On May 15, 50 middle school band students from the SOLSD joined together for the 3rd Annual Middle School District Band.  This year's event was held at Monroe Central High School.  Band directors Jennifer Bohach, Tom Myers, Doug Maschue, and Alex Szaruga worked with their students to learn the music.  The students then came together from all five elementary schools to rehearse for one day and then perform the same evening for the public.  

SOLSD is filled with very talented students, and it was great for them to work together with other students in the same district who enjoy making music too. A few of the students who performed have also been identified by the State of Ohio as Talented and Gifted in music and have performed in the Honor Band for District IX Ohio Music Educators twice.  

Research shows that music education helps students succeed in school through improved reading and math skills, better test scores and improved attendance.  Due to the state budget cuts and the defeat of the school levy, these students are now faced with losing the opportunity to continue with their music education.

Officials at Belmont College conferred degrees upon a multitude of graduates as part of the College’s 2013 graduation ceremony in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Hundreds of parents, extended family, faculty, and staff were present to congratulate the Class of 2013.

President Dr. Joseph E. Bukowski welcomed the graduates, “Tonight you become proud alumni of Belmont College and will be going out to make your mark in the world just like those who have preceded you.”

He went on to say, “I encourage you to never stop learning. Whether this means earning an advanced degree, obtaining certifications in your field, or taking continuing education courses, it is imperative that you stay on the cutting edge of your profession. Dedicate yourself to a lifetime of learning. You will never regret it.”

The Class of 2013 valedictorian Tanya Burgess of Jewett, Ohio received her degree in Information Technology Programming. She earned a grade-point-average of 3.97, graduating with honors and as a member Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.  Tanya has plans to transfer her credits earned at Belmont towards a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron.

“My experience at Belmont College was a rewarding one,” she said. “I am excited to take the next step in my educational journey as I have enrolled in the Teaching and Training Technical Professionals degree program at the University of Akron. While attending Belmont I learned the benefits of hard work and diligence and I feel that earning this degree has helped me to become a strong role model for my children.”

The class salutatorian, Mark DelGuzzo of Martins Ferry, Ohio earned his degree in Industrial Electronics.  He achieved a grade-point-average of 3.96 and graduated with honors.

Graduates from the following programs participated in the commencement ceremony held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013: Associate Degree Nursing; Child Development; Emergency Medical Services; Firefighter/Paramedic; Medical Assisting; Medical Coding; Medical Transcriptionist; Mental Health; Practical Nursing; and Radiologic Technology.

Belmont College recently hosted their fourth annual student awards banquet on May 7 at the Main Campus location in St. Clairsville. The purpose of the event is to recognize students for academic excellence, student leadership, and scholarship awards.

Among those receiving awards are: Business Management and Leadership, Lily Zheng, Woodsfield; Office Administration, Georgia Mae Anderson, Woodsfield; Criminal Justice, Betsy Smith, New Matamoras; Firefighter/ Paramedic, Jamie Betts, Jerusalem.

May. 18 Total Head 405

Cattle 171 hd.;  fats 2 hd. (1) steer $122.75; heifers (1) $117.75; cows 26 hd; good $72-90; medium $60-71.75; thin $59.75 & down; baby calves (10) hd BH $235 & down; WT $250 & down; cow/calf (2) BH $805-1250; bred cows (10) BH $600-1225; bulls (7) hd WT $96.50-112; BH $1500.

Feeders 65 hd.; med. 1 & 2   steers/bulls  200-299 (8) $79-139; 300-399 (12) $117-146; 400-499 (10) $117.50-140; 500-599 (18) $110-139; 600-699 (6) $94-129; 700-799 (3) $110-125; 800 & up (8) $78-123.

Feeders med 1 & 2 heifers 45 hd; 200-299 (n/a); 300-399 (5) $85-120; 400-499 (9) $73-130; 500-599 (17) $100-128; 600-699 (7) $80-118; 700-799 (3) $102-111; 800 & up (4) $76-104.

May 15  Total Head 915

Fed cattle 72; choice steers $121.00-131.50; good steers $120 & down; holstein steers $105.75-112; choice heifers $120-127.50; good heifers $118 & down; 134 commercial cows $82-105; canners and cutters $81 & down; 30 butcher bulls $74-108; bred cows & C/C pairs 15: cows & cow/calf pair BH $675-1500.

Feeder cattle  514; stocker steer and bull calves $84-155; stocker steer yearlings $80-140; holstein stocker steers $54-95; stocker heifer calves $80-143; stocker heifer yearlings $70-124; calves 8, baby calves $350 & down.