The Smithville School District Board of Education meeting on December 11, 2024, celebrated significant achievements by students and staff, highlighting the community's commitment to excellence in education and athletics.

The evening began with a heartfelt recognition of the Smithville High School cheer team, who were crowned the Class 4A Small State Champions. This victory marks only the second time in the district's history that the cheer team has achieved this honor. Cheer coach Tiffany Cox praised the team's dedication, noting their impressive performance with zero deductions, a significant improvement from previous years. The team is also set to compete at nationals in January, further showcasing their hard work and talent.

In addition to the cheer team, the board recognized several state qualifiers from various sports, including cross country, boys swimming, and girls golf. The cross country team had both the boys and girls qualify for state, with standout performances from athletes like Jack Johnston and Lily Richardson. The boys swim team was represented by Lucas Salinas, who competed in multiple events at the state meet. The girls golf team, which qualified as a full team, included several all-conference and state qualifiers, demonstrating the depth of talent in Smithville athletics.

The meeting also highlighted academic achievements, with two seniors, Kylie Bollinger and Mason Throm, nominated for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. This recognition underscores the district's commitment to fostering academic excellence among its students.

Furthermore, the board celebrated the Smithville FFA program, which received a special recognition from the ICEV for its contributions to career and technical education. This acknowledgment reflects the district's efforts to prepare students for real-world careers through hands-on learning experiences.

The meeting concluded with a report on the recent staff holiday celebration, emphasizing the importance of community and connection among educators. The superintendent expressed pride in the engagement of students and staff, reinforcing the district's mission to create a supportive and collaborative educational environment.

Overall, the meeting showcased the Smithville School District's dedication to celebrating student achievements and fostering a strong sense of community, setting a positive tone for the upcoming year.