by Kate Evans
The Morgan County School Board recognized nearly 90 students at their Fall 2022 Awards Ceremony which took place at their December 6 regular meeting. Some students received multiple awards for academic achievement and athletics. The students and family members were treated to a cocoa and cookie social before the board meeting.
Approximately 23 students were recognized for attaining the highest level of scores in English language arts, math and science on the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) exam. Several students received the award for reaching the highest level of scores in all three categories.
Some 21 third through eighth grade students were honored for being the most improved or for growth on the WVGSA exam.
High school
Eight Berkeley Springs High School students were recognized for attaining the highest level of achievement in English and math on the SAT School Day state assessment exam.
The Berkeley Springs High School Academic Hall of Fame Award was given to Brett Shoemaker (English Language Arts) and Matthew Leasure (math) for having the highest score on the SAT in math or English on the SAT School Day exam.
Elizabeth Kessel (9th grade), Alexia Cannon and Audrey Helmick (10th grade tie) and Matthew Leasure (11th grade) received the Berkeley Springs High School Academic Hall of Fame Award for having the highest combined score on the SAT School Day exam in math and English.
Berkeley Springs High School students that received the PSAT 10 Most Distinguished Award for having the highest score in math or English were Alexia Cannon for English language arts and Audrey Helmick and Justin Brinegar for math.
Berkeley Springs High School students that got the PSAT 9 Most Distinguished Award for having the highest score in math or English were Caelyn Bartley for English language arts and Elizabeth Kessel for math.
AP Scholars, athletics
Berkeley Springs High School students that were honored as AP Scholars are Hannah Schlaefli, Brett Shoemaker and Charlotte Williams. The AP Scholar’s title is granted to students that receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Berkeley Springs High School student Alaina Smith was recognized as an AP Scholar with Honor. Smith achieved an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of the AP exams.
Berkeley Springs High School students that were honored as AP Scholars with Distinction are Emma Christie, Matthew Leasure and Dana Smith.
The Warm Springs Middle School girls cross country team and their coaches Vickie Miller and Valerie Peer were also recognized. Team members honored were Taylor Andrews, Isabelle Bingamen, Carley Fauver, Willow Routen, Bella Shoemaker, Janelle Aspey, Kayleigh Coulter, Scotlyn Forney, Katie Risinger and Shana Stotler.
Comments
Board members Aaron Close and Pete Gordon said they deeply appreciated the students’ hard work and the support that families and friends gave them.
School Superintendent Kristen Tuttle said that “achieving this recognition tonight is a true testament to your hard work, discipline and dedication to learning. I am so very proud of you. Remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and every day is an opportunity to discover something new. Keep up the great work.”
Audit
In other school board business, certified public accountant Michael Misiti from the Fyffe Jones Group, AC reported on their Fiscal Year 22 audit report of Morgan County Schools. Misiti said there were no findings in their audit. Their full report will be available in two to three weeks.
School treasurer Ann Bell said that Misiti and his staff were very professional and good to work with.
Reports
School board member Justin Litten reported that Berkeley Springs High School soccer player Cardin Beal is number one in the state for goals saved and seventh in the nation.
Superintendent Kristen Tuttle said they finalized the plan for the Widmyer Elementary Safe Schools entry project and that the project was advertised for bids for two weeks. A pre-bid meeting is set for December 21.
Tuttle said that she had met with other state superintendents the previous week. The state priorities and focus are improvements in reading, writing and math. They also discussed the science of reading and the five areas of reading.
Tuttle is excited that Secondary Education Director Beth Golden is working with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College on offering free courses for students that want to be teachers to help remedy the teacher shortage.
The buildings and grounds committee is working with Starting Points on a Paw Paw location with leasing the trailer behind Paw Paw Schools. Tuttle said it would help Starting Points provide additional services for Paw Paw families. Board member John Rowland said it’s a wonderful opportunity for that community.
