Gleason students in grades Pre-K through third grade were recently treated to an assembly coordinated and organized by Pre-K teacher, Mrs. Sherri Brawner. The assembly involved a presenter who brought the book character, Junie B. Jones, (made famous by author Barbara Park) to life for the students. The speaker also made presentations to grades 4-8 (“Character Counts” and “Emma Edmonds: Civil War Spy”).

There's a new man in charge of the Gleason High School softball program.

Jacob Canaday, a 2007 graduate of GHS, has taken over the reins of the Lady Bulldogs diamond squad. Canaday a first-year teacher and May 2011 graduate of Bethel University has been named the program’s new head coach, replacing Joel Ayers.

Jacob is a Gleason alumnus that we are proud to have back with us teaching and coaching, Gleason athletic director/assistant principal Lee Lawrence said. He was a dedicated baseball player here at Gleason and the softball team will benefit from his knowledge and character. I have no doubt that Jacob will instill sportsmanship and dedication within the young people he works with."

Though excited about the position, Canaday admitted that he didn't foresee becoming a head coach at such a young age. I m nervous about it, the new Gleason softball skipper said. It s a huge step for me. I figured I would help out with one of the spring teams, but I didn't think I'd be a head coach to begin with. I m going to have to learn on the job. I've talked to the previous coach and feel confident that he ll point me in the right direction as to what I need to do.

Canaday did reveal some plans in terms of his coaching philosophy. I want the girls to always try their best and to never give up, Canaday said. I don't want to see any teammates bringing each other down and arguing. We're a team and our attitude is going to have to be that we are both on and off the field.

Canaday, who lettered in baseball at Gleason, told that he needed a bit of coaching in order to throw batting practice. The pitching is one thing I have to learn, Canaday said. It's way different than baseball.

Ayers, who held the position for seven years, resigned the post over the summer to solely focus on his duties as the Gleason girls (high school and junior high) basketball coach.

With doing both basketball and softball, I haven t had much of a break, Ayers told. At the beginning of the school year, I said if they could find someone that was willing to take it over that I'd love for them to have it. I wish Jacob all the best and I'll help him with any questions he might have.

The Lady Bulldog softball team finished last season with a 4-16 worksheet. Source. Dresden Enterprise.