Silver Consolidated honors students and approves travel funding for national competitions

Trustees used the May 18 meeting to highlight student and staff achievements across the district, then approved targeted travel support for students advancing to national and international competitions.

The meeting’s recognition segment began with Kiwanis Club member Bob Carson and included multiple ‘‘student of the month’’ presentations from Cliff High, La Plata and Llata Middle schools and Silver High. Administrators also presented New Mexico School Boards Association Excellence and Student Achievement awards to teachers and staff for classroom and student-impact accomplishments.

Athletic directors and coaches recognized multiple spring-season successes: state champions and record-setting relay teams in track, powerlifting champions, wrestling placers and softball and basketball district accomplishments. Coach and athletic director speakers highlighted student-athletes who have earned all-state and all-American markers and noted college commitments for several seniors.

Students and sponsors from National History Day (NHD) and the HOSA career-technical student organization detailed qualifications for national competitions and their fundraising needs. Llata Middle and Silver High NHD sponsors told trustees they need additional funds to cover flights, lodging, meals and registration; the high-school sponsor reported about $10,522 already spent on board and room while student speakers cited an overall fundraising target near $16,000 for their group. Athletic trainer Lawrence Castillo outlined HOSA’s growth (23 students competing) and estimated $10,000–$12,000 in travel costs for team members and chaperones for the international leadership conference in Indianapolis.

The board voted to approve requests to offset travel expenses for both Llata Middle and Silver High NHD qualifiers and for the SHS HOSA participants. Motions passed by voice vote during the action-items portion of the meeting.

Board members praised the community donors and partners who supported student programming; staff recognized local entities for services such as hanging senior banners and landscaping projects that benefit school campuses. Trustees closed the meeting after approving action items, hearing the external audit presentation and holding a brief executive session with no action.