Hard work, perseverance, grit... These were just a few of the words used to describe the 7 students who were named as the 2026 Jennerjahn Most Improved Students in Blackford County Schools.
The students, representing grades 2 through 8 were honored by the Ruth Jennerjahn family with a banquet and gift for their outstanding accomplishments. They include: Lucas Deane, 2nd grade; Anastasia Boyd, 3rd grade; Bentley Burns, 4th grade; Olivia Adams, 5th grade; Natalie Carnes, 6th grade; Katheryn Anderson, 7th; and Remington Mahon, 8th grade.
During the event, principals and teachers shared why these students were selected for the award. For some students, it was their academic improvement, while for others, it was feeling more confident in class and extra-curriculars. For 3rd grade student, Anastasia Boyd, keeping up with her studies in Mrs. Carma Reidy's class became a challenge after a medical diagnosis. Mrs. Reidy praised Anastasia's work effort noting that she even called Mrs. Reidy out when Mrs. Reidy forgot to send Anastasia's lesson home. She added that Anastasia was teaching the entire class what it means to persevere, even when things don't go the way we want them to.
This is the 22nd year of the Jennerjahn Most Improved Student Awards. The event, created by Ruth and Brian Jennerjahn, was a way to recognize students who might not be at the top of the class in academics, but are making great strides and improvement in other areas such test scores, attendance, conduct and overall effort.
