News roundup for Feb. 15

Medina High School speech and debate team competes at Ohio Speech and Debate Association Akron district tournament Over the Feb. 1 weekend, Medina High School's speech and debate team competed at the Ohio Speech and Debate Association Akron district tournament. The following students qualified for the state tournament: Alysia Aldea Kaylee Chalmers Kate Cline Adam Goe Natalie Fellows Eleanor Kristan Abby Waugh Sam Warren Hannah Weaver Ava Campbell and McKenna Gallagher were named second alternates. Art in Action and Aquarius show during Ice Festival weekend While visiting the Medina Square for the Ice Festival this weekend, attendees can enter the Medina Library to engage in Art in Action. It is an annual hands-on art experience at the Medina County District Library. Patrons can talk to local artists while visiting their booths, learn their techniques and create their own art. The all-ages event is free and open to the public with no registration required. There is also the 21st annual Aquarius art exhibition at the B. Smith Gallery on the third floor of the library. Guests can view artwork from members of the Medina County Art League until March 6. Brunswick City School employees receive 'B' for Excellence Awards Brunswick City Schools announced its most recent round of "B" for Excellence Awards. The award recognizes the exceptional contributions made by employees to the school community. The following staff members received an award: Preschool speech/language pathologist Samantha D'Agostino. Applewood school counselor Danyel Esser. Brunswick High School art teacher Jonathan Hicks. Memorial kindergarten teacher Ashley Hojczyk. Applewood paraprofessional Janine Luedeke. Brunswick High School long-term substitute teacher Elizabeth Mikan. Hickory Ridge paraprofessional Amy Nutter. Brunswick High School language arts teacher Michelle Raglow. Brunswick High School language arts teacher Kristin Weight. "The diversity of roles represented in this group of winners truly showcases how excellence manifests throughout our district," Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer said. "From our paraprofessionals creating welcoming environments to our teachers implementing innovative practices, each winner demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to our students and community. Their collective impact embodies the very essence of what makes Brunswick Schools exceptional." The recognition program will continue with additional rounds of awards later this school year. Nominations for the next round of awards are now open. Parents, guardians, students, community members and staff can submit a nomination by visiting tinyurl.com/4zrsdeu3. Nominations close on April 18, and winners will be announced the week of May 5. Highland Alumni Association alumni hall of fame The Highland Alumni Association announced nominations are now being accepted for the alumni hall of fame. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 31. To qualify for consideration, nominees must have graduated from Highland Local Schools in 2015 or earlier. Nominations will be evaluated by a selection committee based on criteria like exceptional accomplishments, leadership through careers or vocations, contributions to Highland schools and the community and their role as a positive example for current students. There is also a special honorary category to recognize outstanding groups like academic teams, athletic teams or musical/theatrical groups who made a lasting impact on the Highland community. The public is also encouraged to nominate an honorary teacher to celebrate teachers who dedicated their career to the success and growth of students and the Highland community. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/3ubn7jhw. Those who have questions regarding the hall of fame can contact Tina McKeen at tina.mckeen@highlandfoundation.org.