Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher presents senior Jaki Threet, who has been excelling as quarterback of the Bulldogs football team and has recently eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards.

Bridgeport High School junior and student board of education member Cole Weekley reports to the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District board about his selection as a student ambassador to learn more about the state’s lawmaking process.

BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Exempted Village School District celebrated a plethora of accomplishments, starting with recognition of two Bulldogs students during the Oct. 15 board of education meeting.

Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher commended senior Jaki Threet, who is making his mark on the football field. As the team’s quarterback, Threet eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards on Oct. 3.

Fisher said Threet’s example is visible in the halls and classrooms.

“It’s the leadership you bring to the team,” Fisher said. “You rally your troops.”

Board member Karrie Puskas was impressed by Threet’s humbleness and team spirit.

“You never make it about yourself. You always make sure you include your whole team,” she said. “That just shows what type of person you are. That you truly believe in your team.”

Patrick McConnaughy said Threet has garnered attention on the alumni Facebook page. Kori Rosnick said other students look up to Threet, who demonstrates leadership and character off the field

Don Cash said he has often seen Threet going to the extra mile by working out Sunday mornings, and this dedication has paid off.

Fisher also recognized junior Cole Weekley, one of the student members of the school board, who has been selected as a student ambassador to the state. Weekley and about 100 other Ohio students went to Columbus last month to learn more about how laws are made and to provide student input.

Weekley said the program operates under Ohio Attorney General David Yost.

“We got to sit in on a press conference with him,” he said. “That was on human trafficking. Then we had a private meeting with Mr. Dave Yost where we were open to questions. He talked to us and gave us advice.”

Throughout the year, the students will be divided into groups and research issues related to young people and present their findings to Yost along with recommendations about why a new law might or might not be necessary.

“I just thought it’d be a cool opportunity, and it was. You get to meet some really cool people up there,” Weekley said.

He said the students were also encouraged to speak out and make changes at their local school districts. One of the issues he was advised to raise awareness about was human trafficking. He and board members noted that Belmont County was a main thoroughfare for many activities, since major highways, railroads and the Ohio River pass through.

Social media safety and educating younger children about the warning signs of human trafficking are also important. Weekley said he was inspired by seeing other students raising awareness and fighting human trafficking.

Weekley said he and the other students will have additional meetings and go on an upcoming tour of the statehouse.

McConnaughy congratulated him.

“Thank you for representing Bridgeport.”

Fisher said both Threet and Weekley exemplified Bridgeport Schools’ culture.

“What they bring to the high school extends far beyond what they’re being recognized for here tonight.”