Submitted Fourth-graders had a rock-solid day visiting the Natural History Museum...
Natural History Museum Visit
Chagrin Falls Schools fourth-graders had a rock-solid day at the Natural History Museum. From fossilized teeth to arrowheads, they explored artifacts that told the story of Ohio’s past. As part of a hands-on, inquiry-based program, students worked together to uncover the stories of the Indigenous Peoples who lived in Ohio long before 1650. With real and replica artifacts in hand, they compared tools, solved mysteries and brought history to life. From playful otters to soaring eagles, the outdoor exhibits were a favorite highlight and the perfect way to end a day full of discovery.
The Best Little Theater in Town
The Chagrin Falls Community Education Showtime Jr. theater program will present “The Best Little Theater in Town” on May 2 at 7 p.m., May 3 at 2 p.m. and May 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, 77 E. Washington St. in Chagrin Falls.
Directed by Patricia Haynish, retired Chagrin Falls Music Department chair; Bill Gordon, CF graduate and professional actor and director; and Kathy Ohlrich, CF grade 6 teacher, the fun-filled “play within a play” features 59 students currently in grades three through six and 12 crew members in grades six through 10. Written by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse, the delightful musical comedy will prove that hard work by the cast and crew can keep “The Best Little Theater in Town” from being shut down by James P. Pennypacker played by sixth-grader Jack Thompson.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or by clicking tinyurl.comBLTTickets25. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for students and free for children 4 and under.
Mental Health Scavenger Hunt
Students in Nick Taddeo’s health class at Chagrin Falls High School went beyond traditional test preparation last week when they participated in an innovative mental health disorders review that got them out of their seats and exploring the school building.
The activity featured QR codes strategically hidden throughout the school, with riddles guiding students to each location. Upon scanning each code, students discovered key information about various mental health conditions, including definitions, symptoms and treatment options.
“I wanted to create something that would help the material stick while also showing students the real resources available right here in our building,” said Taddeo. “Mental health education isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about knowing where to turn when you or someone you know needs support.”
What made the activity particularly meaningful was the critical thinking component. At each location, students were prompted to reflect on why that particular QR code was placed there. A code discussing anxiety symptoms placed near the school counselor’s office highlighted an important resource students could access. Another code about mindfulness techniques was discovered in a quiet alcove perfect for decompression and reflection.
By the end of the activity, students had not only reviewed essential information for their upcoming assessment but had also created mental maps of support resources throughout the building.
Taddeo emphasized that the goal extended beyond test preparation. “If even one student remembers where to go when they’re having a tough day because of this activity, then it was absolutely worth it. Mental health awareness is about breaking down barriers to seeking help, and sometimes those barriers are as simple as not knowing what resources are available.”
New All-Day Sports Camp
Chagrin Falls Community Education announced an exciting expansion of their summer programming with the addition of a new all-day sports camp at Gurney Elementary School, part of a robust lineup of activities running June 7 through Aug. 8.
The new Jumpstart Sports Summer Camp, operating June 9 through Aug. 1, will offer age-appropriate programs for children from preschool through sixth grade. Previously housed at the Golf Dome, Jumpstart Sports had been seeking a new location in the area and found an ideal partner in Chagrin Falls Community Education.
The Jumpstart program features two separate camps: a morning preschool sports camp for children ages 3.5 to 6 years, running from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and a full-day camp for students entering grades 1-6, operating from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended care options are available from 7:30 a.m. and until 5:30 p.m. Additionally, the program offers leadership opportunities for seventh- and eighth-graders.
Both camps emphasize a creative curriculum with weekly themes, multi-sport activities, and a “safety first” approach delivered by engaging staff members.
The new Jumpstart program joins a wide range of returning favorites, including sports camps led by Chagrin High School staff and assisted by high school students. These include cheerleading, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling.
For students with interests beyond athletics, options include Band Camp Jr., chess, creative crafts, etiquette and international dining experiences, financial literacy, gardening, cooking, musical theater, Snapology Lego, stage combat, and yoga with mindfulness. Older students can also take advantage of SAT/ACT test preparation and driver’s education courses offered both online and in-person.
All Chagrin Valley summer camps are open to everyone, regardless of where they live or attend school. Information and registration are available at the Chagrin Falls Community Education website: tinyurl.com/CFCEHome.
Spring Art Show
The Chagrin Falls Schools’ Spring Art Show was held April 10-13 at Hamlet at Chagrin Falls. Hundreds of pieces of art from Chagrin Falls’ middle and high school students were on display.
At the award ceremony on April 10, Debbie Cirillo, executive director of Hamlet at Chagrin Falls, welcomed the students, families and Hamlet residents. Chagrin Falls High School Principal Amanda Rassi gave the opening remarks and introduced and thanked the talented art department staff. The awards presented to students were done by art teachers Libby Harrold, Dawn Serazin, Jill Eisert and Amy Fenton. Closing remarks were given by Libby Harrold.
During the award ceremony, music was provided by the high school’s jazz band.
Award highlights include:
Valley Art Center Awards – Tiernan Moloney – Middle School and Lauren Brownell – High School
Cleveland Print Room Black & White Film Award – Theo Hawk
Hamlet Award – Aya Harvey, Amelia Strawn, Owen Stull, Natalie Lareau, Marley Metzger
Chagrin Falls Village Council – Molly Nightwine
Board Of Education Award – Lauren Vasko
PTO Awards – Tessa Fisher, Charlie Henry, Izzy Pribanic, Claire Rubin
Outstanding Photography – Melina Humphrey and Lauren Vasko
Outstanding 2-D Artists – Lauren Brownell and Owen Stull
Outstanding 3-D Artists – Brix Niethammer and Bella Radomsky
High School Principal’s Award – JB Lind
Middle School Principal’s Award – Hadley Miller
The co-chairs of this year’s show were Carrie Hawk and Maya Jecman.
Students who have committed to attending art school and/or studying visual arts after graduation include Lauren Brownell, Isabelle Pribanic and Amelia Strawn.
Rotary Student of the Month
Jack Medhurst, a senior at Chagrin Falls High School, has been named the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for April, recognizing his outstanding service and leadership qualities.
Medhurst has compiled an impressive academic record, earning AP Scholar status and maintaining High Honor Roll with a GPA above 4.0 for two semesters. His classroom excellence has been acknowledged with awards, including Tiger of the Semester in Chemistry (2023) and Business Department Tiger of the Week in Marketing (2024).
In competitive settings, Medhurst led his Business Professionals of America team to first place in the Small Business Management Team regional competition and third place at the state level, qualifying him for BPA Nationals in Orlando scheduled for May 7-11. He has been an active member of the school’s BPA Club for two years.
A three-year varsity football letterman, Medhurst received Honorable Mention Football All-CVC and Academic All Ohio Football honors. His athletic participation also includes one year on the Chagrin Falls High School basketball team.
Medhurst’s commitment to education extends internationally, having earned an academic certificate from the Centro Mundolengua in Seville, Spain, where he completed nine units of Spanish coursework. During the 2024 spring break, he traveled to Spain for an immersive experience in Spanish culture and language.
“Jack is self-motivated, thoughtful, and resilient,” said Assistant Principal Jessica Ross. “He is not only an exceptional student and athlete, but a kind and respectful young man whose presence elevates those around him.”
His extracurricular involvement includes membership in the Hearts 4 Guatemala nonprofit organization and serving as a camp counselor for the mini tiger football camp. Outside of school, Medhurst enjoys traveling to new places, working out, and playing sports such as pickleball, basketball, and football.
Professionally, Medhurst has gained valuable work experience as an employee at ETalian Pizza Restaurant for two years, where he currently works, alongside positions with C.O. Landscaping (current) and a previous year as a Canterbury Caddy.
His volunteer service spans numerous organizations, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Chagrin Falls Methodist Church, Chagrin Falls Community Rec Center, Heartz for Guatemala, Chagrin Valley Art Show, Mini Tiger Football Camp (2022 and 2023), and the 2024 Chagrin Falls Kid Fun Run.
Academically, Medhurst has challenged himself with seven Advanced Placement courses: AP Calculus, AP Computer Science Principles, AP United States Government and Politics, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science, and CCP English 1020.
Following graduation, Medhurst plans to attend the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he will study global business beginning in the fall.
Annual Ohio Chinese Essay Contest
Chagrin Falls High School and Middle School students made an impressive showing at the 11th Ohio K-12 Chinese Essay Contest, with 10 high school students and eight middle school students receiving awards for their exceptional writing skills and cultural understanding. The prestigious competition, sponsored by the Ohio Association of Teachers of Chinese (OATC), recognizes excellence in Chinese language education across the state.
Among the honorees, Jack Shein and Gavin Chan received gold awards, the highest distinction in the competition. Ten students earned silver awards: Dominick Pantuso, Eric Nemunaitis, Robert “Robbie” Rugh, Melanie Brosnan, Caroline Slain, Jennah Hamdan, Madison Livingston, Henry Mitchell, Maia De La Cruz and Zoe Nesbitt. Additionally, six students received honorable mentions: Logan Geiger, Sarah Walker, Jack Lesieutre, Rory Rohde, Lucas Gips and Oliver Gambrill.
Dr. Ning Zhang, president of the Ohio Association of Teachers of Chinese, praised the students’ accomplishments and the quality of language instruction at Chagrin Falls High School.
“Warmest congratulations on the remarkable success of your students in the 2025 Ohio Essay Contest!” said Dr. Zhang. “Their outstanding achievements are a true reflection of your passionate guidance, dedication, and commitment to excellence in teaching.”
The annual contest challenges students to demonstrate their Chinese language proficiency, cultural knowledge and creative writing abilities. Participants submit original essays in Chinese, which are evaluated based on language accuracy, content development and cultural insights.
This recognition highlights Chagrin Falls High School’s strong commitment to global education and language acquisition. The school’s Chinese language program continues to prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world by fostering linguistic skills and cultural understanding.
The award-winning essays showcase not only the students’ language proficiency but also their ability to engage thoughtfully with Chinese culture and contemporary global issues.
School administrators expressed pride in the students’ achievements and appreciation for the dedicated language teachers who support their learning journey. The success in this statewide competition reflects the high standards of Chagrin Falls High School’s world language department and the students’ dedication to mastering Chinese language skills.
