Ram Pride award presented to Brian Smeltzer
Published 10:18 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2026
In order to recognize the importance of “Pride” in their school and community, the MVAOCOU Student Council in 2019 decided to start a tradition of recognizing a member of the district who shows great pride in the school and community.
It is a goal of the student council is to continue the growth of the pride we have in our school and the communities that make up our school district. The “Ram Pride” award recognizes a highly valued member of our Ram Community. The high school staff and student council collaborate the name this year’s Ram Pride winner.
The 2026 and eighth recipient of the Ram Pride Award is MVAOCOU Choir Director, Brian Smeltzer.
Smeltzer graduated from Maple Valley and has been at MVAO/MVAOCOU for over 20 years. He prides himself that he has taken his jazz choir to state and receiving D1 ratings for 10 years in a row.
He is the father to seven children: Kaley, Collin, Reid, Faith, Leah, Alayna, and Hope. During the summer Smeltzer spends his time announcing at home baseball games and following the baseball team throughout their season.
He also enjoys spending time supporting all Ram activities and spending time with his family.
Olivia Pithan presented Mr. Smeltzer with his Ram Pride award during halftime of the Homecoming football game.
The students would like Mr. Smeltzer to know that he is extremely valued by staff and students at MVAOCOU.
Past Ram Pride Award Winners: 2025-Coach Alden Berkenpas; 2024-Deb Gress; 2023-Dan Dougherty; 2022-Jeff Gee; 2021-Scott Kirchgatter; 2020-JP Cook; 2019-Merlin Whiteing.
