Press release and staff report
news@wbcowqel.com
The Wynford school district has always had strong relationships within the local business community and that relationship has resulted in honors for four area businesses. Nominated by Wynford, the Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, Hord Livestock, IB Tech and Advanced Fiber Technology have all been named to the 2015 Ohio School Boards Association Business Honor Roll.
It is the second time in four years that Ohio Mutual has received the honor. Both times Wynford has nominated the insurer.
“The Wynford schools and Ohio Mutual have had a special relationship dating back to 2009 when Ohio Mutual became a business partner with the district,” Superintendent Steve Mohr said. “Since that time they have provided associates to assist in the teaching of personal finance and insurance-related classes.”
Mohr went on to point out that OMIG’s contributions to the district and its students have been in areas that have had a tremendous impact. The company has sponsored academic challenge evenings for the junior high, supported children in the district through the Shoes for Schools Program and provided a college scholarship for graduating seniors.
“In addition, CEO Jim Kennedy has worked closely with the district in constructing the district’s Guiding Principles and has spoken at professional development events for the staff,” Mohr said.
Mohr also cited the company’s $50,000 donation to the Community Connectors Grant application that involves not only Wynford, but the Buckeye Central, Bucyrus, Crestline and Galion school districts as well.
Advanced Fiber Technology and Imasen Bucyrus Technology, IB Tech, are both located in the Crossroads Industrial Park. Both businesses have made financial contributions to the district. Both have also played integral roles in two programs impacting Wynford and other local school districts.
“They have been the driving force in implementing the W.A.G.E. program which Wynford will participate in next year, as well as lending support to the Senior Project which Wynford piloted three years ago and is now a part of the curriculum if four county school districts,” Mohr said.
Advanced Fiber Technology also pledged $5,000 to the Community Connectors Grant application.
Wynford boasts the largest vocational agriculture program in Crawford County and Hord Livestock has proven to be a tremendous resource of support.
“Their support of the educational initiatives of Crawford: 20/20 Vision, specifically involving students in the Leadercast Program has been valuable in exposing students to the importance of leadership as they pursue their careers,” said Mohr.
Mohr added that his school district has benefitted tremendously from all the contributions of the four companies which have been many and varied. He said the district is grateful for all they have done for students in the Wynford district.
The Wynford Board of Education will recognize those companies at its meeting on Monday evening.