Harrison County BoE

In The News with Harrison County Schools

**NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS**
Five Harrison County students were recognized at the March 2, 2010 Board of Education meeting for becoming finalists in this year’s National Merit Scholarship Program. These young people earned one of the highest honors students can achieve by scoring in the top ½ of 1 percent of all students in the U.S that took the National Merit Qualifying test. They further submitted the required transcripts, essays and solid SAT scores that propelled them from semifinalist to finalist status. This is the 55^th year for the National Merit Scholarship program, sponsored by both businesses and educational institutions. This non-profit group will make available more than $36 million in college scholarships for qualified students from around the country. Students who make the finalist category show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies The students are: From Bridgeport High School, Allen Y. Chen, son of Charlie and Jane Chen; also from Bridgeport, Jake A. Stafford, son of Allen and Lisa Stafford; from Robert C. Byrd High School, Bethany M. Dzielski, daughter of Frank and Kathy Dzielski; a home-schooled student, Clare M. Tillman, daughter of Michael and Mary Tillman, and a home-schooled student, Kelsey N. Beevers, daughter of Eric and Kathy Beevers. They were congratulated, along with their parents and the educators that helped them along the way. And the Board wished them continued success in all their future academic endeavors. Posted 3-18-10

**WV REGIONAL SCIENCE BOWL**
Bridgeport High School has the makings of a dynasty as their science bowl team has won the state championship again – the second time since 2007. They were recognized during the March 2, 2010 Board of Education meting. These five young people competed against students from around the state on February 13 in Morgantown. They outperformed a number of larger schools to win the championship of the 19^th annual West Virginia Regional Science Bowl held at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. They were once again trained by their long-time coach, retired guidance counselor Barbara Judy. “These are very dedicated and confident students,” she said. “This competition benefits them because they learn a great deal more when they study for the Bowl than they would have learned from just taking a class.” They recognized the captain, senior Heather McKibben, senior Allen Chen, sophomore Weston Pallay and freshman Sai Nelanuthala. Not able to attend was senior Ian Murray. The Board commended them for all their hard work and congratulated them for winning the state science bowl. And they wished them Good Luck! in the national competition in April in Washington, D.C. Posted 3-18-10

**BRIDGEPORT BOYS SWIM TEAM**

During the March 2, 2010 Harrison County Board of Education meeting, the Bridgeport High School boys’ swim team was recognized for accomplishing a first - the first-ever state title for the team. After two straight runners-up finishes the last two years, the Indians managed to capture the state title on Feb. 19 at WVU’s Natatorium. They outscored the defending state champ, George Washington, by a score of 209-191.5, an impressive display of team work and stamina. According to their coach, Jan Grisso, these champions are more than good swimmers, they’re fine young men. And they not only excel in swimming, but they are also excellent in academics. The Board congratulated them and said their statewide achievement reflects well on them, their school and all of Harrison County. Team members are shown with Coach Grisso and Board President Paul Howe III. Posted 3-18-10