By 
Irina Perry
By Irina Perry
Reynoldsburg City Schools Celebrates Excellence in Education, Leadership, and Community Engagement
The Reynoldsburg City Schools community is celebrating several remarkable achievements as educators, students, and community leaders continue making a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
At French Run Elementary School, second-grade teacher Ms. Taya Kidd has been nominated for Ohio’s prestigious 2027 Teacher of the Year recognition. The Ohio Teacher of the Year program, established in 1964 by the State Board of Education, honors exceptional educators across the state who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and advocacy for public education.
Each year, educators selected for the program are recognized for their commitment to students, innovative classroom practices, and contributions to their communities. The 2027 Ohio Teacher of the Year winner will officially be announced in the Fall of 2026. Reynoldsburg City Schools proudly congratulated Ms. Kidd for this outstanding achievement, sharing how her dedication continues to inspire both students and fellow educators throughout the district.
Meanwhile, Rose Hill Elementary School is also celebrating major accomplishments. Principal Damicka Bates was recently honored with the 2026 Outstanding Administrator Leadership Award by the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators. Bates was selected as one of only five administrators statewide to receive this prestigious recognition, highlighting her leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and dedication to student success.
In addition to Principal Bates’ recognition, Rose Hill Elementary fifth-grade student Isley received the 2026 Student Honoree Award for her leadership, service, academic dedication, and positive impact within the school community. School leaders praised Isley as an example of student excellence and determination, reflecting the district’s commitment to empowering future leaders.
The Power of 13: Women Who Light the Way
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Central Ohio Chapter will host one of the region’s most anticipated and inspiring gatherings as community leaders, advocates, and professionals come together for “The Power of 13: Women Who Light the Way,” a sold-out event recognizing women whose leadership continues to create meaningful change throughout Central Ohio.
The event will be held tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel. The evening will be emceed by Pastor Michael Young and is expected to bring together distinguished leaders, business professionals, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates from across the region.
This special evening will highlight influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, and community voices whose dedication continues to uplift families, mentor future generations, and strengthen neighborhoods across Ohio.
Among the featured honorees and participants are Habiba Bankston, Shanette Strickland, April Sunami, Lyn Logan-Grimes, and Angela Dawson — women recognized for their commitment to leadership, advocacy, empowerment, and service.
Reynoldsburg Board Discusses NIL Policy Oversight and Student-Athlete Eligibility
Members of the Reynoldsburg City Schools Board of Education continued discussions regarding the district’s upcoming Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy, focusing heavily on student-athlete education, eligibility protections, and the district’s partnership with Influential Athlete.
Board members sought clarification on whether the district’s partnership with Influential Athlete would function as a direct NIL agency for students or primarily serve as an educational resource.
Athletic administrators explained that Influential Athlete is not acting as a student-athlete representation agency on behalf of Reynoldsburg schools. Instead, the organization was selected to provide guidance, educational resources, and informational support to students, families, coaches, and administrators as NIL policies become more common in high school athletics.
Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url
