BATESVILLE
S HARRISON
Page 14A THE BEACON January 2018
BATESVILLE
By Sue Siefert
Community Correspondent
batesville @ goBEACONnews . com
Batesville High School receives “ Silver Status ”
BHS was awarded “ Silver Status ” for its performance in the Dual Credit program . During the 2015-16 school year , 52 % of students earned at least one college credit hour . Superintendent Ketcham commented , “ We appreciate the efforts of Indiana Department of Education to recognize BCSC for their partnership with Ivy Tech Community College . The Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment classes provided our students via Ivy Tech are an amazing investment for our students , school families , and our community .”
Warming Hearts at Christmas
Families Helping Families project director , Jim Saner , works with members of Batesville area churches to , " ensure every kid in the Batesville area has a Christmas .” His committee includes his wife Maureen , Faith Batta , Susan Dreyer , Maureen Harpring ,
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State Sen . Jean Leising , BHS Principal Andy Allen , Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr . Jennifer McCormick , and BHS Superintendent Paul Ketcham .
Amy Watson and Amy Weigel . Six Batesville Area Ministerial Association churches also participate in the effort .
The committee raises between $ 25,000 and $ 30,000 , and strives to provide two gifts valued at approximately $ 60 to children ages 18 and under , and prides themselves in shopping locally .
Jim added , " We also try to give each family a Kroger ( or similar ) gift card " valued at $ 50- $ 150 depending on family size for a holiday dinner . Last year we gave out a little over $ 10,000 in Kroger cards ."
Faith Batta noted , " There is a lot of satisfaction when the families come to receive their packages and we see their gratitude . People will leave notes expressing ' Thank you ! God bless you !' making our efforts most gratifying ."
Communities
John Meer uses his passion and skill to give back to the teachers and school that he loves .
As we count our blessings this Christmas , St . Louis School educators are sure to count John Meer , son of Kip and Nancy Meer , as principal , Chad Moeller , shares the following :
John Meer , a seventh grade student , has found a way to use his passion and skill to give back to the teachers and school that he loves . He is a young man who recognizes the people who ' ve helped him over the years and he ' s giving back the best way he can .
John is very mechanically inclined and he loves working with his hands . At school he spends free time fixing pencil sharpeners , tightening loose desks , repairing broken picture frames , or any other numerous tasks . At home John lives on a farm where he has gained much knowledge of tools and a tremendous work ethic . He uses that knowledge before school and occasionally during recess , helping teachers with whatever needs repaired or just a quick turn of the screw .
When asked why he does this , John replied , " I enjoy helping people and I want to do something for my teachers . They have been very good to me for a long time ." Second grade teacher Jan Narwold commented , " Sometimes I have nothing that needs fixed , so John will sit down and read with my students ." John is a kind young man who is a role model for kids , as well as adults , for giving back to those who have helped you along the way .
I share this story with Beacon readers as a reminder of how sometimes the simplest gesture can make a significant impact upon others . While the glittering Christmas lights and packages tied-up with ribbon are part of the festive season , the true meaning of Christmas can be found in how you do unto others all year .
Wishing you a Merry Christmas full of the love of family and friends … and may how you do unto others speak volumes about you in the New Year too !
That ’ s Sue ’ s news for 2017 !
S HARRISON
By Nicole Williams
Community Correspondent
harrison @ goBEACONnews . com
“ Baby it ’ s cold outside !” The annual Christmas Parade in Downtown , Harrison on Dec . 2 is always a festive way to bring on the holiday spirit . Families bundle up to witness the Christmas tree light up the evening sky with Santa standing nearby ready for pictures . I can ’ t believe it is almost time to pull out our sleds and dig out our favorite Christmas cookie recipes .
With the upcoming New Year offering a fresh start , we will also have a new beginning for our local school system . After a long and intense , “ Stand for Southwest ” debate , Harrison residents voted on and passed the school bond issue 25 . The community saw the overcrowding and deteriorating school buildings and responded in full force . Many local churches , businesses and the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce came out to push for the vote .
WEBERDING ’ S CARVING SHOP , INC . WOULD LIKE TO INVITE EVERYONE TO VISIT US THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON CHRISTMAS SALES EVERY THURSDAY , FRIDAY AND SATURDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS WE HAVE THE MOST UNIQUE ITEMS IN THE AREA WE OFFER WOOD ORNAMENTS , BOXES , BASKETS , INSPIRATIONAL , LAST SUPPER PLAQUES , ETC . ITEMS $ 1.50 AND UP Weberding ’ s Carving Shop Batesville , IN
School administrators give thanks for the passing of school bond 25 .
The school bond Issue 25 covers the construction of new school facilities in Harrison . After input from more than 1,000 community representatives , the Southwest Local Board of education approved a facilities master plan that calls for four new schools and extensive renovations to Harrison High School . The new buildings will replace the district ’ s existing junior school and all four elementary schools . A new junior school will be built near the existing Harrison Junior School . Three new elementary schools will be built-one at the Crosby Elementary Site , another behind Harrison Elementary and a third behind the Junior School / High School .
The current master plan will receive state funding equal up to thirty-two percent . The district will soon begin working with the State of Ohio to select an architect and design firm . Construction is projected to begin in 2019 and expecting the new schools to be completed and ready for the students in 2021 . Superintendent John C . Hamstra commented shortly after the vote thanking everyone involved for their support . “ The positive outcome of the election shows their willingness to make the type of investment necessary to ensure the success of current and future students . In fact , this decision will positively impact this community and our students both now and for the next fifty years !”
In the spirit of giving , Harrison residents can now access a unique and convenient way to donate to those in need . Pathways to Home , a non-profit , unveiled their new 24 / 7 Give and Take Pantry located at 9141 Kilby Road . The point of the pantry is to provide food at a minutes ’ notice . The building is set up so people can drop off items whenever they can as well as take things . You do not need to go through a vetting process to pick things up , and it is anonymous . The pantry appreciates any donations of non-perishable foods , household and hygiene products and baby supplies .
Cheers to a great year here in Harrison ! I can ’ t wait to see what the next year will bring to our awesome community .
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