The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Bridge City educators and students received special recognition from the BCISD school board on Monday. The board acknowledged excellence in education, vocational skills and outstanding athletic achievements.

Assistant Superintendent Gina Mannino presented certificates of appreciation to teachers and para professionals of Bridge City Elementary and Bridge City Intermediate Schools. Both campuses earned elite status as Title I Distinguished Performance schools. The teachers honored in the presentation were Pat Doucet, Michelle Gephart, Janet Bland and Jan Menard. Para professional receiving awards were Stephanie Harvey, Kay Allenman, Kelly McBride and Norman Gaspard.

Bridge City High School band director Russell Tipton was recognized for the ATSSB Sweepstakes Band award with All-State band members Ryne Moore and John Ellis.

Manufacturing Technology students Aaron Myers and Kyle Kaderli received BCISD awards in welding presented by their instructor, Lane Smith. In Skills USA State Awards Kaderli received a Superior Rating and Myers received Excellent Rating in state. Colby Potter was also a State Finalist in Community Service Projects.

Bridge City senior Josh Blachard was recognized for Precision Machining receiving a Best In Show in Skills USA State Competition.

The Bridge City School Board also recognized two record breaking members of the Lady Cardinal track team. Junior pole vaulter Kati Thorton and sophomore high jumper Alexus Henry were the first BCHS girls in the 56 year history of the school to compete in the UIL State Track and Field Championships.

Thorton finished ninth in state and holds the school record for pole vault (10.6). Henry finished 6th place in high jump during state competition. She holds the school records for triple jump, high jump and the 200 meter run. Henry recently received the Dist. 21-3A High Point Girl for her performance during the 2013 track season.

Both athletes received certificates from Lady Cardinal track and field coach Karen Bozeman.

In other business the school board administered the oath of office to returning BCISD board members Rebecca Rutledge, Thad Hill and Jerry McInnis.