Congratulations to Brady Swords, Ebenezer Elementary School’s Student of the Year for 2025!

Brady is the son of Jennifer and Brandon Swords. At Ebenezer Brady is a SOAR Ambassador, a finalist in the Spelling Bee, and takes 6th grade math.  After school, and on the weekends, Brady competes in track, cross country, flag football, basketball and plays the occasional video game. Finally, Brady and his family enjoy spending time together camping at Black Moshannon State Park and spending time at the beach. 

Brady was recognized at the April 14, 2025, meeting of the CLSD Board of School Directors. In his presentation, Principal Ferguson shared, “When we speak of leadership, Brady shines brightly, consistently modeling the expected behavior. Through his journey at Ebenezer, he has displayed a remarkable ability to lead by example, guiding his peers with patience, understanding, and has a natural talent for bringing out the best in others.”

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Below, is Brady’s speech to the Board and Guests:

“Thank you Mr. Fulkerson. And thank you Dr. Domencic, Mrs. Schlegel and all of the other school board members and administrators. I am happy to be here tonight.

Being Student of the Year is an honor to me because every year in school I try my best to be kind, to be helpful, and to do my best on all of my assignments. My six years at Ebenezer flew by so fast! It’s hard to believe that Kindergarten ending with virtual school because of COVID was already 5 years ago. I made so many great friends, and had so much fun each year.

All of my teachers played a big role during my time at Ebenezer. Mrs. Dissinger, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Gilmartin, Miss Baumbach, Mrs. Donnachie, Mrs. Cassel, Mrs. Seeger, Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. Bickel, Mrs. Bixler, Ms. Natale and Mr. Miller. And I can’t forget all of my Specials teachers that made those classes great as well. Each teacher played a special part in making my years at Ebenezer as great as they were.
I’m also happy to have had amazing Principals. First with Dr. Bozman, and now with Mr. Fulkerson. Thank you both for being great school leaders.

I wanted to take an extra moment to talk about Miss Baumbach, I feel really lucky to have been one of her students. I will always remember her kindness and patience. And I miss her very much.

I also want to thank my parents for always supporting me and encouraging me to do my best. My classmates have also been a big part of my time at Ebenezer. I’ve made great friends, and we’ve had so many fun memories together.

Being named Student of the Year makes me feel proud, and it’s a reminder to keep working hard and being a good friend to others. I’m really thankful for everything I’ve learned and all the fun I’ve had, and I’m excited to see what middle school will be like.

Thank you again to the Board Members, administrators, my teachers, my family, and everyone who has supported me. I will never forget this honor!”