On Wednesday, March 19, middle school students Benjamin Burkart and Claire Wetherill were celebrated as student leaders at the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) Breakfast of Champions held at our school.
The event began with breakfast for the 120 attendees, including students, parents, and administrators representing 17 NW Ohio school districts. After breakfast, the awards ceremony in the auditorium featured a presentation by former Van Buren athletic director and current University of Findlay Chair of Education Graduate & Advanced Licensure Programs and CEO of Triple Threat Leadership Dr. Scott Grant, who spoke to students about the importance of their personal brands.
Mrs. Karen Dishong, Van Buren Middle School language arts teacher and OMLA board member for the last three years, organized much of the event and, along with the eighth grade teachers and principal Mrs. Jennifer Barrett, nominated Burkart and Wetherill to represent Van Buren.
In their nomination, the eighth grade team said, “Ben and Claire are exceptional eighth grade students! Ben maintains excellent grades while balancing advanced coursework and shows exceptional leadership skills in the classroom. He does not let other classmates influence him negatively and is always focused on his education. Likewise, Claire is always willing to work with all other students, even if they are not close friends. She is very involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities and consistently participates in all classes, which helps her stand out among her classmates.”
After the ceremony, Barrett added, “I am so very proud of the leadership that these two middle school students have shown. They work hard each day to embrace our traits and set positive examples for their peers. Students like Ben and Claire make Van Buren Middle School an amazing place to be!”
Congratulations, Benjamin and Claire, and thank you for the positivity and leadership you bring to our middle school.
