Oberlinians of the Year Kendal Publicity Plugs

When we consider who to name our Oberlinian of the Year, we look for someone who has made a positive impact on the community. But this year we chose a group whose positive impact was a result of sharing the positive impact of others.

The Kendal Publicity Plugs have been sharing the positive stories from the Oberlin schools since 2005. They began as a result of a brainstorming session between then-superintendent Bev Reep and Kendal at Oberlin executive director Barb Thomas.

"During the discussion, it became clear that the schools had phased out various positions over the years to save dollars when people vacated positions or retired," Thomas said. "One of the losses had been a dedicated staff person providing support in the community and public relations. With this loss, there had been a considerable decline of positive stories on the schools."

Thomas assembled a group of Kendal residents with an interest in writing and a passion for the schools. The volunteers received training from Kendal community relations coordinator Nancy Freed, and the Kendal Publicity Plugs began as a pilot program in August 2005.

The eight volunteers that year were grouped by twos and assigned to the four Oberlin school buildings. Their impact was immediate, with 20 stories filed that first year with local media, including the News-Tribune.

"There are so many wonderful things going on in the schools, for us it can become commonplace," said Prospect Elementary School principal James Eibel. "They come with an outside eye and a respect for education. And they know some of these things we do here aren't being done anywhere else."

Langston Middle School principal John Crecelius said he has been impressed with the coverage Ruth Searles and Eleanor Whitehead have provided for events such as science day and the seventh-grade girls luncheon with the University Women's Club. He said the Oberlin schools are lucky to have such a program.

"What they do is precise and assist our school in looking deeper into a story," Crecelius said. "This is my 39th year in the education business, and I have found no program as an equal to the Kendal Publicity Plugs program."

Superintendent Geoff Andrews said the Publicity Plugs have been good about contacting the schools to keep on top of events and other story ideas. He said their drive to publicize the schools has been refreshing.

"They have been tireless in their effort to learn about what's going on in the schools and to publicize what's going on in the schools," Andrews said. "They have a real passion and they're tenacious in their curiosity."

High school principal William Baylis said Claudine Carlton taught many years at the high school. As a result, he said she and Eleanor Helper have a genuine interest in the high school.

"They're just like having our own public relations department," Baylis said. "A lot of districts have a dedicated person, although Lorain actually cut their person. But Oberlin is too small for that, so it's wonderful to have these women doing that for us."

Eastwood Elementary School principal Brian Carter said Eva Greenberg is careful to point out the educational aspect of any activity she covers for the schools. He said he, the Eastwood staff, and students are very much attached to her.

"The Publicity Plugs are involved in more activities than just publicity," Carter said. "Eva Greenberg is here every Wednesday as a grandparent reader. She's really part of our community here."

Of course, we at the News-Tribune have also benefited from the program.

These dedicated journalists benefit the News-Tribune, the students, parents and teachers. They get the word out about programs and events in the schools and always present themselves in a positive and professional manner. We enjoy everything they write and we know our readers do as well.

The participants in the program have changed over the years, but the passion and professionalism have remained the same. In addition to Carlton, Helper, Searles, Whitehead, and Greenberg, Thelma Morris and Carol Ganzel are currently with the program. Past participants include Etta Ruth Weigl, Jim White, Al Carroll, and Martha Stacy.

These 11 volunteers, along with Freed, who continues to coordinate the program, have provided a valuable service to the Oberlin schools and the Oberlin community at large. So we are pleased to name the Kendal Publicity Plugs our Oberlinians of the Year.