Discover Parenting 2021 Student Project Awards
Take a look at the following Powerpoint Presentation of 2021 USEP-OHIO Discover Parenting Project entrants.
Discover Parenting is the title of the project, created by United Services for Effective Parenting – Ohio, Inc. (USEP-OHIO). It includes a classroom program designed to complement secondary curriculum and assist students in secondary schools to explore the theme, “How Does it Feel to be a Safe and Responsible Parent?” Students create individual or group projects, submit photos, and express their thoughts through captions. The photos are ranked based on their originality, composition, creativity and insight to the responsibilities and their feelings about parenting.
Covid Category - This category recognizes the Pandemic in 2020 and 2021 Photo Exhibits!
First Place Winner
"Mask Up Ben Logan!"
Zane Reynolds, Bellefontaine, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
What a wonderfully fun photo that makes us smile and relieves some of the tension of the Coronavirus Pandemic! It clearly makes the point that secondary students made so well – “Mask Up!” It is an historic time, and a historic response. These leaders are enthusiastically encouraging their peers to join in the army of volunteers to fight the enemy, the virus!
First Place Winner
"Wear a Mask or Wear the Consequences"
Ashley Anthony, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker – Anna High School
Ashley made a simple request, focused on using her skills as a community leader to listen to the data, listen to the science and wear a mask to protect others and yourself.
Second Place Winner
"Maintaining Social Distance While Doing Morning Yoga"
Kyah Ceci, Youngstown, OH
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Youngstown, OH
Teacher: Julie Pagnotta – Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
Kyah showed her ability to raise our spirits during the grave days of a worldwide pandemic. She chose to lead morning yoga for a group of early childhood students with fun and energy. it is an important time to lead and support others who need support! In this case, Kyah is helping the little ones feel safe, learn distancing and practicing it.
Third Place Winner
"Education Hardships During the Pandemic"
Olivia Hahn, Bellefontaine, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
Olivia made a statement about dealing with being alone during the pandemic. The schools are at the core of our community relationships. But no one knows what to expect when they go through the school door these days. We hope that all students feel safe, secure, respected and respectful of others during all stages of the pandemic.
Honorable Mention
"Spread Love Not Germs"
Maddy Freisthler, Anna OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker, Anna High School
Honorable Mention
"Local Teacher Sanitizes Her Classroom"
Ryan McCormick, Bellefontaine, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
Honorable Mention
"Elementary Guidance Counselor Cleans Table to Prevent Covid-19"
Madi Ridge, West Mansfield, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
Honorable Mention
"Keeping Your Mask On Protects Us From The Virus"
Gracie G. Allen, Bellefontaine, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Christa Knight – Benjamin Logan High School
Original Category - Highway and Home Safety
First Place Winner
"Point Your Child in the Right Direction – Use Parental Settings on Devices"
Brianna Miller, Poland, OH
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Youngstown, OH
Teacher: Julie Pagnotta – Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
Brianna concentrated on the very important place that parental critical thinking and learning plays in their own lives in order to protect their children, keeping them safe at home as they are influenced by the internet. From early life through adolescence, the on-line lives of young and vulnerable children must be protected. Parents must be firmly in charge and knowledgable about what is safe for youngsters.
First Place Winner
"Lead the Way, Safety Today: Google ‘Car Seat Safety' "
Madison Carroll, Alliance OH
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Youngstown, OH
Teacher: Julie Pagnotta – Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
Madison makes a very important point! Parents must choose reliable sources to learn the important information about car seats for their youngsters. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and Child Passenger Safety sources are some of the most reliable sources to use. Critical Thinking and making sound choices from resources available are important skills for every parent to sharpen. Family and Consumer Sciences teachers are great sources for the best and most reliable information available for many parents. Every state has a Public Safety Office that offers information on local law. NHTSA offers science and data indicating the best of safe seating.
Second Place Winner
"The Road is No Place to Socialize”
Dakota Wykstra, West Mansfield, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
A stunning admission! This young driver tells us how learning a difficult lesson hopefully changed driving habits forever while admitting a frightening reality. That school bus might be full of young, vulnerable passengers! While the Jeep is severely damaged, having crumpled into the bus apparently didn’t cause personal injury. But the experience shared with others reminds us that carelessness caused by poor attention to safe driving could change lives forever!
Second Place Winner
"A Text or Call Can Wreck It All”
Keighlynn Rickert, Anna OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker – Anna High School
All Road Safety data tells us that the instant it takes to grab a phone or open a text is all that is needed to cause a catastrophic event that may kill or maim the driver and another motorist or pedestrians. Parents of these distracted drivers or their victims often share their grief with others hoping to save them from a lifetime of grief. Unfortunately we meet far too many parents who have lost their child in an instant of distraction!
Third Place Winner
"It’s Worth the Fight, Keep them Tight”
Molly Vance, Rushylvania, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Christa Knight – Benjamin Logan High School
This happy youngster, toys in hand, is securely seated and belted according to his age and height, and indicated in Ohio law. He has learned to belt and cooperate with the rules his parents have for safe seating in his booster seat every time he is driven! A good rule, a great habit!
Third Place Winner
"Think Rash, Do Not Crash"
Zoe Gullett, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker – Anna High School
Zoe tells us that a rational approach to driving includes knowing that a distracted driver is a danger to herself and to everyone on the road. Keeping a driver’s mind on the important task of driving demands complete attention every second!
Third Place Winner
"If You’re Distracted Driving, Then Who’s Behind the Wheel?”
Ryan Noll, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker – Anna High School
Honorable Mention
"Because Drowning Can Be Silent, Always Be Reliant"
Madison Plikerd, Belle Center, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Christa Knight – Benjamin Logan High School
Honorable Mention
“No Belt, No Brains”
Gabrielle Johnson, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH;
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker, Anna High School
Honorable Mention
"Protect Yourself Like You Would Your Dog. Practice Seatbelt Safety!"
Kamryn Stanfield, Rushsylvania, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Christa Knight – Benjamin Logan High School
Honorable Mention
"Drive, Don’t Fly"
Aallyah Osbourne, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker, Anna High School
Honorable Mention
"Buckle Up, Buttercup"
Rayna Yoder, Sidney, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker, Anna High School
Honorable Mention
"Practicing Safety is Fun"
Joseph Steiner, Youngstown, OH
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Youngstown, OH
Teacher: Julie Pagnotta – Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
New Special Topics Category - Human Trafficking; Opioid/Substance Abuse; Safe at School and Community; Safe in a New Land
First Place
"Don’t Get High, Aim High"
Avery Hillenbrand, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker – Anna High School
Avery’s clever caption helps us recognize the importance of setting our goals high while delivering a succinct message to say no to opioids and other mind-altering substances! It is just that simple, but complicated to live up to!
First Place
"No Amount of Money Compares to This Trauma"
Rachel Hammer, West Mansfield, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
Rachel’s hard-hitting photo tells a dramatic story of fear and the dangers of human trafficking in our seemingly safe Ohio communities. Turning young people into commodities and preying on their hopes and dreams to be independent shatters young lives and family bonds.
Second Place
“If Opioids Get in Your Way, You May Not Live Another Day”
Alyssa R. Sugar, Struthers OH
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Youngstown, OH
Teacher: Julie Pagnotta – Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
Alyssa has created a picture foretelling the future in order to give viewers a chance to imagine what could and does happen in many circumstances involving opioid abuse. But offers the chance to change the end of the story in a positive way.
Second Place
“The Cost of an Opioid Addiction”
Marie Henderson, East Liberty, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
Marie created a vignette that describes the monetary costs, the isolation and the dead end in life for those who choose substance abuse as their lifestyle. They often never get a second chance!
Third Place
“Everyone Struggles With Something; Don’t Let Yours Be Drugs”
Taylor Lafferty, Belle Center, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll – Benjamin Logan High School
Taylor defines life’s moment of decision! By illustrating the dramatic moment when this young man confronts the decision to take the pills he has found or NOT. Creative photo and use of a mirrored image to tell the story!
Honorable Mention
“Be Smart…Stay Protected”
Riley Gaydosh, Anna, OH
Anna High School, Anna, OH
Teacher: Brenda Wuebker, Anna High School
Special Mention – These photos are recognized for unique parenting messages
“Safe Driving” - Character Study
Ryan Freeman – West Mansfield, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Lois Stoll, Benjamin Logan High School
Ryan’s photo depicts the completely attentive driver. Undistracted, with eyes on the road!
“It’s Not What You Do for Your Children, But What You Have Taught Them to Do for Themselves That Will Make Them Successful, Safe Human Beings”
Elanie McWade – Marysville, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Christa Knight – Benjamin Logan High School
This dad teaches lifeskills, warms our hearts and defines parent success.
“Are You the Parent You Wish You Had?”
Nevaeh Cabot, Belle Center, OH
Benjamin Logan High School, Bellefontaine, OH
Teacher: Christa Knight – Benjamin Logan High School
Nevaeh challenges us to consider the parenting role and its pitfalls. Can we live up to our parents? Should we? Can we do better?
Discover Parenting 2021 Project Information:
Ohio Family and Consumer Sciences educators are among the many teaching groups who have shared personal stories about their own heartbreaking and frustrating experiences: Students who became addicted, and simply “dropped out” in every way;
Parents of their students – who are addicts, and neglect their children, in every realm (emotionally, physically, socially) leaving them to survive on their own; Parents who have died of overdoses and the enormity of the impact on our students and their siblings, family members, friends, school districts, courts, law enforcement, and all of us struggling to keep up with the constant impact of these complex crises and the lifelong results.
Student photos are on display at the Statehouse Complex Riffe Center and will be displayed at the Ohio Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences conference, and other conferences as available.
Enroll Now
- April 15 is the deadline for entry into the annual Discover Parenting project.
- Contact Pat Fountain [email protected] to enroll and for more information.
- The statewide exhibit will be on display in the lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, at the Statehouse complex in Columbus and at other conferences as possible.
- Content Standards for Career and Technical Education intersect with Discover Parenting tasks.
- Winning photos are announced to teachers during the annual conference of OATFACS, the Ohio Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Science in Columbus and winners are recognized at the annual conference of the National Association of Women Highway Safety Leaders (NAWHSL) at their national conference and the Ohio Early Childhood Education Conference in Sandusky, each spring.
USEP-OHIO materials available (but not required to teach Discover Parenting) “Kids in the Car with Grandparents and Others Who Care”. Teachers involved in Discover Parenting often use the USEP-OHIO materials provided in a teaching kit written by Cindy McKay. “Kids in the Car” is a NAWHSL publication developed through a safety grant to USEP-OHIO. It can be used to make video presentations to schools and in a variety of group settings.
“Discover Parenting Classroom Manual” original is available from the USEP-OHIO office [email protected]; and is presently being updated with new resources and information. “Discover Parenting Classroom Manual” was printed with support from the Ohio Department of Education includes tools which augment Ohio curriculum and was originally developed by USEP-OHIO with the support of many partners to reach teachers and their students. The Family and Consumer Sciences teachers in Ohio comprise the largest group of participants in the program, but its application could be used in student groups and organizations of all kinds.
Cindy McKay, Executive Director of USEP-OHIO said of Discover Parenting, “These students are likely to be parents in the next few years. I wish every student in Ohio had time during the high school years to think through and experience what these kids have in their class work. We are very excited about Discover Parenting and the great teachers who use it as a tool.”
Discover Parenting Guidelines
For more information contact: Pat Fountain, Project Manager, [email protected]