Chagrin Falls High School senior Emily Collins has been selected as the September Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month...
Rotary Student of the Month
Chagrin Falls High School senior Emily Collins has been selected as the September Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month. Collins was chosen based on her leadership and service qualities she has displayed in the community.
Collins has been the recipient of several awards during her high school career. These include National Merit semifinalist, National Center for Women in Information and Technology Rising Star Award, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma Recipient, Ohio Attorney General Recognition of Service Award, HOBY Leadership Award, CFHS Tiger of the Semester and CFHS High Honor Roll each semester during grades 9-11.
Throughout high school, Collins has been involved with several clubs and sports. She was a member of the Student Council for all four years, was senior class president and class vice president, was a member of the Connect Club and Connect Club Board, and was part of the Interact Club, where she held positions of president and secretary. Collins also played CFHS volleyball, lacrosse, and was a member of the CFHS Speech and Debate Team.
She has also participated in a number of extra-curricular activities including Chagrin Falls Education Foundation Student Board and was the fundraising chair during grades 11 and 12; Chagrin Falls High School Link Crew and was a Link Crew commissioner in grade 12; volunteer instructor at Gurney Coding Club, and was a Chagrin Falls High School theater cast and crew member.
In her free time outside of school, Collins continued to be involved with technology as a TAOS Institute website administrator and Hyland Software summer intern. She was also a babysitter in her community.
Her accelerated classes include AP World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, AP Seminar, Research; AP Computer Science A, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB, Calculus BC; AP Probability and Statistics; AP Language, Literature; Honors Pre-Calculus, Geometry, Algebra; Honors Chemistry and Honors Advanced Data Structures.
After high school, Collins plans to major in computer science at a four-year university.
Hunt Named 2021 Ohio Superintendent of the Year
Superintendent Robert Hunt, Chagrin Falls Schools, has been named the 2021 Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA). His application will now be placed into the competition for the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Hunt was presented with the award at the Oct. 21 Board of Education meeting.
“Dr. Hunt joins a very distinguished list of talented superintendents as he becomes this year’s Buckeye Association of School Administrators’ Ohio Superintendent of the Year,” said Deputy Executive Director David E. Axner, Ed.D., BASA. “His ability to always make decisions based on what is best for students, representing the Chagrin Falls Schools’ community with grace and drive, along with demonstrating a team approach to success contributed to this honor. Dr. Hunt was selected by a group of his superintendent peers and is maybe the most rewarding honor a superintendent can receive.”
On Sept. 1, Dr. Hunt was nominated by Director of Curriculum Becky Quinn on behalf of the district’s central office directors for this recognition. His nomination indicated, “Dr. Hunt is an incredibly talented, forward-thinking, courageous, and inspirational leader. He is a true visionary who places the needs of all students first. His commitment to moving our District forward to be a leader across the state as evidenced via achievement scores is surpassed only by his drive to provide holistic learning opportunities designed to grow, develop, and empower all students. During his tenure as Superintendent, state test scores have dramatically improved, AP tests scores have improved while participation has increased, STEM programming has been developed, programming options for gifted and advanced learners have been developed across grades 2-12, unique options to provide real-world experiences and individualized supports for special education students has evolved, a 1:1 Chromebook Initiative including all K-12 students and 100 percent Google Level I Certification of all staff has occurred, and flexible learning options have been designed to meet the learning preferences and interests of our students.”
Dr. Hunt’s nomination cited that while his ability to lead the district staff and students and collaborate with parents/guardians and the community has always been very apparent over the years, the recent challenges related to continuing instruction for all students through the COVID-19 pandemic have truly exemplified his leadership ability. He was referenced as, “…a beacon of hope across the community, leading the district to be a stable and dependable force to support families and students.”
His leadership during the pandemic has included not only the development of multiple learning environments to meet the needs of our K-12 students, but also strategies to support the social and emotional needs of district students and families. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
In a time of crisis resulting from the pandemic, Dr. Hunt’s outstanding leadership ability has truly been showcased.
“The Chagrin Falls Board of Education is extremely proud of Dr. Hunt and his accomplishments and this recognition which places his leadership at the top in the State of Ohio,” said President Phil Rankin, Chagrin Falls Board of Education. “It is no coincidence that Dr. Hunt is being recognized this year amidst all of the challenges and hurdles of 2020. He has shown particularly strong leadership as he continues to deliver educational excellence to our students. Dr. Hunt and his staff have created a learning environment where students can learn at their own pace with technology interlaced into every student’s experience. His foresight, along with strong community support, enabled the students of Chagrin Falls to continue their education whether in-person or remotely at home.”
“As with most recognition achieved within our School District, this is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of our students, staff and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Hunt, Chagrin Falls Schools. “I am fortunate to work in this School District.”
MonSTAR Teacher of the Month
MonSTAR Teacher of the Month recognizes outstanding educators in Northeast Ohio who create a positive environment for their students and community. Chagrin Falls Intermediate School teacher Brittany Ceci was nominated by Principal Curtis Howell. A panel of Cleveland Monsters staff selected Ceci as the October 2020 Cleveland Monsters MonSTAR Teacher of the Month.
During a virtual presentation on Oct. 22, Ceci received four tickets to a future Monsters game, a $50 gift card, certificate, Monsters swag and social media recognition.
Qualifications the Monsters look for in a Teacher of the Month include a teacher who takes an interest in students’ academics and extracurricular activities; a teacher who volunteers time in their community and school; and a teacher who has a positive impact and serves as a role model for students.
“Brittany is the epitome of what Chagrin Falls Intermediate School is about,” said Howell. “She’s the consummate professional, collaborates constantly and goes above and beyond in helping to grow the positive culture we’re working on at CFIS. Her dedication to doing what’s best for students is a model for us all.”
CFEVS Earns Award for Financial Reporting
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
