By James Massara
CCN News Director

CRESTLINE — The school year is officially underway in Crawford County as students reported to Crestline Exempted Village Schools on Wednesday morning.

The sixth- through 12th-grade students were welcomed by the Crestline staff for the school day that began at 7:30 a.m., and the elementary students started at 8 a.m.

Many students, including seniors Desiree Naveja and Levi Saum, were looking forward to certain classes and spending time with friends.

“I’m really looking forward to my construction-based classes,” Saum said. “That’s what I do outside of school and I really like it, so that’s what I’m looking forward to in school.”

Naveja also is taking classes that will help her in the future. She said she is taking just one class on Crestline’s campus and taking many college courses through North Central State.

She said that makes it that much more important to savor the memories she makes with her friends inside the Crestline halls.

Crestline High School Principal Jamie Masi addresses students on the first day of school. Photographer: James Massara

Both Saum and Naveja said they are looking forward to graduation but want to make a memorable senior year. They agreed that goal began when they heard from new high school principal Jamie Masi.

Masi had the high school students attend an assembly in the gymnasium where he explained policy and expectations.

“It was really nice to hear the new principal be positive toward the start of the year,” Naveja said. “He seemed very positive about being here and excited to start the year with us.”

That enthusiasm to interact with students carried over into the greeting of the younger grades as they arrived at the building.

Both Masi and Crestline Superintendent Noreen Mullens both said the morning went smoothly and they hoped the rest of the day followed similarly.

The rest of the Crawford County schools will follow Crestline’s lead into starting the new school year next week.

Galion City Schools begins its school year Monday and Bucyrus, Buckeye Central, Colonel Crawford and Wynford schools begin classes on Wednesday.

Pioneer Career and Technology Center also begins classes Monday.