The Carroll County Public School Board of Education at its August 13 regular meeting recognized student achievement in a variety of national and international level events. Chairman Brian Spencer said his considered the best part of any school board meeting “being what’s going to happen next.”
“We get to honor and recognize the students of our school system that went out....achieved...and showed people exactly what Carroll County is to people in the State of Virginia by their efforts and their work. It’s when we get to acknowledge our administrators and support staff who help these kids achieve success,” said Spencer.
Carroll County Public Schools First Lego League (FLL) Team “Wonka and the Chocolate Bots” recently competed in the First Lego League Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach, California. The team received the “Engineering Excellence Award,” which celebrates a team with an efficiently designed robot, an innovative project solution that effectively addresses the season challenge, and core values evident in all they do. The members of this team included Rylee Leonard, Griffin Wheatley, Isree White, Emma Brannock and Vinny Barr. The team is coached by Alex and Jennifer Leonard. Shanda Warren was also honored for her support of the team and the FLL program locally. Assistant Superintendent Marlin Campbell praised the support of many community members, the Carroll County Board of Supervisors and the school board for the team.
“This is just an amazing group of kids. Luckily we have three sixth graders that just moved to seventh grade so there’s a good foundation for a team this year. So... hopefully we’ll be doing this same thing next year,” said Coach Jennifer Leonard.
Both Alex and Jennifer Leonard told the board they greatly appreciated the support of the sponsors. Coach Alex Leonard said he was exceptionally proud of the team because it was an international competition with the group representing not only the United States but Virginia and Carroll County (the FLL effort locally is in its tenth year with at least one team advancing to a competition in a 12-year span).
A certificate of recognition was presented to Cavalier graduate Nahi Cruz who placed 2nd at the Virginia FCCLA state competition for National Programs in Action. This made Cruz eligible to compete in the FCCLA National competition, in National Programs in Action, in Seattle, Washington from June 28 to July 3. Cruz indicated she was honored to represent both Carroll County and Virginia. She placed 23rd out of 64 in the nation and earned a Gold medal. Susan Rose and Michelle Nicholson serve as advisors for FCCLA.
“The super cool thing I saw about this was how the community came together for support and organized some fundraisers. A lot of work went into sending Nahi to Washington. Congratulations,” said Assistant Superintendent Marlin Campbell.
Cavalier Ethan Edwards and fellow FBLA members were honored for competing in the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida this year. There were 13,000 students and advisers from across the nation in attendance at this event. Edwards competed in Networking Infrastructures and placed fifth in the nation. Other CCHS FBLA members and the categories in which they participated included Laurel Sutphin — Business Calculations; Jeffrey Luke Watson — Public Policy and Advocacy; Katelyn Wheatley — Visual Design. Heather Taylor serves as advisor for the group.
“Our Back to School Bash was a huge success again. It amazes me every year how many people turn out and local community organizations show up to help out to do for the kids of Carroll County. We were disappointed we couldn’t start school last Thursday (August 8). The Governor issued a state of emergency, but the weather stations said we were in for it for two solid days. Fortunately for us, we got one day. Better to be safe than sorry,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Burnette. “It was really amazing how smoothly things went for the first two days. We will file a written appeal for credit for those days but it is up the State to decide that.”
Sixty vendors set up tents for the annual celebration this year.
Burnette reported attendance at the beginning of school was 3,251 students, which is 41 more than the division had anticipated. The board was told The Virginia Department of Education awarded CCPS a School Construction Assistance Program grant in the amount of $632,100 to continue the HVAC upgrades at Carroll County Middle School. A Request For Proposal for this will be issued in the near future because it has to be under contract by November to qualify for the grant. According to Burnette, if enough money is left over they look to replace the old ductwork in the school gym, if the bids come in low enough.
David Broyles may be reached at 276-779-4013 or on “X” at CarrollNewsDave
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