The Chagrin Falls High School (CFHS) International Club recently organized a fundraiser to raise money for the Malala Fund...
International Club Raises $1,500 for Malala Fund
The Chagrin Falls High School (CFHS) International Club recently organized a fundraiser to raise money for the Malala Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps more than 10 million girls around the world attend school. The fundraiser was a week-long competition between first-period classes for the highest donation amount. Culler Stuart’s first period was the class with the highest total donations, and they were rewarded with a donut party for their efforts. Together, CFHS students were able to raise over $1,500 in donations for a great cause.
National Technical Honor Society
Seven Chagrin Falls High School Students in the Excel TECC Program were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Excel TECC is the regional career and technical education (CTE) consortium serving 10 school districts, including Chagrin Falls Schools. There were 136 total students inducted.
Congratulations to the following CFHS students on their induction: William Asplin, grade 12, Marketing; Madeline Gabriel, grade 12, Marketing; Eliza Gonzales, grade 11, Performing Arts Academy; Lucy Hopkins, grade 11, Performing Arts Academy; Harrison Horvath, grade 11, CADD Engineering Technology; Renner Matta, grade 12, Marketing; and Lillian Stukus, grade 12, Marketing.
These students must maintain a 3.5 overall grade-point average, along with a 4.0 in their programs. They must exhibit leadership skills and participate in service as well as demonstrate other qualities. Students needed letters of recommendation and had to answer several essay questions.
The National Technical Honor Society is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in career and technical education. As the honor society for career and technical education, NTHS serves over 100,000 active members annually in both secondary and postsecondary chapters across the country. NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides over $300,000 in scholarships annually, and strives to help connect education and industry to build a highly skilled workforce.
District Awarded Prestigious Music Education Award
For the fourth consecutive year, Chagrin Falls Schools has been honored with the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation’s recognition highlights districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. This coveted designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
“Receiving this recognition for the fourth straight year reflects our community’s unwavering dedication to providing students with robust musical opportunities,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski, who credited the district’s talented educators, supportive parents and enthusiastic students for the continued success.
The award recognizes the collaborative efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education an essential part of the curriculum. Chagrin Falls’ comprehensive music program spans elementary through high school levels, offering students diverse opportunities including band, orchestra, choir and music theory.
Director of Orchestras and Music Department Chair Kendra Karriker said, “We are incredibly honored to be recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM foundation. This award is a testament to the unwavering support of our District, educators, students, families and community members who believe in the power of music education”
Director of Bands Casidy Reed Conley expressed pride in the achievement: “Our program continues to thrive because we believe every student deserves access to quality music education. This recognition validates the hard work happening in our classrooms every day.”
Research increasingly shows that music education provides cognitive and academic benefits alongside the development of creativity and self-expression. Chagrin Falls Schools’ continued recognition underscores its commitment to these values.
The NAMM Foundation evaluated districts nationwide based on funding, staffing, facilities, participation rates and support for music programs to determine recipients of this year’s award.
As Chagrin Falls Schools celebrates this milestone, administrators note that the district remains focused on expanding musical opportunities and continuing its tradition of excellence in arts education for years to come.
