Dear Community Partners,

On behalf of Black River High School, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Centerra Co-op, Sunrise Co-op, Spencer Forge, Mack Industries, Forest City Technologies, and the Medina County Economic Development Corporation for sending representatives to work with our graduating seniors during our Mock Interviews on Tuesday, April 21st.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to support our students. Your willingness to share your time, experience, and insight made a meaningful impact on their growth and confidence.

I heard so many positive comments as students came out of their interviews. They were truly appreciative of the encouragement you provided, as well as the thoughtful feedback on how they can continue to improve their interviewing skills. Your guidance helped make this a valuable and authentic learning experience.

Our students made significant progress, and that is directly because of your investment in them. We are grateful for your continued support and partnership in helping prepare them for their futures.

Thank you again, and we look forward to working with you again in the future.
4 days ago, Cathy Aviles
interviews
The BRHS Academic Challenge team participated at the NAQT State Tournament at Bellefontaine High School, Saturday, April 11th. The team took 18th out of a field of 64, finishing 3rd place in the Small School Division. Congratulations on a 5-4 finish at their final tournament of the 2025-2026 season.

The team will finish competition for the season at the WEOL Radio Show Competition in Elyria later in April.

Photos: Team Captain - Senior Josh Adkins, Senior Stryker Charlton, and Freshman Hunter Holly.
12 days ago, Cathy Aviles
AC Captains
NAQT State
BRHS Academic Challenge
16 days ago, Cathy Aviles
AC on ABC
The Black River FFA Chapter proudly showcased their talents at the State Spring Career Development Events on March 28 at the Ohio State Exposition Center in Columbus!
Eight members competed in two challenging events—General Livestock Judging and Poultry Management—demonstrating their knowledge, skill, and dedication to agriculture.

In General Livestock Judging, members evaluated classes of sheep, goats, swine, and beef cattle, answered industry-based questions, completed a market grid, and took a comprehensive written exam. Addison Flynn led the team with a 216th place individual finish, followed by Rylee Howard (251st), Adalee Hollan (480th), and Case Paul (964th). Their hard work earned the team a strong overall placing in the state!

In Poultry Management, members showcased their skills in evaluating live birds, identifying meat cuts, grading products, and completing a written exam. The team delivered a solid overall performance, with strong individual efforts from all competitors. Caleb Howard led the team with a 68th place individual finish, followed by David Byrant (75th), Aidan Sas (99th), Kade Kelso (118th), and Dagur Charlton (123rd).

We are so proud of all our members for representing Black River FFA with pride, professionalism, and determination.
23 days ago, Cathy Aviles
CDE
Mrs. Howard’s Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources students wrapped up their unit on the dairy cattle industry with a sweet, hands-on treat - making homemade ice cream!

After learning about dairy cow breeds, the milking process, and how milk goes from farm to table, students put their knowledge into action and enjoyed the delicious results. Learning has never tasted so good!
26 days ago, Cathy Aviles
preparing
taste test
all prepared
EF Tours will be sponsoring a to Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain in Summer 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.

We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited:

Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/zaxbjzp

Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.
about 1 month ago, Cathy Aviles
EF Tours

Congratulations to Addison, who recently competed in the State Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE and earned an impressive Top 20 ranking! This is a great accomplishment and reflects Addison’s hard work, preparation, and ability to think critically and communicate effectively on current agricultural issues. We are proud of the way she represented our chapter!

about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
Flynn
Did you know? National FFA Week is celebrated each year during the week of
George Washington’s birthday to recognize his legacy as an agriculturalist and leader.
We had a great time celebrating agriculture, leadership, and the impact FFA members
make in their schools and communities.
Last week FFA members participated in a cheese and meat tasting and
identification activity, tested their knowledge with FFA trivia, and competed in some
friendly competition during our ice cream eating contest and pedal tractor race.
We also enjoyed some great food with chili day, cake, and a staff appreciation breakfast
to thank the teachers and staff who support our program. Members put their FFA
knowledge to the test with an FFA emblem scavenger hunt, and many showed their
spirit by participating in our FFA-themed dress-up spirit week.
Thank you to all of our members who participated and helped make the week such a
success. We had a great time celebrating FFA and the largest youth leadership
organization in the United States!

#FFAWeek #BlackRiverFFA #BlueAndGold #LearningToDoDoingToLearn
about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
FFA week
FFA officer team
Hands-On Learning in Animal & Plant Science!
Students in Mrs. Howard’s Animal and Plant Science class recently explored the history
of apples, the many varieties they come in, and the different ways apples can be used
in foods and recipes. They also discussed how apples can be a healthier ingredient
option when cooking and baking.
To bring their learning to life, students participated in a food science lab where they
made their own homemade applesauce. After preparing their applesauce, they
completed a sensory evaluation lab, comparing their homemade version to store-bought
applesauce by evaluating taste, texture, aroma, and overall preference. This activity
helped students develop culinary skills while also learning how food scientists evaluate
products.
Experiences like this allow students to connect agriculture, food science, and nutrition
through hands-on learning.
A special thank you to Mrs. Demczyk for assisting with the culinary portion of the lab
and helping our students learn valuable kitchen skills.

#HandsOnLearning #FoodScience #AgEducation #FarmToTable #BlackRiverFFA
about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
processing
evaluation
prepping
prepping the apples
The Black River High School Academic Challenge Team competed in the 42-team NAQT Tournament at Copley High School on Saturday, February 28th. The team finished the day 5-3, in the top half of the field in 20th place.
about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
Copley
On February 21, our Black River FFA members competed at the Mt. Gilead Judging Invitational, participating in both the Poultry Evaluation and General Livestock competitions!

General Livestock Team placed 16th, demonstrating their skills in judging breeding and market classes for sheep, goats, swine, and beef cattle, along with answering production-related questions and market evaluations. Team members: Rylee Howard (40), Parker Broadsword (42), Emily Kiser (132), Addison Flynn (296), and Addison Flynn (231).

Congratulations to all our competitors for their hard work and dedication! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue through our Spring Judging season!

#BlackRiverFFA #SpringJudging #ProudFFA
about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
livestock team
On February 21, our Black River FFA members competed at the Mt. Gilead Judging Invitational, participating in both the Poultry Evaluation and General Livestock competitions!

Poultry Evaluation Team placed 3rd and showcased their knowledge in poultry production, management, and food safety by completing exams, evaluating live birds, and grading poultry products. Team members: Aidan Sas (8), Dagur Charlton (11), Kade Kelso (12), David Bryant (36), and Caleb Howard (42).

Congratulations to all our competitors for their hard work and dedication! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue through our Spring Judging season!
#BlackRiverFFA #SpringJudging #ProudFFA
about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
poultry  team
The Black River FFA Chapter recently tapped maple trees right on our school grounds! Our Plant and Animal Science students are learning firsthand how sap is collected and turned into maple syrup, gaining an appreciation for the work and science behind this sweet treat.
FFA is all about learning by doing, and we love providing hands-on experiences that bring agriculture to life. Stay tuned as we follow the journey from tree to table!

#BlackRiverFFA #MapleSyrupSeason #HandsOnLearning #FFAExperiences
about 2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
Plant and Animal Science
tapping
Black River Schools is closed today, February 23 due to road conditions and continuing snowfall.
2 months ago, Black River Local Schools
snowday
Mrs. Carver and Ms. Zatezalo's Quantitative Reasoning class is using scales and micrometers to answer the question "Are Double Stuff Oreos really double stuffed?"
2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
will and jaxson
Brody

Students in grades 9–11 followed an adjusted schedule today so they could participate in sessions focused on their graduation pathway. Students met with Mrs. Strader to talk through course scheduling, completed SchooLinks activities, and explored elective options for next year. This marks the first step in the course selection process for the 2026-2027 school year.

2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
SchooLinks
Strader
Music
FCS
2029
Congratulations to Our FFA Officers!

We are proud to announce that our FFA Officers earned Gold Ratings on their Officer Books at the District Evaluation! Their dedication, hard work, and attention to detail have paid off, and they will be recognized at the Ohio FFA State Convention in May!


💙💛 #FFA #GoldStandard #HardWorkPaysOff #OhioFFA #FutureLeaders
2 months ago, Cathy Aviles
officer books

We are looking for past recipients of the Medina County Kiwanis Black River Student of the Year to fill a plaque in the BRHS lobby. Please contact the high school office (419-736-3304) or email Mrs. Aviles (caviles@blrv.org) if you can help us fill in the our missing years. (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

3 months ago, Cathy Aviles
plaque
It is FCCLA Strawberry time!
3 months ago, Cathy Aviles
strawberries
The BRHS Academic Challenge team in action at a LC8 meet and the Riverside Tournament
3 months ago, Cathy Aviles
LC8 Meet
LC8 meet
Riverside Tournament