Abigail Brown, a senior in the digital arts and design program, was honored with the Penta Pride award during the April 14 board of education meeting. She was recognized by Superintendent Ed Ewers, left, and board president Ken Sutter for her development of special logos for each of Penta’s 16 member schools. They are a combination of the Penta logo and the member school’s mascot or district designs. Several schools have created spirit wear with the designs for their staff and students to purchase. Below is the Springfield Schools version.
Several students were recognized with Penta Pride awards for their achievements.
At the April 14 meeting, the Penta Career Center school board presented Abigail Brown, a senior in digital arts and design, with the award for her design of logos for the district’s member schools.
The idea came from a Perrysburg High School counselor as a way to promote Penta to students considering a career technical education, explained Superintendent Ed Ewers.
“It took me the majority of my senior year to complete,” Abigail said.
Mr. Ewers commended the senior for going above and beyond for the district. “We’ve really had some great feedback,” he said of her designs.
Each logo features the school’s mascot or signature lettering.
Penta Pride awards also were presented to students in the senior criminal justice and fire/EMT programs for their “outstanding volunteer service” at Wood County vaccination clinics held at Penta on February 19 and March 12.
Those students are: criminal justice–Marceana Black, Megan Didion, Dustin Guy, Mariah Hawkins, Kadin Keivens, Cameron Kessler, Jonathan Kutz, Lilly Madden, Joseph Mena, Dominic Myers, Isabelle Patznick, Adrianna Reinhart, Carson Richards, Cassandra Rodriguez and Emmanuil Zanev; fire/EMT– Quinton Banks, Chelsea Blue, Justin Espen, Casey Grunden, Joe Hart, Jersey Hashim, Abbey Mackay and Daniel Sunday.
“They are very deserving of this recognition,” Mr. Ewers said, noting he received multiple compliments about the students from those attending the clinics.
The superintendent said the comments included “these kids really knew how to talk to their elders;” “They were impeccable,” and “very professional and very friendly.”
“The students worked hard. They really utilized the skills they learned at Penta,” added Mike Wilford, criminal justice instructor.
“It was a long day,” said Paul Perry, fire instructor. “They did what they needed to do and never complained. They just helped out where they were needed.”
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Contracted with Ram Construction for masonry and façade restoration in 2021 and 2022 at a cost of $365,399. Treasurer Carrie Herringshaw said the company was the lowest bidder, adding that Kevin Baker, Penta supervisor of operations, and Poggemeyer Design Group reviewed the bids after meeting with Ram officials. “They are confident the company will complete the work as specified.”
•Learned that the career center will host signing days, April 27 to 29, for students who chose to attend Penta this fall. An open house is planned for incoming sophomore exploratory program students on April 21, said Ryan Lee, center director.
•Heard from Bob Falkenstein, assistant superintendent, that the week prior to the board meeting marked the first time in six months that the career center had “zero COVID issues. We are excited that our numbers are at zero with our staff.”
•Discussed a plan that encourages students to earn college credits toward an associate degree. “We have been working on this for two years,” Mr. Ewers said, adding, “If students take advantage of this, we are setting them up for success. We’re really excited about this and what it can do for students.”
•Accepted the retirement resignation of Richard Rose, CAD instructor, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year. The board also approved the resignation of Morgan Bruskotter, intervention specialist, at the end of this school year.
•Heard from Mrs. Herringshaw that the district is on track with expenses, adding that there has been a slowdown in requisitions as the school year draws to a close.
•Announced that senior recognition ceremonies will take place in May, but will be different due to the pandemic. Seniors will be able to enter the building and accept their career passports on stage, socially distanced and following pandemic protocols.
•Discussed a change in student schedules next school year. Mr. Ewers said the career center will be open for students Monday through Friday, but Monday will be designated as a day for students to work in the field.
“Some will still be coming here and others will be at job sites. It’s an ongoing work in progress,” he explained. He noted that some offsite jobs such as culinary are easier to go to than others like criminal justice. “It will still be a five day school week, just Mondays will be different,” he added.
•Approved a request to attend a professional meeting request by instructor Paul Perry for emergency vehicle driver training/EMS vehicle operation.
The next Penta board of education meeting will be at 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, in the board meeting room, 9301 Buck Road, Perrysburg Township, and is open to the public. Masks are required and social distancing protocols will be followed.
