Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Seniors Jamie Brown and MacKenzie Liu have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. According to a statement issued by the District, the students, “…earned this honor for their high academic achievement and exemplary scores on their pre-SAT tests.” About 16,000 students nationwide are recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, representing less than 1% of high school seniors.
“Congratulations to Jamie, MacKenzie, and their families for this amazing accomplishment. Loveland High School is proud to shine a light on their amazing work, and we can’t wait to see what awesome things they accomplish in the future,” LHS Principal Dave Spencer said.
Press Release continued by saying, “The National Merit Scholarship Program honors academically talented US high school students and stimulates support for their education. National Merit Semifinalists can advance in competition to become National Merit Finalists and qualify for National Merit Scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships.”
“Jamie and MacKenzie have accomplished something that will help set them on a fantastic path for the future. Student success is the number one goal of our #beLOVEland Strategic Vision, and our Loveland Tiger students couldn’t be successful without amazing support from their families, our staff, and our community,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School senior Josie Cooper has been selected to serve on the National Hope Squad Council. Hope Squad is a nationwide peer-to-peer mental well-being and suicide prevention program that has been part of Loveland City Schools for many years.
As a member of the National Hope Squad Council, Cooper will have an opportunity to collaborate with Hope Squad members from across the country, advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and help shape Hope Squad programming.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Athletic Booster’s 2024 Loveland High School Homecoming Parade will be rolling down the streets of Loveland on Thursday, September 19th, beginning at 6:30 PM.
The Grand Marshal of the 2024 Homecoming Parade is longtime Loveland resident Tori Morrison who the Boosters say, “Has tirelessly supported our students, athletes, and community over the years.”
Morrison has stepped down, but organized the Homecoming Parade for ten years. She served on the Board of the Athletic Boosters for four years in roles as Vice President and Treasurer.
“It is a big honor to be chosen as this year’s LAB Homecoming parade Grand Marshal. I have enjoyed planning the parade over the years. I have met so many great people that became my friends.”
Tori added that she has spent countless years as a team mom for all three of her children.
The parade begins at the new Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Health and Wellness Center/East Nature Preserve parking lot located at 227 East Loveland Avenue. The parade continues through Historic Downtown and along West Loveland Avenue before turning down Rich Road and ending at Loveland High School.
The Loveland Middle School and Loveland Youth program participants will exit the parade route when it reaches Phillips Park.
The annual Powder Puff football game and other Homecoming Spirit Week activities will be held at the Loveland High School stadium immediately following the parade.
The Homecoming football game will be played on Friday, September 20th, with the Loveland Tigers taking on the Turpin Spartans. Kickoff is at 7PM.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District will have a staggered start again this school year..
The first day of school for students with last names beginning with A-L (grades 1-12) is Wednesday, August 14.
The first day of school for students with last names beginning with M-Z (grades 1-12) is Thursday, August 15.
According to the District, the staggered start allows teachers and students to get technology set up, work through problems, and establish new routines in smaller groups.
Preschool and kindergarten families will get first day of school information directly from Loveland Early Childhood Center.
The automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Loveland Town Clock
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
“I think the new law by Governor DeWine is definitely needed. If this can save one life, then it is worth it.”
– Loveland High School Athletic Director Jayson Bruce
by David Miller
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 47 on Wednesday. The new law will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in every public and chartered nonpublic school in Ohio, as well as all municipally owned or operated sports and recreation locations.
It will also require schools to adopt emergency action plans for the use of AEDs and practice these plans quarterly, among other provisions.
Among those in attendance for Tuesday’s bill-signing ceremony were representatives from the NFL and several other organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition.
Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy told Loveland Magazine that there is an AED at the Loveland Bike Trail next to the town clock at West Loveland Avenue and Railroad Avenue, Phillips Park, and McCoy Park. “We have cameras protecting the AED’s and if the alarms go off when accessed, the communication center will see them first hand.”
Loveland High School Athletic Director Jayson Bruce told Loveland Magazine, “We have been extremely blessed to have been way ahead of this for many years here in Loveland. As a matter of fact, Loveland High, Middle and Intermediate schools are all certified as Heart Safe schools through Project ADAM. And as part of this certification, we had to create and execute plans to respond to heart emergencies. A huge part of these plans are the AED’s. Our High School and Middle/Intermediate school campuses are extremely well equipped with AED’s for not only the school day, but all of our athletic teams. The number one priority is and always will be safety. We are blessed to be able to provide access to AED’s to all of our sports teams.”
Bruce said that on the High School campus their trainers have an AED with them at all times. There is also an AED mounted on the outside of the team room at Loveland High School Stadium. At Loveland High School, they have AED’s mounted outside of the gyms and the workout facility. Bruce added, “We also have backpack units that go along with our teams that train or participate off campus, like cross country, etc.”
The Loveland Middle and Intermediate school campus is very similar to the High School. “We have AED’s mounted directly outside of each gym. The trainer, who is at football practices and games, always has an AED with them. Since we have teams that practice off campus as well, we send them with AED’s,” Bruce said.
Founded in March 2023 in response to the life-saving emergency response and care provided to Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin after he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition is comprised of nearly 40 member organizations – including major sports leagues and organizations, as well as leading patient and health advocacy groups across the country – that advocate for efforts to prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest among student-athletes. (Click here to read letter of support from Damar Hamlin)
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The following individuals/organizations involved with the coalition offered statements in support of Governor DeWine’s signing of HB 47:
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE & RELATED INDIVIDUALS
T.J. Carrie, Founder, T.J. Carrie Foundation, NFL Cornerback “Governor DeWine, we are honored to be a part of this significant milestone. The dedication, vision, and countless hours of effort from many individuals have driven transformative change for our communities. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported HB 47 and made this achievement possible.”
Kenneth Edmonds, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, National Football League “On behalf of the National Football League and the nearly 40 members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor DeWine and the Ohio legislature for enacting this common-sense, life-saving measure. With this bill crossing the goal line and into law, Ohio’s school communities and athletic venues are better equipped and prepared to swing into action and respond effectively to a cardiac emergency if it occurs. This is a victory for student safety.”
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety “Today’s bill-signing is a testament to leadership and teamwork, and I thank and applaud Governor DeWine, the leaders of the Ohio legislature, the bill sponsors, and the many Smart Heart Sports Coalition team members who came together to move this life-saving legislation forward. I’ll always consider Ohio my second home, and I’m delighted that this new law makes the places around the state where young people learn, play, and compete safer, more resilient, and better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. This is a big win for young people throughout Ohio.” (Click here to read letter of support from Damar Hamlin)
Paul B. Sparling, Head Athletic Trainer Emeritus, Cincinnati Bengals “By signing this bill, once it is fully implemented, it is just a matter of time before someone who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at an athletic event or facility in Ohio will be given a second chance at life. I had a ‘front row seat’ at the SCA episode involving Damar Hamlin in January 2023, and got to witness the end result of planning, preparing, practicing, and execution of a well-designed emergency action plan and use of CPR and an AED. Thank you to all of those involved in sponsoring and supporting this life-saving legislation.”
Denzel Ward, Founder/President, Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, Cleveland Browns Cornerback “This legislation is so important and I’m glad to see Ohio taking such strides in the right direction to help avoid heart-related fatalities. Having grown up in Cleveland and being an Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland Brown, it’s an honor to use my platform to advance the safety measures in place for our communities.”
Nicole Ward, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Make Them Know Your Name Foundation (Denzel’s Mother) “When my son Denzel got drafted to the Cleveland Browns and we set up the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, our vision was always to take part in life-changing heart health initiatives like HB 47. It’s not lost on me the number of tragedies many of us have had to face to get to this point, and it brings a sense of pride that the story of my family’s tragedy played a part in making this bill a reality.”
OTHER “SMART HEART” ORGANIZATIONS
American Heart Association “The American Heart Association appreciates the legislature and the governor for supporting legislation that will require the placement of AEDs in all public schools along with a requirement that emergency action plans be adopted at these sites and for staff to be trained in using AEDs. This life-saving policy compliments and reinforces Ohio’s existing requirement that coaches be certified in CPR. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes and most commonly occurs during or just after physical exertion, while engaged in practice sessions, organized competition, or other sports activities. With only seconds to react and every minute crucial, having an appropriate plan in place during a sudden cardiac emergency will certainly make a difference in survival.”
Dr. Stuart Berger, M.D., President, Citizen CPR Foundation, and Medical Director, Project ADAM “We are beyond delighted that Governor DeWine is signing HB 47 into law and are thankful to the state of Ohio. This bill will require AED placement in schools and will undoubtedly save the lives of both students as well as adults. To the state of Ohio, where Damar Hamlin had a very successful public resuscitation after a cardiac arrest, we say THANK YOU!!!!”
Lindsay Davis, Former Miss Ohio, Eponym of Lindsay’s Law, Heart Patient “As a former Miss Ohio, athlete, and current heart patient, I helped pass Lindsay’s Law. I am humbled and grateful to build on that legislation with the support of Representative Brown, Representative Bird, Governor DeWine, and all of the inspiring NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition advocates who have worked so hard to pass HB 47. As Ohioans, we are leading the charge to safeguard our children’s futures and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Mary M. Newman, President & CEO, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation “As a national nonprofit organization, advocating for the prevention of death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with a vibrant SCA survivor community, and as a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we commend the Ohio legislature for passing HB 47. We believe this legislation will undoubtedly help save lives by requiring placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public and chartered nonpublic schools and public recreational facilities; requiring staff at these locations to be trained in the use of AEDs; requiring the Ohio Department of Health to develop a model emergency action plan; and providing liability protections for those using AEDs in good faith.”
Darren Sudman, Simon’s Dad and Co-Founder of Simon’s Heart “There are so few instances in life where major problems have an easy solution. HB 47 is one of them. Schools and the people inside of them are now prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. All you need are chest compressions, an automated external defibrillator, and a plan. Thanks to this law, we do.”
The Governor was also joined for Tuesday’s ceremony by the bill’s primary sponsors, as well as leadership from the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives:
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) “Having three sons who competed in high school sports, and one of our teammates almost had an incident, it really does hit home. Hopefully this will affect people throughout the state of Ohio, and it will be a positive thing and something that shows we care about our kids in Ohio, and we care about our future.”
Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) “The stories are certainly compelling. We know that, unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. It happens throughout the United States and throughout the world. Our legislature does a lot of work to bring things like this together. I want to congratulate the bill sponsors, the Speaker, and the Governor for this day.”
State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) “AEDs in combination with CPR can and will save lives. Canen Dickman is here with us today because of this. What we wanted to do was to pass a bill that was common sense, bipartisan, that will do what it did for Canaan: save lives – and not just young people, but everybody around the state of Ohio. I am honored to be the person that was entrusted by my constituents to bring this idea forth. I thank Representative Bird for cosponsoring this bill with me, everyone in the legislature, and all of the other entities that gave their support. It takes a village to do something like this, and I thank everyone who was involved.”
State Rep. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) “Only a couple of months after the whole nation watched Damar Hamlin’s life be saved by an AED in Cincinnati, a 17-year-old student in my district back home passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during the school day. After those events took place, the opportunity presented itself for me to join Representative Brown on this bill and I quickly jumped on that opportunity, because we all see the importance of doing everything that we can to save young people’s lives.”
Loveland, Ohio – The LIFE Food Pantry is gearing up for a Back to School event to ensure every child in our neighborhood starts the year with confidence and supplies they need to succeed.
But they can’t do it alone! Your support can make a huge difference.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Visit their wishlist to shop for specific items:
2. Prefer to shop in person for your donation? Feel free to drop off any of the items below at the pantry. Non-perishable items can be dropped off during normal hours or in the collection bin located in front of the pantry.
541 Loveland-Madeira Road
Loveland, Ohio 45140
(513) 583-8222
Your generosity will make a world of difference for local students. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!
Tiger LIFE Shop (Back To School)
In August, students returning to school can receive a backpack filled with age/grade appropriate supplies; personal care items; socks and underwear; a spirit wear shirt (Loveland schools only).
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District is partnering with the Loveland Police Department to conduct a safety drill tomorrow, Wednesday, May 29 at the Loveland Early Childhood Center.
During the drill, there will be a large number of police and fire vehicles at the school, and the building will be closed to visitors.
If you have any questions, contact the Loveland City School District Central Office at 513-683-5600.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday, May 9 art lovers, parents, teachers and administrators gathered in the Loveland High School media center to congratulate the student artists who will transition from their high School graduation next week to attend college, and study their chosen career path.
There was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges
(Read the District’s public response at the end of this story)
Loveland, Ohio – The Special Investigations Unit of the Ohio Auditor of State has released the results of a criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District based on “improper spending of public funds”. The investigation began in March 2020, after receiving complaints from a District resident. It was alleged that the District used operating funds in support of a levy campaign. After reviewing information from interviews and preliminary examination of records, a special audit was undertaken by the Auditor.
Background:
Dr. Amy Crouse was Superintendent during this time and Kevin Hawley was the Treasurer. The Board President was Art Jarvis; also on the Board at the time was Eileen Washburn, Ned Portune, Michele Pettit, and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz.
The District engaged in two one-year contracts with Allerton Hill Consulting (AHC), dated March 20, 2018 and March 19, 2019, to “assist with its communication needs and provide a strategic communication marketing and outreach plan”.
The first contract, costing $73,000, included an agreement that AHC would conduct a “satisfaction” survey using a third-party pollster. A second contract cost $60,000 as it did not include an agreement that AHC would conduct a survey.
The District summarily canceled the second contract on November 22, 2019. Among the objectives contained within each of these contracts, was a goal to “offer high-quality, long-term, strategic communications, marketing and outreach plan so the District is successful in future public initiatives”.
“This intimates services provided to aid the passage of a tax levy”, according to the Auditor’s report.
While there was no levy issue during the first contract period, the District did seek to pass ballot initiatives in both November 2019 and March 2020.
The 2019 ballot initiative was to pursue a 16.78-mill combined operating and permanent improvement/bond levy including buying approximately 110-acres of land – part of a property known as Grailville. Proposed was a new campus at Grailville for all Pre-K through fifth-grade students and other District wide facility improvements.
Pursuant to the initial AHC Contract, Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. (Fallon) was hired to conduct a survey in May 2018 of 303 randomly selected residents of the District. This contract cost $13,000 and was inadvertently paid twice by the District: once as part of the AHC contract and a second time directly to Fallon, resulting in a double-payment.
Additionally, the District subsequently hired Fallon to conduct a survey in March 2019 of 301 registered voters at a cost of $15,000. The first survey contained two general questions regarding how the District spends funds received from tax payers, while the second survey contained three questions that appeared to the investigators “partially designed to aid in the passage of a levy”. These questions provided different funding scenarios with detailed millage options to gauge the likelihood of community support if placed on the ballot.
Findings
Based on the special audit procedures and investigation, the Auditor of State confirmed noncompliance as well as a double-payment of survey costs by the District.
The audit report said, “We issued $13,000 in a finding for recovery for illegally spent funds as well as a management recommendation related to noncompliance regarding contracts partially advocating for the passage of a levy”
The full details of the finding for recovery and management recommendation are located in the Appendix below.
Prosecution
At the conclusion of the special audit and investigation, the special audit results were reviewed by an Auditor of State attorney, who determined there was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges.
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Loveland City School District’s public response
Joint Statement regarding Ohio Auditor of State finding
“Loveland City School District fully cooperated with the Auditor of State’s office and appreciates their work to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and district processes. The investigation relates to actions taken nearly six years ago under previous district leadership,” Loveland City School District Board of Education President Jonathan Eilert stated.
“The current board and administration have reviewed and discussed the statutory requirements surrounding levies to mitigate future issues. I appreciate the Auditor of State resolving this matter with no penalties towards the district or the previous leadership,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.
“The payment in question was resolved, to the district’s benefit, nearly three years ago. The district has put into place processes and software to protect against errant payments and remains committed to fiscal responsibility,” Treasurer John Espy said.
Loveland, Ohio – A gathering to remember the life of Loveland High School math teach Steve Kenyon will be held in the Loveland High School gym on Wednesday, May 15. The ceremony will begin at 6 PM.
Kenyon was a Loveland High School math teacher, baseball coach, Loveland graduate, and long-time Loveland community member. He passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, after a sudden medical event.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The Steve Kenyon Memorial Scholarship, C/O Loveland Schools Foundation; 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140, or by using this link https://secure.anedot.com/loveland-schools-foundation-oh/kenyon.
If any students or staff need support during this time, the District said they can reach out to their building principal, school counselor, or school psychologist.
The event will be closed to the media at the request of the family.
Steve Kenyon Obituary
Stephen E. “Steve” Kenyon Jr., of Loveland, OH, born on September 20, 1971 in Lakewood, OH. Passed away suddenly on May 5, 2024 at the age of 52. Survived by his wife Dana (nee Hoffmann) Kenyon of 27 years. Loving father of Jaylin Madison Kenyon and Olivia Michelle Kenyon. Dear son of Mary Ann (Mike May) Kenyon and the late Stephen E. Kenyon Sr. Cherished brother of Christopher (Chrissie) Kenyon. Brother in law of Aimee (Dirk) Byerman, Sara (Scott) Hamey and Katie (Rick) Hayden. Also survived by nieces and nephews; Brittany (Mike Sullivan) Kenyon, Danielle (Luke) Waddell, Marisa Kenyon, Ben Byerman, Adam Byerman, Isabella Hamey, Alexa Hayden, Braxton Hayden and survived by a great niece Brooklyn McNamara. Son in law of Pamela Hoffmann and the late Ronald Hoffmann.
Steve was a beloved Loveland High School math teacher, baseball coach, Loveland graduate and long time Loveland community member. Through his passing Steve’s legacy will continue with his life-saving gift of organ and tissue donation.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
A public Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6 PM at Loveland High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, OH 45140.
The interment will be privately held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Montgomery, OH.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The Steve Kenyon Memorial Scholarship, C/O Loveland Schools Foundation; 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140 or by using this link https://secure.anedot.com/loveland-schools-foundation-oh/kenyon
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Athletic Booster’s 2024 Loveland High School Homecoming Parade will be rolling down the streets of Loveland on Thursday, September 19
![[Video] Fine Arts College Signing Day at Loveland High School](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fine-arts-day.jpg)
