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What's Happening in Champaign County?

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Be a Hero in the Eyes of a Child

4/8/2021

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Ohio Children's Trust Fund
​Everyone can play a role in preventing child abuse. That’s the message of this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign in April: Be a Hero in the Eyes of a Child.  
 
Through its Facebook page, @ChampaignCountyDJFS, the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (CCDJFS) is offering ways for local residents to participate in the campaign and help prevent child abuse and neglect in their day-to-day lives.
 
“It takes one simple act of kindness at a time,” says Sara Wright, CCDJFS social services administrator. “I see a mom I know at the store, and I tell her she’s doing a great job. Or maybe I know a family that could be struggling, maybe they have an illness. I could make a meal for them.
 
“These types of things are heroic acts. That’s what this campaign is about, those little acts of kindness that really help make kids safe, because it helps support families.”
 
Stacy Cox, director of CCDJFS, adds, “It takes a community to protect a child, or to raise a child. It’s really those simple acts that play into that community connectedness.”
 
Ways to Participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • Look for suggestions on how to support children and families throughout the year—on the CCDJFS Facebook page and the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund website, octf.ohio.gov
  • Nominate someone who is an Everyday Hero for doing their part to help prevent child abuse – and describe what they do. Email nominations to sara.wright@jfs.ohio.gov. These Everyday Heroes will be spotlighted throughout April on the CCDJFS Facebook page. Wright says, “We just want people to know they are appreciated for the simple acts that they do, because they matter.”
  • Wear blue clothing on April 14, in support of the OhioWearsBlue campaign, at work, school, and out in the community, to draw attention to child abuse prevention.  And take a selfie or a group photo of you, friends and family wearing blue, and post it on the CCDJFS Facebook page with the tag #OhioWearsBlue.
  • Attend the virtual Community Services to Support Families forum at 5 p.m. April 29. The forum is being coordinated by Zach Walden, quality assurance supervisor/Adult Protective Services of CCDJFS, with the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Champaign County Family and Children First Council. They will present information and answer questions about local services for supporting families and children. The meeting link will be posted on the CCDJFS Facebook page.
 
The Champaign County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed April “A Celebration of Family and Children Month, in tribute to concerned citizens, professionals and foster parents who work together in the cause of protecting our county’s children.”
 
In addition, CCDJFS is promoting Child Abuse Prevention Month with coloring sheets distributed to schools and libraries, as well as pizza box toppers and drink coasters at local restaurants with dine-in service.
 
2020 Child Abuse Statistics
In 2020, CCDJFS Child Protective Services completed 228 investigations/assessments of reports of child abuse or neglect. Thirty-five of the reports were substantiated or indicated as cases of abuse or neglect. The department served an average of 37 families, on an ongoing basis, per month, and 33 youth were in agency custody.
 
But the pandemic had an impact on reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect, Wright said. “From March going into April 2020 we saw an over 60 percent decline in calls coming in. What that tells us, people weren’t seeing each other, and people weren’t seeing kids. Connectivity and connections matter” in helping to identify and prevent abuse.
 
Wright adds, “The more supported we can make people feel, the less we see the impact of hardships, like poverty and substance abuse, and the better that kids are going to be protected.”
 
The key message of the Be a Hero in the Eyes of a Child campaign, she said, is that “it’s the simple acts of kindness that make a huge difference. We know the numbers of abuse and neglect, because that’s what we track. But the numbers we don’t have is how much abuse and neglect was prevented by those simple acts that adults in the community are doing each and every day.” 
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strong launch for youth center

4/3/2021

 

​400 memberships recorded

Youths sign up and check in at the front desk of the hangout space in the Urbana Youth Center.
Youths sign up and check in at the front desk of the hangout space in the Urbana Youth Center. Participation in the center has been robust. Photo by Andrew Grimm Photography
Staff Report from Urbana Daily Citizen

When the Urbana Youth Center (UYC) opened for the first time two months ago, surveys taken among youths showed there would be significant interest and participation.

Reality has matched expectations, and even exceeded them in some areas of operation.
In fact, the number of kids participating at the UYC has caused a high demand for two things: more usable square footage and more volunteer help.

UYC Executive Director Justin T. Weller describes “soaring attendance” and hopes success will attract more participation.

Weller said the UYC currently has about 400 student members.
​
“On the nights we are open, we regularly have more than 100 students attend UYC,” Weller said. The UYC is open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after school and serves junior high school and high school students attending Urbana City Schools or those who live in the district.

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weidmann hires local students

3/30/2021

 
Dawson Cohn, signing his offer letter from Weidmann Electrical Technology.
Dawson Cohn, signing his offer letter from Weidmann Electrical Technology.
Gavin Adams, signing his offer letter from Weidmann Electrical Technology.
Gavin Adams, signing his offer letter from Weidmann Electrical Technology.
Weidmann Electrical Technology recently offered two local high school students the opportunity to work part time while finishing their senior year. Childhood friends, Dawson Cohn and Gavin Adams heard about the work study program through friends and liked the idea of working for a local manufacturer. Dawson is a student at Ohio Hi-Point in their Automotive program and Gavin attends Ohio Hi-Point’s Business Program at Graham High School. Both officially signed their letters of intent to become part-time employees on Thursday, March 18th.  The two work approximately 20 hours a week while also attending school. Weidmann works with them to accommodate their current school schedules and have the capability to offer any shift options needed.
Weidmann Electric Technology’s HR Assistant, Jessica Engi said, “Their interviews are what set them apart. They interviewed really well.” 
​
Students like Dawson, who have an interest in entering the workforce after graduation, can apply to become a full-time employee with Weidmann. They also work with students to allow them to work part-time while attending college, which is what Gavin hopes to do.  After graduation he will be attending Ashland University majoring in Business Administration and Manufacturing Management. Jessica encourages local students to know they have options after graduation. “Whether a student enters a career path or completes a college education, we want them to know we have opportunities that range from entry-level, to technical careers.”

Jessica noted that as a local manufacturer willing to hire high school students starting at age 16, they seek candidates with hobbies or interests that align with those of a manufacturer, hands-on learners, those that enjoy working on cars, are mechanically inclined or have a career goal to work in a technical field. Weidmann currently has 2 part-time positions available for local, high school students. These students can receive part-time benefits which include hiring bonuses, Paid Time Off, paid holidays and clothing reimbursement programs. 

(From left to right) Gavin Adams, Jessica Engi, Dawson Cohn, Ashely Cook, & Marcia Bailey.
(From left to right) Gavin Adams, Jessica Engi, Dawson Cohn, Ashely Cook, & Marcia Bailey.
Weidmann is an active member of the Champaign County Manufacturing Council. The Manufacturing Council and the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP) provide all 5 county schools with Business Liaison, Ashley Cook. Ashley works with Champaign County high school students to provide them opportunities to work with local employers, gain real world experience and make connections that can offer career paths after graduation. 
She wants local students to know there are part-time opportunities available in their areas of interest. “Not every student wants to work in retail or restaurants, and we want to give those students options in fields they enjoy.” These opportunities can turn into career paths for many. CEP Director, Marcia Bailey, is grateful for employers like Weidmann. “The partnership between our local manufacturers and area high schools has allowed our workforce to grow. We want to ensure Champaign County students consider staying in our communities after graduation to begin their careers.”​

Weidmann is a 140-year-old, family-owned business that manufactures board and paper insulation to transformer manufacturers around the world. They opened their Urbana, Ohio facility in 2010 and have 135 employees spanning over a 3 shift operation.  The company has been a great asset to the community and is actively engaged in the county.  They are currently looking to fill a variety of positions and encourage students to seek opportunities by visiting their job page: https://www.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/wicor or by contacting Business Liaison, Ashley Cook at acook@ohiohipoint.com.

Kaffenbarger named Outstanding Superintendent

3/23/2021

 
Dr. Dan Kaffenbarger, superintendent of the Madison Champaign Educational Service Center
Dr. Dan Kaffenbarger, superintendent of the Madison Champaign Educational Service Center
Article from Urbana Daily Citizen
​
Dr. Dan Kaffenbarger, superintendent of the Madison Champaign Educational Service Center, was named Outstanding Superintendent by the Southwest Region of the Ohio School Boards Association on March 9. The region includes 17 counties.

Kaffenbarger has 35 years of experience in education with the last 12 as superintendent of the Madison Champaign ESC, which has been recognized as a High Performing ESC five consecutive years and has increased services provided to local school districts.

let grow at triad

2/9/2021

 
Triad Middle School is beginning a new project, Let Grow, to offer students the opportunity to grow as individuals. The purpose of the project is to foster independence for the students in grades 5 through 8. Essentially, students complete a project outside of school that enables them to take one step closer to independence. "Simply by being independent they are analyzing situations, evaluating consequences, and overcoming obstacles. Independence leads to new problem-solving, resilience—and joy."

In order to keep student interest, they would like to offer a drawing for a prize bi-weekly or monthly for each grade. Support from local businesses in the form of a small gift card would be an amazing opportunity to promote how this community supports schools. If you are would like to contribute to this project please contact Middle School Guidance Counselor Sarah Haggard at haggards@triadk12.org. 

Champaign co. high school basketball report jan. 22-28

1/29/2021

 
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By Adam Moore - We Spend Local Network
Graham

Boys: Record 8-7 (1-4)
Friday (Jan. 22) – Lost 49-45 vs North Union.  Led by Brady King (16 points, 5 rebounds) and Ben Sells (12 points)

Tuesday (Jan. 26) – Won 49-35 @ Kenton Ridge.  Led by Brady King (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Sam Ludlow (8 points, 9 rebounds)

Upcoming: Saturday (Jan 30) vs Urbana, Tuesday (Feb 2) @ Benjamin Logan.
​
Girls: Record 8-10 (4-5)
Wednesday (Jan. 20) – Won 62-60 vs Northwestern.  Led by Abby Yukon (20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals) and Brooke Shoemaker (12 points, 4 assists, 2 steals)

Friday (Jan 22) – Lost 42-51 @ Indian Lake.  Stats not reported.

Saturday (Jan 23) – Won 62-30 vs North Union.  Led by Arial Cupps (17 points, 8 rebounds) and Abby Yukon (14 points, 9 rebounds)

Wednesday (Jan 27) – Won 53-52 @ Benjamin Logan.  Led by Abby Yukon (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals) and Lauran Bailey (10 points, 6 assists)

Upcoming:  Friday (Jan. 29) vs Butler, Monday (Feb 1) vs Jonathan Alder, Wednesday (Feb 3) vs Indian Lake

Mechanicsburg
Boys: Record 4-7 (4-6)
Saturday (Jan. 22) – Won 61-34 @ Southeastern.  Led by Hayden DeLong (18 points, 5 rebounds) and Tristan Hall (15 points, 10 rebounds)

Tuesday (Jan. 26) – Won 54-46 vs West Jefferson.  Led by Kyle Smith (25 points, 9 rebounds) and Josh Lim (10 points, 6 rebounds)

Upcoming:  Friday (Jan. 29) @ Triad, Saturday (Jan 30) @ Kenton Ridge, Tuesday (Feb 2) @ Fairbanks

Girls: Record 12-4 (10-1)
Wednesday (Jan 27) – Won 76-32 vs Triad.  Stats not reported. 
Upcoming:  Saturday (Jan. 30) @ Fairbanks, Monday (Feb 1) @ Greeneview, Thursday (Feb 4) vs West Liberty-Salem
 
Triad
Boys: Record 1-12 (1-9)
Saturday (Jan. 23) – Lost 63-64 @ Riverside.   Led by Ayden Spriggs (26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals) and Carson Manley (11 points, 4 rebounds)

Monday (Jan 25) – Lost 40-55 vs Marion Harding.  Led by Batai Lease (10 points) and Ayden Spriggs (10 points, 5 assists)

Tuesday (Jan 26) – Lost 26-45 @ Fairbanks.  Led by Batai Lease (7 points, 4 rebounds)

Upcoming: Friday (Jan 29) vs Mechanicsburg, Saturday (Jan 30) vs Benjamin Logan, Tuesday (Feb 2) @ Northeastern.

Girls: Record 5-11 (2-9)
Wednesday (Jan 27) – Lost 32-76 @ Mechanicsburg.  Cati LeVan (11 points, 4 steals, 5 assists)

Thursday (Jan 28) – Score Not Reported.

Upcoming: Monday (Feb 1) vs Madison Plains, Wednesday (Feb 3) vs West Jefferson, Thursday (Feb 4) vs Franklinton Prep

Urbana
Boys: Record 4-5 (1-3)
Friday (Jan 22) – Lost 54-73 @ Benjamin Logan.  Led by Wyatt Teets (18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Will Donahoe (16 points, 7 assists)

Saturday (Jan 23) – Lost 33-57 vs London.  Led by Johnathan Hildebrand (10 points, 6 steals)

Tuesday (Jan 26) – Lost 51-60 @ Tecumseh.  Led by Rayvon Rogan (14 points, 17 rebounds) and Nick Weyrich (14 points, 7 rebounds).

Upcoming: Friday (Jan. 29) @ North Union, Saturday (Jan. 30) @ Graham, Tuesday (Feb 2) vs Indian Lake.

Girls: Record 9-8 (7-1)
Saturday (Jan. 23) – Won 55-26 @ Northwestern.  Led by Maleah Murphy (17 points, 9 steals, 6 assists) and Shelby Stoops (14 points, 10 rebounds)

Monday (Jan 25) – Postponed.

Wednesday (Jan 27) – Won 51-33 @ Indian Lake.  Led by Samantha Rooney (22 points, 5 steals) and Marah Donahoe (11 points, 4 rebounds).

Thursday (Jan 28) – Won 45-33 vs Northwestern.  Led by Marah Donahoe (12 points, 5 rebounds) and Shelby Stoops (10 points, 6 rebounds)

Upcoming – Saturday (Jan. 30) @ Shawnee, Monday (Feb 1) vs Fairlawn, Wednesday (Feb 3) @ North Union, Thursday (Feb 4) @ Dayton Christian.

West Liberty
Boys: Record 9-6 (6-4)
Friday (Jan 22) – Lost 46-56 @ Springfield Catholic Central.  Led by Logan Saylor (12 points, 3 rebounds) and Nick Burden (11 points, 5 rebounds).

Saturday (Jan. 23) – Won 56-53 vs Anna.  Led by Nick Burden (14 points, 6 points) and Logan Saylor (14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals).

Tuesday (Jan. 26) – Won 65-45 @ Northeastern.  Stats not reported.

Upcoming – Friday (Jan. 29) vs Fairbanks, Tuesday (Feb 2) @ West Jefferson.

Girls: Record 15-0 (11-0)
Tuesday (Jan. 26) – Won 45-33 vs Greenon.  Led by Emily Hollar (18 points, 3 rebounds) and Selena Weaver (9 points, 13 rebounds)

Thursday (Jan 28) – Score not reported.
​

Upcoming – Saturday (Jan 30) vs West Jefferson, Monday (Feb 1) @ Northeastern, Thursday (Feb 4) @ Mechanicsburg.

peaceful parenting classes available at osu extension office-champaign co.

1/26/2021

 
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OSU Extension-Champaign County Family & Consumer Sciences Educator Kellie Lemly will be offering classes for Peaceful Parenting throughout 2021. 

What is Peaceful Parenting? Peaceful Parenting is 3-part parenting class, offered to parents of children aged birth to 17 years.  Learn strategies for everyday parenting dilemmas and difficulties.  Certificates are given for 7 hours of parenting upon completion of the course series.

​What is the Fee?
 Registration fees are $25.00 per person and are due one week before the chosen sessions.  Pre-payment is required, and can be done online with a credit/debit card.  You may also pay by check in advance of the class.  Certificates will be given at the end of the session to those attending who have paid the fee.

Where are the Classes Located?  Unless conducted virtually due to the pandemic status at the time, classes will be held in the Champaign County Community Bldg, 1512 US Hwy 68 S, Urbana, OH  43078.  Either conference room B or C will be utilized.  



2021 Scheduled Dates and Times
February 11, 18, & 25           3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.          
March 11, 18, & 25                10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.         
April 1, 8, & 15                      3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.           
June 3, 10, & 17                    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.          
August 5, 12, & 19                4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.         
October 8, 15, & 22              1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.            


Upon registration, you will be notified whether your course series will be conducted in person or virtually.  This decision must be made close to the time of the course dates, as the pandemic status is changing continuously. ​


To register for these classes online visit: go.osu.edu/champpeace

Champaign co. high school basketball report jan. 15-21

1/23/2021

 
Picture
By Adam Moore - We Spend Local Network
Graham
Boys: Record 7-6 (1-3)
Friday (Jan. 15) – Lost 57-80 at Indian Lake.  Led by Ben Sells (18 points, 9 rebounds) and Brady King (16 points)

Saturday (Jan. 16) – Lost 40-46 vs West Liberty.  Led by Brady King (10 points, 3 assists)

Monday (Jan. 18) – Lost 53-85 vs Kettering Alter.  Led by Eric Goddard (12 points) and Brady King (11 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds)

Upcoming: Friday (Jan. 22) vs. North Union, Tuesday (Jan. 26) @ Kenton Ridge

Girls: Record 5-9 (1-4)
Saturday (Jan. 16) – Lost 27-47 vs Urbana. 

Monday (Jan. 18) – Lost 42-52 vs London. 
 
Wednesday (Jan. 20) – score not reported.

Upcoming: Friday (Jan. 22) vs. Northwestern, Saturday (Jan. 23) @ Indian Lake

Mechanicsburg
Boys: Record 2-7 (2-6)
Saturday (Jan. 16) – Lost 49-53 @ London.  Led by Kyle Smith (24 points, 6 rebounds) and Tristan Hall (17 points, 6 rebounds)

Tuesday (Jan. 19) – Won 61-39 vs West Liberty-Salem.  Led by Hayden DeLong (24 points, 4 rebounds), Tristan Hall (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Brooks Tom (2 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals)

Upcoming:  Friday (Jan. 22) @ Southeastern, Saturday (Jan. 23) vs Bellefontaine

Girls: Record 11-4 (9-1)
Friday (Jan. 15) – Won 45-32 vs. West Jefferson.  

Monday (Jan. 18) – Won 60-30 vs Southeastern. 

Upcoming:  Saturday (Jan. 23) @ West Jefferson, Wednesday (Jan 27) vs Triad

Triad
Boys: Record 1-9 (1-8)
Friday (Jan. 15) – Lost 58-85 vs Springfield Catholic Central. Batai Lease (17 points, 3 rebounds) and Ayden Spriggs (14 points)

Upcoming: Saturday (Jan 21) @ Riverside, Monday (Jan 25) vs. Marion Harding, Tuesday (Jan. 26) @ Fairbanks.

Girls: Record 5-10 (2-8)
Saturday (Jan. 16) – Lost 47-65 @ Greeneview.  Led by Frani LeVan (13 points, 4 steals) and Cati LeVan (11 points, 7 steals, 5 assists)

Upcoming: Wednesday (Jan. 27) @ Mechanicsburg

Urbana
Boys: Record 4-2 (1-2)
Wednesday (Jan. 20) – Won 70-36 vs Southeastern.  Led by Will Donahoe (13 points, 3 steals) and Nick Weyrich (12 points, 6 rebounds)

Upcoming: Friday (Jan. 22) @ Ben Logan, Saturday (Jan. 23) vs London, Tuesday (Jan. 26) @ Tecumseh

Girls: Record 6-8 (4-1)
Saturday (Jan. 16) – Won 47-27 @ Graham.  Led by Samantha Rooney (20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists)

Wednesday (Jan. 20) – Won 51-27 vs Ben Logan.  Led by Samantha Rooney (29 points, 2 steals) and Shelby Stoops (11 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals)

Upcoming – Saturday (Jan. 23) @ Northwestern, Monday (Jan. 25) @ Ben Logan, Wednesday (Jan. 27) @ Indian Lake, Thursday (Jan. 28) vs Northwestern

West Liberty
Boys: Record 7-5 (5-3)
Friday (Jan. 15) – Lost 49-78 vs Cedarville.  Led by Nick Burden (17 points, 6 rebounds) and Logan Saylor (11 points, 4 rebounds)

Saturday (Jan. 16) – Won 46-40 @ Graham.  Led by Nick Burden (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals) and Logan Saylor (13 points, 9 rebounds)

Tuesday (Jan. 19) – Lost 39-61 @ Mechanicsburg.

Upcoming – Friday (Jan. 22) @ Springfield Catholic Central, Saturday (Jan. 23) vs Anna, Tuesday (Jan. 26) @ Northeastern.

Girls: Record 14-0 (10-0)
Saturday (Jan. 16) – Won 55-53 @ Springfield Catholic Central.  Led by Emily Hollar (18 points, 5 assists) and Selena Weaver (17 points, 8 rebounds)

Monday (Jan. 18) – Won 48-36 vs Versailles.  Led by Elena Weaver (23 points, 15 rebounds) and Grace Estes (13 points, 4 rebounds)

Thursday (Jan. 21) – Won 50-25 vs Fairbanks.

Upcoming –) vs Fairbanks, Tuesday (Jan. 26) vs Greenon, Wednesday (Jan. 27) @ Northeastern

Dr. E.W.B. Curry: Better futures through education

1/21/2021

 
Urbana students research history, legacy of Urbana educator
Dr. Curry’s High School Graduation photo
Dr. Curry’s High School Graduation photo

​The student work presented below about Dr. E.W.B. Curry was collaboratively written by eighth graders Preston Wisma, Lauren Shelpman, Colton Lafferty, and Kenadi McKee with extra research provided by Bryce Stambaugh.

The following article was made possible by students at Urbana Junior High School who have been doing research through articles, exhibits, and coordination with groups such as the Champaign County and Delaware County historical societies and the Champaign County Recorder’s Office. This is the 3rd article written by Urbana Junior High students, click here to read Part One and Part Two. 

Students at Urbana Junior High School have decided Dr. E.W.B. Curry was a very successful and important part of the history of the education system in the post Civil War era who deserves recognition for his part in our community.  The often underrecognized Dr. Curry founded a successful and influential school to teach African Americans important life skills that would help them gain jobs right here in Urbana, OH.
 
E.W.B. Curry found success from setting up the Curry Institute in Urbana, Ohio.  Curry had a dream of helping African Americans get better and higher-paying jobs.  He followed through with that dream in 1889, when, while still going to school at the young age of 17, he began to teach African-Americans of all ages in a small shed kitchen in Delaware, Ohio.  He taught anyone who could pay the tuition of 25 cents per week, old or young.  As enrollment in the school increased, he moved the school to Mechanicsburg for two years.  When he began to get more interest in the school, in 1897, he moved it to a building at 325 East Water Street in Urbana, Ohio, and founded the Curry Institute. 

At the Curry Institute, course work was offered in elementary, industrial, normal, and religious training.  Since course work was offered in industrial training, this helped many African Americans gain the skills needed to work in a specific job of their choosing.  The goal of the school was to focus on offering job specific training for African Americans so they could gain employment, but people of all races and genders were allowed to go.  Curry opened up his school for all ages people because many African Americans had missed out on an education in their youth, especially in the South.

 At the Curry Institute, men were taught in industrial classes, leather working, printing, cement and paving, domestic arts, paper hanging, decorating, house painting, and gardening. Women were taught nursing, domestic science, sewing, hair dressing, and millinery. Curry also owned farm land for the purpose of teaching African Americans farming techniques.  E.W.B. Curry said, “Nothing is taught that does not have a bearing upon actual everyday life” (Wilson 1993).  Curry only taught his students what he thought they would need to thrive in everyday life.  Curry helped many people get employed through his training and worked to foster an appreciation in Urbana’s African American community for striving to increase their position in life through education.  He was clearly a great citizen who wanted to make a difference, evidenced from a quote out of his own book detailing the purpose of the Curry Institute as helping, “…form a place of knowledge for old and young to uplift humanity, a school where students could better themselves industrially, spiritually, and culturally.”  Curry started this school because he wanted to help African Americans live better lives by teaching them better job skills which allowed them to gain more money.  One of Curry’s successes is recorded in an exhibit panel about Curry from the Delaware County Historical Society stating, “The skills described would enable African-American men and women to be employed in a good-paying job, perhaps even leading to owning their own business.”

Dr. Curry opened a school for African Americans when he himself was an African American, which would’ve been no easy task for Curry because he set it up shortly after the Civil War and racism certainly could come into play.  Some people would’ve been against the school because it was made by an African American and it was for the education of African Americans, though there is evidence Curry found plenty of positive support in Urbana. Even when there was a lot of adversity coming his way when it came to civil rights and segregation, he made it possible for anyone to attend his school of any race, gender, or age.
 
Dr. Curry was a very productive man and wanted to help his students by giving them the best resources and materials for them to get the education he thought they deserved. He found multiple teachers who could teach different types of job skills such as religious, industrial, or mechanical training as well as jobs like carpentry, dealing with livestock, and gardening. Since he was making this school for primarily African Americans he brought on several African American teachers including Miss Emma Davis, Mrs. Julia Porter, and Mrs. Mary McWilliam (Curry’s book “The Curry Institute” written in 1889).  One teacher, Dr. T.W. Burton, was actually the first African American doctor in Springfield, OH. Curry recruited this doctor to teach the skill of nursing to his students (Clark County Historical Society). “Curry strongly advocated the employment of African-American teachers for African-Americans, citing the importance of self-help, meeting the students emotional and educational needs, and an environment free of racism,” according to an article written about Curry as one of the first African American teachers in the state of Ohio.  The passage also states, “...Curry was hailed as one of the most influential spokesmen for African-American education.” (Wilson 1993)  Curry wanted to show African American students that they could grow up and do something outside of regular expectations. Curry also wanted to give African Americans confidence and redemption from their past. So, Curry taught what students would need in everyday life to thrive, showing that Curry wanted his students to have equal opportunities.
 
Dr. Curry and the Curry Institute owned three properties around Urbana, which, as an African American, was impressive for the time period. The Curry Institute was located at 325 E. Water Street, which has now become a private residence.  Curry also purchased two additional properties along US-68.  The first was 75 acres south of town on Dallas Road that he hoped to use for agricultural education through real farming.  The second property was located on US-68, and through our research with the Champaign County Recorder’s Office we have found evidence that it may have bordered property that is now our school (the new Urbana Elementary and Junior High Schools on US-68). This second property was where Curry had plans to build a newer and larger school for his Institute.  Curry had started building on this property before he died, but only the outer shell of the building was completed. Curry died in 1930, and the remainder of the bricks and supplies for the new school were gifted to Wilberforce University, the first college for African Americans in Ohio.  Through our research with the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center as well as Wilberforce University we have found out that the bricks were used in the construction of an addition to the Wilberforce Carnegie Library, which is now where the offices for the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center are located.  We believe the original foundation of Curry’s unfinished school completed could still exist on property in Urbana, and we are hoping to work with current landowners to identify their location and existence.
 
Dr. Curry was a noteworthy part of our African American history in Urbana, Ohio as a man of imagination, hope, citizenship, and honor.  These are the traits that made Curry successful, helped him influence our local history, and allowed him to better people’s futures.  Curry worked long hours and juggled many things at a time, but he never gave up. Curry had to overcome many obstacles, but, in the end, he proved many people wrong and stood proud for the people that were cheering him on. This is why Curry needs to be recognized in a huge manner.

Dr. E.w.b. curry: Where it all began!

1/21/2021

 
Urbana students research history, legacy of Urbana educator
Dr. Curry’s High School Graduation photo
Dr. Curry’s High School Graduation photo
The Shed Kitchen School, 1889.
The Shed Kitchen School, 1889.

By Mary Ober and Jahna Sloat

The students of Urbana Junior High School have selected Dr. Elmer Curry for their 2020 Project Based Learning assignment. This is the 2nd article written by Urbana Junior High students, click here to read Part One and Part Three.

Where it all began! E.W.B. (Elmer Washington Bryant) Curry was just 17 years old when he started his very first school in Delaware Ohio in January of 1889. Dr. Curry’s neighbor, Isaac Merriday, offered his kitchen shed, located at the back of his house, for Dr. Curry to use. Curry rented the kitchen shed for 50 cents per month. Dr.Curry also taught at the Delaware Night School for 2 years and he was the first African American to teach at the night school. Once the Shed School started, he charged his students 25 cents per week for tuition.. He called his school the “The Place of Knowledge for Old and Young”.  Dr. Curry’s school accepted all genders, races, and ages (from 12 and up). For example, Curry’s first student was a 50-year-old man who was a day laborer. Dr.Curry was such a distinguished person that on Wednesday, Oct. 9, the City of Delaware unveiled an honorary street sign commemorating the life and work of Elmer Washington Bryant Curry (1871-1930).  

​Dr. Curry moved his school to Mechanicsburg Ohio in September of 1895. The school opened with 19 students and 3 teachers. After the first year the school did not have any graduates and it started losing support in the community.So in order to keep up the school's support Dr. Curry and his then fiance held their wedding ceremony and invited everyone to it. Later in September of 1897 the Baptist Association removed the support and closed down the school. Brothers Charles Swayne, W. T. Hill, D. R. Jones and J. H. Chavers recommended Urbana to Dr Curry.
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