Raymond Belcher, a board member of the South Central Ohio ESC and Scioto County Career Technical Center, was presented with the Ohio School Boards Association’s Veteran Board Member Award at the association’s 54th Capital Conference on Wednesday, November 11, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

The Veteran Board Member Award is given to school board members in recognition of 25 years of service. Of the more than 3,400 board members in Ohio, only 15 received the honor in 2009.

“I feel positive that other people recognize the contribution Mr. Belcher makes to education,” said Stan Jennings, Scioto County CTC superintendent. “He always has the district’s best interest at heart.”

On November 12, the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center also presented Belcher with a plaque honoring his years of service. According to Lowell Howard, South Central Ohio Education Service Center superintendent, “Having a board member that has been dedicated to the children of southern Ohio for 25 years is an outstanding accomplishment. We are very proud and honored to have Ray on the board.”

Belcher is retired as former owner of True Value Hardware and ToyTown in New Boston. He is the father of three grown children, Cheri Ashmore, Marty Belcher, and Daryl Belcher.