Badger Lab students at Berkshire High School have launched a meaningful partnership with University Hospitals Nutrition Services and local grocer Heinen’s...
Vocational Program Expands
Badger Lab students at Berkshire High School have launched a meaningful partnership with University Hospitals Nutrition Services and local grocer Heinen’s. Focused on hands-on employment skills, the collaboration provides real-world experience, requiring students to be punctual, interact with customers and prepare food. Along the way, they develop organization and teamwork skills essential for success beyond the classroom.
Educator of the Year
Berkshire High School government teacher Eric Higgs was recently recognized with the Educator of the Year award from The American Legion Department of Ohio. The award recognizes the efforts of outstanding teachers and administrators for their impactful role in shaping the lives of students in Ohio schools.
An educator for over 21 years, Higgs teaches grades 10-12 American government. His nomination was written by Joyce Hanum on behalf of the local Atwood-Mauk Burton- Middlefield American Legion for his commitment to teaching government and encouraging Berkshire students to take the American Legion’s Americanism Test, which has resulted in multiple students receiving the highest score at the regional and state levels.
During The Ohio American Legion Family “Of the Year” awards banquet on Jan. 18, Higgs was praised for his enthusiastic teaching style and ability to connect historical events to modern day issues while creating a supportive learning environment in which students achieve academic and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, Higgs actively supports the American Legion Buckeye Boys State program, which educates young men on democratic principles in local, county and state elections and government. A former delegate himself, his participation in the program inspired his career in history and government education functions. A former Buckeye Boys State delegate, Higgs was motivated to pursue a career as a history and government educator through his participation in the statewide program.
Congressional App Challenge
Senior Noah Valentino finished in second place in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. Participants were challenged with designing an app for a real-world problem. Noah’s app proposed a way to help reduce food waste by connecting people in need with restaurants that have excess food. Noah received a letter from state Rep. Dave Joyce and was also featured in a post in his newsletter.
Academically, Noah has taken independent study courses in Python, Honors Python and AP Computer Science A over the last three years and put his standout qualities and talents to use on a national scale.
Congress created the app challenge to recognize STEM, coding and computer science skills and to inspire students to pursue careers in computer science.
