Teachers and staff honored; Clark Middle School reports 246 NJHS inductions since 2022

During the public-comment and recognition portion of the meeting the board presented the Mickey and Ruth Kimberly Good Idea Awards, honored staff and heard a student presentation from Clark Middle School's National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).

Speaker 6 introduced the award program, described Mickey and Ruth Kimberly's advocacy for people with disabilities and announced two co-winners after narrowing multiple nominees. Amanda Johnson (speaker 9), introduced as the first winner, accepted the award and thanked nominators, family and her Riley Wildcats class. "I want to thank those who nominated me for the Mickey and Ruth Kimberly Good Idea Award and the Benson School Board for recognizing me here tonight," Johnson said.

Becky Anderson (speaker 8) introduced family members of the Kimberly family who attended. The board and attendees also recognized district staff: Jessica Wensey (Franklin employee of the month) was commended for her special-education work and committee involvement, and Sarah Lowe was celebrated for about 20 years of service at the Harris Center.

Students from Clark Middle School described NJHS membership requirements (a 3.33 GPA minimum), the five NJHS pillars (scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship), volunteer-hour expectations and the group's activities. Maya Fleetwood (speaker 12) said the chapter has inducted 246 students since it started in 2022.

Board members congratulated winners and retirees and thanked the Kimberly family for attending the ceremony.