The board selected Keith Austin as vice president
The Palmyra Public Schools Board of Education selected Nancy Brett to serve as board president for 2017. The board chose Keith Austin for vice president. Brett and Austin also served as president and vice president of the board for 2016.
Board of Education secretary Todd Reitzel swore in John Quigg, Laurie Beck and Sean Toner at the January reorganization meeting. Deputy Attorney General Constance Russell swore in her father, Mark Andrew Russell.
In the 2016 board election, Quigg, Russell and Beck ran unopposed. Toner ran unopposed for a one-year seat.
Quigg received 1,819 votes, 34.58 percent of the total vote, Beck received 1,738 votes, 33.04 percent, and Russell received 1,685 votes, 23.03 percent. Toner received 1,883 voters for the one-year position.
In addition to swearing in board of education members, last week’s meeting was also dedicated to honoring the students of the month. The English department chose Gerald Griffin for student of the month for seventh and eighth grade for December.
“[Griffin] is the kind of engaged student that teachers would love to have filling up their seats in the classroom,” Principal Ken Holloway read on behalf of the English department.
Holloway went on to say that Griffin, who is involved with Junior Student Council as well as the band, is a steady and committed student who listens well and is always willing to help others when needed. Griffin was praised for going above and beyond, setting goals for himself he is dedicated to reaching, and having a true desire to learn.
“He makes others smile, always has a smile on his own face, and is quick to say hello,” Holloway said.
Deja Bailey was the December student of the month for ninth and 10th grade. Bailey is a student of strong character whose achievements are apparent, school officials said.
“She approaches her life and work at Palmyra High School not as an obligation to be met, but rather as an opportunity to be valued,” Holloway said.
He added Bailey has a natural curiosity that is reflected in her excellent grades. Bailey is also a dedicated athlete and participates in basketball, track and cheerleading. Despite being competitive, Holloway said Bailey is less interested in seeing her opponents fail and more interested in seeing her teammates succeed.
“She is the kind of student that teachers celebrate,” Holloway said.
The upperclassman student of the month for December was Carolyn VanArtsdalen. Her extraordinary written and verbal skills in conjunction with her independence and dedication stood out to the English department last month.
In addition to being a dedicated student, VanArtsdalen is also an accomplished artist. She studies art in Philadelphia under a highly-coveted scholarship and also practices photography.
“In order to fit AP European History into her busy schedule, she not only had to give up lunch but she also had to give up advanced art classes,” Holloway said. “Carolyn is an intuitive, motivated and talented student who deserves to be honored.”
The board honors a different group of students every month at the board of education meeting.
The next board of education meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Delaware Avenue School all purpose room.
