Chagrin Falls High School seniors Marie Cain, Noah Beatty and Westley Quintin have been named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program...
National Merit Recognition
Chagrin Falls High School seniors Marie Cain, Noah Beatty and Westley Quintin have been named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Cain, Beatty and Quintin now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 6,930 National Merit scholarships, totaling nearly $26 million, which will be awarded next spring.
To advance to the finalist level, semifinalists must meet several requirements, including an outstanding academic record, a recommendation from their high school and performance on the SAT. About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to achieve finalist standing, and roughly half of those will be awarded a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
“Marie, Noah, and Westley have demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent and perseverance,” said Amanda Rassi, Principal of Chagrin Falls High School. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating their continued success in the National Merit Program.”
Literacy on the Lawn
Gurney Elementary School hosted its inaugural Literacy on the Lawn event on Sept. 6, marking the beginning of what organizers hope will become a cherished annual tradition.
“We were delighted to welcome so many families to the Gurney fields for an evening dedicated to the joy of reading,” said Principal Patrick Carpenter.
The outdoor celebration brought the school community together as administrators and staff took turns sharing beloved stories with children and their families. Throughout the evening, Carpenter joined assistant Principal Brittany Ceci, assistant Superintendent of Student Advancement Jarrod Mulheman and library/media specialist Heather Heartz in bringing stories to life under the open sky.
“It was heartwarming to see families gathered together, celebrating literacy in such a fun and meaningful way,” Carpenter reflected.
The event’s success was evident in the enthusiastic response from both children and parents, creating an atmosphere where reading became a shared community experience rather than a solitary activity.
With the positive reception from families, Gurney Elementary is already looking forward to next year’s event, excited to see Literacy on the Lawn grow into a beloved school tradition that strengthens both literacy skills and community bonds.
Rotary Student of the Month
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club has named Chagrin Falls High School senior Eloise Pulte as its September Student of the Month, recognizing her for her leadership, service and academic excellence.
Pulte is a standout leader at Chagrin Falls High School, serving as senior class president, a member of the Education Foundation Student Board, a Link Crew leader, girls varsity soccer captain and the enthusiastic leader of the student section, known as the “Zookeeper.”
Her commitment to service is equally strong. Pulte tutors children at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, volunteers with Safety Town and contributes her time at the Cleveland Kids Book Bank.
Academically, she has pursued a rigorous course load that includes AP Government, AP U.S. History, AP Computer Science A, AP Spanish, AP Economics, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, and College Credit Plus Major Modern Writers. She has also earned the Outstanding English Award, the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and is a member of the Computer Science Honors Society, all while consistently achieving high honor roll status.
Looking ahead, Pulte plans to pursue Business and is exploring a pre-law track in college. Chagrin Falls High School Principal Amanda Rassi described Pulte as “genuine, kind-hearted and dedicated,” adding, “Eloise exemplifies what it means to be a leader at Chagrin Falls. She sets a positive example for her peers through her work ethic, kindness and commitment to both academics and service.”
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club Student of the Month program highlights local students who excel in leadership, academics and service while making a positive impact on their school and community.
