BRIDGEPORT – The Bulldogs closed out an amazing school year and the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District board of education honored some high achievers and contributors June 30.
Recognition went to 2025 graduate Daniel Goff who made the Bulldogs proud in his baseball career, earning First-Team All-Ohio recognition in May. His coach, Bill Timko, said Goff was committed to excellence and took initiative in practice.
“There’s no one worked harder than Danny,” he said. “The kid loves baseball.”
Afterward, Timko added very few baseball players earn this honor.
Superintendent Brent Ripley said he had a firsthand view since he often saw Goff putting the work in before the rest of the world was even awake.
“It’s nice to see student athletes starting to buy in, and I appreciate you leading that by example. Hard work pays off, especially when it’s consistent hard work.”
Bridgeport High Principal Jack Fisher commended Goff for the hours he put in individually and as part of the team to earn his achievement.
“We’re really proud of you.”
Fisher also commended the softball team for their Ohio Valley Athletic Conference championship win, and coach Hannah Boyer, who was named OVAC Coach of the Year. Boyer has demonstrated exceptional leadership during her first year as a teacher and coach and Fisher said they look forward to seeing what more she will accomplish in the future.
“She does an absolutely amazing job.”
Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson congratulated Eilyn and Logan,whoearned Sportsmanship Awards by demonstrating leadership and character. The students are nominated by their teachers and coaches. Jordanearned the Beyond the Game Award for exemplary leadership.
The Best of the Bulldogs Awards for overall character went to Kara, Karmyn, Braylonand Brett.
“Congratulations to all of you. It’s an honor for me to be able to come and recognize your achievement,” Haverty Lawson said.
The middle school is also welcoming new fifth and sixth grade Social Studies and math teacher Gracie Gardner, who will begin the 2025/2026 school year. She looks forward to working with students on some inventive Social Studies projects.
The board also spoke about the recent alumni banquet June 28. McConnaughy congratulated board member Don Cash as one of the four honorees named to the Alumni Hall of Fame.
“He is vital to a lot of the decisions we make,” board member Patrick McConnaughy said of Cash, who has served on the board for 28 years. “He puts the best interest of the district and the kids first.”
Cash reiterated the message of his speech at the banquet: to never forget where you came from, and always give back in some way.
Board member Karrie Puskas said it was fitting that all honorees spoke about how teachers influenced their lives. This served as a reminder for educators who might not realize the impact they make. She added the continued support of Bridgeport alumni make it possible to award scholarships to new graduates.
Last but far from least, the late May groundbreaking of the state-funded multipurpose facility to be dubbed “the Bridge” garnered attention and enthusiasm. All five board members referred to notes of encouragement and thanks from different community leaders, teachers and alumni, many of whom expressed an interest in using the Bridge or potentially working with the services to be on offer.
When completed in 2026, the Bridge will stand beside the elementary school building and provide education and training, health and community services for Bridgeport and the surrounding areas.
