The Panther Post

In this edition:

• "Off and Running" - comments on the start of our school year and highlights from the 1st quarter
• "Who's Who" - a closer look at staff and students at Miami Trace
• "What Lies Ahead" - important events on the horizon at MT
• "Alumni Spotlight" - highlighting an MT alum and his contributions to our community

Miami Trace students and staff have started the school year on the best foot possible for the 2026-2027 school year. We have already reached the conclusion of the first quarter, which has been marked by awards, honors, championships, and celebrations. We can't wait to see what the 2nd quarter has in store!

As the legendary soccer player Pele once said, "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." The start of this school year and all that has transpired is a direct result of the things Pele listed... hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and love for what we do.

Senior, Taylor Payton, has been named one of only four finalists nationwide for the Equine Science Placement Proficiency Award.

Sophomore, Sarah Whitney, won 1st place in the FFA Creed Speaking Contest.

Our Panthers are participating in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for the second year, setting goals and building habits for healthier bodies and minds. Jim Tressel, former Ohio State and NFL players, and guests from Wilmington College helped kick off the challenge with encouragement for our students.

Congratulations to the following fall sports teams on their FAC team championships:

• Girls Tennis
• Girls Cross-Country
• Volleyball (co-champions)
• Girls Soccer
• Football

MTES hosted its annual STEAM Night, welcoming students and families for an evening of jungle-themed activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

MT High School students connected with representatives from more than 70 organizations, each offering pathways toward success after high school.

For the second year in a row, all Miami Trace students receive free meals. Each school day, our Food Service Department serves an average of 647 breakfasts and 1,440 lunches.

We’re excited to have preschool back at Miami Trace, with a successful start to the year!

One of the hardest things to do is accept the end of a long and distinguished career of a beloved staff member. Mrs. Amy Ford, 5th grade Math teacher at MTES, is enjoying what will be the last 7 months of her career at Miami Trace - a career that is marked by dedication, selflessness, leadership, love, devotion, and the highest quality instruction. When we consider what it is that makes Miami Trace such a special place, the answer always starts with "the people." People like Amy Ford continue to carry the torch of excellence that our students aspire to and our staff exemplifies each day. Anyone that knows Mrs. Ford is well aware that she does not rest nor accept anything less than the best... from herself and her students. She is truly special, and any one of her students will be the first to emphatically say that she is "one of their favorites." We hope that the rest of this school year is the best of her career. If you happen to see Mrs. Ford out and about, be sure to give her an early "congratulations" and a "job well done."

One of the brightest smiles and most friendly personalities in this year's senior class is Paige Fitzgerald. Paige is a lifelong Panther who exhibits all that makes our student body the best around. Paige has been highly involved, participating in FCA, Soccer, Superintendent's Advisory Council, Key Club, Student Government (Class President), FFA (Secretary and President), Science Club, Spanish Club, and National Honor's Society (President). The hope of all teachers is to see their students achieve at high levels, grow academically, and serve in ways that allow their talents to shine. Paige has done all of those things, and more. She approaches each moment with intentional positivity and treats everyone as though they are truly important and special. While this school year will move by quickly, we are thankful that Paige is making the most of her time at MT, and we know that she will leave a lasting legacy for future Panthers to follow. Thank you, Paige for being all that makes our school district a wonderful place to lead and learn!

We encourage all of our families, guests, and stakeholders to remain connected with the district through our social media — Facebook, Instagram, YouTube — and our website. These are great locations to keep up to date on upcoming events and activities. With that being said, we are looking forward to the following:

• October 16 - End of the 1st quarter
• October 30 - No School - Fall Break
• November 2 - 2 hour delay - preplanned Staff Professional Development
• November 3 - Election Day
• November 11 - Veterans Day (on campus events)
• November 25-27 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
• December 18 - 2 hour early release (students)
• December 21-January 1 - No School - Winter Break

If you have never been to a live auction and listened to an auctioneer's chant, you will want to do yourself a favor and attend an auction at which Chris Cottrill is the auctioneer. Where can you find this opportunity? Look no further than the Fayette County Fair. Chris often lends his auctioneering talents to support Miami Trace students, helping sell the 4-H projects they have worked so hard to raise and prepare for the July shows. Perhaps you are looking for seed corn? Look no further than Cottrill Seed Solutions in New Holland, Ohio. Do you need farming advice? Chris can provide that as well, having worked on his family farm for four decades. Perhaps your need is for Marion Township roads to be cleared in the wintertime... you guessed it, Chris is also doing that work.

Chris Cottrill is a 2000 graduate of Miami Trace High School and, as you can tell, has made the most of his time in adulthood. He and his wife, Jill (Mossbarger, a 2003 graduate), are raising three children: Caitlyn (2025 graduate), Casey (10th grade), and Cade (7th grade). Chris is a farmer, seed dealer, auctioneer, township trustee, and mentor to anyone who calls him friend.

Aside from the accolades and titles, Chris is a selfless man that has devoted himself to the betterment of Fayette County and especially the Miami Trace Local School District. He helps organize the Christie Wilt Classic, a memorial event that honors former MTHS teacher Christie Wilt, which provides scholarships to MT students. Christie was a beloved teacher and community member, and Chris has helped ensure that her legacy will live on for generations to come.

Chris is the proud son of Faith Marine-Cottrill and the late Rick Cottrill, and brother to current MTES secretary Aimee Lindsey (1997 graduate). He has taken the lessons learned from his parents and grandparents and makes the most of each day. Perhaps Chris’ most notable attributes are his sense of humor and his ability to make the best of difficult circumstances. He never ceases to make those around him laugh and feel welcome. Chris is an example of fortitude, character, and dedication. Miami Trace is proud to call Chris Cottrill an alum and continued supporter of Panther Nation. Thank you for everything, Chris!