The Swanton Yearbook staff for the 2024-2025 academic school year has been awarded Jostens Gold Level of the National Yearbook Program of Excellence, the highest level achievable. Last year, only 11 high schools nation-wide were able to reach the Gold Level.
The National Yearbook Program of Excellence is a prestigious award give by Jostens to schools that excel in the creation and distribution of their yearbooks. The award recognizes school for their extraordinary efforts in creating a meaningful yearbook that is accessible to every student. The criteria for the award include creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement, and successfully managing the yearbook creation process. Schools that achieve this award are celebrated for their dedication to student inclusion and the quality of their yearbook programs.
This past Monday afternoon, prior to their match with Springfield High School, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs golf team celebrated Senior Night with the two seniors on the team, Hailey Frosch and Anna Rukieh. Former Swanton teacher, Betty Jo Sadowski, read a small bio and introduced both seniors.
Our first golfer is Hailey Frosch, Hailey is being escorted by Brenda and Greg Frosch. While at Swanton High School Hailey has participated in National Honor Society, Interact, Yearbook, 6th Grade Camp, 4-H, Show Choir, Band, Prom Committee, SEED, Girls Golf, Praise Team, Student Council, Quiz Bowl, Musicals, Youth Leadership Toledo, Young Women of Medicine, Broom Ball, NYLF Medicine and National Academy of future physicians. Her future plans are to attend college and medical school and then become a family physician. Senior Hailey Frosch
Our next Girls Golfer is Anna Rukieh. Anna is being escorted by Sy and Jody Rukieh. While at Swanton High School Anna has participated in Student Council, Frosh Fest, Leadership Class, 4-H, Golf, Track and Field, Soccer and National Honor Society. Her future plans are to attend college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Then earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy specializing in pediatrics. Senior Anna Rukieh
Click on the link above to access photos from the celebration. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Click on the link above to access photos from the match at Valleywood Golf Club. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Lady Bulldog Anna Rukieh chips onto the 10th green
Angela Nowak, a 5th-Grade English Language Arts teach at Swanton Middle School (SMS), has been given an award for Regional Teacher Recognition for Excellence from Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) Northwest Region. Winners are nominated educators that have been found to promote middle school concepts through involvement in exemplary programs, leadership or research that serves the needs of middle level students. The announcement was made by SMS Principal Nicolette Starks following the Swanton Seven Initiative “House Reveal” celebration held on the school’s football field last Friday morning.
Ms. Starks read some of the tributes and accolades from Ms. Nowak’s colleagues and former students to the SMS student body, faculty and staff that explained her nomination why she was chosen to receive the prestigious award:
Angela Nowak is an exemplary educator whose dedication to the academic and personal growth of her students is nothing short of remarkable. She has consistently devoted her time and energy to various committees aimed at enhancing the educational experience for all students. Notably, Angela is an active member of the data team and has led the middle school’s initiative on standards-based grading. She has also taken on a leadership role in the Curriculum Choice Team, overseeing its successful implementation. Angela’s passion for teaching English Language Arts shines through in the creative and engaging lessons she develops for her students. She transforms her classroom into dynamic learning environments—such as a “fancy restaurant” where students explore individualized reading materials based on their interests and an “art studio” where they sculpt masterpieces out of ivory soap while studying Renaissance artists. These innovative approaches make learning both enjoyable and meaningful. Above all, Angela’s ability to connect with her students is what truly sets her apart. With a warm, calm, and welcoming demeanor, she creates a safe and nurturing environment where all students feel valued and supported. Walking into her classroom is akin to stepping into a space filled with care and encouragement. Many students choose to stay before or after school, seeking one-on-one guidance, as Angela is always willing to provide additional support. Her willingness to be a trusted adult for students who may need extra care outside of the classroom demonstrates her deep commitment to their well-being.
The students at Swanton Middle School have nothing but great things to say about Mrs. Nowak. Dezmon, a current 5th-grade student, shared his appreciation, saying, “Mrs. Nowak was nice enough to let me stay after her class to stack chairs because the hallways are so crowded, and I’m not a fan of fighting the crowd. During this time, we get to talk and she’s always so kind to me.” Other past students of Mrs. Nowak’s, Kaylee and Makayla, remember how kind and supportive she was. They both say, “Mrs. Nowak was one of my favorite teachers because she was just so nice and great to talk to. She was always supportive and made class fun!” Brooke recalls Mrs. Nowak’s creative lessons: “Her lessons were so good and she made a hard subject like writing way more fun. She also made sure to go slow and explain things well.” Izzy remembers just how genuinely kind and sweet Mrs. Nowak was, recalling, “The one day in her class my voice was completely gone and Mrs. Nowak was the only teacher to ask how she could help me feel better.” These heartfelt comments reflect the positive and lasting impact Mrs. Nowak has on her students, showing her dedication to their well-being, learning, and personal growth.
Team member, Kaye Batanian explains how much she admires Nowak as a person, “Having had the privilege of working alongside Angela Nowak for the past six years as a member of the fifth-grade team, I can confidently say that she has been an exceptional colleague, friend, and role model. During this time, I became a mother, and I often found inspiration in Angela’s ability to balance her professional and personal life. As a mother of four boys, she consistently demonstrates remarkable patience and passion in her work, motivating me to approach both work and home life with the same dedication.” Principal, Leigh Pancoast reminisces about the last observation in her classroom. “It is always a pleasure to observe Angela’s teaching. Her calm and composed demeanor, extensive knowledge, and the supportive rapport she builds with her students are truly admirable. She effortlessly fosters an environment of respect and engagement, impacting her students’ learning experience.”
Angela exemplifies the qualities of patience and flexibility that are essential in education. She is the model of adaptability, handling unexpected changes with grace and a positive attitude. She consistently approaches each school day with determination and a commitment to fostering a learning environment where all students can thrive. Angela Nowak’s unwavering dedication, passion for teaching, and genuine care for her students make her an outstanding candidate for the Regional Teacher Recognition for Excellence.
Ms. Nowak, a graduate of Whitmer High School and the University of Toledo, has been an educator for 18 years. She taught at St. Rose in Perrysburg for the first three years and has been at Swanton for the last 15. Prior to the announcement, Ms. Nowak was not informed of her selection. “It was a shock. I was stunned,” she said when she realized her name was about to be announced after a list of her accomplishments were read to the crowd. “Oh, my God, that’s me,” she thought when it finally sank in.
“I love the atmosphere of the community here and the small town,” she said. “I’ve been her long enough that I’m starting to have cousins and siblings of former students. So, it’s just nice that I’ve been able to see other generations of family come through. It’s a family atmosphere and I just love middle school.”
Click on the link above to access photos from the announcement. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Angela Nowak (white tutu and hat) and family
The Village of Swanton, in collaboration with the Fulton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Lucas County Local Emergency Planning Committee, will conduct a multi-county full-scale emergency response exercise on Friday, September 26, 2025. This exercise fulfills annual LEPC training requirements and is designed to strengthen coordination and preparedness for large-scale emergency situations.
Participating agencies include the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Lucas County EMA, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Fire, Toledo Fire & Rescue, Fulton County Medical Center, Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, Lucas County 911 RCOG, Swanton Village Administrator, Swanton Fire & Rescue, and Swanton Police Department.
The exercise will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be focused in the area of Zeiter Way at Hallett Ave. Please note that this is only a training exercise, and no actual emergency exists. During this time the road will be CLOSED to thru traffic.
Click on the link to access photos from the night. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can b downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
The Delta Panther coaching staff swung a 200-pound wrecking ball by the name of Marcus Nagel into the middle of the Gibsonburg Golden Bears’ game plan and beat the visitors 49-28 in a non-league football game Friday night at Panther Stadium. Nagel, a sophomore running back and defensive back ran for 202 yards, scored four touchdowns and threw a scoring pass, pushing Delta out to a 30-point advantage and triggering a running clock. On defense, Nagel racked up double digit tackles and intercepted a pass, which set up his touchdown pass on the very next play.
Delta held a one-score 20-12 lead at halftime, but exploded for 22 points in a decisive third quarter to effectively put the game out of reach against Gibsonburg which came in with a 2-0 record. The win moves the Panther record to 2-1 on the season. They will next welcome in the Archbold Blue Streaks to open up the NWOAL season on Friday. The Streaks also enter the contest with a 2-1 record.
Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Marcus Nagel charges toward the end zone for the second of four touchdowns on the night
This past Friday morning, at David Hansbarger Football Field, Swanton Middle School (SMS) kicked off the 8th year of the Swanton Seven Initiative (SSI) with the House Reveal event of the Program. The Reveal places all new SMS students and new staff and faculty, into one of four “Houses” in which they will team with fellow housemates in competition with the other houses throughout the school year.
The Houses are DIGNITAS, GRATUS, OBDURO, and SAPIENTIA and they bear the colors Black, Gray, White and Purple, respectively. Each House has a relatively equal amount of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and once a student is assigned to a House they will remain there throughout their time at SMS.
The House Reveal is part of SSI’s Amazing Shake Program, is a competition that focuses on building soft skills in students, placing strong emphasis on manners, discipline, respect, and professional behavior. The event was inspired by the National Amazing Shake Competition that is held every year at the acclaimed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and an be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Designated Representatives from each house to welcome new housemates
The Swanton Lady Bulldogs grabbed the first game of the home match against the Archbold Blue Streaks but were unable to continue with the momentum and lost the league match to the visitors 3-1.
The victory moves Archbold’s record to 2-0 in the NWOAL and 6-1 overall. Their next league match will be at Bryan on Tuesday, September 9th. Swanton drops to 1-1 in the league and 5-2 on the season. They will entertain the Evergreen Lady Vikings on Tuesday, September 9th in their next NWOAL contest.
Click on the link above to access photos from the match. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Archbold’s Lexi Ripke attempts to drop one over Swanton defender Madison Roytek
On Thursday, the Archbold Lady Blue Streaks took two straight games to beat the Swanton Lady Bulldogs 2-0 in a Junior Varsity volleyball match at Swanton High School.
Click on the link above to access photos from the match. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing an can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
Photo: Archbold’s Meg Burkholder sets for Imani Zimmerman
Fulton County Ohio Media 