The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off its holiday food drive last week with a $10,000 donation through the Citizens Bank Carving Out Hunger program that will provide 512 Thanksgiving turkeys and other holiday food to local families in need. The donated turkeys will be distributed through the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s nearly 500 hunger-relief programs.
Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio (GOTRNEO) hosted its 20th semi-annual 5K event last week at Mayfield High School. Nearly 800 girls from Summit, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga and Wayne counties, joined by coaches, family, friends and community members, participated in this celebratory race that culminated a 10-week session aimed at empowering young girls to realize their limitless potential while improving emotional and physical health. “It’s important for the girls to have role models to look up to, and not just celebrities,” said Robyn Cutler, executive director for Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio. “These women are doctors, fire fighters, everyday people who are leaders in our community. It was so valuable for the girls to have the opportunity to meet and learn from them.” To learn more about GOTRNEO visit www.gotrNEO.org.
The Barberton Class of 1966 raised nearly $8,000 during its 50th reunion in September to honor 1st Lt. John Wilson, a classmate who died on his 21st birthday in 1968 while serving his country in the Vietnam War. The money was used to donate a bench with 65 white stars and one gold star honoring Wilson, as well as a plaque and paver, to the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park in Clinton. The classmates also donated $2,500 on Veterans Day to the memorial park.
The first-grade students at St. Sebastian Parish School in Akron take time every month to bake cookies for the Peter Maurin Center in Akron. The center offers hot meals, fellowship and prayers for anyone in need. First-grade student Noelle Keso was so excited, she recently told her teacher “we are making God proud” by doing this project.
The Summit Educational Service Center recognized the area’s top educators, naming the 2016 All-Star Teaching Team, Teacher of the Year and Rookie of the Year during the ninth annual Summit County Educational Celebration last month. The Rookie of the Year award was presented to Randa Nemer, Barberton City Schools. The Teacher of the Year award was presented to Christine Brinkley, Mogadore Local Schools. The Lifetime Educator Award was presented to William Stauffer, retired superintendent, Springfield Local Schools.
The weekly Good News column features awards and recognitions, military and scholastic achievements, civic accomplishments and other good works. Please fax information to 330-996-3033, email it to goodnews@thebeaconjournal.com or send it to Good News, Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309. Include a photo if one is available.