Minerva Juniors Gain Leadership Edge at RYLA Conference
Two Minerva High School juniors, Fox Johnson and Kayden Knappenberger, recently returned from an intensive leadership retreat after being selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
The three-day conference, held in Canfield, Ohio, brought together approximately 100 high school juniors from across Northeast Ohio. The Minerva Local Rotary Club sponsored both students, covering all expenses for the experience to support the development of local youth leaders.
Building Skills Through Action
Both Fox and Kayden are strong students at Minerva High School, balancing roles as Honor Students with varsity athletes on the track and cross-country teams. At RYLA, they participated in collaborative workshops and leadership simulations designed to challenge their communication and problem-solving abilities.
Fox Johnson noted that the experience changed his perspective on how leaders connect with others.
"RYLA was a very educational experience that taught me a lot about communication," said Johnson. "We did many activities that involved communication, and in many of them, we weren't able to talk. This forced us to find creative ways to communicate without speech. I feel like these exercises helped emphasize the importance of communication. I had a great experience at RYLA, and it gave me more confidence when choosing a college to attend.”
Johnson added that the social environment was equally beneficial. "Speaking with many students I didn't know vastly improved my social skills, and I feelit made me a better person overall."
Preparing for the Future
For Kayden Knappenberger, the weekend was a dive into the practicalities of leadership and self-confidence.
"I felt that RYLA was a very educational and beneficial experience," Knappenberger shared. "I got a chance to talk and interact with everybody who was there in a multitude of ways. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable weekend as it taught me better ways to be a leader, not just in my school, but in my society as well."
A Proud Community
Mark Scott, serving in his dual role as a Minerva Rotary Club Member and Minerva Local Schools Superintendent, has observed their journey firsthand.
"Both Fox and Kayden are outstanding representatives for Minerva High School," said Scott. "I have had the opportunity to watch them grow all the way from elementary school into strong leaders, role models, and outstanding young men. I am happy to hear they had a great experience through RYLA."
Two Minerva High School juniors, Fox Johnson and Kayden Knappenberger, recently returned from an intensive leadership retreat after being selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
The three-day conference, held in Canfield, Ohio, brought together approximately 100 high school juniors from across Northeast Ohio. The Minerva Local Rotary Club sponsored both students, covering all expenses for the experience to support the development of local youth leaders.
Building Skills Through Action
Both Fox and Kayden are strong students at Minerva High School, balancing roles as Honor Students with varsity athletes on the track and cross-country teams. At RYLA, they participated in collaborative workshops and leadership simulations designed to challenge their communication and problem-solving abilities.
Fox Johnson noted that the experience changed his perspective on how leaders connect with others.
"RYLA was a very educational experience that taught me a lot about communication," said Johnson. "We did many activities that involved communication, and in many of them, we weren't able to talk. This forced us to find creative ways to communicate without speech. I feel like these exercises helped emphasize the importance of communication. I had a great experience at RYLA, and it gave me more confidence when choosing a college to attend.”
Johnson added that the social environment was equally beneficial. "Speaking with many students I didn't know vastly improved my social skills, and I feelit made me a better person overall."
Preparing for the Future
For Kayden Knappenberger, the weekend was a dive into the practicalities of leadership and self-confidence.
"I felt that RYLA was a very educational and beneficial experience," Knappenberger shared. "I got a chance to talk and interact with everybody who was there in a multitude of ways. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable weekend as it taught me better ways to be a leader, not just in my school, but in my society as well."
A Proud Community
Mark Scott, serving in his dual role as a Minerva Rotary Club Member and Minerva Local Schools Superintendent, has observed their journey firsthand.
"Both Fox and Kayden are outstanding representatives for Minerva High School," said Scott. "I have had the opportunity to watch them grow all the way from elementary school into strong leaders, role models, and outstanding young men. I am happy to hear they had a great experience through RYLA."
🎶 The Minerva High School Steel Drum Band recently performed for the Minerva Rotary Club — and they were outstanding!
Thank you to the Rotary Club for supporting our students and providing this great opportunity!
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride
Minerva Local Schools Celebrates Board of Education During "Scaling New Heights" Recognition
MINERVA, OH — At the February 23rd Minerva Local Board of Education meeting, the district honored the Minerva Local School Board Members. As part of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Board Appreciation Month, the district celebrated the theme "Scaling New Heights."
The theme connected well with the Minerva community, reflecting the Board’s commitment to supporting students as they climb from their first days in preschool to the pinnacle of graduation.
A Focus on the Whole Child
The Minerva Local Board of Education was thanked for the support of a well-rounded educational experience. Their leadership ensures that Minerva students have access to:
Academic Excellence
The Arts & Athletics
Extracurriculars
The Whole Child Framework
School Safety
Student-Led Gratitude
The highlight of the evening featured Minerva Elementary second-grade students demonstrating creativity.
Board members were presented with oversized, handmade thank-you cards and original artwork and produced a touching "Scaling New Heights" video tribute, which was played for the board and attendees.
"We are very fortunate to have such a well-rounded, hard-working, and dedicated school board for Minerva Local Schools," said Superintendent Mark Scott. "They are always student-centered in every decision they make. We appreciate their dedication to our students and our community."
Following the formal recognition and the conclusion of district business, Board members and community visitors enjoyed a reception featuring fresh fruit and cookies.
Through their vision and dedication, the Minerva Local Board of Education continues to ensure that every student is equipped to reach their own "new heights."
MINERVA, OH — At the February 23rd Minerva Local Board of Education meeting, the district honored the Minerva Local School Board Members. As part of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Board Appreciation Month, the district celebrated the theme "Scaling New Heights."
The theme connected well with the Minerva community, reflecting the Board’s commitment to supporting students as they climb from their first days in preschool to the pinnacle of graduation.
A Focus on the Whole Child
The Minerva Local Board of Education was thanked for the support of a well-rounded educational experience. Their leadership ensures that Minerva students have access to:
Academic Excellence
The Arts & Athletics
Extracurriculars
The Whole Child Framework
School Safety
Student-Led Gratitude
The highlight of the evening featured Minerva Elementary second-grade students demonstrating creativity.
Board members were presented with oversized, handmade thank-you cards and original artwork and produced a touching "Scaling New Heights" video tribute, which was played for the board and attendees.
"We are very fortunate to have such a well-rounded, hard-working, and dedicated school board for Minerva Local Schools," said Superintendent Mark Scott. "They are always student-centered in every decision they make. We appreciate their dedication to our students and our community."
Following the formal recognition and the conclusion of district business, Board members and community visitors enjoyed a reception featuring fresh fruit and cookies.
Through their vision and dedication, the Minerva Local Board of Education continues to ensure that every student is equipped to reach their own "new heights."
Athletic Events
Mon 2/23/26 to Sun 3/1/26
*Subject to Change
Mon 2/23/26 to Sun 3/1/26
*Subject to Change
⭐️ Congratulations to Minerva FFA President Rachel Weaver and Treasure Enoch Brodzenski for earning their FFA State Degree! We are Proud of You!
#MinervaPride
🦁 Mr. Stith’s class has been hard at work launching their class business — selling Lion Bags!
Today was their very first day of sales, and they completely SOLD OUT! 🎉
We are so proud of their teamwork, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. Great job! #MinervaPride
🏀 The Minerva Lady Lions battled hard and fought back time and time again but came up short in their OHSAA Tournament opener at Maysville.
A special thank you to our outstanding 2026 Seniors for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to Lady Lions Basketball!
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride
🍿Mrs. Coldwell's sophomore English II students took advantage of one of our community's incredible assets — the Roxy Theater —to watch the film version of The Glass Castle, a memoir they enjoyed reading this fall. The students ate freshly popped popcorn as they watched this film adaptation. According to the sophomores, the book was indeed better, but it was fun to see a movie during the school day! Thanks to the Minerva Chamber for hosting our Lions at the Roxy!
🦁 LION NEWS NETWORK | Better Call LNN 🦁
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Lion News Network? 🎬 In our latest segment, we’re taking you through the halls of LNN to show you how the magic happens!
From the anchor desk to the editing suite, our team is working around the clock to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. 🎤💻
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K3f9rD5LVk
What’s your favorite LNN segment? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Lion News Network? 🎬 In our latest segment, we’re taking you through the halls of LNN to show you how the magic happens!
From the anchor desk to the editing suite, our team is working around the clock to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. 🎤💻
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K3f9rD5LVk
What’s your favorite LNN segment? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Congratulations to MHS Wrestler Lincoln Wallace who earned his 100th win this past weekend at the Buck Bailey Tournament in Wellsville.
Unleash the Beast!!!
🏀 The Minerva Boys Basketball Team battled but dropped an overtime game on the road at Lake High School.
The Lions finish the regular season with 12 wins!
Minerva travels to Beaver Local High School for the OHSAA Game on Friday, February 27th.
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride
As spring sports are gearing up to start their season, we wanted to send out a few tips for your Rooms' settings.
1) Make sure your contact information is current in Final Forms.
2) Log into Rooms at the bottom of the Minerva Local App with your cell phone instead of email.
3) Ensure you go to settings and turn on all notifications, including announcements if you would like to be notified when something goes out on your child’s Room feed.
4) If you are having any issues, delete the app, re-install, sign-in and reset your settings.
We really appreciate the increased engagement we are getting with the MLSD App! Please reach out to burmana@minerva.sparcc.org with any issues relating to Rooms or the MLSD App in general!
The Lions are on Fire! 🔥🦁
That’s FIVE WINS IN A ROW for the Minerva Lions!
This afternoon, the Lions defeated Marlington, 60-41, with another outstanding team performance!
Minerva is playing our best basketball at the right time!
Go Lions! #MinervaPride
It’s a Great Day to be a Minerva Lion!! 🦁
The Minerva Boys Basketball Team wins its FOURTH straight game with an impressive 69-51 victory over Tusky Valley!
What a total team effort and an incredible atmosphere in front of a packed home crowd!
Back in action this afternoon vs. Marlington — let’s keep it rolling!
Go Lions! #MinervaPride 🦁
📸 Jordan Miller News
Updated Athletic Events
2/16/26 to 2/21/26
February 13, 2026
Eight Area Schools Announce Formation of a New Athletic League
Carrollton Exempted Village Schools, Claymont City Schools, Fairless Local Schools, Marlington Local Schools, Minerva Local Schools, Sandy Valley Local Schools, Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, and Tuslaw Local Schools jointly announced today the formation of a new interscholastic athletic league.
The league will bring together eight long-established programs from Carroll, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties that share deep-rooted athletic traditions, geographic proximity, and decades of competitive history. The league is scheduled to begin competition in the 2028-2029 school year.
“These schools are bound by more than geography,” said representatives of the founding superintendents. “We share longstanding rivalries and a commitment to providing competitive, student-centred athletic and scholastic opportunities.”
All of the founding members were once in the old Senate League and have competed against one another for generations, helping to define high school athletics in Northeast Ohio. These schools represent long-standing rivalries throughout the region that have been staples of Friday nights and tournament brackets for generations, filling stadiums and energizing communities. Rooted in the shared history of former Senate League competition and decades of regional play, these programs come together as founding members of a league built on tradition, intensity, and pride.
The Conference reflects competitive balance, with member schools competing similarly in sports. This alignment was a key factor in the league’s formation and is expected to enhance scheduling consistency and postseason preparation.
“Our goal is stability,” the superintendents noted. “Stability for our students, our coaches, our communities, and our athletic programs. The conference is built to last.”
Additional details regarding league bylaws, scheduling, and the hiring of a conference commissioner will be announced at a later date.
Founding Members of the Conference:
Carrollton High School
Claymont City Schools
Fairless High School
Marlington High School
Minerva High School
Sandy Valley High School
Tuscarawas Valley High School
Tuslaw High School
This is a great opportunity for student-athletes and the communities served by the member schools.
Eight Area Schools Announce Formation of a New Athletic League
Carrollton Exempted Village Schools, Claymont City Schools, Fairless Local Schools, Marlington Local Schools, Minerva Local Schools, Sandy Valley Local Schools, Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, and Tuslaw Local Schools jointly announced today the formation of a new interscholastic athletic league.
The league will bring together eight long-established programs from Carroll, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties that share deep-rooted athletic traditions, geographic proximity, and decades of competitive history. The league is scheduled to begin competition in the 2028-2029 school year.
“These schools are bound by more than geography,” said representatives of the founding superintendents. “We share longstanding rivalries and a commitment to providing competitive, student-centred athletic and scholastic opportunities.”
All of the founding members were once in the old Senate League and have competed against one another for generations, helping to define high school athletics in Northeast Ohio. These schools represent long-standing rivalries throughout the region that have been staples of Friday nights and tournament brackets for generations, filling stadiums and energizing communities. Rooted in the shared history of former Senate League competition and decades of regional play, these programs come together as founding members of a league built on tradition, intensity, and pride.
The Conference reflects competitive balance, with member schools competing similarly in sports. This alignment was a key factor in the league’s formation and is expected to enhance scheduling consistency and postseason preparation.
“Our goal is stability,” the superintendents noted. “Stability for our students, our coaches, our communities, and our athletic programs. The conference is built to last.”
Additional details regarding league bylaws, scheduling, and the hiring of a conference commissioner will be announced at a later date.
Founding Members of the Conference:
Carrollton High School
Claymont City Schools
Fairless High School
Marlington High School
Minerva High School
Sandy Valley High School
Tuscarawas Valley High School
Tuslaw High School
This is a great opportunity for student-athletes and the communities served by the member schools.
Athletic Events
2/16/26 to 2/21/26
Unleash the Beast!!!
2/16/26 to 2/21/26
Unleash the Beast!!!
Saturday 2/14/26 REMINDER
The rescheduled JV/V Boys Basketball game vs Marlington starts at 12:00 PM at Minerva HS.
Unleash the Beast!!!
⭐️ Gold Star Performance for the Minerva High School Concert Band! 🎵
What an outstanding performance by our talented musicians!
We’re excited to announce that the band will be performing at the Malone University Band Festival on March 24th! 🎶
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride
💯 100 Days Smarter at Minerva Elementary! 🦁
What a fun and memorable day at Minerva Elementary School as we celebrated the 100th day of learning in First Grade!
Students participated in a variety of exciting activities centered around the number 100 — counting 100 items, creative art projects, singing songs, and reading stories all themed around “100.” It was a fantastic way to celebrate how much our students have learned and grown this year!
The highlight of the day? Students and staff dressed up as if they were 100 years old! 👵👴 The gray hair, glasses, suspenders, and canes made for lots of laughs and great memories.
We are so proud of our young learners and the dedication of our amazing staff. Here’s to the next 100 days of learning and fun!
#MinervaPride
