Four Coal Grove businesses have been honored by a state education group for their support of the Dawson-Bryant schools.

The certificates from the Ohio School Boards Association went to Freez-Ett, L&J’s Dairy Bar, Coal Grove Giovanni’s and Coal Grove Wendy’s.

“School-business partnerships greatly benefit all involved,” said Dawson-Bryant superintendent Steve Easterling, adding that businesses play a crucial role in supporting the three schools, especially since the school district struggles with limited resources, budget uncertainties and a difficult economic climate. “We have a lot of businesses that support Dawson-Bryant and we all appreciate all the businesses that do support us.”

He said the support comes in a number of forms, it can be food or time or money.

Jamie Murphy, the Dawson-Bryant School Board president, said this was a good way to show the businesses that the school district appreciates the support.

“Anything they are asked, they are always right there to support us, especially the kids,” she said.

She explained that they were able to nominate only four businesses to the OSBA for their business honor roll.

“And all were selected by the OSBA,” Murphy said. “We just wanted them to know how much we appreciate them.”

Marie DeLawder, one of three owners of L&J’s, said they donate because they enjoy giving back to the community.

“Especially the kids,” she said. “We love to do to help.”

Angie Haynes, the store manager of the Coal Grove Giovanni’s said she is lucky enough to work for storeowner John Sutter.

“He is the most generous man I have ever worked for,” she said. “He gives so much, to the kids, to all the schools, not just Dawson-Bryant. He is willing to help since he has done well and he wants to give back to the community.”

Tammy White, the general manager of the Coal Grove Wendy’s, which is owned by the Schmidt Group, said they are all about kids.

“Anything they can do to help kids, they do whatever is asked,” she said.

Kayla Fulford, one of the owners of the Freez-Ett, said they also love the kids.

“We started this journey about a year and a half ago with the Freez-Ett,” she said. “And they have hung in with us and supported us on this journey. They come and are always respectful and we just want to give back to them and let them know that we love them and care for them.”