Superintendent Patrick Adkins, left, of the Port Clinton School District presents this year’s Flagship Award to recipients Kristina Aukerman, Terry Dunn, David Bodie and Danielle Lajti, with help from the Board of Education Vice Pesident Michele Mueller and President Beth Benko, far right.

The Flagship Awards are a part of the Port Clinton City School District’s recognition program to honor parents, community members, staff and students who help the district fulfill its motto: “Proudly Charting a Course for Success.”

At its Monday, Nov. 15 meeting, the Port Clinton Board of Education recognized the following individuals with Flagship Awards.

Danielle Lajti, Captain – Staff Award: Lajti personifies an individual who constantly invests the time to care, listen, and connect with all members of the school community. As a lead teacher and grade level chair, she models behaviors among her colleagues showing a commitment to establishing positive relationships.

Lajti constantly works to become better as a teacher and role model to her peers. With all students, Lajti is selfless with her approach to ensuring their emotional and behavioral success. Walking into her classroom, you can see her commitment to students, providing multiple seating options and configurations for her classroom to enhance learning.

Lajti is empathetic, demonstrating the ability to understand and provide guidance to each student she instructs. She listens to their needs and cares for them as if they are her own children, and is very effective in communicating with parents and providing them support to help their child with any and all concerns.

It is evident that Lajti is respected and appreciated by students, parents, and staff. For her commitment to our students and learning, the Board of Education proudly presented Danielle with a Flagship Captain Award.

Kristina Aukerman, First Mate – Parent Award: Aukerman has worked tirelessly on the Port Clinton Music Boosters concession stand. During the past year and the pandemic, Aukerman did a majority of the work herself. Since so many now take advantage of the wonderful True Lay Stadium Facility and Bassett’s Field, the concession stand is open for all Port Clinton football and soccer games and track meets.

This includes when Port Clinton hosts sectional, district and regional events. By coordinating the supplies, volunteers, and safety protocols, Aukerman did a fabulous job to help the Music Boosters.

In addition to Music Boosters, Aukerman is also dedicated to helping various athletic programs including football and baseball. The success of school music programs and all student activities are reliant on parent volunteers. Because of Aukerman’s dedication and countless volunteer hours, the board presented her with a Flagship First Mate Award.

Terry Dunn, Crew – Community Award: Dunn has always been extremely committed to the well-being of Port Clinton City School student athletes, especially the wrestling program, and youth sports. A Port Clinton alumnus, Dunn has gone out of his way to provide for student athletes.

When Port Clinton Biddy wrestling needed additional space, he offered his own facility. Dunn has also volunteered countless hours as a Port Clinton Athletic Boosters officer for many years. He works diligently on maintaining and growing tip ticket sales, ensuring the boosters ability to provide incredible facilities, uniforms and equipment, for all athletic programs.

This fundraising also made the Athletic Boosters Fieldhouse possible because of a $400,000 commitment toward the new facility. The Board of Education showed their gratitude for Dunn’s dedication to student athletes with a Flagship Crew Award

Dr. David Bodie, Crew-Community Award: The Port Clinton High School Alma Mater states: “With Heart and Hand ever faithful we stand.” Bodie is all about giving back to his alma mater and students. He has served as the football team physician, assisting students every Friday night for the past several years.

He also gives freely of his time to the swim program. Bodie helps coach, with announcing at the meets, the youth piranhas program, timing, and whatever needs to be done. Bodie volunteers to give physicals to swimmers in need to start the swim season for a small fee donated to the Swim Booster program. Bodie has also served as a trustee of the Port Clinton Athletic Boosters and is the current president.

For his ongoing commitment to our students, the Board of Education proudly presented Dr. Bodie with a Flagship Crew Award.

Learn more about Port Clinton School District Flagship awards at www.pccsd.net.