HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Many students, teachers, and staff were recognized at Tuesday night’s Harrisonburg City Public Schools Board meeting.

Sherry Wetzel, Cafeteria Manager for Thomas Harrison Middle School, was recognized as Manager of the Year by the School Nutrition Association of Virginia. She said that sometimes lunch might be the only hot meal they receive each day and that’s one of the many reasons why her job is so important to her.

Myron Blosser, Director of the HCPS Governor STEM Academy recognized students that won awards at the Regional Valley Science and Engineering Fair that occurred in March.
-Veronica Gutiérrez placed 3rd place for her research of “The Effect of Friction and Force Absorption in Dance Footwear”
-Andrew Langford placed 1st place for Physics and Astronomy, 1st place in Virginia Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and 2nd place in Armed Forces Communication Electronics for his research titled “You Spin Me Right Round: The Galaxy Rotation Curve Observed by Low Cost Radio Telescope”
-Macy Wade won 1st place in Behavioral and Social Sciences and The Naval Science Award from the Office of Naval Research. Her project was titled “Framing Effect on Witness Accuracy and Confidence”
-Cindy Lou won the grand prize, against one million other schools, for her research titled “Understand the Role of Glycerol in a Biodegradable Plastic”. She will now advance to The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the largest science competition in the world. She will present her chemistry research along with about 2,000 other participants from around the world.
-Tommy Bill and Leslie Yang presented at the Virginia Junior Academy of Science on May 4 their research about the dehydration of urine as a fertilizer.

Envirothon Coach Gretchen Cessna recognized her team for placing first in their local and area competitions and are now headed to States on May 19 and 20.

The HHS Debate Team was recognized for their VHSL winnings including all students making it to the State competition, where Iana and Addison brought home the school’s first Class 5 State Champion in Public Forum in HHS history.

Skyline Middle School’s Model United Nations Club competed in their first Junior Model UN Summit in Richmond and Coach Marta Frederick recognized her students for their outstanding work.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards also took the time to recognize all teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. He said that “teachers are the heart and soul of everything we do in education. All of the meals we serve, all of the support we provide, all of the buildings we build, it’s all so teachers can do that noble work that they do.”

Dr. Richards recognized the School Nutrition Staff since it is School Lunch Heroes Week as well. As of the end of March, HCPS Nutrition has 85 staff members, who have served 629,168 lunches and 567,759 breakfasts this year.

April Howard, Chief Officer of Student Support, recognized school nurses for School Nurse Week.

“School nurses are often the first place a student thinks to go when they don’t feel well or have been hurt. But they also provide a wealth of information that supports a successful education. This observance reminds us of all the reasons that nurses are available in our school.”

Howard also recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month, which was established in 1949 to bring awareness to the importance of mental health and wellness and to celebrate recovery.

“Managing our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health. Research has shown that physical health problems can cause mental health problems and vice versa. Thus, intentionally engaging in activities that boost our mental health should be prioritized as much as physical care.”

May 9 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and Harrisonburg City Public Schools will be hosting activities for their students throughout the day on campuses.