Smithville Schools Celebrate Jake Cruz as Male Athlete of the Year and PBIS Achievements

Under the bright lights of the Smithville School District Board of Education meeting, a palpable sense of pride filled the room as the board recognized outstanding achievements within the community. The evening began with heartfelt accolades, celebrating the accomplishments of students and staff alike.

Jake Cruz, a standout athlete from the Smithville baseball team, was honored as the male athlete of the year. His remarkable season included being named conference player of the year and setting a new school record with eight home runs in a single season. With his family by his side, Jake shared his excitement about signing a national letter of intent to play baseball at State Fair Community College, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.

The meeting continued with the announcement of impressive accolades for the district's elementary schools. For the first time, all three schools—Maple, Eagle Heights, and Horizon—earned statewide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) honors. Maple and Eagle Heights received the tier 3 award of excellence, while Horizon was recognized with a tier 1 honor. These awards reflect the schools' commitment to fostering a positive school culture and ensuring that every child thrives in a supportive learning environment.

Assistant principals from Maple and Horizon shared their enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts that led to these recognitions. They emphasized the hard work and dedication of their teams, highlighting the extensive documentation and teamwork required to achieve such honors. The spirit of cooperation among the schools was evident, as they celebrated their collective success rather than working in isolation.

In addition to student achievements, the board recognized the efforts of local food establishments, including the district's elementary schools and their food service partner, OPA. These institutions received the 2024 Food Safety Excellence Award from the Clay County Public Health Center, acknowledging their commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation.

As the meeting progressed, the board expressed gratitude for the community's support and the hard work of staff members who contribute to the district's success. The evening concluded with a sense of optimism and determination, as the board looked forward to continuing their efforts to enhance the educational experience for all students in the Smithville School District.