Kelsey Bushong, an education academy student from Kenton, attended the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP) Board of Education meeting on Wednesday to share what she appreciates about English language arts instructor Ryan Gilbert. In recognition of his work at OHP, Gilbert recently received the Milken Educator Award. He is the first OHP teacher to receive this award since its inception in 1987. (OHPCC PHOTO)
An Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP) teacher received the honor of a lifetime last month when he earned national recognition for his work. His achievement was spotlighted at OHP’s final 2023 board of education meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
According to the school’s website, English language arts instructor (grades 11 and 12) Ryan Gilbert is one of 75 teachers from across the country to receive a 2023-2024 Milken Educator Award (MEA).
The award included a $25,000 prize Gilbert can use as he chooses, as detailed in an Examiner article when the award was announced.
“Every day Ryan finds new ways to illustrate how his lessons will translate outside of the classroom and into life,” Greg Gallagher, MEA senior program director, told OHP. Gallagher surprised Gilbert with the prestigious award at an all-school assembly on Nov. 30.
A 2008 graduate of the University of Toledo, Gilbert is known for sharing passages from works like Beowulf while playing the harp, and giving students agency in choosing their research projects. Students look forward to his Honors English unit due to the way he delves into the symbolism of epic poetry, often including music and indulging in food from the time period.
During Wednesday’s meeting, students shared their admiration for Gilbert. Kelsey Bushong, an education academy student from Kenton, described him as “always kind, caring and helpful. She wasn’t surprised he received the award, adding, “I’ve learned so much from him.”
Caleb Ferguson, a Riverside culinary arts student, said he looked forward to his class with Gilbert, stating the teacher has had “the biggest impact on my educational life.”
In other board news:
• Jeff Burroughs was recognized for his 20 years of service on the OHP board of education.
• The board approved the Business Equipment Company (BEC) as the supplier and installer of furniture for the renovated administration building. They will be paid $90,000.
• They also approved the selection of a contractor and authorized the superintendent and treasurer to lawfully procure contractors, vendors and suppliers needed to complete renovations to the administration building within the 2024 calendar year.
• As OHP students anticipate graduation and taking the next steps in their career, they often struggle with expenses related to getting started. With that in mind, OHP has established the ASPIRE Champions Fund, which provides scholarships to graduates in need of financial assistance as they move forward.
Now the school is looking for corporate and private sponsors to help students in one or all of the 4Es: Employment, Entrepreneurship, Enrollment or Enlistment. And they have four financial levels to choose from: bronze ($1,000), silver ($3,000), gold ($5,000) and platinum ($10,000).
To find out more about this opportunity, call OHP at 937-599-3010 or contact Laurie Showalter at lshowalter.
• December’s main campus students of the month are Hope Brownlee, criminal justice, Riverside; and Duskin Jones, graphic media arts, Benjamin Logan.
• The following internship agreements were accepted: Maple Crest Senior Living Village, Bluffton; Pleasant Precision, Inc. & Round Mate, Kenton; Superior Plastics, Inc., Plain City; and Wings Support & Recovery, Marysville.
• Veronica A. Blair, facilities and grounds administrative assistant, put in her resignation, effective Jan. 5.
• A textbook and accompanying workbook titled Nursing Assisting: A Foundation in Caregiving were approved for content within the Champaign County AHN program.
• Matthew Evans has been hired as a van driver on a non-teacher, as-needed basis—pending receipt of BCI/FBI official documentation and van driver certification—at $18.50 an hour.
• The board authorized the renewal of their Ohio School Boards Association annual membership and approved the treasurer to pay the dues and fees for the same.
The next OHP board of education meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24.