Following her second-place finish in the northern district invention competition, Matilda Hessman, an upcoming ninth grader at Chagrin Falls High School, competed at the annual Ohio Invention Convention state finals this summer...
Student Earns Recognition at State Invention Finals
Following her second-place finish in the northern district invention competition, Matilda Hessman, an upcoming ninth grader at Chagrin Falls High School, competed at the annual Ohio Invention Convention state finals this summer. The talented young inventor earned $400 at the state competition held at COSI in Columbus on July 19.
As a regional winner, Matilda joined select students from across Ohio who qualified for the prestigious state finals. The state competition challenged student inventors to demonstrate not only their creative solutions but also their understanding of the invention process through detailed logbooks and compelling pitch presentations.
Her project, “The Sip Safe,” is a pet water bottle that connects to an app telling pet owners when the water level is low. Matilda used a small computer called a Raspberry Pi and wired an ultrasonic sensor to the computer. Next, she coded the computer to detect the distance between the sensor and the water. Finally, she built a mobile app that connects to the information in the computer to tell if the water level is high, medium or low.
“I’m so incredibly proud of Matilda’s hard work and creativity in this project. She brought an idea, a willingness to learn something new and make some mistakes, and all of that ingenuity brought her to the state finals,” said the district’s instructional technology coach Molly Klodor. “Matilda exemplifies the innovative spirit we hope to foster in our students.”
At the state level, Matilda faced judges who evaluated three key components: her original invention, the documentation of her creative process in a detailed logbook, and her ability to articulate her vision through a pitch presentation. This comprehensive judging process ensures that student inventors develop not just creative thinking skills, but also technical documentation and communication abilities.
The Ohio Invention Convention state finals concluded with an award ceremony celebrating all participating student inventors. While specific results from the state competition were not immediately available, Matilda’s advancement to this level already marks a significant achievement for both the student and Chagrin Falls Schools.
The Ohio Invention League continues to support young innovators through programs designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. Students interested in participating in future competitions can find more information about the invention process and upcoming events through the organization’s educational resources.
For Chagrin Falls Schools, having a student advance to the state finals represents the success of programs that encourage hands-on learning and creative problem-solving among students.
CFHS Team Places at National JA Competition
From June 8–11, the brightest young minds in entrepreneurship gathered in Atlanta, Ga., for the inaugural Future Bound by Junior Achievement at Georgia State University. Chagrin Falls High School’s “Broke to the Future” team, consisting of financial literacy students Elias Havas, Zachary Huey, Dane Sellars and James Wagner, qualified for the national event after finishing second at the Greater Cleveland Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge on April 25 at Tri-C Corporate College. Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland graciously covered the costs of the group’s airfare and housing while in Atlanta.
“Broke to the Future” was one of 50 teams invited to the national competition. Each team began with a $1,000,000 portfolio to invest in fictional stocks over a 90-day period. The team finished 34th at nationals with a return of 6.34% and a final portfolio value of $1,063,430.40. This marks the second consecutive year a Chagrin Falls team has qualified for the Junior Achievement National Stock Market Challenge, following two teams that qualified in spring 2024.
Future Bound is Junior Achievement’s pinnacle event that celebrates all four of JA’s national competitions. JA student leaders from across the United States gathered in Atlanta for three days of high-impact JA experiences. In addition to participating in their national competition, students engaged in workshops led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business, gaining real-world insights and critical skills around money, jobs and entrepreneurship.
District Recognizes Employees with Ray Markuszka 20-Year Service Award
During the Chagrin Falls Schools’ convocation on Aug. 13, students offered thoughtful reflections about each honoree, while Director of Operations Chris Woofter formally presented the Ray Markuszka 20-Year Service Award to the following employees:
Stacey Behrens, an intervention specialist at Chagrin Falls Middle School; Rachel Gebler, a kindergarten teacher at Gurney Elementary School; Bradley Jones, a third-grade teacher at Gurney Elementary School; Regina Lantsberg, an instructional coach at Gurney Elementary School; Jessica Lauer, an intervention specialist at Chagrin Falls High School; Victoria Pelsozy, a first-grade teacher at Gurney Elementary School; Rena Polien, a first-grade teacher at Gurney Elementary School; Brian Ritz, a third-grade teacher at Gurney Elementary School; Catherine Schneider, a teacher at Chagrin Falls High School; Kathleen Slusarz, an aide at Chagrin Falls High School; and Diana Vizy, a bus driver for Chagrin Falls Schools.
Ray was a dedicated custodian on the 7-12 campus. He is best known as a loyal and hard-working man that put his heart into his daily job. In June 2000, Ray retired after 20 years of service to the District. Then shortly after his retirement, Ray suffered a heart attack that regretfully took his life.
“For two decades, these remarkable educators, aides and bus drivers have shaped lives and inspired growth—proving every day that Growth Happens Here,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski. “Today’s celebration, led by the very students whose lives they’ve touched, is a testament to the deep, lasting impact of their dedication, passion and belief in what we can achieve together.”
Staff Member of the Year
Chagrin Falls Schools proudly announced that high school administrative assistant Meredith Beesing has been named the district’s 2025 Staff Member of the Year. The recognition was made during the district’s Back-to-School Convocation on Aug. 13, celebrating Beesing’s exceptional dedication, versatility, and unwavering commitment to students and staff.
Known for her strong work ethic and genuine kindness, Beesing is often described by colleagues as “the friendliest taskmaster” and “an organizational mastermind.” She is celebrated for her ability to juggle countless responsibilities—managing enrollment, building the master schedule, organizing student records, creating graphics, troubleshooting technology and even stepping in to help with everything from health office needs to delivering mail.
Her peers’ nominations overflowed with praise, describing her as a mentor, a problem-solver, and a source of constant positivity. “She responds to emails with lightning speed, will do anything to help others at the drop of a hat, and always finds a solution,” one colleague wrote. Others commended her for making the high school a welcoming and supportive place for all, adding that her warm demeanor and attention to detail have a lasting impact on the entire school community.
“She truly does it all while making it look effortless, with grace, pride, and an ever-present smile,” said Principal Amanda Rassi. “Meredith doesn’t just keep the school running—she makes it better. We are so lucky to have her.”
In addition to her professional contributions, Beesing is also known for her creativity and thoughtfulness—whether transforming a PowerPoint presentation into a polished work of art or sharing her famous cupcakes with colleagues.
“Meredith Beesing is the heart of the high school guidance office, compassionate, dedicated, and tireless in her commitment to students and colleagues,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski. “Her ability to combine warmth with efficiency makes her exceptional and well deserving to be named Staff Member of the Year.”
As the 2025 Staff Member of the Year, Beesing joins a distinguished group of honorees whose influence reaches far beyond their job description, leaving a lasting mark on Chagrin Falls Schools.
Teacher of the Year
Chagrin Falls Schools is proud to recognize Rachel Gebler as the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. The announcement came during a surprise presentation from Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski, who honored Gebler with an original illustrated book poem, Cheer Sparks in Tiger Hearts, celebrating her career and connection to the community at the Aug. 13 Back to School Convocation staff meeting.
A Chagrin Falls High School graduate, Gebler returned to her hometown to teach at the elementary level, bringing with her a teaching philosophy rooted in three principles: Connect, Create and Challenge. Her colleagues and families say she lives these values every day—building relationships with each student, creating engaging lessons, and encouraging learners to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
From her warm morning greetings to the innovative ways she bridges language barriers, Gebler is known for making every child feel seen, valued, and capable. When a student who spoke only Russian joined her class, she used technology, visuals, and creativity to ensure that communication and learning flourished.
Parents describe her as “an angel in the classroom” and “pure light,” crediting her with sparking curiosity and joy in young learners. Her classroom is a place where Tiger pride is not just a mascot slogan — it’s part of the daily culture, woven into projects, celebrations, and the way students treat one another.
Beyond her own classroom, Gebler serves as a mentor and collaborator for fellow educators, sharing resources and ideas to support the entire school community. Her work exemplifies the teamwork and dedication that make Chagrin Falls Schools a special place to learn and work.
“Mrs. Gebler embodies everything we hope for in an educator,” said Penczarski. “She connects with every child, creates meaningful learning experiences, and challenges her students to grow. We are fortunate to have her teaching—and inspiring—our Tiger cubs.”
