Health Technology Instructor Audree Markward was named Ohio’s New Career-Technical Education Teacher of the Year, recognizing her outstanding dedication to student success and excellence in career and technical education.

In just her third year at Vantage, Markward has made a significant impact on students by combining 16 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience with engaging, hands-on instruction. A graduate of the Apollo Career Center Practical Nursing Program, she is committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through authentic, real-world learning experiences.

Vantage also celebrates EMIS Coordinator Gail Gillett, who received the Ohio ACTE Ambassador Award in recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering commitment to career and technical education.

For 37 years, Gillett has been an integral part of the Vantage Career Center family, serving in multiple leadership support roles while making a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. Known for her professionalism, welcoming spirit, and dedication to excellence, Gail consistently goes above and beyond to foster a positive school culture, support staff and students, coordinate wellness initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure every visitor experiences the very best of Vantage.

Superintendent Rick Turner praised both recipients for their accomplishments and the example they set for students and colleagues.

“On behalf of the administration, staff, and Board of Education at Vantage Career Center, I want to extend my deepest congratulations to Audree Markward and Gail Gillett on receiving prestigious statewide honors at the 2026 Ohio ACTE Career-Tech Excellence Awards.

To have two of our own recognized at the state level is a monumental achievement, and it speaks volumes about the caliber of professionals we have guiding our school. True excellence in career technical education isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about building community, fostering passion, and driving success. Audree and Gail represent the very best of Vantage, and their statewide recognition is incredibly well-deserved. Their commitment to our students and our mission is unwavering. Audree and Gail make all of us proud to be a part of Vantage Career Center!”

The Ohio ACTE Career-Tech Excellence Awards recognize educators, administrators, counselors, support professionals, and advocates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to career and technical education throughout Ohio.

Vantage Career Center congratulates Audree Markward and Gail Gillett on this well-deserved statewide recognition and thanks them for their continued commitment to empowering students and advancing career and technical education.

Approximately 45 football players & coaches from Delphos Jefferson High School forded the Maumee River on July 24th with Upper Maumee Canoe & Kayak. 

They began at the Maumee River Water Trail, River Mile 99 at Antwerp’s Riverside Veterans Memorial Park and paddled to the docking headquarters at Upper Maumee on Rd 192 just outside Antwerp Ohio. It’s a 7 mile trek along the mighty Maumee River that can take anywhere from 11/2 hours to over three hours. It just depends on what the group has in mind when they venture out onto the water!

The Wildcats use this canoe trip as a training exercise for a day of team bonding and learning to depend on each others’ strengths to overcome any weaknesses that may arise. 

Coach Allen Hollman facilitated the trip with Louis Beregszazi, owner of Upper Maumee Canoe & Kayak.

ARCHBOLD, OHIO – The Northwest State Community College Foundation hosted its annual Green Carpet Event on May 14, “A Night of Classics,” and raised over $60,000. All proceeds from the event go directly to student scholarships. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Making a Difference Awards, which were created by the NSCC Foundation as a way to recognize and celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations in the six-county area committed to improving their communities. This year’s recipients were Mike McCann (individual), Swanton American Legion Post 479 (organization), and Worthington Steel (business). 

In addition to the Making a Difference Awards, the Green Carpet Event included a thrilling musical performance by Denise Davis & the Motor City Sensations. Gourmet food stations, a cash bar and a silent auction rounded out the festivities, as the Auditorium and surrounding areas were decorated in the event’s “A Night of Classics” theme. As a special attraction, the River City Rodders from Napoleon also brought some classic cars to display outside the Auditorium entrance area.

“The Green Carpet Event and the Making a Difference Awards celebrate hard work, community support and giving,” said Robbin Wilcox, NSCC Executive Foundation Director. “We work year-round to raise awareness and needed funds for student scholarships, and this event is a critical piece of those efforts. We awarded over $1,000,000 in Foundation scholarships this year, and we’re focused on how we can continue to do more for our learners. We are blessed to work in a community that is passionate about philanthropy, and helping unlock students’ possibilities,” Wilcox continued.

A special recap program of the NSCC Green Carpet Event is now available for free, on-demand viewing on Northwest State Community College social media, as well as the NWOhio.Live YouTube page – YouTube.com/@NWOhio_live.

The Antwerp Local Board of Education met Thursday, July 16, reviewing the district’s year-end financial position, receiving updates on several summer improvement proj-ects, and approving personnel and operational items for the upcoming school year before entering executive session.

Treasurer Kristine Stuart reported the district concluded fiscal year 2026 in a strong financial position, with revenues exceeding projections while expenditures came in below budget. Stuart said the district received more tax revenue than anticipated and spent less than originally budgeted, allowing approximately $1 million to be set aside for future capital needs, including building improvements, bus purchases and other long-term projects.

Superintendent Dr. Marty Miller reported that construction of the new elementary office entrance is nearly complete. The project will improve building security and visitor access for students, staff and guests entering the elementary school. During his report, Miller presented the new entrance sign, produced by West Bend Printing, that will be installed as part of the completed project.

Miller also updated the board on several other summer maintenance projects. The school parking lot has been seal coated and restriped in preparation for the upcoming school year, and plans are moving forward to replace an aging chiller unit as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain its facilities.

Middle/High School Principal Jessie Arnold submitted a written report to the board highlighting academic and extracurricular updates along with upcoming activities. No elementary principal’s report was presented during the meeting.

The board approved the purchase of a new 84-passenger school bus from Cardinal Bus Sales at a cost of $149,435. Members also approved the district’s 2026-27 Gifted Plan and the Official Certificate of Estimated Resources for fiscal year 2027.

Personnel action included approval of a reduction in force for certified special education teacher Bridget Slattman due to declining enrollment and the appointment of Dora Hower as junior high football cheer coach for the 2026-27 school year. The monthly substitute teacher list from the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center was also approved.

Following the regular meeting, the board entered executive session to consider the compensation of a public employee or public official. Returning to open session, members approved a revised classified salary schedule for the 2026-27 school year before adjourning.

The next meeting of the Antwerp Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, at 5:00 p.m. in the Board of Education conference room.

The Defiance Area Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to LifeWise Hicksville during its 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. Funding for the grant was provided through the Hanna Family Memorial Fund under the Defiance Area Foundation umbrella.

The grant will help support the purchase of a transportation bus for the new LifeWise program serving Hicksville Exempted Schools. The bus will provide transportation for participating students and help ensure the successful implementation of the program within the community.

LifeWise seeks to provide students with opportunities for character development and faith-based learning during released time throughout the school year. Reliable transportation is essential to the program’s operation and long-term success.

After decades of unwavering commitment to education and service, the East Allen County School Board is bidding a heartfelt farewell to Mr. Steve Screeton, whose career has left an enduring legacy on generations of students, educators, and the entire community.

As both a respected educator and a dedicated member of the Board of School Trustees, Screeton has devoted over 40 years to ensuring every student had the opportunity to succeed. Throughout a distinguished career marked by compassion, integrity, and visionary leadership, he championed academic excellence, supported educators, and consistently placed the needs of students at the forefront of every decision.

“Mr. Screeton has been a remarkable advocate for children and public education,” said Board President Tim Hines. “Whether serving in the classroom or helping guide district policy as a board member, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our schools and community are stronger because of his leadership.”

During his tenure and beyond his work in the classroom, he was a legendary basketball coach at New Haven High School. His contributions to athletics were recognized with his induction into the New Haven Athletic Hall of Fame.

County Commissioner Ron Turpin presented Mr. Screeton with a Proclamation from the Allen County Board of Commissioners proclaiming July 14, 2026, Steve Screeton Day!

Reflecting on his years of service, Screeton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to work alongside dedicated educators, families, and community members in support of our students. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships built over the years and remain confident that the district’s brightest days are still ahead. I will always be an advocate for public education.”

Although his official role is coming to an end, the impact of Screeton’s leadership will continue to befelt for years to come through the lives of the students, staff, and families he inspired.

The Board of School Trustees and district administration extend their deepest appreciation for his extraordinary service, and we wish him the best in his next chapter and hope it’s filled with good health, happiness, and continued opportunities to make a difference.

Congratulations to Tinora High School Football for receiving a $1,000 grant from the Defiance Moose Lodge #2094. This grant will be used to purchase new football training equipment. The Defiance Moose Lodge holds a donor advised fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. Pictured with the grant are (l-r) Mark White – Lodge Trustee and Jamie Ort – Tinora Football Mom’s Treasurer.

By: Makenna Manz  Paulding FFA Reporter 

On May 26th-28th, the Paulding FFA officer team went to a cabin in Hocking Hills, Ohio for their annual FFA officer retreat. Officer retreat provides a time for the students to get to know each other and work better as a team.

The Paulding FFA officer team this year consists of President Darcy Taylor, Vice President Myrriah Manz, Secretary Delaney Johanns, Treasurer Ava Leatherman, Reporter Makenna Manz, Sentinel Gabriella Stork, Student Advisor Vivienne Myers, Parliamentarian Kinzley Collard, Chaplain Remington Boroff, and Historian Nolan Schlatter along with Ag Education Teachers and FFA advisors Mrs. Staci Miller, Mrs. Sydney Kill.

Along with fun activities, during this time, the budget and the yearly calendar are made so the FFA is prepared for the upcoming year. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the team performed many team-building exercises to help strengthen their relationships with each other. Tuesday, the team discussed the goals they had for the chapter and some new ideas to help the chapter grow with their FFA advisors.

On Wednesday, the team also got to go putt putt golfing and hiking. On the last day, the team took pictures and cleaned up. Then it was time to head back home. The team learned a lot of new skills, bonded during this trip, and are ready for an exciting new year full of Agriculture Education, Career Development Events (CDEs), Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), community service projects, and FFA!

The officer team would like to thank the Paulding FFA Alumni for supporting the officer retreat.

The members of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 are proud to invest in the future of their community by awarding  several $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in 2026.

These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

By supporting local graduates, Antwerp VFW Post 5087 continues its tradition of honoring those who serve while encouraging the next generation to pursue their educational goals.

For scholarship requirements, application information, and deadlines, please contact Antwerp VFW Post 5087 or your high school guidance office.

The Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, June 25th at the Archbold campus. After roll call, Robbin Wilcox, NSCC Executive Director for Development & NSCC Foundation, and Foundation Board Chair Peter Beck presented the Board with a check in the amount of $1,182,805. This eclipses last year’s impressive mark, which was $1,051,000. The money is designated for student scholarships, equipment, outreach programs and student support efforts.

Over $10 million has been provided through the generosity of businesses and individuals who have supported the Foundation over the past ten years. Peter Beck, NSCC Foundation Board Chair, applauded the generosity of individuals and businesses who have donated to the NSCC Foundation, for helping make this presentation possible. Beck also praised Robbin Wilcox for her tireless efforts to raise needed funds for Northwest State scholarships and strategic initiatives. The NSCC Foundation awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships at the spring 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

Another highlight of the Board meeting was the passage of the FY 2026-2027 budget. The total budget is just north of $50M, which represents an increase of approximately $3M from FY 2025-2026. As part of the approved FY27 budget, the College will begin the process of migrating to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform. NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez noted, “The new budget allocates funds for strategic initiatives that will continue to allow Northwest State Community College to elevate northwest Ohio through increased education, training and services.” 

In other Board action: 

• Approved the employment of Elisia Rosales (2nd Shift Custodian), and Jennifer Croft (Faculty-Natural Sciences / Biology).

• Approved the 2026-2028 ODHE Completion Plan for NSCC.

• Rescinded Resolution 25-65 (Suspension of the Institutional / General Learning Outcomes), and approved amended Policy 14-5-07 (Institutional / General Learning Outcomes).

• Approved miscellaneous curriculum changes, including new courses, course inactivations, etc.

• Approved increasing part-time faculty pay rates by 2% beginning Fall 2026 semester.

• Approved amended Sexual Misconduct Policy.

• Approved miscellaneous employment contracts, two resignations and one retirement.