At the October 16, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education the following individuals were recognized for helping to make Washington Township a Superior School District.
Congratulations to North Central Senior Student Leaders & Scholars who attended the Emerging Leaders Institute sponsored by the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education on October 4-5. The Emerging Leaders Institute introduces necessary leadership skills, career opportunities in higher education, and provides vital information on education requirement, financial resources, and available support systems. It is a two-day program that provides Indiana students with an interactive opportunity to explore career options and counseling, effectively network, and develop leadership skills through the lens of college presidents and other higher education professionals, other youth program directors, and community leaders. The overall objective is to increase the number of Black educators, which could reduce inequity, increase recruitment and retention of students and educators, and improve our HBCUs and higher education system. Congratulations to the following students who participated this year:
- Soloman Massela
- Jaylin Hill
- Curtis Jacks
- John Jones
- Izayah Gray
- Olivia Smith
Congratulations to Anna Grueninger, a Senior at North Central, who was named IndyStar’s Student of the Week for Sept. 23-27. Anna won over 60% of the 430 total votes cast during that week. Anna was among seven other talented students from across Central Indiana school leaders nominated this week. Anna is an Editor for the school newspaper. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and has been a camp counselor at Camp Tecumseh. Anna has been a youth counselor and a member of the Student Council. She has a g.p.a. of 4.99. Congratulations again Anna, we are extremely proud of your accomplishments.
Also, congratulations to Cailyn Robertson, a Senior at North Central, who was also selected as IndyStar’s Student of the Week for September 30-October 4. She won 89% of the votes. Cailyn is editor-in-chief of NC publications, a member of the women’s soccer team, a camp counselor at Camp Tecumseh, a member of Spanish Honor Society and has a 5.08 grade point average-all while working a job, too. That makes two NC students in a row who have won the Student of the Week. Congratulations again to you both!
Congratulations to the following students who have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship Finalists and National Recognition Program Award Students. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists:
Elliott DeRyke
Aidan Dougherty
Sophia Farnum
Sierra Krichiver
Tobin Montgomery
Stanley Port
National Merit Scholarship Commended Students:
Max Baltz
Niall Gillen
Grayson Humphreys
Jake Lee
Ava Parker
Pablo Redman
National Recognition Program Award Students:
Olivia Alvarado
Imani Darden
Nia Douglas
Adelyn Flessner
Angel Franco-Vargas
Emily Genrich
Alexander Goulet
Kyra Grant
Curtis Jacks
Madison Jackson
Marco Ladron de Guevara
Illeana Moore
Beloved Morakinyo
Myla Roberts
Kaliyah Springfield
Salamata Thompson
Kaylani Tomlin
Lilah Wilson
Christina Woodson
Congratulations to Jack Girton, a North Central student for being recognized by Future Presidents of America. Future Presidents of America is a week-long youth leadership camp created to engage the next generation of community leaders. It develops confidence, civic literacy, and good citizenship to reveal the exceptional character that makes for great presidents and great leaders. This is the 10th cohort in its program’s history. Congratulations again to Jack for his remarkable leadership and representing Washington Township School District.
Congratulations to Mr. Bryan Ramirez, Northview MS Principal for being honored as a recipient of the 2024 Mayor’s Latino Heritage Award, selected for the field of Education in Indianapolis. Bryan is recognized for his extraordinary contributions to education in Indianapolis. Through his tireless dedication, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment, Bryan has significantly shaped the educational landscape of our community. Bryan’s impact is evident in his pioneering efforts to enhance educational access and quality. His work has empowered countless students, supported educators, and engaged families, all while fostering an environment where learning thrives. Congratulations again, we are thrilled to share in this recognition with you!
Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Dodson, Coordinator of School Counseling, who has been selected by the Indiana School Counselor Association as the Administrator of the Year! Mrs. Dodson has shown exemplary support of school counseling services aligning with the American School Counselor Association National Model, outstanding promotion of school counseling services, implementation of new/additional school counseling services and improvement of existing school counseling services. Jen, we are honored to share in this award with you and congratulations again!!!
Congratulations to Clearwater Elementary School for being recognized by the Indiana Department of Education for meeting the state’s 95% literacy goal. With us this evening to share in this recognition is Mrs. Krista Douglass, Principal of Clearwater Elementary School and her team. Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner recognized educators from 283 schools where at least 95% of students demonstrated reading proficiency in 2024 at a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse in September. During the state’s first literacy celebration last February, 241 schools were recognized for reaching the statewide literacy goal, as demonstrated during the 2023 administration of the IREAD assessment. The September 25, 2024 celebration marked an increase of more than 40 additional schools that are now meeting this important goal. Congratulations again to Clearwater Elementary and staff for striving to improve literacy in our community!
Congratulations to Washington Township Adult Education for being awarded the Indiana Department of Workforce Development Awards ‘Programs of Excellence’ Designation. With us this evening is Mr. Todd DeLey, Director of Adult Education. Last month the Indiana Department of Workforce Development notified 21 adult education programs across the state of their designation as a Program of Excellence. DWD started this designation in 2022-23 to recognize adult education programs that meet multiple state and federal metrics around student academic achievement, enrollment, partnering with employers, offering high-demand wage training, and high school equivalencies earned. Washington Township Adult Education has earned this designation for the second year in a row. Marion County and the surrounding counties experience the positive impact of adult education success through increased economic activity and workforce participation of students who are upskilled through career training and foundational education credentialing. Congratulations again to Adult Education and this HUGE accomplishment. Your hard work and dedication has truly not gone unnoticed.
At the October meeting of the Board of Education, Northview Middle School was the Spotlight on Education. See the following slides that were shared at the meeting, highlighting this school.
