The school community gathered for an evening of recognitions during district’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 18.

In honor of Board Recognition Week, Elwood board members were treated with surprise gifts from both students and staff. As a form of gratitude John Glenn’s a capella group, Acapelwood, performed for the board at the start of the meeting. Under the direction of music teacher Joanna Durante, the group harmonized to the song, “True Colors,” which received a standing ovation from central administrators and the board.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert proudly spoke about the high school’s 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence title. He acknowledged the hard-working staff and the board for their leadership in obtaining this honor.

“Leadership starts at the top,” said Dr. Bossert. “The board of education has given the administration, the faculty and staff the resources, the support and the guidance for the initiatives that help us to achieve such a designation in our country.”

On behalf of the high school’s technology department, each board member received a wooden plaque inscribed with the National Blue Ribbon logo and the high school logo. The plaques were created with a laser cutter and reclaimed wood from the old high school bleachers as a sign of appreciation for the board’s commitment to the district.

Dr. Bossert also presented gifts to the high school building administration and the board members in honor of achieving the National Blue Ribbon status. Each received a National Blue Ribbon shirt to wear with pride. JGHS Principal Carisa Burzynski was also presented with a proclamation from Assemblyman Steve Stern’s office, highlighting the milestone.

In addition, 10 outstanding faculty members from the high school were honored during the meeting as 2017-18 Noble Knights of Elwood-John H. Glenn High School. Recipients included Dom Abbate, Garrett Chesnoff, Kevin Harrington, Vickie Henson, Laureen Kennedy, Michael Marino, Allison Peiliker, Therese Regan, Nancy Sherwood and Patricia Vaccaro-Scisci. Each were nominated by a fellow colleague for their valuable contribution to the school community. They were congratulated and received a certificate from Principal Burzynski.