The morning after Bridgeport High School claimed the 2014 WVSSAC Class AA football championship, several Bridgeport students were awarded state academic titles. Out of eight statewide middle school academic achievement awards for the 2013-2014 school year, the students of Bridgeport Middle School nabbed five.

 

At Wheeling Island Convention Center, the following students and groups were honored Saturday morning:

 

BMS Girls Soccer Team or best team award;

BMS Girls Track Team for best individual team award;

BMS Band for best band award;

Erica Cottrill for best female band student; and

Joplin Kehrer for community service award.

 

Present to witness the presentation was BMS Principal Carole Crawford, BMS Assistant Principal Dave Mazza, BMS Music Director Eric Stoneking, Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Dr. Mark Manchin and several parents.

 

Crawford said she is extremely proud of her students’ accomplishments.

 

“Academics are the heart of BMS. It's what we are most proud of and it is the expectation from home,” she said. “If we can combine academics, community service, band and athletics and still come out as winners, then nothing can stop our students.”

 

The students were also recognized on the field prior to the AAA championship game Saturday afternoon.

 

Awards are based on the following criteria: (1) Grade point average; (2) Attendance and (3) Participation in activities. Every West Virginia middle school has the option of submitting teams and/or individuals to be considered for the awards, which are decided upon by the WVSSAC board of directors. The application process starts during summer break when BMS Athletic Director Art Petitto gathers grade point averages and school counselors check attendance for potential submissions.

 

This year marks the most awards received by BMS to date. The West Virginia National Guard sponsored this year’s WVSSAC academic awards. See photos at the gallery link below.