XENIA — Nearly three dozen new staff members were welcomed and educators with 30 plus years were recognized during Xenia High School’s convocation Monday.

Staff members were recognized for reaching their 30-year anniversary in 2024 were Rebecca Gagliano, Lisa Gerrard, Sandra Jacobs, Linda Long, Chris Manor, and Brian Newell. Angelo Ifandis, a math teacher at Warner Middle School, was honored as 2024 educator of the year and Franklin Foster, Warner Middle School custodian, was honored as 2024 staff person of the year.

Guest speakers were Gerry Brooks, a nationally-known speaker and encourager of educators, and Sara Stockwell, senior director at Battelle for Kids.

“Brooks, whose unique blend of humor, compassion, and authenticity, made him the perfect person to get our staff fired up for the coming school year,” said Kristy Creel, coordinator of communications. “Sara Stockwell introduced staff to the ‘Science of Hope’ to lay the foundation for work that will be happening throughout this school year as we plan for the future.”

Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.