Two middle school students have been nominated to receive the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) Breakfast of Champions Award...
Breakfast of Champions Honors
Two middle school students have been nominated to receive the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) Breakfast of Champions Award. It is one of the most prestigious honors given to middle school students across the state. Eighth-grader Grace Pelsozy has been selected for the Award for Character, and seventh-grader Zayne Hamid has been selected for the Award for Scholarship. Both students were recognized at a special OMLA ceremony celebrating exceptional middle schoolers from throughout Ohio.
For Grace Pelsozy, doing the right thing has never required an audience. The eighth-grader has earned the Breakfast of Champions Award for Character not through a single standout moment, but through the quiet, consistent example she sets every day at Chagrin Falls Middle School.
Teachers describe Grace as a role model whose positivity is genuinely contagious. Whether she is in the classroom working through a difficult assignment, moving through the hallways between classes or cheering on her teammates as a member of the school’s cheerleading squad, Grace carries herself with a maturity and grace that stands out among her peers.
Academically, she is diligent and engaged, asking thoughtful questions and approaching every subject with curiosity. But it is her interpersonal qualities, her kindness, her inclusiveness and her instinct to help others feel welcomed and valued, that have made the deepest impression on those around her.
“Grace doesn’t seek recognition,” one of her teachers noted. “She seeks to contribute. That’s what makes her leadership so powerful.”
As a cheerleader, Grace represents the school with spirit and sportsmanship, understanding that her role on the sidelines is as meaningful as any play on the field lifting people up, showing discipline, and encouraging others to give their best. It is a philosophy she brings to every corner of school life.
Seventh-grader Zayne Hamid has earned the Breakfast of Champions Award for Scholarship, and those who know him say the recognition is long overdue. A straight-A student maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA, Zayne approaches every subject not merely as a task to complete, but as a puzzle worth solving.
His teachers describe him as a true critical thinker and someone who consistently goes beyond surface-level answers to demonstrate genuine understanding. He comes to class prepared, contributes meaningfully to discussions and asks the kind of insightful questions that push conversations forward and deepen the learning of those around him.
Zayne’s academic interests extend well beyond any single classroom. He is a talented and dedicated member of the school band, demonstrating musical discipline and skill. He also speaks French with notable proficiency, reflecting the kind of sustained commitment and aptitude that define his approach to learning across the board.
Yet what sets Zayne apart as much as his grades is the energy and character he brings to school. He collaborates willingly, encourages his peers, and helps classmates succeed, recognizing that true scholarship is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavor.
“Zayne brings a positive and fun energy to everything he does,” his teachers say. “He’s the kind of student who makes the whole classroom better.”
The OMLA Breakfast of Champions Award recognizes middle school students who demonstrate outstanding character, academic achievement and leadership within their school communities.
Speech and Debate Advances to State Tourney
Chagrin Falls High School’s Speech and Debate team advanced multiple students to the Ohio Speech and Debate State Tournament this season, capping a strong year that also marked the program’s return to hosting a home competition.
Four students qualified for the state tournament. Ben Lyndall and Jack Shein advanced in Public Forum Debate, Bradley Field and Rory Rohde qualified in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Claire Rubin advanced in Informative Speaking. Stuart Cain also attended to compete in the Senate in Congressional Debate.
Lyndall, Shein and Rubin secured early state qualification through the Ohio bid system, earning automatic advancement based on consistent high finishes during the regular season. Additional qualifiers advanced through the district tournament held Feb. 7, where students competed for a limited number of state spots.
The team also competed at the national qualifying tournament in mid-February. Stuart Cain qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Congressional Debate. Ben Lyndall and Jack Shein were named National Tournament first alternates in Public Forum Debate after reaching the semifinal round.
At the Ohio Speech and Debate State Tournament held March 6–7, several students earned several top finishes. Cain was a semifinalist in Congressional Debate (Senate). Rubin was a quarterfinalist in Informative Speaking and placed among the top 24 in the state. Rohde was an octafinalist in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and finished among the top 16. Lyndall and Shein were quarterfinalists in Public Forum Debate, placing among the top eight teams in the state.
This year’s team included more than 20 students competing across debate and speech events. Throughout the fall and winter season, students earned placements at tournaments hosted by St. Ignatius, Edison, Hathaway Brown, Hawken, Mentor, GlenOak, University School, Laurel School, Solon and Chagrin Falls.
Among the season’s highlights, Rohde earned Academic All American honors and posted three top four finishes in Lincoln Douglas Debate, including a first place finish at Hathaway Brown. Hailey Haddon placed second at the Edison Tournament in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking. Rubin earned four top three finishes in Informative Speaking, including a first place finish at University School. Lyndall and Shein recorded multiple top finishes in Public Forum Debate, including a first place finish at Hawken. Additional placements were earned in Congressional Debate and Duo Interpretation.
The season also marked the return of a home speech and debate tournament in Chagrin Falls for the first time in several years, bringing regional competitors to campus and signaling continued growth in the program.
CFMS Students of the Month
Chagrin Falls Middle School is proud to announce its Students of the Month for March. The mission of the Chagrin Falls Middle School Students of the Month is to acknowledge and reward students for exemplary performance. The students depict Tiger Techniques: Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort and Responsibility. Each month, the seventh- and eighth-grade teams collaborate and choose a male and female “Tiger of the Month” and the students receive tiger water bottles from the PTO.
Students of the Month for March are eighth-graders Oliver Gambrill and Allie Schron, and seventh-graders Ryan Hull and Audrey Haas.
Oliver has earned recognition for his outstanding character and work ethic. He is a star citizen of CFMS who brings energy and a problem-solving attitude to every classroom. He approaches all assignments seriously, consistently puts forth his best effort and asks questions when needed. Oliver is kind, respectful and works well with others. A positive role model, he consistently does the right thing and sets a great example for those around him.
Allie has impressed her teachers with her dedication both inside and outside the classroom. She contributes thoughtfully to discussions and demonstrates strong critical thinking skills. A natural leader, she works well with others both inside and outside the classroom. Allie also balances her academics with several extracurricular activities and consistently shows herself to be a hardworking student who advocates for herself and seeks help when needed.
Ryan has stood out for his positive presence and commitment to his peers and his studies. He is consistently kind and considerate toward both staff and peers. He comes to class prepared, ready to learn and actively participates in daily discussions. Ryan puts forth his best effort, approaches his work with a positive attitude, and perseveres through challenging math problems. He is always willing to help classmates and is truly a pleasure to have in class.
Audrey’s dedication and leadership have made a lasting impression on those around her. She consistently makes meaningful contributions to class discussions and demonstrates a strong commitment to learning. Her willingness to revise, improve and put forth her best effort will take her far. Audrey is a sincere and dedicated student who approaches her work with care and pride. She shows leadership among her peers, works well with others and is a positive role model.
Orchestra Earns Top Rating
The Chagrin Falls High School Orchestra brought home the highest honor possible at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) High School State Orchestra Contest on Feb. 21 earning a Superior (I) rating, the top score on the adjudication scale.
The ensemble traveled to Avon High School where they performed before a panel of four judges. Three evaluated the orchestra’s prepared concert program, while a fourth assessed their sight-reading performance, a piece the students had never seen before walking into the room.
Across both portions of the contest, the judges agreed the Chagrin Falls High School Orchestra performed at the highest level, earning Superior marks that reflect months of dedicated preparation, disciplined rehearsals and outstanding musicianship.
A Superior (I) rating is the pinnacle of achievement at OMEA Large Group contests and recognizes ensembles that demonstrate exceptional technical skill, musical expression and overall performance quality.
