Last night, at the monthly Board of Education meeting, I got the privilege of honoring community member Nancy Eigel-Miller with the 2021 Marie Huenefeld Friend of the School award. This award, which has been given annually to a community member since 2015, was created to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to our school district with their time, service and/or expertise to create a better experience for our students and make us a better district.

 

Nancy Eigel-Miller is the perfect recipient of this award as someone who has dedicated so much of her life’s work to benefiting others, especially the students, staff and families of Mariemont City Schools. Her devotion to erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness has had a tremendous impact on so many in our district.

 

As I was presenting Nancy with this award, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky our school district is to have such wonderful partners within our community. And the Marie Huenefeld Friend of the School award is just the beginning. In addition to the outstanding individuals who are deserving of the award, and there are many, we also have the support and backing of many organizations and groups.

 

The Mariemont School Foundation, Mariemont Arts Association and the Mariemont Athletic Boosters are all key contributors to so many aspects of our Mariemont Experience and each provides important funds and resources for our students.

 

The support runs deep within our buildings as well, as each of the four schools have their own PTO which works year-round to contribute dollars, supplies and time to assist classroom teachers and principals in supporting students.

 

The local chapter of Kiwanis is another organization that we are proud to partner with as they serve our schools through volunteer efforts and generous funds.

 

And new this year is another form of community partnership, the Mental Health Message, which you may have seen in your mailboxes. This annual report will serve to inform our community of what we are doing and what resources are available for our students and families in the way of mental health programming and services. The mental health needs of teens and adolescents are escalating at a rapid rate and this mailer will allow us to work together with our community to better react and prepare to meet these needs.

 

At Mariemont City Schools, we know that the success of our district is directly correlated to the quality of partnerships we have formed with those in the communities of Columbia Township, Fairfax, Mariemont, Terrace Park and beyond.  We are tremendously appreciative of those who have volunteered time, resources and skills for the betterment of our students. And though we were only able to honor one winner with the Friend of the School award last night, I want to thank our entire community for moving us forward.