News roundup for May 3, 2021

Online students participate, place in robotics competition Medina Online Digital Academy students from Claggett Middle School, A.I. Root Middle School, and Heritage Elementary participated in RobOlympics 2021 at Claggett Middle School on April 17. The students designed, built, and competed with a Lego Mindstorm Robot in a variety of racing, programming and battling competitions. The RobOlympics supports each aspect of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum with several events. Driven by competition, participants guided their own learning and cultivate their skills and interests in robotics while being provided countless character-building opportunities. The winners of this year's events were: Battle Royale: first, Kellen Morford (Claggett eighth-grader); second, Riley Dworznik (Root seventh-grader); third, Emily Mousourakis (Claggett seventh-grader). Soccer: first, group B: Zakai Miller (Claggett eighth-grader), Kayla Sancin (Heritage fifth-grader), Emily Mousourakis (Claggett seventh-grader); second, group C: Braden Huth (Claggett seventh-grader), Kellen Morford (Claggett eighth-grader), Riley Dworznik (Root seventh-grader); third, group A: Jack Robertson (Root seventh-grader), Jillian Sohar (Claggett eighth-grader), Jordan Gallaway (Claggett seventh-grader). Three-meter three-lap race final: first, Riley Dworznik (Root seventh-grader); second, Jillian Sohar (Claggett eighth-grader); third, Mya Kennedy (Root seventh-grader). Two-meter Sprint: first, Jillian Sohar (Claggett eighth-grader); second, Kellen Morford (Claggett eighth-grader); third Zakai Miller (Claggett eighth-grader). Two-meter Line Follower: first, Kayla Sancin (Heritage fifth-grader); second, Bryce Young (Heritage fifth-grader); third, Mya Kennedy (Root seventh-grader). SumoBot: first, Jordan Gallaway (Claggett seventh-grader); second, Kellen Morford (Claggett eighth-grader); third, Riley Dworznik (Root seventh-grader). Overall RobOlympics Champion: first, Kellen Morford (Claggett eighth-grader); second, Riley Dworznik (Root seventh-grader); third Jillian Sohan (Claggett eighth-grader) and Kalya Sancin (Heritage fifth-grader). Lafayette church holds National Day of Prayer service The Lafayette United Methodist Church will observe the National Day of Prayer will a service at 7 p.m. Thursday. The free service will feature community speakers who will lead participants in prayer for the nation. The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Gov. DeWine dedicates tree grove to survivors, victims of COVID-19 pandemic Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz dedicated a new memorial tree grove Friday in honor of the victims and survivors of COVID-19 as well as all Ohioans who made personal sacrifices to protect others amid the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Pandemic Memorial Grove at Great Seal State Park in Chillicothe includes a grove of 15 newly planted trees surrounding a paved trail. Benches will be added to allow visitors to comfortably reflect on the toll of the pandemic, honor lives lost, pay tribute to frontline workers, and recognize the actions of Ohioans to slow the spread of the coronavirus. DeWine selected the Great Seal State Park for the COVID-19 Pandemic Memorial Grove due to its rich history and central location. In the early 1800s, the rolling terrain in the area inspired the hills depicted in Ohio's state seal. The grove is located adjacent to the park's campground. There are no admission or parking fees. — from staff reports