Students, staff recognized
Published 2:21 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2016
- CARSON REEHER | HERALD From left, Earnest Allen, Gabriela Ancajas and Anita Harris were introduced during the meeting as this month’s recognized staff.
The Cumberland County School Board recognized students and faculty members for their achievements during the board’s regular meeting Oct. 10.
“I am both pleased and proud that we had students from Cumberland attend such high-quality summer programs such as the Minority Law Institute, Call Me Mister, and the National Academy of Future Scientist and Technologists,” Superintendent Amy Griffin said.
Griffin said it took the board two meetings to recognize all those students who participated in summer programs. Previous recognitions took place during September’s board meeting.
The board presented Devon Rivera-Reed with a framed certificate for representing Cumberland High School and Virginia at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. The three-day conference took place in Boston with the theme “Greatness Awaits,” with science and technology leaders mentoring students.
ELIZABETH JAMERSON
From left, Donald Biggs and Christopher Walker were chosen as students of the month for Cumberland Elementary and Cumberland High schools, respectively. Not pictured is Mekhi Blakey, student of the month at Cumberland Middle School.
Cumberland High School (CHS) junior Jonathan Langhorn received a certificate of recognition for his participation in the Call Me Mister program. The nationally recognized teacher leadership program provides young men with preparation resources for successful careers as elementary or secondary teachers. Dr. Maurice Carter led the free week long program at Longwood University.
The board also recognized three students for their attendance at the 16th annual Minority Law and Research Institute, which took place at the Law Center of Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, La. Kaylah Paras, Sadei Trent and Teyanna Braxton represented CHS at the institute where underrepresented students were encouraged to pursue careers in law. Only 50 students participated in the summer program.
Board members also announced the students of the month — one for each school. Donald Biggs, Mekhi Blakey and Christopher Walker received the honors for the elementary, middle and high schools, respectively.
Administrators chose Biggs, a third-grader, for his work ethic, kindness and positive attitude.
Middle school administration selected Blakey for his “all-around great personality.” Blakey enjoys sports, singing in the church choir and playing video games, but his real passion is cooking, he said.
Walker, the high school student of September, is in dual enrollment with Southside Virginia Community College, where he will receive an associate’s degree in May 2018.
“Our students will remember these experiences for the rest of their lives while preparing them to be lifelong learners, workers, and good citizens,” Griffin said.
CARSON REEHER | HERALD Devon Rivera-Reed stands with his framed certificate as the school board recognizes him for his participation in the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders over the summer.
The board also chose three staff members for “Meet the Staff” recognition. Earnest Allen, Gabriela Ancajas and Anita Harris were introduced during the meeting as this month’s recognized staff.
Allen teaches eighth grade special education and coaches the middle school football team. He is also a former CHS student and attended both Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University.
Ancajas, a new chemistry teacher, has 23 years of teaching experience, with 14 of them in the Philippines.
“I believe it is crucial to build strong relationships with my students as I truly want to understand them and also show that I care,” Ancajas said.
Finally, Harris is the instructional technology specialist for Cumberland County Public Schools. She has 20 years of education experience.
Also during the board meeting, school board members agreed unanimously on the proposed 2017-18 budget calendar and the adjusted Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2017-2022.
The CIP sets three projects as priorities. The replacement of carpet with tile or concrete flooring at the elementary school is the highest priority with an estimated cost of around $200,000, depending on whether tile or concrete is chosen.
Griffin said the current carpet has been there for more than 20 years and is an issue.
Removing the pod buildings and replacing the athletic complex grandstands are the second and third priorities. They are estimated to cost approximately $45,000 and $151,000, respectively.
After the board’s approval, the CIP will be evaluated by the county administration, followed by the County CIP Committee, planning commission and board of supervisors. The plan will be adopted in April, following review and public hearing.
