Anthony Wayne students celebrated for regional, state and national wins in band, DECA and athletics

The Anthony Wayne Board of Education recognized a string of student achievements April 13, highlighting national titles, state qualifiers and high participation across music, career‑tech and athletic programs.

Superintendent John Herman opened the presentations, noting that many students will soon take state tests but that extracurriculars remain central to student success. "We feel that they're prepared," Herman said, introducing the evening's student showcases.

Band Director Mr. Young told the board Symphonic Winds and marching ensembles performed more than 60 times during the school year and have participated in major parades and conferences, including the Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Parade (2021), Disney Magic Kingdom (2022) and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade (2024). Young said the district currently counts 161 high‑school band members, 120 junior high band members and 175 students at Fallen Timbers, with a marching band roster of about 150. "We perform over 60 times throughout the school year," he said.

Becky Stutz, DECA instructor, introduced students who won regional and national honors. DECA president Arjun Jayaram and peers said a team project — a three‑minute recruitment video about energy careers submitted to the Center G for Energy Workforce Development — advanced to nationals and earned a $1,500 award split among three students. "We're going to be at Atlanta in about a week receiving our award for Nationals. We won a $1,500 split among the three of us," one student said.

Students also detailed qualifications via the Virtual Business Challenge, the Stock Market Game and role‑play competitions that led to invitations to the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta.

Athletics director Mr. Schneider summarized the winter season’s numbers and honors: 314 winter athletes (196 high‑school, 118 junior high) and approximately 1,000 student athletes districtwide (grades 7–12) across fall, winter and spring. Schneider noted multiple team and individual accomplishments — girls basketball as Northern Lakes League champions, girls swimming/diving as NLL champions, state qualifiers in gymnastics, and a dance team OHSAA state title. He also highlighted the cheer program’s national championship in Florida and state honors in Columbus.

Coach Carolyn Strunk and gymnastics coach Julia Foster presented specific state qualifying athletes and team achievements. Strunk listed four boys who swam in the 200 freestyle relay at the OHSAA state championships and called out Brennan Jenkins for All‑Ohio recognition in the 50‑yard freestyle. Foster said gymnastics qualified for the OHSAA state championship for the fourth consecutive year.

Cheer coaches Robin Buffy and Erica Black described a season that included setbacks and a comeback to win a national title, crediting athletes’ flexibility and senior leadership.

The board and audience applauded all student groups and acknowledged DECA instructor Becky Stutz, who will retire this spring after more than three decades with the district and was honored for an "Honorary Life Membership" award from DECA.

The celebration concluded before the board moved into routine business and personnel items.