At the meeting, the BOE presented a teacher, a service person, twelve students and two community partners with certificates of honorable achievement.

Lucas Costello, a student at Washington High was recognized for his leadership and organization of the American Red Cross Blood Drive that was held at Washington High School on Dec. 5. The drive collected 27 units, which equated to helping save 81 lives.

Christine Parker, the advertising and public relations manager at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, accepted recognition on behalf of the business for their generous donations to Jefferson County Schools. The casino donates $20,000 that is dispersed evenly to each school in Jefferson County.

Sam Nelson, art teacher at Washington High School encouraged five of his students to become involved in an art project spearheaded by the Jefferson County Arts Council. Kailee Bal, Taylor Oesteriech, Isaac Seffers, Lauren Scuka and Agnes McAuliffe were recognized for these efforts. Nelson worked with the students to replicate an original work that resides in the City of Charles Town.

Giselle Perry, a licensed professional counselor from WVU Medicine, was praised for volunteering her time to screen over 700 seventh graders at Jefferson County Schools to gauge mental health. Perry hand-scored and scaled each individual test and then prepared informational sheets that were sent home with each student.

Three Washington High students were recently deemed state winners of a Minecraft completion. Minecraft is a virtual reality where users can create their own worlds and experiences. Matteo Cerasoli, Jacob Thrasher, and Jackson Stewart made up a team that created the West Virginia capitol building. An award ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the Governor’s Reception Room.

Donnie Hawkins, a sixth grade student at Harpers Ferry Middle School was highlighted for his organization of the pet food drive that supported the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County. The food drive, which was conducted at Harpers Ferry Middle from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4 raised over 50 bags and cans of cat and dog food.

Sabrina Hartman and Bethany Jennings, students at Washington High School were recognized for their artwork that appeared on the cover of WVSSAC programs. Hartman’s art appeared on the cover of the single A Championship Football game program. Jennings’ work appeared on the state cheerleading program. Both students received a $200 scholarship to a school of their choice.

Jefferson County Schools recognize a professional staff person and a serviceperson each month as a Spirit of Jefferson award winner. These nominations are fueled by colleagues, parents, and other members of the community.

Denise Lykens, science teacher at Wildwood Middle, was this month’s professional nominee and Todd Brady, custodian at Ranson Elementary, was selected as the serviceperson nominee. Lykens and Brady were presented with certificates of appreciation, as well as a $100 check. Checks are provided each month to Spirit of Jefferson recipients by an anonymous donor.

The next BOE recognition meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at 110 Mordington Avenue in Charles Town.