Independence Middle School Intervention Specialist Dana Wolf was recognized for excellence in middle-level education at the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) Annual State Conference on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Sandusky.
Wolf received the 2026 Northeast Regional Award for Best Middle Level Practice during the conference's awards recognition ceremony. The honor recognizes outstanding educational practices that support the academic, social, and developmental needs of middle school students.
The Ohio Middle Level Association is dedicated to supporting middle-level educators and promoting educational practices that help young adolescents succeed. Its annual conference brings together educators and school leaders from across Ohio to share ideas, celebrate accomplishments, and recognize excellence in middle-level education.
Joining Wolf for the recognition were Independence Middle School Principal Haley Mueller, Independence Local Schools Superintendent Kelli Cogan, and several of Wolf's colleagues, who attended the ceremony to celebrate her achievement.
“Dana's recognition is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and commitment our educators bring to their classrooms every day,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “We are proud of Dana and the work she does to create meaningful learning experiences for our middle school students. It is especially rewarding to see her efforts recognized at the regional level.”
Wolf was among five educators from Northeast Ohio recognized with regional awards during the ceremony.
The district congratulates Wolf on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued commitment to the students and school community at Independence Middle School.