The Chagrin Falls Board of Education meeting on May 15 provided a platform for several exceptional graduating seniors to showcase their remarkable projects and accomplishments...
BOE Meeting Showcases Graduating Seniors
The Chagrin Falls Board of Education meeting on May 15 provided a platform for several exceptional graduating seniors to showcase their remarkable projects and accomplishments. Chagrin Falls High School (CFHS) Principal Amanda Rassi and Assistant Principal Jessica Ross proudly highlighted the achievements of five outstanding students.
Rassi introduced Maggie Koehler, whose passion for journalism and media production blossomed during her time at CFHS. Starting in eighth grade, Koehler joined the newspaper club, conducted video interviews, and created the popular YouTube segment “Mondays with Maggie.” Under the mentorship of media specialist Angie Jameson, Koehler persevered through the pandemic and revived the segment this year at the suggestion of high school education aide Kathleen Slusarz.
“We are incredibly proud of Maggie and her commitment and dedication to this project,” said Rassi. “Over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching Maggie grow and thrive, and I can say with confidence that our students, staff, and community will miss you!”
The board also recognized Isabel Nerpouni for winning the board of education Art Award at the art show earlier this year. Her artwork will be on display near Sands Community Room for the entire 2024-25 school year.
Teacher Jessica Lauer commended Koehler’s positive attitude and cheerful demeanor, stating, “Maggie brings joy to her senior class through her positive attitude. Always adorned with a warm smile, her cheerful demeanor creates a welcoming atmosphere that uplifts any environment she is in. Whether in the classroom or during extracurricular activities, Maggie’s radiant spirit is a constant source of happiness for her peers and contributes to the overall positive vibe within the senior class.”
Ross introduced three students who presented their senior projects, which involved internships or creative experiences at various locations, including University Hospitals, federal court, the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival and Apex Dermatology.
Mila Gresh interned with Hannah Bates at the Valley Art Center (VAC), gaining valuable experience under the guidance of a former CFHS long-term substitute art teacher. “We were lucky enough to have Hannah at Chagrin Falls High School at the start of the year as a long-term substitute for one of our art teachers. Hannah provided Mila with an experience at the VAC as well as her own private studio,” said Ross.
Lily Deuberry and Kelsey Long collaborated with Carole Usaj to create a community garden in River Run Park, navigating real-world challenges such as working with local government, fundraising and executing their vision from scratch. “Their mentor, Mrs. Usaj, also has ties to our district as a parent of Nick Usaj from the class of 2004 and grandparent to three current students, Sophie, Izzy, and Graham Igoe,” Ross explained. “She and her husband together helped start the Lacrosse program here at Chagrin Falls many years ago.”
On May 16, the seniors presented their projects during a showcase attended by guest evaluators from the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce, as well as their faculty advisors, providing a platform to share their hard work and accomplishments.
National Stock Market Challenge
In an impressive display of financial literacy and strategic thinking, Chagrin Falls High School qualified two teams for the first-ever Junior Achievement National Stock Market Challenge, a prestigious competition that brought together winners from each state to compete against one another in an online format.
The “Bonds ‘R Boring” team, comprising Griffin Laws, Eliot Rogers, Will Asplin and Anna Topel, secured their spot in the national challenge by winning the spring Cleveland Junior Achievement competition on April 24 at Tri-C Corporate College. Despite facing fierce competition, the team maintained a strong lead for most of the competition and ultimately finished as the national runner-up, placing an exceptional second.
Meanwhile, the “Straight Cash Homie” team, consisting of Jack Keegan, Cooper Ryan, Alec Gresh and Jackson Orazen, earned their place in the national challenge by winning the Fall competition on Dec. 8 at the Cleveland Federal Reserve. At the national level, their team’s impressive performance secured them a respectable 44th position among competitors from across the country.
The National Stock Market Challenge provided a unique opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of finance, economics, and investment strategies in a simulated stock market environment. Through this experience, the Chagrin Falls High School teams demonstrated their analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of the financial world.
“The remarkable achievements of these students not only showcase their individual talents but also reflect the dedication and excellence of Chagrin Falls High School’s academic programs,” said business teacher John Bakalar. “Their success in the National Stock Market Challenge is a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering financial literacy and providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for future success.”
“Chagrin Falls High School takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its students and congratulates both teams for their outstanding performance in this prestigious national competition,” said Principal Amanda Rassi. “Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and highlight the school’s commitment to empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the ever-evolving financial landscape.”
Rotary Club Student of the Month
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club has recognized Chagrin Falls High School senior John Catney as the Student of the Month for May. Catney’s exceptional academic achievements, athletic success and commitment to community service have made him a standout among his peers.
Catney’s accomplishments are impressive, including earning the Seal of Biliteracy, becoming a two-time state runner-up for boys lacrosse and finishing fourth at the boys golf state championship. His dedication to excellence has been rewarded with four letters for both boys golf and boys lacrosse.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Catney has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills as the executive vice president of Student Council and co-president of The Student Board. His involvement in various clubs, including Link Crew, Wellness Council and BPA, showcases his diverse interests and commitment to personal growth.
Catney’s passion for extracurricular activities extends beyond the school walls. He enjoys golfing with friends and family, traveling, attending concerts and supporting local sporting events. His well-rounded interests and ability to balance academics, athletics and leisure activities are truly commendable.
Alongside his impressive résumé, Catney has also gained valuable work experience at The Country Club, The Golf Dome, Winston Products LLC and Dunkin’, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to professional development.
Perhaps most notably, Catney’s dedication to community service has made a significant impact. He has volunteered with organizations such as EmPower Sports, Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland, Ronald McDonald House, The Student Ed Foundation Pancake Breakfast, Kids Afternoon Out, Cleveland Kids Book Drive and Cleanland Litter Pickup. His commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to his character and values.
Academically, Catney has excelled in numerous Advanced Placement courses, including AP US History, AP Government, AP Calculus AB, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science, AP Microeconomics, and AP Macroeconomics. Additionally, he has participated in the College Credit Plus program (English Composition), further demonstrating his drive for academic excellence.
Looking ahead, Catney plans to attend the University of Tennessee, where he will major in supply chain management, setting the stage for a promising future in his chosen field.
“John has the ability to be a force within any organization or activity that he sets his mind to and has the fortitude to become an advocate and activist for causes that he is passionate about,” said Principal Amanda Rassi. “Whether it is in the classroom, on the field for athletics or in the school community, John always has stood out as a leader among his classmates.”
Today’s Teacher Award
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club has recognized Lisa Salyers, a dedicated science teacher at Chagrin Falls High School, as the recipient of its Today’s Teacher Award for 2024. The annual recognition program celebrates exceptional educators from the Kenston and Chagrin Falls Exempted Village school districts who exemplify innovation, creativity and a commitment to academic excellence.
Salyers, who has been an integral part of the Chagrin Falls High School community for 30 years, was selected for her outstanding contributions to student learning and her unwavering dedication to fostering a love for science among her students.
“Lisa Salyers is an exceptional educator who embodies dedication, passion, and innovation in the classroom,” said Principal Amanda Rassi. “Her unwavering commitment to providing authentic, engaging learning experiences through tools like the Anatomage table has transformed how students understand complex scientific concepts.”
The selection committee praised Salyers for her innovative approach to teaching, which promotes intellectual inquiry, supports student understanding of individual uniqueness and encourages enthusiasm for learning. Her ability to leverage cutting-edge technology, such as the Anatomage table, has revolutionized the teaching of anatomy and physiology, bringing abstract concepts to life in a way that traditional methods cannot match.
Salyers’ commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she actively builds meaningful relationships with students and families, offering personalized support and guidance to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Her open communication with parents and guardians fosters a collaborative environment where everyone works together to support student success.
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club’s Today’s Teacher Award recognizes educators who promote innovative and creative student learning, contribute to improved student performance, encourage intellectual inquiry and analysis, support student understanding of individual uniqueness, reflect integrity, authenticity and ethics and serve as role models for students and peers.
Salyers’ dedication to her craft, her commitment to academic excellence and her ability to inspire a love for learning in her students make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Two teachers were nominated for this award each year. John Bakalar, business teacher at Chagrin Falls High School, was the other nominee. He teaches entrepreneurship, business management, marketing and financial literacy. The past school year was a remarkable one for him and his students. He took immense pride in seeing his students gain acceptance into colleges, particularly those planning to pursue business majors. Bakalar’s students showcased their skill in various business competitions, securing remarkable achievements. They emerged victorious in both the Fall and Spring Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenges and clinched the top spot in the SORA Global Stars Marketing Contest. Additionally, seven of Bakalar’s students qualified for the Business Professionals of America state competition, and the school had its first thinkBIG! Finalist since 2017, further underscoring the excellence of his teaching and the students’ dedication.
