Menard board honors students for achievements in career tech and spring sports

In a vibrant gathering at the Mentor Board of Education meeting on July 10, 2025, the atmosphere buzzed with pride and celebration as students were recognized for their remarkable achievements in various competitions. The evening began with Mr. Heath introducing an addendum to the agenda, focusing on administrative staff recommendations for the Menard High School principal position, setting the stage for a night dedicated to honoring student excellence.

Dr. Joe Glavin took the podium, expressing his admiration for the career technical education students who had qualified for state competitions. He highlighted the dedication and success of 23 students who showcased their skills in various career tech organizations, a testament to the quality of education they received. The audience was treated to a parade of accolades as students from DECA and SkillsUSA were called up to receive recognition for their outstanding performances.

Among the DECA students, Tayah McDonald stood out, clinching first place in professional selling and qualifying for the national competition in Orlando, Florida. Other notable mentions included Johnny Prentice and Cameron Taylor, who secured third place in financial services team decision-making, and several others who ranked in the top ten across various categories.

The celebration continued with the SkillsUSA students, who excelled in fields ranging from computer programming to automotive technology. Devin Alex earned fifth place in computer programming, while a team of students showcased their creativity in sculpture, earning ninth place. Their achievements underscored the diverse talents nurtured within the district's career and technical education programs.

As the evening progressed, the focus shifted to the spring sports teams, with Mr. Cassella leading the recognition of student-athletes who qualified for state tournaments. Theodore Vanno made history as the first Mentor tennis player to advance to the state tournament since the late 1990s, while the girls' 4x100 meter relay team broke a 21-year school record, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.

The boys' track team also shone brightly, with several athletes achieving personal and school records. Dominic Burns qualified for the state meet in the 110 high hurdles, and Aidan Shields broke long-standing records in the 800 meter, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.

As the meeting drew to a close, the sense of community and support for these students was palpable. The board members and educators expressed their gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the students, their families, and the instructors who guided them. This evening of recognition not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also highlighted the strength and potential of the Mentor Public Schools community, leaving attendees inspired for the future.