Great things going on in schools

By Steve Sayers: Great things are happening in the Amherst Schools these days. With approximately 4,300 students and 450 staff members it is easy to find people who are making a difference.

Recently fifth grade students at Nord Middle School were given an opportunity to display Good Citizenship. The students had to come up with a way to serve others in our community.

Some of the projects included collecting food for the needy, delivering cookies to nursing home residents, and doing "good deeds" for neighbors. These young students are to be commended for their creative community efforts.

Olivia Cotton, Lyndon Cayayan, Michael Sanchez, and Hilary Carrender auditioned for and were named to this year's All State Choir sponsored by the Ohio Music Educators Association. Congratulations to these talented students who will perform at the OMEA convention in early 2010.

Recently students from Mrs. Haney's Medical Technology class at Steele High School helped with the Harris Walk-A-Thon. The students were in charge of the water station and some of the students walked with the younger students and several more worked on the pledge sheets. They were really a big help to the staff and students and are proof of some of the great students we have in our schools.

Amherst Junior High teacher, Simone Gall, did a 9/11 tribute with the AJH choir students on Sept. 11, 2009. Many of the students chose to write letters to the family of Lorain native Lance Cpl. David R. Hall, who was killed Aug. 31 in Afghanistan while serving with the Marines. His family will be invited to attend the Veteran's Day assembly at the school so that they may receive the heartfelt letters that the students wrote.

On Saturday, September 19, 2009, The Amherst Marching Comets placed second in Class AA. The band was one of four groups (out of ten) to be awarded with the distinction of making it to state. This is now the eighth year in a row the band has participated in competitive events making it to State every year since they started competing.

The Amherst Marching Comets also hold a fantastic record of receiving a "superior" rating at every District Contest which totals now more than 20 events in the last eight years. The band will travel to Columbus on Saturday, Oct. 31, to perform at the state level. Congratulations to the Marching Comets.

Finally, I would like to recognize the many, many parent volunteers who work in our schools each day. Whether it is serving on the various PTO's, coordinating meals for various sports teams, assisting their cheerleader-daughter in scrapbook projects, attending booster club meetings to offer support, helping with science fairs, organizing special events such as walk-a-thons and citizenship projects, or making play-dough for the preschool students. Thank you for making a difference! It is only by partnering with students, parents, staff, and community members that we can continue to keep Amherst Schools an excellent place to learn.

Go Comets!