Bettendorf students honored: National Board certification, athletic honors and mock-trial state finalists

The Bettendorf Community School District board used its Dec. 1 meeting to recognize teachers and students for academic and extracurricular achievements.

Directors congratulated Paige Shepherd, a Bettendorf High School language-arts teacher, on earning National Board Certification. The board also recognized student-athletes and performers: Audrey Stanley qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival and several swimmers and football players received state and conference honors.

Bettendorf Middle School’s mock-trial team — in its first year — described advancing from regional competition to state. Coaches Amber Thompson and Leonard Bridal credited judicial partners and volunteer attorneys for supporting courtroom immersion experiences; student Kelsey Marbach received a special-performance award at state. Students described learning to argue both prosecution and defense and said the experience improved their courtroom skills and confidence.

Student board representative Anna Krause reported on student-council events and community service, including a hunger-drive effort that contributed to a regional total cited in the meeting record; district materials will confirm the district’s local contribution and totals.

Next steps: the board applauded the recognized staff and students and encouraged continued student engagement in extracurricular and community-service programs.