CHAMPIONS — The Toronto High School Cheerleaders have had an excellent year, winning the state and OVAC championships for their division among other competitions. Seen following the Ohio High Schools Cheerleading Coaches Association’s Best in the State competition are, from left, front: squad members Pria Frey, Ava Nett, Kamryn Kuhn, Haley Bodnar, Madilynn Littlejohn, Josey Dickinson, Brynn Donnelly, Gracie Ruberto and Bella Truax; and back: Joey Takacs, volunteer assistant coach; Kelli Naylor, head coach; and Madison Zdinak, assistant coach. -- Contributed

TORONTO — On Thursday, the Toronto Board of Education recognized the accomplishments of staff and students, including the Red Knights cheerleaders for bringing home both state and regional titles this year.

Coached by Kelli Naylor with assistance from Madison Zdinak and Joey Takacs, the squad includes Pria Frey, Ava Nett, Kamryn Kuhn, Haley Bodnar, Madilynn Littlejohn, Josey Dickinson, Brynn Donnelly, Gracie Ruberto and Bella Truax.

Naylor noted it was the school’s 12th consecutive win for their division at the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference cheering competition and their first in the state competition held by the Ohio High Schools Cheerleading Coaches Association.

She added it capped an excellent year in which they placed first in competitions in Claysville and Tuscarawas County and second in events held at the Jefferson County Fair and in Minerva and involving squads in the Mountaineer-Athletic Conference and Ohio Athletic Conference.

Naylor said the squad’s members began preparing in June, earlier than in years past, and had set out to win the OVAC and state events.

“The coaches asked them to learn new skills and they incorporated them without a hitch. Each young lady stepped up and we, as coaches, could not ask anything more of them,” she said.

“They each have set their own goals, and it was an amazing experience to watch every one of them grow throughout the season,” said Naylor.

She said though the state competition was postponed because of Winter Storm Fern, the squad stayed focus on their goal.

“Overall, the Toronto High School cheerleading program had a successful year, and we are excited to begin our new season starting in May 2026,” said Naylor.

The board also noted the Red Knights varsity basketball team also won the OVAC Championship for their division while Toronto High School wrestlers Caden McGrath and Heath Thomas each earned their 100th wins at the Buck Bailey Wrestling Tournament held in Wellsville.

Coached by Sean Tucker, the basketball team includes Dylan Schott, Brayden Erb, Kyler Starr, Dalton Egnot, Guiler Preston, Gentry Brown and Izic Cool.

The wrestlers’ coach is David Blawut.

The board also noted Elizabeth Donnelly, a second grade teacher at Toronto Elementary School, was named the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools’ Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year.

The award is presented to an educator who has displayed excellence in teaching and service to students by the regional organization, which represents 101 school districts in the 32 counties of Ohio’s Appalachian region.

Superintendent Maureen Taggart said, “Mrs. Donnelly fosters a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged and valued. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Donnelly has made lasting contributions as a mentor to new teacheers, a member of the positive behavioral intervention and supports committee and as the district’s former union president, always leading with professionalism, integrity and respect.”

In other business, the board:

• Accepted an Ohio School Bus Safety Grant, in the amount of $27,532, to install reflective chevrons and fully illuminated “School Bus” signs on each bus and LED lights on three buses without them.

The total cost for the measures is $29,800, with local general funds used for the remaining expense.

• Approved a memorandum of understanding with Stark State College, one of several colleges and universities through which Toronto students may earn college credits.

• Approved the hiring of the following personnel: Collin Skeeles as senior high assistant football coach, Jake Keenan as co-senior high assistant football coach, George Dobbs as senior high assistant volleyball coach, Jesse Bolek as junior high head boys track coach, and Kelli Mikula as special education instructor.

• It was announced the committee for the auditorium project will meet at 11 a.m. Monday and the board’s athletic committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 5.

The board’s next regular meeting will be at 5 p.m. March 19 in the library of the junior-senior high school.