Nicholas (Nicky) Turchan, a current seventh grader at Chagrin Falls Middle School, was chosen as a finalist for Scholastic’s Scope’s First-Line Fiction Contest 2022-23...
Scholastic Competition National Finalist
Nicholas (Nicky) Turchan, a current seventh grader at Chagrin Falls Middle School, was chosen as a finalist for Scholastic’s Scope’s First-Line Fiction Contest 2022-23. Scholastic received hundreds of entries from students around the country, and Nicholas’ story submission stood out.
His story, “The New Neighbor,” was submitted last year when he was in Heather Heartz’s gifted English language arts class at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School as an additional assignment.
“With Mrs. Heartz’s encouragement and confidence in Nicky’s writing, he grew a lot last year and this was a wonderful achievement for him,” said his mom, Lynn Turchan.
Scholastic asked students to write an imaginative, compelling, original short story that started with one of three first lines written by famous author Claribel A. Ortega. Ortega was the one that selected Turchan as a finalist. His story was about a character, Jack, who met a new neighbor, Sara, who turned out to be a ghost.
Senior Establishes Nonprofit and Creates an App
Chagrin Falls High School senior Shlok Bhattacharya has recently established a nonprofit organization, Cognitive Harmony Inc., which has obtained 501(c)(3) charity status (http://www.cognitiveharmony.org/). This nonprofit is dedicated to researching primordial prevention methods aimed at delaying or preventing conditions like anxiety and depression in young adults, utilizing technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The topic directly correlates with Shlok’s focus for his AP Research project in the 2022-23 school year at Chagrin Falls High School.
As part of Shlok’s efforts in establishing Cognitive Harmony, Inc., he is currently collaborating with Dr. Sandra Kubler, professor of linguistics and adjunct professor of computer science at Indiana University, Bloomington, and her PhD students. Together, they are collaboratively developing computational models to analyze the dissemination of hate speech and conspiracy theories. While the topic is related, this research goes well beyond the scope of his study and work accomplished via AP Research.
Through Shlok’s nonprofit work and continued research, he has successfully created and launched a social media app called i2Vibes, available on both Apple and Android platforms. The initiative promotes self-discovery and combats anxiety and depression by fostering positive engagement within one’s social network.
In an effort to expand the reach of the cause and enhance awareness, Shlok has assembled an executive team of high school students from across the nation and around the globe. Furthermore, he is actively striving to establish both national and international chapters by the end of 2023. Additionally, Shlok has garnered the support of several non-executive advisors, including an undergraduate student from Stanford University and a medical professional. He is actively pursuing the inclusion of prominent business leaders in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Furthermore, Shlok has formed an active partnership with community leader Master Jason Zakrajsek. Master Jason is a well-known part of the Chagrin Falls community and is the owner of Korean martial arts dojo Kuk Sul Do and Brazilian jiu jitsu studio Chagrin Valley Jiu Jitsu. This partnership is set to harness the collective power of cognitive well-being and physical discipline to empower individuals against the challenges of anxiety and depression.
“Shlok Bhattacharya is an outstanding example of a Chagrin Falls High School student who is truly growing and thriving,” commented Principal Amanda Rassi.
Director of Curriculum Becky Quinn, added, “Throughout Shlok’s outstanding career in Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools, he has continued to seek out opportunities to maximize his potential and challenge himself. His research and recent work has not only energized and grown him as a learner, but also has the capacity to truly make a positive impact upon the field of mental health, while also inspiring other students.”
Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
College Board announced that Chagrin Falls High School has been named to the Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, earning a gold distinction.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Chagrin Falls High School offers 28 AP courses. Last year, there were 41 AP Scholars, 20 AP Scholars with Honor, 51 AP Scholars with Distinction, one AP International Diploma, 17 AP Capstone Diplomas and three AP Seminar and Research Certificates awarded.
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”
College Board’s Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both – while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue – skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
