By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Niles Community Schools agenda meeting Monday lasted a little longer than usual.
However, it did so for a good reason.
Jim Craig, the school district's Curriculum Development Director, had the pleasure of recognizing seven students who took first place in the Berrien County Arts and Science Expo earlier this year.
The Expo was held at Orchard Mall in Benton Harbor in late April.
The school district had 57 students participating in the event
Craig said the competition is divided into age groups and categories.
He commended the students for the work they put into their projects, which were mostly done outside regular school activities, he said.
The seven winners were Sarah Bouse, Ring Lardner Middle School, painting; Justin Utley, Ballard Elementary, print making; Derek Kardisco, Ballard Elementary, music media and 2D design; Lisa Ingle, Ring Lardner Middle School, color photography; Devyn Roberts, Ballard Elementary, metal works; Marcus Bricker, Ballard Elementary, textiles and fibers; Christian Ezell, Ballard Elementary, computer presentation; and Collin Aycock, Niles High School, physics.
Five of the winners were from Ballard Elementary.
The school board members all agreed the students efforts are commendable and shows a commitment above regular student commitments.
In other school board reports:
The date for that meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., on June 2 at Westside Administrative Services Center.