Toledo City. Excellence in Community Service Award recipients: Cliff Browne and the Findlay High School Hockey Teams; and Amy Hansen. Humanitarian Award recipients: Lisa Zellner; Pam Hamlin; Melissa Stombaugh; and Sarrah Ottney Northwest Region Teacher of the Year Finalist: Katie Peters, Washington Local. The 2022 OSBA Fall Regional Conference was sponsored by FieldTurf USA, Kajeet, Pepple & Waggoner LLC, Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio, and Trane. The 2023 Northwest Region Spring Conference will be on March 23, at Ottoville Local (Putnam) Schools.