Battle Creek board recognizes students, staff and presents President's Coin to Outdoor Education director

The Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education used part of its Oct. 27 agenda to recognize student athletes and staff. The board honored middle- and high-school athletes, and presented staff with district recognition awards including a new President's Coin.

The board congratulated Amira Wilcox (cheer), Stephanie Knight, Violet Jordan and Tremaya Brown (middle-school volleyball), and high-school athlete Amir Luckett for athletic and academic achievements. The formal recognitions included brief presentations on each student's achievement and group photos at the dais.

The board introduced a new tradition called the President's Coin, a recognition the board president will present monthly to district employees or community partners. The October President's Coin was presented to Blake Tenney, director of the Outdoor Education Center (also referenced as the Outdoor Education Center/Clear Lake Camp). The board cited Tenney's leadership at the center, his four years as an instructor and two years as director, and his work connecting students from BCPS and other districts to outdoor programming.

District staff were also recognized with "Whatever It Takes" awards. Doctor Carter presented the award to Zach Flora for his work at Valley View Elementary, citing his support for students and staff and behavior interventions that help student success. Nurse Jacqueline Gaffner received a "Whatever It Takes" award for taking on both nursing and acting front-office responsibilities during a time of need and for continuing to provide student health services while managing office duties.

Board members offered congratulatory remarks and noted the value of recognizing staff whose work supports students, especially in roles that operate outside the classroom spotlight. The recognitions were ceremonial; no board action was required.