BRIDGEPORT – Bridgeport Exempted Village School District celebrated a plethora of accomplishments, starting with recognition during the Oct. 15 board of education meeting of two students who have been achieving great things as Bulldogs.
Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher commended senior Jaki Threet, who is making his mark on the football field. As quarterback, he made his 1000th rushing yard during the Oct. 3 game.
Fisher said Threet’s example is visible in the halls and classrooms.
“It’s the leadership you bring to the team. You rally your troops.”
Threet has ambitions to total 1,500 rushing yards this season and intends to increase his yards during the Oct. 17 game.
Board member Karrie Puskas was impressed by Threet’s humbleness and team spirit.
“You never make it about yourself. You always make sure you include your whole team,” she said. “That just shows what type of person you are. That you truly believe in your team.”
Ryan Kreiter said Threet has been looking into the district’s history for other Bridgeport players who have gotten 1000 yards. Next semester, Threet will be taking a course where seniors delve into local history and showcase their findings. Kreiter added Threet may only be the second quarterback to get 1000 rushing yards.
“He’s done an excellent job this year.”
Patrick McConnaughy said Threet has garnered attention on the alumni Facebook page. Kori Rosnick said other students look up to Threet, who demonstrates leadership and character off the field
Don Cash said he has often seen Threet going to the extra mile by working out Sunday mornings, and this dedication has paid off.
Fisher also recognized junior Cole Weekley, one of the student members of the school board and who has been selected as a student ambassador to the state. Weekley and about 100 other Ohio students went to Columbus last month to learn more about how laws are made and to provide student input.
Weekley said the program operates under Ohio Attorney General David Yost.
“We got to sit in on a press conference with him,” he said. “That was on human trafficking. Then we had a private meeting with Mr. Dave Yost where we were open to questions. He talked to us and gave us advice.”
Throughout the year, the students will be divided into groups and research issues related to young people and present their findings to Yost along with recommendations about why a new law might or might not be necessary.
“I just thought it’d be a cool opportunity, and it was. You get to meet some really cool people up there,” Weekley said.
He said the students were also encouraged to speak out and make changes at their local school districts. One of the issues he was advised to raise awareness about was human trafficking. He and board members noted that Belmont County was a main thoroughfare for many activities, since major highways, railroads and the Ohio River pass through. Social media safety and educating younger children about the warning signs of human trafficking are also important. Weekley said he was inspired by seeing other students raising awareness and fighting human trafficking.
Weekley said he and the other students will have additional meetings and go on an upcoming tour of the statehouse.
McConnaughy congratulated him.
“Thank you for representing Bridgeport.”
Fisher said both Threet and Weekley exemplified Bridgeport Schools’ culture.
“What they bring to the high school extends far beyond what they’re being recognized for here tonight.”
The board then heard from Curriculum Director Leslie Kosanovic, who looked back on the district’s progress. The past years have reshaped education at Bridgeport Schools. Kosanovic recalled a 2016 trip to the Carnegie Science Center, where administrators were inspired by the Makerspace program that gives students the opportunity to use technology in hands-on projects. The district has since secured grant dollars and implemented Makerspaces.
“It’s the ultimate in project-based instruction.”
Other initiatives include more science, technology, engineering and math programs through Project Lead The Way. The district is also working with Apple and benefitting from the company’s technological support.
“We were a team. We were active at that time, and we remain active today.”
Meanwhile, construction of the grant-funded multipurpose facility to be dubbed “the Bridge” is moving swiftly toward the August 2026 completion date. Contractors with Beaver Construction that are working on the Bridge were invited to speak to students about career options. Kosanovic said the YouScience program which measures student aptitude suggested young people who might have an interest in the construction field. Some have scheduled tours of the Bridge site.
Kosanovic expects these developments will further improve the district’s performance on the 2024/2025 state report card, where Bridgeport Schools scored four out of five stars in college career, workforce and military readiness.
“I was super proud of that because I think it’s a reflection of everybody in this room.”
In terms of college, career and workforce readiness she said Bridgeport Schools ranks fifth out of 21 similar school districts across the state, grouped by criteria such as size, rural locations and economic conditions.
Superintendent Brent Ripley added students are taking full advantage of the College Credit Plus options on offer. More students are graduating high school with college credit hours, credentials and a plan in life.
Education Management Information System Coordinator Andrea Criswell then reported an increase in district enrollment since the end of last school year.
Ripley also reported talks with Belmont College about offering drone operator certification classes at the district next school year.
“We are creating a hub for Belmont County,” Ripley said. He added the district has plans for partnerships with educational institutions in West Virginia.
