🦁 🍎 A wonderful evening at the Stark County ESC Education Celebration, honoring Mrs. Valerie Slaton, Minerva Local Teacher of the Year, alongside so many outstanding educators across our region!
Congratulations to Miss Kayla Pitts, MLSD Rookie of the Year!
Go Lions! 🦁




🐾 LNN Episode 25 is LIVE! 🐾
Stay updated with this week's Lion News Network!
Highlights:
🎓 Seniors: Graduation info for May 14th.
📝 Testing: AP exam dates and reminders.
🏆 Awards: Congrats to the Top 10% and Megan Lynn.
📖 Yearbooks: Order at yearbookcenter.com (Code: 5482).
🌦️ Plus: Poetry Month games, weather, and sports updates!
Watch here: https://youtu.be/CDdnFoQL31k
#LNN
Stay updated with this week's Lion News Network!
Highlights:
🎓 Seniors: Graduation info for May 14th.
📝 Testing: AP exam dates and reminders.
🏆 Awards: Congrats to the Top 10% and Megan Lynn.
📖 Yearbooks: Order at yearbookcenter.com (Code: 5482).
🌦️ Plus: Poetry Month games, weather, and sports updates!
Watch here: https://youtu.be/CDdnFoQL31k
#LNN

Great night at the MHS Band Concert! 🎶
The 8th grade band kicked things off with four impressive pieces, setting the tone for the evening. The steel drum group followed with two fun and energetic songs, and the percussion ensemble delivered four outstanding performances.
The MHS Concert Band closed out the night with four strong selections, plus a special combined piece with the 8th grade band that really brought everyone together.
A special moment was taking time to recognize all of the seniors for their dedication and contributions to the program.
Proud of all the hard work and talent on display last night!









🥁🌟 Gold Star Performance by the Minerva High School Steel Drum Band! 🌟🥁
What an outstanding show! A big thank you to the Canton McKinley Steel Drum Band for joining us—it made for an incredible musical experience.
Great job, Director Johnson, and congratulations to all of our talented student musicians!
Go Lions! 🦁
#MinervaPride






⭐Congratulations, Minerva Local Educator and Rookie of the Year!
Mrs. Valerie Slaton | Minerva Local Educator of the Year
A Kent State alumna with 35 years at Minerva High School, Mrs. Slaton serves as Science Department Head and Lead Teacher. Specializing in Biology and Anatomy, she has served as Department Head and Teacher Leader. Beyond the classroom, she has served as the Science Fair advisor, Ecology Club mentor, and Aultman Ambassadors leader. Minerva Local is proud to celebrate her excellent career and her dedication to the Minerva Local Schools community.
Miss Kayla Pitts, Minerva Elementary Kindergarten, Rookie of the Year
Both will be celebrated at the Stark County Educational Service Center's Education Celebration on the evening of April 27th!
Go Lions! #MinervaPride
Mrs. Valerie Slaton | Minerva Local Educator of the Year
A Kent State alumna with 35 years at Minerva High School, Mrs. Slaton serves as Science Department Head and Lead Teacher. Specializing in Biology and Anatomy, she has served as Department Head and Teacher Leader. Beyond the classroom, she has served as the Science Fair advisor, Ecology Club mentor, and Aultman Ambassadors leader. Minerva Local is proud to celebrate her excellent career and her dedication to the Minerva Local Schools community.
Miss Kayla Pitts, Minerva Elementary Kindergarten, Rookie of the Year
Both will be celebrated at the Stark County Educational Service Center's Education Celebration on the evening of April 27th!
Go Lions! #MinervaPride

Join the Minerva High School Steel Drum Band as they take the stage for their upcoming concert! We are also thrilled to welcome special guests, The McKinley Steel Drum Band, for a night you won't want to miss.
Here are the details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 21st
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: MHS Auditeria
🎟 Tickets: $5 for Students | $10 for Adults
Come out and support our talented musicians for a night of tropical vibes and great tunes! 🎶✨
Go Lions! 🦁
#MinervaPride
Here are the details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 21st
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: MHS Auditeria
🎟 Tickets: $5 for Students | $10 for Adults
Come out and support our talented musicians for a night of tropical vibes and great tunes! 🎶✨
Go Lions! 🦁
#MinervaPride
Minerva High School National Honor Society members proudly participated in today’s YMCA Unity Walk!
Thank you to our students for representing #MinervaPride through community service!
Go Lions! 🦁

✨ Prom & Post-Prom Ticket Update! ✨
It’s time to get ready for an unforgettable night, Lions! Here is everything you need to know about securing your tickets:
💃 Prom Tickets
Cost: $45.00 per ticket
Where to Buy: Available now in the Front Office.
🎡 Post-Prom Tickets
Cost: $10.00 per ticket
When to Buy: Next week (Tuesday – Thursday)
Sale Times: * MHS Students: During 5th & 6th period lunches.
Drage Students: Before or after school.
Why Buy Early? Paying for your ticket allows you to choose your bus! Make sure to encourage your friends to sign up so you can travel together.
⚠️ Note: Everyone must pre-register to attend Post-Prom. No walk-ins!
📅 FINAL DEADLINE: The last day to purchase all tickets is Thursday, April 23rd.
Don't wait until the last minute—get yours today! 🦁🎟️
#MinervaLions #MHSProm2026 #PostProm #LionPride
It’s time to get ready for an unforgettable night, Lions! Here is everything you need to know about securing your tickets:
💃 Prom Tickets
Cost: $45.00 per ticket
Where to Buy: Available now in the Front Office.
🎡 Post-Prom Tickets
Cost: $10.00 per ticket
When to Buy: Next week (Tuesday – Thursday)
Sale Times: * MHS Students: During 5th & 6th period lunches.
Drage Students: Before or after school.
Why Buy Early? Paying for your ticket allows you to choose your bus! Make sure to encourage your friends to sign up so you can travel together.
⚠️ Note: Everyone must pre-register to attend Post-Prom. No walk-ins!
📅 FINAL DEADLINE: The last day to purchase all tickets is Thursday, April 23rd.
Don't wait until the last minute—get yours today! 🦁🎟️
#MinervaLions #MHSProm2026 #PostProm #LionPride
⭐️ Gold Star 2026 Celebration for Minerva High School FFA!
What an incredible evening celebrating the achievements and tradition of Minerva FFA! 🌾🐄
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Lucas, our dedicated FFA Officers, supportive community members, and families who make it all possible. With over 90 years of history and more than 100 students impacted each year, Minerva FFA continues to provide outstanding opportunities that shape future leaders.
Congratulations Mr. Clapper on your service award recognition- well deserved!
We are proud of all our students and their accomplishments—keep up the great work!
Go Lions! 🦁










🎉 Congratulations, Aubrie Baxter! 🎉
We are incredibly proud to announce that Senior Dental student Aubrie Baxter has earned the prestigious Gold Level Barbara James Service Award! 🥇
Aubrie has dedicated over 700 hours of her time to community service through HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). This incredible achievement highlights her commitment to helping others and her future career in healthcare.
Please join us in celebrating Aubrie’s hard work, compassion, and dedication to our community! 🦁✨
#MinervaPride #MinervaLions #HOSA #CommunityService #FutureHealthProfessional #LionPrid
We are incredibly proud to announce that Senior Dental student Aubrie Baxter has earned the prestigious Gold Level Barbara James Service Award! 🥇
Aubrie has dedicated over 700 hours of her time to community service through HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). This incredible achievement highlights her commitment to helping others and her future career in healthcare.
Please join us in celebrating Aubrie’s hard work, compassion, and dedication to our community! 🦁✨
#MinervaPride #MinervaLions #HOSA #CommunityService #FutureHealthProfessional #LionPrid




Check out the latest LNN Episode 24 from the Lion News Network! 🦁📺
This update is packed with everything happening at Minerva High School, from teacher highlights to important event reminders. Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
⭐ Teacher Spotlight: Featuring Ms. Bondoni!
💃 Post-Prom Prep: Essential info for everyone attending post-prom activities.
🎓 Campus Life: A look at the University of Akron’s facilities, including their pool and climbing wall.
🍪 Local Favorites: We’re talking Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and The Clever Cookie & Creamery!
Track Sports Corner: Updates on Shelton RAYces and the cross-country team’s latest achievements.
Stay informed and support our students by watching the full video below! 👇
Watch here: https://youtu.be/dG8MdHNWcPM
This update is packed with everything happening at Minerva High School, from teacher highlights to important event reminders. Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
⭐ Teacher Spotlight: Featuring Ms. Bondoni!
💃 Post-Prom Prep: Essential info for everyone attending post-prom activities.
🎓 Campus Life: A look at the University of Akron’s facilities, including their pool and climbing wall.
🍪 Local Favorites: We’re talking Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and The Clever Cookie & Creamery!
Track Sports Corner: Updates on Shelton RAYces and the cross-country team’s latest achievements.
Stay informed and support our students by watching the full video below! 👇
Watch here: https://youtu.be/dG8MdHNWcPM

Congratulations, MHS 2026 Top Ten Percent Students and Honored Educators!
Celebrating excellence and the educators who make it possible! 🦁✨
On Monday, April 13, Minerva High School hosted an amazing evening honoring the Top 10% scholars of the Class of 2026 and the educators who have shaped their journeys.
It was a night filled with pride, joy, and heartfelt emotion as each student took the stage to honor the teacher who had the greatest impact on their lives. Being named a Top 10% honoree or being selected as an honored educator is a tremendous achievement, representing years of hard work and dedication.
Congratulations to our incredible students and their mentors. We are so proud of you all! A special thank you to Ms. Lisa Cargill for her outstanding leadership in organizing and coordinating this amazing event.
Congratulations to our honorees:
Kaden Almasy – Coach Zach Slates
Enoch Brodzenski – Mrs. Missy Boldizar
Evelyn Bryan – Mrs. Heather Conn
Julian Elliott – Coach Arin Rettig
Rowen Hoffee – Coach Scott Russell
Skyler Lab – Mrs. Rebecca Kovach
Megan Lynn – Mrs. Debra Imler
Ray Meadows – Mrs. Kristine Hunt
Bruce Porter – Mrs. Mary Grunder
Nathin Shahan – Mrs. Julie Holderbaum
Keegan Shingleton – Ms. Lisa Cargill
Mason Smith – Mr. Kyle Batdorff
Macy Stowe – Mrs. Jean Jobes
Mckenzye Talkington – Mrs. Julie Mayfield
Danika Wagner – Mrs. Autumn Thomas
Rachel Weaver – Mr. Kyle Lucas
Braydon Wood – Coach Bruce Wright
Owen Yoder – Coach Olivia Scott
#MinervaPride
Celebrating excellence and the educators who make it possible! 🦁✨
On Monday, April 13, Minerva High School hosted an amazing evening honoring the Top 10% scholars of the Class of 2026 and the educators who have shaped their journeys.
It was a night filled with pride, joy, and heartfelt emotion as each student took the stage to honor the teacher who had the greatest impact on their lives. Being named a Top 10% honoree or being selected as an honored educator is a tremendous achievement, representing years of hard work and dedication.
Congratulations to our incredible students and their mentors. We are so proud of you all! A special thank you to Ms. Lisa Cargill for her outstanding leadership in organizing and coordinating this amazing event.
Congratulations to our honorees:
Kaden Almasy – Coach Zach Slates
Enoch Brodzenski – Mrs. Missy Boldizar
Evelyn Bryan – Mrs. Heather Conn
Julian Elliott – Coach Arin Rettig
Rowen Hoffee – Coach Scott Russell
Skyler Lab – Mrs. Rebecca Kovach
Megan Lynn – Mrs. Debra Imler
Ray Meadows – Mrs. Kristine Hunt
Bruce Porter – Mrs. Mary Grunder
Nathin Shahan – Mrs. Julie Holderbaum
Keegan Shingleton – Ms. Lisa Cargill
Mason Smith – Mr. Kyle Batdorff
Macy Stowe – Mrs. Jean Jobes
Mckenzye Talkington – Mrs. Julie Mayfield
Danika Wagner – Mrs. Autumn Thomas
Rachel Weaver – Mr. Kyle Lucas
Braydon Wood – Coach Bruce Wright
Owen Yoder – Coach Olivia Scott
#MinervaPride

Minerva High School juniors and seniors experienced a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the Ohio judicial system today, participating in the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Off-Site Court program held at Carrollton High School.
The event, which brought together over 600 students from four area school districts, marked a significant milestone as Carroll County became the 77th of Ohio’s 88 counties to host the traveling court. The program, designed to foster civic education, provided students with an immersive look at the appellate process.
A Deep Dive into Legal Proceedings
To prepare for the visit, students studied the scheduled cases in their government classes and received guidance from local retired attorney Marty Chapman. The day included a special focus on three cases, with particular student interest in State v. Lebron-Novas. This case examines the legality of a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle search, centered on potential inconsistencies between a trooper’s testimony and dash-cam footage—a topic that sparked rigorous discussion regarding Fourth Amendment rights.
The day’s agenda offered students a rare look at the mechanics of law:
Observing Oral Arguments: Students watched the justices hear cases in real-time.
Legal Q&A: Following the arguments, student groups met directly with the attorneys representing both sides to discuss the legal issues at play and the nuances of the arguments presented.
Career Exploration: The experience served as both a history lesson and a career catalyst, with students encouraged to consider paths in the legal field.
Community Collaboration
The event was made possible through extensive local coordination, specifically led by Carroll County Judge and Minerva resident Mike Repella, who served as a primary organizer for the visit.
The Off-Site Court program, established in 1987, continues to be a cornerstone of Ohio’s civic education efforts, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the real-world application of the law.
The event, which brought together over 600 students from four area school districts, marked a significant milestone as Carroll County became the 77th of Ohio’s 88 counties to host the traveling court. The program, designed to foster civic education, provided students with an immersive look at the appellate process.
A Deep Dive into Legal Proceedings
To prepare for the visit, students studied the scheduled cases in their government classes and received guidance from local retired attorney Marty Chapman. The day included a special focus on three cases, with particular student interest in State v. Lebron-Novas. This case examines the legality of a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle search, centered on potential inconsistencies between a trooper’s testimony and dash-cam footage—a topic that sparked rigorous discussion regarding Fourth Amendment rights.
The day’s agenda offered students a rare look at the mechanics of law:
Observing Oral Arguments: Students watched the justices hear cases in real-time.
Legal Q&A: Following the arguments, student groups met directly with the attorneys representing both sides to discuss the legal issues at play and the nuances of the arguments presented.
Career Exploration: The experience served as both a history lesson and a career catalyst, with students encouraged to consider paths in the legal field.
Community Collaboration
The event was made possible through extensive local coordination, specifically led by Carroll County Judge and Minerva resident Mike Repella, who served as a primary organizer for the visit.
The Off-Site Court program, established in 1987, continues to be a cornerstone of Ohio’s civic education efforts, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the real-world application of the law.
Congratulations to Minerva High School senior Megan Lynn on receiving the prestigious Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award!
On Monday, April 15, Megan was honored at the 37th annual awards presentation held at the Ohioian Event Center in Columbus. This outstanding recognition from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) celebrates outstanding academic achievement, scholarship, and leadership, with only one student from each of Ohio’s 88 counties selected for the honor.
Megan, the daughter of Kristina and Jeremiah Lynn, was presented with the award by Stark County ESC Superintendent Joe Chaddock and Minerva Superintendent Mark Scott.
A standout student at Minerva High School, Megan’s impressive extracurricular resume includes:
National Honor Society
Top Ten Percent Honoree
Drama Club
Travel Club
International Circle
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
Megan plans to continue her academic success at The Ohio State University this fall, where she will major in Criminal Justice with a goal of pursuing law school. We are so proud of your accomplishments, Megan—your future is incredibly bright! 🎓✨
#MinervaPride
On Monday, April 15, Megan was honored at the 37th annual awards presentation held at the Ohioian Event Center in Columbus. This outstanding recognition from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) celebrates outstanding academic achievement, scholarship, and leadership, with only one student from each of Ohio’s 88 counties selected for the honor.
Megan, the daughter of Kristina and Jeremiah Lynn, was presented with the award by Stark County ESC Superintendent Joe Chaddock and Minerva Superintendent Mark Scott.
A standout student at Minerva High School, Megan’s impressive extracurricular resume includes:
National Honor Society
Top Ten Percent Honoree
Drama Club
Travel Club
International Circle
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
Megan plans to continue her academic success at The Ohio State University this fall, where she will major in Criminal Justice with a goal of pursuing law school. We are so proud of your accomplishments, Megan—your future is incredibly bright! 🎓✨
#MinervaPride



Congratulations to our outstanding Minerva Track & Field Seniors! 🦁
Your dedication, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our program. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished!
Wishing you continued success for the rest of the season—Go Lions! #MinervaPride

🍎 Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for the 2026 Golden Apple Award! 🍎
The Minerva Local Education Association is seeking nominations for current members who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Help us recognize a teacher who goes above and beyond for our students and community.
How to Nominate:
Deadline: Complete the form before April 17, 2026.
Where: Scan the QR code on the attached flyer or find the link on the Minerva Local Website.
Eligibility: Nominees must be current MLEA members.
Let’s celebrate the educators who make a difference every day! 🌟
Questions? Contact Derrick Maxey at 330-868-4134 ext. 1220 or email maxeyd@minerva.sparcc.org
The Minerva Local Education Association is seeking nominations for current members who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Help us recognize a teacher who goes above and beyond for our students and community.
How to Nominate:
Deadline: Complete the form before April 17, 2026.
Where: Scan the QR code on the attached flyer or find the link on the Minerva Local Website.
Eligibility: Nominees must be current MLEA members.
Let’s celebrate the educators who make a difference every day! 🌟
Questions? Contact Derrick Maxey at 330-868-4134 ext. 1220 or email maxeyd@minerva.sparcc.org

Catch the newest addition of MHS News and Updates!








It’s a Great Day to be a Minerva Lion Artist! ❤️🦁🎨
We had an amazing night celebrating our talented students at the Bold & Bright art show at the Market Street Art Spot! Incredible work from our high school and middle school artists, plus great music and community support.
Proud of all who made it special—what a night!
#MinervaPride










OST Testing Schedule 2026

📢 This week on Lion News Network! 🦁
Don't miss a "crazy" new episode where the team dives into the ultimate showdown: Coke vs. Pepsi! Plus, catch up on the latest school news, weather with Bradyn Conner, and some hilarious student segments.
Watch the full episode here:
📺 https://youtu.be/qByqLgvz-tk
Don't miss a "crazy" new episode where the team dives into the ultimate showdown: Coke vs. Pepsi! Plus, catch up on the latest school news, weather with Bradyn Conner, and some hilarious student segments.
Watch the full episode here:
📺 https://youtu.be/qByqLgvz-tk

