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Hamilton County declares April Child Abuse Prevention Month, honors Wyoming High School state champions
Summary
At its April 2 meeting the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and presented a proclamation recognizing Wyoming High Schoolmen's basketball as the 2026 state champions, citing foster-care statistics and the team's 73-48 title win.
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on April 2 adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and declared April 8, 2026 "Wear Blue Day" to raise public awareness.
The proclamation, read by Vice President Alicia Reece, summarized county services delivered by Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS) and cited that "more than 3,156 youth lived in foster care in Hamilton County over this past year," along with high volumes of hotline reports. "These services ensure that children experiencing abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions receive protection, stability, and the opportunity for a safer future," the proclamation said.
"This is a very important month," Reece said, thanking JFS staff and noting the emotional and difficult nature of child-protection work. Commissioner Denise Driehaus, who said she had been a social worker for more than four decades, added that early recognition of abuse is critical to helping children become healthy adults.
The board also presented a separate proclamation honoring the Wyoming High School men's basketball team for winning the 2026 state championship. The board cited Wyoming's 26-2 season and a 73-48 victory in the title game over Cleveland Glennville, and singled out senior Kellen Wy for a 20-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist game and for becoming the program's all-time leading scorer.
Coach Matt Rooks and several student-athletes thanked the commissioners and described the season as a demonstration of resilience after a prior-year loss. "You didn't just represent your school; you represented all of Hamilton County," President Stephanie Summerow Dumas told the team as the commission recognized the accomplishment.
The proclamations carry no regulatory force; the board encouraged residents to learn about HCJFS services and to participate in awareness activities on April 8.
The board proceeded to its regular agenda after the recognitions.
