Center Grove honors teachers, students and state-champion wrestlers at March board meeting

The Center Grove board used its March 19 meeting to recognize several staff and student achievements across the district.

Jason Weisland, principal of Middle School Central, introduced Leslie Ritter, a sixth-grade special education teacher, and praised her seamless transition into the middle school setting and dedication to students. Weisland also recognized Ashley Hill, the school's attendance clerk, for her role managing daily office operations for more than 1,300 students and roughly 125 staff at the school. Seventh-grader Maddie Wade was invited forward and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Megan Curtis, director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, announced that Lisa Lafavers, an instructional coach at North Grove Elementary, was honored with the Reading League Indiana's Science of Reading Champion Award; the board said the Reading League selected three winners statewide and each recipient received a $1,000 prize. "This award recognizes Indiana educators who demonstrate exemplary leadership in implementing evidence-aligned reading instruction," Curtis said.

Tracy McMahon, principal at the high school, introduced the wrestling team and coaches, celebrated what she described as a record season and the district's first state championship in wrestling, and noted head coach Maurice Swain was named Indiana Coach of the Year. McMahon also recognized senior student council leaders and advisors (Jess Goodman and Alice Thompson) for leadership and community service; the student council's October food drive collected more than 300 cans for the Johnson County Interchurch Food Pantry, and the board noted the student-led pep rally draws roughly 3,000 students and about 200 staff.

These recognitions were presented during the meeting's recognitions and presentations portion and were accepted with applause and thanks from trustees and staff.