‘Breakfast of Champions’ Honors Appalachian Ohio P-20 Advocates

The Appalachian Ohio P-20 Council honored ‘Champions’ of the organization Friday morning at Muskingum University

The council seeks to inspire student success in the southeastern region of Ohio for those in pre-school through college. They recruit those in business, politics, and education to advocate for the group and help create opportunities. Those advocates were celebrated Friday at the first annual ‘Breakfast of Champions’

"They’re going to talk about what we do," said Superintendent at the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center David Branch. "They’re going to help us seek opportunities in southeast Ohio for kids and businesses and they’re going to, in general, be advocates for our program."

The recognition banquet featured a keynote speaker. Former Muskingum University basketball coach, author, and motivational speaker, Dr. Jim Burson inspired the audience of advocates with stories of many teachers, coaches, and students that have impacted his life. He said the mission of the AOP-20 is to connect and make an impact on students’ lives.

"So we’re looking at as a universe type thing," said Burson. "We’re all in this together. If this student fails, we all fail. If this student passes, we all pass and we’re trying to make the community and the region better. "

The group was created in 2013 and meets quarterly to explore, and act on issues that impact southeast Ohio.