Defiance school board honors two students, hears from others

The Defiance City Schools Board of Education honored two students and heard from others at a meeting held Wednesday evening.

Eliseo Hernandez applied for, and won a place at, the Ohio Music Educators Association All State Band, and is third chair flute.

It was noted at the meeting that this is a highly competitive program. It takes around six months of preparation to send the application which includes recordings of musical skills.

The board approved a resolution to convey congratulations onto Hernandez for his accomplishment.

Gabrielle Rittenour was also honored at the meeting. She is a 2024 state diving qualifier, finishing 13th overall out of 32.

The board approved a resolution to congratulate Rittenour for her accomplishments.

The board also heard from middle school students that are part of the Beyond The Bell after-school program.

Students noted that the program helped them make friends and also improved their grades considerably. It was noted that the program is funded through a government grant for five years of funding with this being the first of those five years.

There are currently around 20 to 30 kids participating in Beyond the Bell.

In other business, the board:

• approved the NWOESC program estimated costs for fiscal year 2025 and approved the tax rate resolution.

• entered into executive session to discuss land purchase and matters to be kept confidential.