Contributed RECOGNIZED – Bri Hudson was recognized by William Hendricks, president of the Steubenville Board of Education, and other board members and school officials for winning the discus throw event at the state track and field championship. Hudson's throw was more than 20 feet farther than her nearest competitor in the Division 2 competition.

STEUBENVILLE — On Wednesday, the Steubenville Board of Education applauded the hard work of a student-athlete who placed first in the discus throw in Division II at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Track and Field State Championship earlier this month.

Aaron Newman, principal of Steubenville High School, noted that Bri Hudson had vowed to win the event after placing third last year.

“There’s nothing better than when an athlete has a goal, puts in the work and does what’s required to achieve that goal,” said Newman, who was joined by John Arlesic, the school district’s athletic director, in recognizing Hudson.

Newman noted Hudson brought home the school’s first state title in the discus throw in nearly 40 years after regular-season competitions in which her throws regularly exceeded those of her competitors by many feet.

He added that she also has been a strong student with a high grade-point average.

The daughter of Jacob and Melissa Hudson, she was in her third year on the track team and will enter her senior year in August.

Jacob Hudson, who also is the school’s track and field coach, said his daughter recently placed ninth in the same event at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Philadelphia.

Board member Ruth Anne Bruzzese asked Bri what inspired her to compete in track and field.

Bri said her mother had competed in the sport as a student at Beaver Local High School and Bethany College.

Jacob Hudson said his wife was a multi-conference champion and school record holder in the discus and shot put.

Melissa Hudson noted her husband also competed in track at Edison High School and was part of a relay team that set a school record.

The Hudsons said Bri and her siblings were introduced to the sport through the Steubenville Striders program.

In other business, the board:

Approved agreements with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center allowing the agency to provide the school district with the services of an attorney, school psychologist, public relations coordinator and Title VI aide.

Approved plans for students from Pugliese Elementary West to visit Disney World in May.

Approved contracts with Newbrough Photo and Educational Consulting Legal Services and an agreement with the Watson Institute for consulting, training and program development.

The board’s next regular meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. July 22 at the board office at 611 N. Fourth St.

Photo caption: Bri Hudson was recognized by William Hendricks, president of the Steubenville Board of Education, and other board members and school officials for winning the discus throw at the state track and field championship. Hudson’s throw was more than 20 feet farther than her nearest competitor in Division II competition.