Springboro Schools recently named Cassy Arsenault, a reporter with LOCAL 12, WKRC-TV to the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) 2021 Media Honor Roll. The Media Honor Roll recognizes media personnel statewide for fair and balanced reporting of news about public schools.
Cassy Arsenault was selected by Springboro Schools specifically for her work in reporting on the “Staff on Quest to Find Out Why Former Teacher Donated Entire Estate to School” story, which featured how Patricia (“Patty”) McCandless, an English Teacher at Clearcreek High School (what is now known as Springboro High School) from 1961-1968, left her entire estate to Springboro High School (SHS) after her passing. Ms. McCandless’ estate totaled over $471,000.
At the time the district learned about Ms. McCandless’ unprecedented donation, little was known about Patty’s involvement with Springboro Schools, beyond her employment, or why Ms. McCandless chose to donate to SHS. Communications Coordinator for Springboro Schools Scott Marshall reached out to Ms. Arsenault, who had previously featured the district in a story on mental health services offered at SHS, about a story on Patty McCandless, who had no living relatives, with the hopes of learning more.
“We had been asking ourselves, ‘Why? Why Springboro High School?’” said Scott Marshall. The initial piece Cassy and WKRC-Local 12 produced on Ms. McCandless really helped share a phenomenal story with the community, where friends, students and colleagues of Patty’s who saw the story, reached out to our district, and shared their insight. This allowed us to learn so much more about Patty and her generous donation.”
A childhood friend and former high school student of Patricia McCandless were two (2) individuals who reached out to the district after seeing the WKRC-Local 12 story. As a result, both joined the Patricia McCandless Memorial Scholarship committee this year, which will provide a one-year $7,000 scholarship to two (2) graduating seniors of Springboro High School.
In addition, Ms. Arsenault also produced a story on SHS Yearbook Advisor Jennifer Cooper, along with students, reflecting on the challenges of completing a yearbook during the COVID-19 pandemic. This school year, Ms. Arsenault featured a story on the districts struggles to hire and maintain certain staff positions related to food service, transportation, and substitute teachers considering the impact COVID-19 has had on school districts across the nation.
“Cassy’s efforts in elevating the great stories of Springboro Schools with accurate, fair, and unique reporting has been such a delight,” said Scott Marshall. For our students and staff to be featured this way, it puts the spotlight on the many wonderful things happening here in Springboro. Cassy’s collaborative efforts and hard work in making these segments so creative and informative has been exceptional.”
A plaque for the OSBA 2021 Media Honor Roll was presented at the Springboro Schools’ Board of Education meeting on December 8. Cassy Arsenault was present at the meeting to accept her award.
Criteria for selection by the local school districts include the media representative’s efforts to report school news in a fair, accurate and balanced manner; give a high profile to positive news about schools; visit the schools; and maintain a policy of “no surprises.”
“OSBA is pleased that so many school districts around the state participated in the 2021 Media Honor Roll program,” said OSBA Chief Executive Officer Richard Lewis. “OSBA joins those districts in congratulating the honorees and thanking them for fairly and accurately reporting on the successes of students, teachers and school boards, as well as conveying the many challenges they face.”
OSBA sends personalized certificates to school boards to help them honor reporters, editors, and news outlets. OSBA also recognizes the honorees in its Journal magazine and on its website.
Cassy Arsenault's Work with Springboro Schools in 2021: