Berkshire Local School seniors Paul Brent, Calvin Dion, Hannah Hutchinson and Sophia Young have been named recipients of the annual Longo Scholarship...
Longo Scholarship Recipients
Berkshire Local School seniors Paul Brent, Calvin Dion, Hannah Hutchinson and Sophia Young have been named recipients of the annual Longo Scholarship, which is made possible through the generosity of Paula Jo Longo Boykin, a Berkshire High School graduate and the school’s first homecoming queen,
She faced a difficult task in selecting a winner, and considering the quality and thoughtfulness of the submissions, she selected four. Each winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship to the school or college of his or her choice, totaling a $6,000 award for the fund.
Incoming seniors were eligible and invited to apply by filling out a short application form and submitting an answer to the question: “On your 80th birthday, when you look back over your life, what have you accomplished and what will people remember you for?” The essays were beautifully written, and many carried the common theme of longing for a fulfilling family life and successful career.
“As someone who is 74 and just six years away from 80, this question has prompted deep reflection on my own life,” shared Boykin. “My husband and I, along with some family members, read the essays with great interest… We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone who participated in this essay contest.”
The district thanks Paula Jo Boykin for creating a legacy that leaves a lasting and meaningful impact on the Berkshire Local Schools community.
State of the Schools Presentation
Superintendent Dr. John Stoddard delivered a “State of the Schools” presentation during the new business portion of the regular meeting of the Berkshire Schools Board of Education on Oct. 14 and shared an update on several important aspects of district operations with the community. Beginning with student achievement and summarizing the recent 4-star rating on the State of Ohio Report Card, Dr. Stoddard then turned to the excellent state of district finances, the upward enrollment trend in the Berkshire Local Schools, some strategic partnerships and several student initiatives.
The newly adopted strategic plan was shared during the final segment of the State of the Schools, and Dr. Stoddard shared the newly adopted mission statement for Berkshire, which is: “Mission Statement: The Berkshire Local Schools exists to encourage lifelong learning, inspire students’ highest achievement, and prepare critical thinkers who embody leadership, character, and citizenship.”
He also shared the new vision statement, which is that the “Berkshire Local Schools will become the premier school district, universally recognized for dynamic student-centered learning, innovative pathways for future readiness, risk-taking, collaborative partnerships, and the accomplishments which enable our children to thrive in the real world.”
Thank you to those in attendance for the State of the Schools presentation, which intends to become a yearly event each October.
