Merrill Area Public Schools Board honors Noah Klug and Big Brothers Big Sisters team

The Merrill Area Public Schools Board of Education meeting on May 14, 2025, highlighted significant community engagement and recognition of local achievements. The meeting commenced with a formal roll call, affirming the presence of all board members, and set a professional tone for the evening.

A key moment of the meeting was the recognition of outstanding contributions from local youth and community partners. Chris Austin from Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Wisconsin presented two awards that underscored the importance of mentorship in the community. The first award, the High School Big of the Year, was awarded to Noah Klug from Merrill High School. Klug has been a dedicated volunteer since 2022, demonstrating exceptional commitment by mentoring multiple students, even while balancing his responsibilities as a three-sport athlete.

The second award, the Community Partners Award, was presented to a group of 17 individuals from the Merrill Public Schools who have significantly contributed to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Their efforts have led to the establishment of two new pilot programs this year, enhancing mentorship opportunities for local youth. The number of active matches between "bigs" and "littles" has impressively increased from 24 to 53, showcasing the positive impact of these initiatives.

The meeting also included a public comment segment, although no comments were submitted. This reflects a potential area for increased community engagement in future meetings. Overall, the discussions and recognitions at this meeting not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collaborative efforts within the community to support youth development and mentorship. As the board continues to prioritize these initiatives, the positive outcomes for students and families in the Merrill area are expected to grow.