Conotton Valley SOAR Mentoring Academy Launches Third Year with Focus on Leadership and Success

The Conotton Valley Union Local School District SOAR Mentoring Academy has kicked off for the 2025-26 academic year.

The initiative, now in its third year, focuses on building leadership and personal and professional success skills among a select group of high-performing students. As part of the experience, students and their mentors participate in a shared book read with real-world applications tied to the program’s goals and objectives.

This year, the group will be reading and discussing "The Traveler’s Gift" by Andy Andrews.

Mentors for the 2025-26 academic year include Jeremy Ady, assistant principal at Conotton Valley Junior/Senior High School; Lauren Hanstine, gifted coordinator for the district; Kevin Neidig, owner of multiple local businesses and a Conotton Valley graduate; Derek O’Hara, teacher and head football coach for Conotton Valley Union Local; Sharon Ricklic, a retired educator with New Philadelphia City Schools; and Ethan Zucal, public affairs and safety manager for Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our young people to learn from amazing role models who guide and inspire them to realize the fullness of their human potential,” said Superintendent John R. Zucal. “I am so appreciative of our mentors’ gifts of time, talent and treasure in helping these students become the very best version of themselves.

“The relationships being built, and the impact of these connections, will last a lifetime.”