(PIQUA, OH)
On May 12, the Miami County Educational Service Center (ESC) held its annual Excellence in Education Awards Banquet, an event dedicated to celebrating the academic achievements of Miami County’s brightest students and honoring an educator who deeply impacted their lives. Representatives gathered from all Miami County school districts (Bethel, Bradford, Covington, Miami East, Milton-Union, Newton, Piqua, Tippecanoe, Troy, Troy Christian, and Upper Valley Career Center) to congratulate these students and share in thanking their chosen educator. Attendees present from all of the area schools reflect a shared commitment to academic excellence across Miami County.
The evening kicked off with a performance from the Covington Jazz Band as they serenaded the room while groups stepped in line for dinner service. Guests enjoyed a catered meal while catching up with past teachers, sharing memories, and discussing their big plans for the future.
After a brief introduction of the honorees from Miami County ESC Superintendent, Dave Larson, the awards portion of the evening began. Starting with Bethel, each school district made their way to the stage. The principal from each local high school called up their respective Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Top Scholar, and Cum Laude designees, sharing positive remarks about these students as they were introduced.
Finally came the highlight of the evening as the students would take the stage to share their thought-out, heartwarming, and motivating words that they dedicated to an important educator in their lives. Each student told their own unique story with every speech bringing forth smiles and laughter in the crowd. The students would finish their time at the podium by calling up the educator they chose to honor; some choosing teachers whose class they never even attended showing the true impact that outreach and guidance has on a growing student. These scholars have made it to the peak of academic achievement, and their speeches were a way to look back on their journey and thank those who helped them rise.
The Miami County ESC continues to be proud of the dedication shown by both the students and the staff throughout Miami County. The event could not have been accomplished without the generous support of the sponsors:
Alvetro Orthodontics | Baird Funeral Home | Bethel Foundation |
|---|---|---|
Booher Chiropractic | Bruns General Contracting | Ellaina Rose Floral Designs |
Ever-Green Lawn Care | Excellence in Dentistry | Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home |
Gordon & DeSantis Orthodontics | Lightner & Stickel CPAs | Miami County Foundation |
Mainstreet Piqua, Inc | McColloch-Baker Insurance | Park National Bank |
Pioneer Electric | Romer's Catering | Superior Credit Union |
Tipp City Foundation | Troy Foundation | Turnstone Financial |
The Miami County Educational Service Center (ESC) is a regional educational agency that provides collaborative support and specialized services to nine partner school districts, serving over 15,000 students. Its core mission is to meet the unique needs of students and educators through programs such as special education, preschool services, occupational therapy, and professional development opportunities.