(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
AMAZING SHAKE TOP 10 … Junior high students Jazlene Hernandez and Lucy Mendoza were chosen along with eight others to advance to the next Amazing Shake competition to be held at Worthington Steel on April 14.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
During its March 31 meeting, the Pettisville School Board heard the results of the junior high’s first-ever Amazing Shake Competition held at the school on March 25.
Board members in attendance were Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates. High/Junior High Principal Adam Wagner, Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel, Treasurer Chris Lee, and Superintendent Josh Clark also joined the conversation.
Principal Wagner shared that 71 junior high students recently participated in the school’s first Amazing Shake event. The program, modeled after the National Amazing Shake Competition at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, challenges students to navigate real-world interactions with poise and adaptability while sharpening their communication skills, professionalism, and confidence.
On the 25th, students took on “The Gauntlet,” a series of 18 stations set up in the junior high gym. Participants tackled a range of tasks, from acing job interviews and making professional phone calls to pitching ideas in a “Shark Tank” scenario and delivering impromptu speeches.
The competition also tested students’ ability to handle unexpected situations, such as handling a problematic movie theater scenario as an employee or giving a pep talk as a coach.
Many local organizations and businesses supported the competition by manning the Gauntlet stations including Rob-See-Co, F&M Bank (Archbold), Worthington Steel, Short Agency Insurance, Fulton County Health Center, Gerig Eavespouting, Truland Equipment, Northwest State Community College, Pondview Vet Clinic, North Star Bluescope, Everence Financial, Ohio State University Extension Office, Sauder Woodworking, WTOL, and Miller Bros. Construction.
Additional businesses that have contributed throughout the year include Copper Penny Salon, Pettisville Grain, Sauder Manufacturing, Special Grounds, Tri-Flo, A Gig Above, and TMR Accounting.
After participants completed the challenges, judges narrowed the field to the top 10 competitors: Kole Klopfenstein, Kynzie Rice, Elaina Lugbill, Adey Curtis, Joe VanDenBerghe, Lincoln Aeschliman, Gerritt Sterken, Ali Genter, and Jazlene Hernandez. Lucy Mendoza took the title as the top performer in the Gauntlet round.
The 10 finalists will now advance to the last stage of the competition, set to take place at Worthington Steel in Delta, Ohio, on April 14.
There, students will deliver a five-minute presentation advocating for a charity of their choice to persuade their audience to contribute. Students will be evaluated on their handshake, eye contact, professionalism, and conversational skills.
Also in his report, Wagner noted that students will be taking part in Student Appreciation Week during the week of May 5, and a Scholarship Night will be held in the school’s theatre on Thursday, May 8.
The Blackbird Quiz Team won their last match and took the NBAL League Champion title. They can be seen on the BGSU Brain Game once again, where they will be taking on Central Catholic on April 7.
In elementary news, Principal Jason Waldvogel took time to recognize Mrs. Fox for her work as the district’s Student Services Coordinator. He praised her dedication to curriculum, special education, and testing, and highlighted the positive impact she has on students, staff, and families.
In other updates, Waldvogel shared that kindergarten registration will begin at the end of the week, with approximately 30 students signed up for screenings. He added that the number of registered kindergartners is down 10 from last year.
The annual Lil’ Gents Date Night held on March 21 at River City Bowl-A-Way in Napoleon was a success. Young boys in kindergarten through sixth grade, along with their special guests (mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc.), were treated to a night of glow bowling.
The Sweetheart Dance is set to take place on Friday, April 25, with the theme “I Will Love You to the Moon and Back.” Similar to a “Daddy & Daughter dance,” the event is for young girls in kindergarten through sixth grade and their special guests (fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc.).
Over the school year, the Blackbird Pantry has provided support for 7-8 district families, and the school continues to collect non-perishable food items and hygiene products.
While coats and school supplies are well-stocked, monetary donations are welcome to help purchase additional needed items. Students in all grade levels will be taking state tests during the month of April.
Addressing other agenda items, the board approved the February 2025 meeting minutes, the payment of bills, and the financial reports as presented by the treasurer.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Assistant Track Coach Casey Underwood and Assistant Treasurer Rachel Phipps.
The board also approved several appointments for the district’s musical production. Duane Beck was named lead musical and set director, Barnaby Wyse was appointed assistant musical director and choreographer, Dee Darby-Dixon will serve as vocal music director, and Regina Reidling will handle pit orchestra director duties.
Nel Rodriguez was approved as a substitute bus driver for the district and will also serve as a field maintenance worker. Austin Horning and Kayla Horning were both appointed as volunteer coaches.
In his report to the board, Treasurer Chris Lee shared that the district received a property tax settlement in the amount of $1,322,655, which is an increase of $31,846 over the same time in 2024.
He also noted that several legislative bills are currently “gaining some traction” and may potentially impact school funding if they eventually become law.
Superintendent Clark provided an update on the school’s wind turbine repairs, noting that Archbold School is facing the same issue.
Both turbines remain out of operation as they await necessary parts for repairs. Addressing rumors that the school plans to remove the turbine, he clarified, “That’s not the plan—we want to get it running.”
The board approved several other items, including an overnight trip for Donna Meller from April 2-3 and a College Credit Plus (CCP) New Course Incentive Stipend for Greg Waidelich, funded by the State of Ohio.
The annual membership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), participation in the OHI Charter Workers Compensation Rate Program for FY2026, and a service agreement with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for the 2025-2026 school year were also approved.
Earlier in the month, an emergency meeting was held on March 20, during which the board approved a contract with Power For Schools to secure electric rates.
The board then entered into executive session for the purpose of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official. No action was taken.
The next Pettisville Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 14, at 7:00 p.m.