The Graham Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday evening, highlighting student leadership, celebrating athletic success, and addressing district business.
Graham Elementary students took center stage, showcasing the work of the Lighthouse Club. Members are organized into small teams and take on daily leadership roles throughout the school, including raising and lowering the flag, recording announcements, delivering classroom folders, and stepping in when classmates are absent.
Students also shared how they led four school-wide “town hall” meetings this year—one each quarter—focused on building leadership skills and reinforcing the school’s goals and the “7 Habits.” The presentations required scripting, rehearsing, and public speaking, giving students hands-on experience in communication and teamwork.
Beyond the classroom, Lighthouse Club members volunteered at several community events, including Movie Night, the Back to School Bash, Open House, and Christmas in the Village.
The evening also featured a performance by the Graham Elementary Choir, which sang “The Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie along with a Disney sing-along of well-known songs.
Board members also recognized the Graham High School wrestling team for another historic season. The team captured its 25th consecutive state title and 27th overall, continuing one of the most dominant runs in high school sports.
The Board also accepted the resignation of Treasurer Patrick Swan, who is leaving the district to take a position closer to home, as well as the resignation of Nick Guidera.
Swan thanks the district for the opportunity to serve and looks forward to the next chapter in his career.
Superintendent Chad Lensman provides comments on the items discussed during the meeting and gives a preview of the rest of the school year.
In district business, the Board approved adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0, a nationally recognized guide that will help the district better protect student and staff data while meeting new state requirements.
Several donations were acknowledged, supporting a wide range of student programs:
- $75 from Paul Sullenberger for the Military Wall of Honor
- $200 from David Z. Rose for the high school prom
- $500 from the Champaign County Deputy Association for the high school junior class prom
- $500 from Wreck-A-Mended LLC for the high school junior prom
- $250 from First Central National Bank for the high school junior prom
- $250 from First Central National Bank for the middle school Color Run
- $500 from McGuire Farm and Excavating for the middle school Color Run
- $2,500 from Graham Youth PeeWee for football
- $250 from Jo Ann Gentis for the Military Wall of Honor
- $200 from The Brock D. Comer Memorial for library books through the Scholastic Book Fair
- $250 from Pete’s Pit Stop for Color Blast sponsorship
- $500 from Rice Transport, Inc. for Graham Middle School Color Blast sponsorship
- $756 from the Community Women’s Euchre Tournament to help cover negative lunch balances, with thanks to Peggy Kessler, Nancy Massie, Linda Fullerton, Judy Compton, and Freya Brandyberry
