BRIDGEPORT – The Bulldogs celebrated their high-achieving athletes who are going the extra mile in their commitment to excellence.
On Jan. 8 the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District media center was packed with students and proud parents and families welcomed by the Board of Education.
Top football players were recognized following the season. Logan Baker earned All Mid-Ohio Valley League, All Ohio Eastern District, All Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, All Ohio Valley Football Coaches Association, and All Ohio; A.J. Bishop earned All MOVL, All Ohio Eastern District, All OVAC, All OVFCA, and All Ohio; Brode Brown earned All MOVL, All Ohio Eastern District and All Ohio; Lyrik Brown, All MOVL; Chad Coulsen, All MOVL; Avery Jackson, All MOVL and All Ohio Eastern District; Jaki Threet, All MOVL, All Ohio Eastern District, All OVAC and All Ohio.
Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher was proud of his students and happy to recognize their accomplishments. He said their hard work is benefiting them on and off the field.
“It’s about the character development, the life lessons they learn, everything they get out of that,” Fisher said, adding the players were highly motivated to improve.
“The work that they choose to put in is really important,” he said. “They choose these opportunities to better themselves.”
Bridgeport Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson presented middle schoolers who participated in a basketball skills clinic held by coach Marcus Vincent during the summer and at the start of the school year to enhance their performance on the court. She welcomed the parents who attended the meeting with their children.
“It’s very heartwarming for me to see parents walk in with a smile on their face, to know that we are recognizing and here to support and help our kids grow and develop physically, emotionally and educationally.”
Havery Lawson said the students were showing their quality early and it is rewarding to see them grow in ability and confidence throughout middle school.
“What stands out to me as an educator is work ethic is very, very important,” she said. “I see the work ethic that is portrayed by these gentlemen.”
Bridgeport Elementary Principal Kamaron Sabinski also spotlit fourth grader Julee. The 10-year-old was the youngest participant in the mainly middle school skills clinic and demonstrated ability, hard work and leadership.
“You stood out. You made an impression,” Sabinski said. “Keep it up.”
Superintendent Brent Ripley encouraged the middle schoolers to stay committed to strengthening the skills they have learned and to promote services like the skills clinic.
“Your energy and your positivity will help attract other kids into these programs.”
Sabinski said the school was also grateful for the work of board-certified behavioral analyst Haley Rauschenberg and registered behavioral technician Kate Grimes, both with the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. Sabinski commended their work behind the scenes observing and collecting classroom data and helping teachers and paraprofessionals address the individual needs of students who are having challenges adjusting to school.
“It’s a big team, working together.”
Rauschenberg and Grimes work hand-in-hand with the students to ensure that children who need additional support get it.
“These women are incredible,” Sabinski said. “They get to know these children, the teachers, the parents, the backgrounds, work with everyone involved.”
Sabinski said their dedication to the students shines through.
Grimes thanked Sabinski, adding since starting work in August at Bridgeport, she was embraced wholeheartedly by the district team.
“It’s easy to support other people when you feel supported,” she said. “That’s also very much appreciated. It’s a ripple effect.”
