The Port Clinton Board of Education recognized its Flagship Award winners, a recognition program to honor parents, community members, staff and students that help the district fulfill its motto of “Proudly Charting a Course for Success.” Honored were retired county commissioner Jim Sass, teacher and coach Ron Aukerman and swim coach Danny Diaz.

Board members singled out the trio for a variety of accomplishments, praising them for their long service to the Port Clinton City Schools.

Jim Sass, Flagship Crew Award: Sass has been a leader in the community and friend to Port Clinton Schools. The PCHS alumnus has always been willing to volunteer for financial literacy day, judge student events, attend school functions and even donate straw for the PCHS Spooktacular. Jim has also served the district by helping with bond issue and levy campaigns.

As an Ottawa County Commissioner, Sass was an advocate for children and education in Port Clinton and around the county. He always supports and attends school events.  Sass participated in CASA Dancing with the Stars to raise funds for families in Ottawa County. He was active in the Opiate Awareness campaign in Ottawa County which has impacted local communities.

The future success of the school district and community is dependent upon dedicated individuals like Sass, who give time and energy to support the area and the education of our youth. As he ends his service as an Ottawa County Commissioner, the board of education wanted to say thank you for all he has done for the community, school district, and students.

Danny Diaz, Captain Award: Only the best of the best qualify for competition at the state level and Port Clinton’s Redskin swimmers and divers have qualified for this highest level of competition for the past 17 years under dedicated coach Diaz.

Swimmers lift weights, do other workouts (such as Insanity) and are one of the most dedicated groups of athletes. Not only do they practice after school, but they are in the pool at dawn during the season and some throughout the school year.

Diaz has been actively involved in the youth swim program, and his swim lessons for younger children are often filled to capacity. Diaz even serves as a lifeguard during the morning swim program for the community.  Port Clinton Schools are proud of the outstanding Redskin Swim Program, swimmers and divers. Their accomplishments and dedication would not be possible without an outstanding leader and coach.

Ron Aukerman, Captain Award:  Aukerman has given so much of his time and energy to Port Clinton Schools over the years. He has taught for over 20 years and has been instrumental in the development of the Port Clinton Middle School STEM program.

Aukerman has incorporated additional opportunities for students to learn from STEM by serving as the Robotics Team Coach and organizing the new Drone Racing program at PCMS.  Aukerman has been a dedicated coach of middle school football, track, baseball, and basketball. He has served as a fleet leader at the middle school, student council advisor and a volunteer coach for several Port Clinton youth programs.

He continues to be a role model for staff and students, and has embraced the new R Factor training to become an instrumental voice of the program.  He has a tremendous impact on his students. The board of education can’t wait to see the impact he will have on fellow staff and students when the R Factor student roll out takes place next year.