By Sue Moore
Vicksburg High School was fortunate to have 12 seniors recognized by Education for Employment and Education for the Arts, (EFE/EFA) for Outstanding Senior Awards. Principal Adam Brush reported on the recognition as he introduced the students to the school board at its May meeting.
Approximately 2,500 students from 10 area schools are in more than 30 EFE/EFA programs. This year, 64 students received $64,285 in scholarships.
The 12 Vicksburg students won scholarships in computerized manufacturing, law enforcement, cooperative education, marketing, accounting, health science, veterinary science, creative writing and dental assisting that totaled $11,000.
A week later, the Vicksburg Rotary and Lions clubs banded together to honor 91 graduating seniors from the class of 2019 at the annual Honors Reception. The seniors received awards for academics and sports with a grand total of $68,000 in scholarships handed out by local organizations.
The board heard Transportation Director Karen McKinstry’s annual report on school buses and drivers. They began the year needing three more bus drivers. Eric Rietsema, in charge of recruiting, came up with three to fill these important slots. “We have had three people with perfect attendance records for the three years I have been with the school district,” she said. “That shows dedication and loyalty to the job and to the kids.”
The board voted to buy three new gasoline buses at a cost of $201,890 on McKinstry’s recommendation. “The emissions systems on diesel buses are costly to repair, so we have had to start using premium fuel to unclog them. Gas-powered buses will give us more savings,” she said.
All buses were inspected by the state at the end of April. All passed with only one yellow tag, McKinstry said. “It was a team effort.”