From left, Daniel McIntyre, Phoenix Nesselrotte, Madison Copeland and Kean Smith display the flags during the LSIC showcase at Parkersburg High School on Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Board of Education held the last of three LSIC (Local School Improvement Council) Showcase events Tuesday night at Parkersburg High School.

Board President Justin Raber described the event as a “fair-style” celebration where schools from across the district presented their standout programs and initiatives to the board and community members.

“This is our third LSIC meeting and showcase,” Raber explained. “We’ve already held one at Parkersburg South and another in Williamstown. Tonight, all of the North End schools are here to share the great things happening in their buildings.”

At Vienna Elementary, fourth-grade teacher Jesse Ice introduced a student-led initiative called the “Smile Squad,” a new program designed to build a positive school climate.

“Our fourth graders wanted their own leadership opportunity,” Ice said. “So now, when you walk into the building, you’re greeted with smiles, compliments, and positive energy.”

Kathrine Clatworthy dances with her sister, Sophia Clatworthy who is the mascot at Jefferson Elementary Center during Tuesday evening’s LSIC showcase. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“We stand in the hallway and greet people in the morning. If someone’s having a bad day, we try to make it better by saying good morning or giving compliments.” Jules Rodet, a Smile Squad member, explained. “I just love helping people smile.”

Students involved in speech and debate were also front and center. Daphne Cockerham, a PHS senior, highlighted the program’s academic rigor and social benefits.

“We compete at state and national levels in events like prose, informative speaking, public forum debate, and more,” she said.

The PHS theater program also took a well-deserved spotlight. After battling extensive water damage to their auditorium last year, the school’s drama troupe made a triumphant return with a production of “Mean Girls.” The rebuilding effort not only revitalized the program but also attracted new members.

“We had a huge number of first-timers on stage and behind the scenes,” said Theatre Teacher Lori Zyla. “It was a great experience and our community showed up with support.”

The choir at Parkersburg High School sings the school song at the opening of the LSIC showcase on Tuesday night. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The troupe also saw success at the State Thespian Festival, with student entries in solo, duet, and group performances, and will soon host a thespian showcase to celebrate their year’s achievements and induct new members.

From creativity on stage to innovation in the lab, the showcase also featured advanced STEM projects, including robotics and 3D printing. Landon Haught, a student from PHS, displayed projects ranging from keychain fundraising items to prototyped robotic components.

“We design parts using 3D printing to test how they’ll function before building them out of standardized robotics kits,” he explained.

Jefferson Elementary Center’s principal, Tina Lowers, proudly shared her school’s impressive strides.

“We’ve got STEM clubs, a greenhouse club, a writing club – some of our students are even publishing their own books,” she said.

Connor Miller exhibits the Parkersburg High School Robotics Club work during Tuesday evening’s LSIC showcase. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

In addition to academic programming, the school also saw an 11% decrease in chronic absenteeism and recently renovated its gym and library.

“We say, ‘Welcome to JDC: We have a spot for you.’ That’s our philosophy,” said Lowers.