PEVS held their annual staff appreciation and recognition breakfast on May 20.  Those being recognized for their service to PEVS this year are as follows:

30 Years of Service:

Tom Bidlack, Shawn Brewer

Retirees:

Michele Boundy, custodian – 28 1/2 years; Kristy Bradford, Tech teacher – 25 years; Eric Deisler, JH Principal – 29 years; Lance Estle, Phys Ed/Health/Intervention Specialist – 28 years; Melissa Harder, HS Social Studies teacher – 32 years; Barb Konopka, custodian – 21 1/2 years; Harold ‘Butch’ Raub, bus driver – 14 years; Dave Smith, bus driver – 17 years; Jon Snodgrass, JH History teacher – 34 years; Nancy Wilcox, bus driver/cafe worker – 26 years

Three former students were inducted into the Paulding Exempted Village Schools Academic Hall of Fame during ceremonies held on May 17, 2026.

Honored for their academic achievements and professional accomplishments were Carlton Schlatter, DMV, a member of the Paulding High School Class of 1979; Frank Lands, a member of the Paulding High School Class of 1992; and Betty Schlatter, CNM, PhD, a graduate of Auglaize-Brown High School’s Class of 1966.

HAVILAND — Wayne Trace Local Schools officially broke ground May 27 on a major expansion project that will further enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students throughout the district.

The new STEAM Center expansion is being funded through a $2.4 million grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Development and represents a significant investment in career-technical and project-based education at Wayne Trace.

Designed by Munger Munger + Associates Architects, Inc. and constructed by Alexander & Bebout, Inc., the project will add a dedicated STEAM Center equipped with tools, machinery and production equipment, along with a new art-focused classroom and a STEM/engineering classroom designed specifically for hands-on career-tech learning experiences.

Construction is expected to begin in earnest during early June, with completion anticipated before the end of 2026.

The expansion comes as Wayne Trace’s STEAM and Career Technical Education programs continue to experience rapid growth. Students currently have opportunities to explore engineering, robotics, video production, entrepreneurship, print production, visual design and a variety of real-world projects completed in partnership with local businesses and organizations throughout the region.

School officials noted that the new facility is about much more than simply adding classroom space. The expansion is intended to create additional opportunities for students to build, create, collaborate and gain practical experience that will prepare them for future careers and higher education pathways.

The project was made possible through the support and collaboration of numerous community partners, educators and school leaders. Special recognition was given to Angie Stokes, Wayne Trace STEAM teacher, for her leadership and vision in helping guide the continued growth and development of the district’s STEAM programming.

When completed, the new facility will provide expanded resources and learning environments that support innovation, creativity and workforce readiness, helping ensure students have access to cutting-edge educational opportunities right in their own community.

Those interested in learning more about the expansion project can view a presentation online that details the plans and vision for the new STEAM Center – just scan the QR code here:

Each month Paulding Junior High School teachers select one Positive Panther per grade level. These students are recognized for the positive character traits they exhibit as students of Paulding Junior High School. Shown in the picture from left are Maria Silvia Gastelum Lopez (Grade 8), Jayla Bittinger (Grade 7), and Avery Parrett (Grade 6).

Each month Paulding Junior High School teachers select one Student of the Month per grade level. These students are recognized for being some of the top academic performers at Paulding Junior High School. Shown in the picture from left are Angel Reno (Grade 6), Devin Scott (Grade 7), and Miranda Lewis (Grade 8).

Van wert, Ohio – Family, friends, and representatives from Vantage Career Center’s 13 associate school districts filled the Van Wert High School gymnasium on Monday, May 18, 2026, to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. As the graduating class of Vantage Career Center’s 50th Anniversary year, the 250 seniors were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout their educational journey. Highlights of the ceremony included Awards of Distinction, special recognitions, and an impressive $843,143 awarded in scholarships, marking a memorable milestone year and reflecting the bright futures ahead for this exceptional graduating class.

The evening reflected the heart of the Vantage experience—celebrating growth, perseverance, and preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Student speaker Brooklyn King, an Early Childhood Education senior from Paulding, captured the spirit of the night in her address, reflecting on the impact Vantage had on her class and the future that lies ahead.

“The foundation we’ve built here will carry us forward, helping us make a difference wherever we go,” King shared. She also reminded her classmates that “we’re not just graduates—we’re the future leaders, creators, caregivers, and change-makers.” Her words reflected not only the journey of the Class of 2026, but also the legacy Vantage has built over the past 50 years, empowering students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed far beyond graduation.

Each year, one student from their career-technical program is selected to receive the prestigious “Award of Distinction,” recognizing exceptional leadership, academic excellence, skill mastery, and character. The 2026 recipients are:

Tyler Gurwell (Auto Collision); Cora Meyer (Ag & Industrial Power); Taten Long (Auto Technologies); Alex Groch (Carpentry); Macie Pugh (Cosmetology); Annelise Price (Early Childhood Education); Brady Thomsen (Electricity); Jayci Blue (Medical Assistant);  Bela Fiedler (Health Technologies); Chase German (Industrial Mechanics); Xander Bartley (Network Systems); Luke Hoffman (Machining & Engineering Technologies); Careen Winans (Sports Exercise Therapy) 

Special industry-sponsored presentations added to the excitement. Kennedy Manufacturing honored two students with high-performance tool chests: Luke Ray (Paulding) received a Machinist’s Rolling Tool Chest as the outstanding Precision Machining senior, and Chase German (Fort Jennings) received a Maintenance Rolling Tool Chest for excellence in Industrial Mechanics.

Numerous scholarships were awarded to students who demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and outstanding program achievement:

Robert C. Stevens Scholarship – Brooklyn Stone (Fort Jennings) and Annabelle Hoffman (Delphos Jefferson); Van Wert Rotary Scholarship – Felicia Martz (Van Wert); Robert Brandt Scholarship – Eric Reinhart (Wayne Trace) presented by Vantage Superintendent Rick Turner; Great Clips Scholarship – Lyla Clem (Antwerp); Marcus Landin Memorial Tool Award – Rhettik Bowers (Continental); Caden Meyer Scholarship – Bryson Pease (Paulding) and Tyler Hankinson (Paulding); Wyatt E. Davis Memorial Award – Careen Winans (Wayne Trace); Zachary J. Wood Scholarship – Landon Nagel  (Van Wert); Robbie Seffernick Memorial Award (for a junior Welding student) – Oliver Kahle (Kalida) 

In addition, 38 students were honored with National Technical Honor Society cords, reflecting their academic excellence and leadership, while five students celebrated a remarkable achievement of perfect attendance throughout the school year, including Hannah Vetter of Van Wert who had perfect attendance for the last two years. 

The evening concluded with recognition of every student who received scholarships during their time at Vantage, totaling an astounding $843,143 awarded to support students’ post-secondary goals. 

As the 250 members of the Class of 2026 begin the next chapter of their journeys through careers, college programs, apprenticeships, and military service, they leave Vantage equipped with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed.

 As the graduating class of Vantage Career Center’s 50th Anniversary year, they carry forward a legacy of excellence while representing the future of skilled professionals and leaders in their communities.

Congratulations to the Vantage Career Center Class of 2026 on this remarkable accomplishment and all that lies ahead.

Senior Academic Awards were presented to: 

Mrs. Webster’s Functional English – Dominik Johnson; Mr. Unverferth’s US Military History – Cole English; Mr. Unverferth’s Financial Literarcy and Sports History – Dylan Schaefer; Mr. Putthoff’s Algerbra II part 2 – Maddisyn Pescosoldo; Ms. Oechsle’s Financial Literacy – Mavericj Grant; Ms. Oechsle’s Sociology – Henry “Hank” Walpole; Mrs. Yenser-Hammon’s English IV – Zaria Harter; Mr. McConahay’s English 12 – Cole English; Mrs. Hortsman’s Advanced Quantitative Reasoning   – Griffin Kosch; Mr. Joyce’s Drones Part 107 – Corbin Sargent; Mrs. Reinhart’s English IV – Cole Miller; Mrs. Reinhart’s English IV – Delana Noggle; Mrs. Kistler’s Math-Geometry – Audrey Dougal; Mrs. Drerup’s Material Science – Zachary Hohlbein; Mrs. Evans’ English 12 – Annelise Price 

The Oakwood Alumni is proud to recognize this year’s scholarship winners. These scholarships were made possible through funds received from the Oakwood Labor Day Alumni Banquet. Pictured (L to R)  Hunter Harwell, Addison Hunt, Dianne Cooper, Xander Schwab

ANTWERP — Antwerp track and field athletes turned in an outstanding performance at the OHSAA District Track and Field Meet at Ayersville recently, highlighted by district championships, school records, and a strong contingent advancing to next week’s regional competition in Fostoria.

Leading the way for the Archers were two district champions. The girls 4×800 relay team captured first place honors, while Amelia Graham earned a district title in the pole vault with a winning performance.

Antwerp also secured two district runner-up finishes as Braxton Peters placed second in the boys pole vault and Reese Durbin finished second in the girls 3200-meter run.

Third-place honors went to Corbin Sargent in the boys 3200-meter run, while the boys 4×800 relay team placed fourth. All of those athletes and relay teams qualified to advance to the regional meet.

Durbin added another major accomplishment to her impressive postseason by breaking Antwerp’s school record in the girls 3200-meter run. Durbin posted a new school-best time of 12:17.17, surpassing the previous record of 12:26.4 set by Alexis Godeke in 2007.

Antwerp athletes also performed well during district preliminaries, qualifying numerous competitors for the district finals (which took place an May 23).

Advancing to finals were Zaine McMichael in both the 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles; Kora Zuber in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash; Mia Stoye in the 300-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash; Reese Durbin in the 1600-meter run and 800-meter run; Colten Sargent in the 800-meter run; and Corbin Sargent and Leigha Doster in the 1600-meter run.

The Archers also qualified both the girls 4×200-meter relay and girls 4×100-meter relay teams consisting of Amelia Graham, Kora Zuber, Gianna Laker, and Mia Stoye.

Additional finals results included Gianna Laker earning a fifth-place finish in the girls 3200-meter run.

April Mindset Marvels for Paulding Elementary all showed an “Attitude of Gratitude”! They are: Bottom row (l-r): Grayson Thompson, Elizabeth Tavares Vasquez, Everly Rittenhouse, Eliana Johnson, Milo Reinhart, and Ensley Salas. Middle row (l-r): Ayralynn Dunakin, Holland Witkouski, Julia Gochenour, Lydia Reinhart, and Garrett McClain. Top row (l-r): Noah Miller, Damian Pena, Gwendalyn Laboe, Carrol Schuchart, Jeyssi Veliz Jimenez. Not pictured: Chloe Gonzales and Payton Schroeder.

By: Makenna Manz, Paulding FFA Reporter

The Paulding FFA Chapter recently competed in the Envirothon at the Williams County Conservation Club on Wednesday April 22th, 2026. 

Envirothon is a competition where different schools from Area 1 take multiple tests and practicums involving the environment. The tests these students took as a team were as follows: Wildlife, Forestry, Soils, and Aquatics and the current issue being Point and Non-Point Source Pollution. 

These students went to a practice day with other schools at Defiance SWCD to prepare and learn more about these topic areas before competing.  

The Paulding FFA Chapter took two teams to compete, consisting of a senior team and a sophomore team. Senior team members were Aleah Matty, Delaney Dachenhaus, Addy Hunt and Jacob Harris and placed an Amazing 5th out of 32 teams. 

The Sophomore team members were Addison Arend, Delaney Johanns, Wesley Grindstaff, Ava Leatherman and Kinzley Collard. This team placed 21st. A special thanks to Paulding SWCD for sponsoring the teams! 

The state contest is June 1-3 in Steubenville Ohio and we are very excited to have a team compete in this once in a lifetime experience. 

The team competing at the state contest will be Aleah Matty, Delaney Dachenhaus, Jacob Harris, Delaney Johanns and Kat Burtch. We want to extend a huge thank you to Paulding SWCD for their support and guidance as we get ready to attend this state event. The team members are very excited to compete to represent Paulding at the State level!

The  Health & Wellness Community Foundation of Hicksville is proud to provide scholarships to area youth as they desire to pursue higher education following high school.

The HWC Foundation recently presented three scholarships to students at Edgerton High School. Recipients are selected based on achievements in academics, participation in activities and demonstrating passion for future goals.

The  Health & Wellness Community Foundation of Hicksville is proud to provide scholarships to area youth as they desire to pursue higher education following high school.

Konnor Wannemacher, a senior at Wayne Trace High School,  was recently recognized by the HWC Foundation as a 2026 scholarship winner in his pursuit of a degree in business from Northwest State Community College.

Recipients are selected based on achievements in academics, participation in activities and demonstrating passion for future goals.