BEAVERCREEK — The Beavercreek Board of Education invited its High School Ambassadors for its first meet-and-greet session so they could put a face to the names and the voices of the high school students.

School ambassadors are a small group that is dedicated to help promote positive vibes for the school and students. They work as liaisons to have the student’s voice heard as well as looking out for the best interest of the school.

During the past board of education meeting, the school board representatives posed questions to the ambassadors to gain a better understanding of what each of their opinions and thoughts were on certain topics such as their thoughts regarding the Beavercreek public school system, what they cherished most about their educational experience, ways to improve the schools and what suggestions are coming up within the school walls.

“You guys look great up there,” Board member Jo Ann Rigano said. The school board members took seats in the audience while the ambassadors took their seats.

During the questioning sessions, six members of the ambassadors group where questioned. Members of the group included, Callista Hess, Yazan Khatis, Anthony Veneziano, Ethan Rizzotte, Diana Benigno, and Brian Dong.

“You can tell everyone truly cares about us [Beavercreek students], for instance, things like this. It shows that you want to help our schools and how much you care,” Callista Hess said.

Other aspects of their school experiences were divulged during the questioning session. It became clear that each student’s school experiences were as different from the next. For instance, Khatis has been influenced by politics and speech classes while Veneziano and Rizzotte have been influenced by the performing arts. Dong said that even though he is not athletic, he really enjoys the games and being a part of Beavercreek’s school spirit.

“There’s a lot of opportunities for students to get involved and I truly appreciate that we have a lot of variety,” Brian Dong said.

When asked what could change to better the school, the thoughts were mixed. Rizzotte would like to see a variety of different learning techniques used. Benigno feels it would help her and other students to see the principal, assistance principal and counselors walking around the hallways more. Some believe the class sizes need to be smaller.

Hess would like to see more school colors implemented into the school entrance. But, all agreed that the morning announcements need to be handled by someone cheery and to be able to take lunches off the premises.

“My favorite memory was when Mrs. Rigano, in 3rd grade, took us to Bob Evans where we had to work for the morning. I’ll never forget that,” Benigno said.

Danielle Coots | News-Current Beavercreek Board of Education High School Ambassadors attend a recent board meeting. Pictured from left Ethan Rizzotte, Diana Benigno and Brian Dong.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/03/web1_BCreek185817.jpgDanielle Coots | News-Current Beavercreek Board of Education High School Ambassadors attend a recent board meeting. Pictured from left Ethan Rizzotte, Diana Benigno and Brian Dong.

Pictured are ambassadors Callista Hess, Yazcan Khatis and Anthony Veneziano.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/03/web1_BCreek185838.jpgPictured are ambassadors Callista Hess, Yazcan Khatis and Anthony Veneziano.

By Danielle Coots

For the News-Current

Danielle Coots is a freelance writer for Greene County News.