Board recognizes student leadership and a National Merit semifinalist at Bravo Awards

Superintendent Doctor Gibbs and cabinet staff presented the district’s new Bravo Awards at the Committee of the Whole, recognizing students who serve on the Student Leadership Council and celebrating a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist from Collegiate Academy.

Gibbs said the board recently approved a nine‑member Student Leadership Council selected by application; three students were present to receive recognition: Hao'o Ibrahim (Collegiate Academy), Jenna Johnson (Collegiate Academy), and Arpano Quincal (Erie High School). Gibbs read a roster of other student leaders who could not attend and asked the board and audience to applaud the entire council.

Gibbs also recognized Janelia (Jamelia/Janelia spelling in transcript) King of Collegiate Academy as the district’s National Merit semifinalist. She described the selection as “an amazing accomplishment” and noted semifinalists are drawn from the top 1% of test takers nationally. Gibbs said a small group of students met former President Barack Obama at an event and that social media engagement from those posts increased the district’s follower count.

Gibbs said the Bravo Awards will alternate monthly between student recognition and staff recognition; October will focus on principals (National Principal Month) and custodial staff (National Custodial Workers’ Day on Oct. 2). The superintendent asked the board to join in celebrating students and staff at school events and photos.

Why it matters: the awards are intended to highlight student leadership and staff contributions, to strengthen school and district culture, and to provide public recognition that supports community engagement and morale.