Two Terra State Community College students were among those recognized at the 2012 All-Ohio Academic Team Luncheon on April 26 in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium. The annual event is sponsored by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, Phi Theta Kappa and the All-Ohio Advisory Council. Sherry Peterson, of Port Clinton, was named to the first team while Michael D. Ontko, of Oak Harbor, was selected to the third team. Both received All-Ohio medallions, certificates and lapel pins. Peterson was awarded $1,000 and Ontko received $250.

“Receiving acknowledgement from the governor of Ohio, the OACC and Phi Theta Kappa at the State Senate epitomizes my value as a student and representative of Terra State and Phi Theta Kappa,” Peterson said.
Ontko agreed.
“It was an amazing day spent with so many good people,” he said. “I was very happy to hear Governor Kasich speak.”
Peterson will graduate May 4 with an Associate of Applied Business in Office Administration/Executive. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in organizational management at Tiffin University beginning this fall. Eventually, she hopes to earn a master’s degree in developmental education, possibly at Bowling Green State University.
Ontko will also graduate Friday with an Associate of Applied Science in Social Work/Social Work Assistant. He plans to attend Spring Arbor University this fall and later work toward a master’s degree in social work at The Ohio State University. The U.S. Army veteran hopes to build a career working closely with armed forces veterans.
Both were honored to be nominated for the All-Ohio distinction.
“Learning that I would be acknowledged on the State Senate floor as one of the top 10 students in the State of Ohio was surreal,” Peterson said. “I never dreamed such an honor would become a part of my story.”
Ontko was humbled.
“I was very excited and overwhelmed to think that of all the students at Terra State, someone felt so highly of me to nominate me,” he said.
Peterson is the mother of Kasey and Jay Peterson.
Ontko and his wife, Traci, are the parents of James, Reid, William, Jessica, Rebecca and Cheyenne.
Honda of America Mfg., Inc. was the event sponsor.

The Flagship Awards are part of Port Clinton City School District’s recognition program to honor parents, community members, staff and students that help the district fulfill its motto of “Proudly Charting a Course for Success.”  At the April 23 meeting, the Port Clinton Board of Education recognized the following with Flagship Awards:

• 2011-12 Port Clinton High School Leadership Council, Crew Award (Community)
The Port Clinton High School Leadership Council, including advisors Scott Cross and Mike Spencer, have done a phenomenal job this year of promoting positive character traits throughout the high school.  Each year, they are instrumental to the success of so many activities at PCHS including Frosh Fest to welcome incoming students, Homecoming Parade and spirit events, staff recognition in May and much more. This year, after the Rachel’s Challenge assembly, the group was so moved by the assembly, they pledged to do more to promote a positive atmosphere.
Leadership Council members have dedicated countless hours of their own time in a variety of ways including painting positive messages on the pillars and wall in the hallways. They have given students the chance to build lasting connections by placing their hand print under the theme “these hands will touch many lives.” The students also read to Bataan Memorial students a few days each week to help our youngest students develop and grow as well as give them positive role models to emulate.  




Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca County fifth grade students had the opportunity to participate in the OSS Solid Waste Billboard Contest earlier this spring. The contest is run annually and the billboards are posted throughout the month of April in Celebration of Earth Day.
Students are encouraged to create a design with a recycling or litter prevention theme. OSS district staff selects three winners from each county displaying artwork on billboards within their respective counties.
Winning designs include the following students and their school:

The Port Clinton Area Business and Professional Women are now taking applications for the fall scholarship offering.
Applications are available at the Frederick Insurance Agency, 120 W. Second St., Port Clinton, the Port Clinton, Oak Harbor and Marblehead Peninsula Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Oak Harbor and Port Clinton public libraries. If you would like to print your own copy, check out our Facebook page. We will be accepting applications postmarked by May 11. The scholarships will be awarded after May 17, and can be used for the summer or fall classes. All applicants must be adult females, living in Ottawa County and be attending or planning to attend and enrolled in a school in Ohio. Applicants must not have received a BPW scholarship in Ohio in the past five years.
Call Lori Madison at 419-732-3171 for information.

St. Boniface School will host “Come and See” days from noon to 2 p.m. May 1-3. Preschool and elementary students are invited to spend an afternoon to participate in classroom activities and to meet teachers and fellow students. Students may visit on any or all afternoons. Parents may call the school office at 419-898-4312 to schedule a visit.
St. Boniface Catholic School, 215 Oak St. in Oak Harbor, serves students in grades K-5 of all religions, racial, ethnic and income backgrounds. For information on the curriculum, admissions policies and registration contact the school office at 419-898-1340 or visit www.ourstb.com.