Chagrin Falls High School is proud to announce that John Bakalar has been selected as a 2026 Outstanding Teacher of Financial & Economic Education by the H.K. Barker Center for Economic Education at The University of Akron...
CFHS Teacher Honored for Excellence in Financial and Economic Education
Chagrin Falls High School is proud to announce that John Bakalar has been selected as a 2026 Outstanding Teacher of Financial & Economic Education by the H.K. Barker Center for Economic Education at The University of Akron.
This prestigious honor is awarded annually to up to two Ohio educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching financial and economic concepts. Bakalar was nominated by a colleague who recognized his exceptional dedication, instructional expertise and meaningful impact on students’ understanding of economics and personal finance.
Each year, the Center celebrates educators whose work reflects outstanding skill, leadership and care in the classroom. Finalists are recognized by their peers as leaders in the field who inspire student success and elevate financial literacy education.
Bakalar was formally recognized during the Celebration of Financial Literacy Month on April 1. The event was hosted by the Cleveland Browns at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, where honorees received a commemorative plaque and public recognition.
High School Principal Amanda Rassi said of Mr. Bakalar, “One of John Bakalar’s greatest strengths is his ability to incorporate experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, whether organizing field trips to local businesses, inviting guest speakers from the industry, or facilitating hands-on projects. John ensures that students have the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. John has undoubtedly made a profound impact on the lives of countless students.”
The H.K. Barker Center for Economic Education is a nonprofit partnership of education and business leaders dedicated to promoting economic literacy.
Jungle Book Kids Take the Stage
Welcome to a jazzy, jumping jungle in the Disney classic Jungle Book Kids, where a pack of wolves raises a beloved Man-cub named Mowgli, until Shere Khan the tiger decides the boy is no longer welcome in the jungle. Their journey is interrupted by encounters with Kaa the Snake, Col. Hathi and his troupe of elephants, and Mowgli is kidnapped by the monkeys and taken to their leader, King Louie. With the help of his jungle friends, Shere Khan is sent away and Mowgli decides to explore the Man village, even though he will always consider the jungle his home.
This delightful tale, featuring 65 students in grades three through six, is sponsored by Chagrin Falls Community Education and directed by Pat Keller Haynish, Kathy Ohlrich and Anna Buescher. It will be performed at the Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Auditorium on April 24 at 7 p.m., and April 25 and April 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/Junglekids.
CFHS Seniors Bring Macbeth to Life at Playhouse Square
Sixteen Chagrin Falls High School seniors had the opportunity to experience Shakespeare in a powerful new way during a recent field trip to Playhouse Square.
After completing an in-depth study of Macbeth during the fall semester, English 12 students attended a student matinee performance by Great Lakes Theater on March 19. The live performance allowed students to see the text come to life on stage, deepening their understanding of the play’s central themes of ambition, power and consequence.
By moving beyond the classroom and into a professional theater setting, students were able to engage with the material in a more dynamic and memorable way. Seeing the characters, language and emotions of Macbeth performed live offered new perspectives and insights that enhanced their academic experience.
This opportunity reflects Chagrin Falls High School’s continued commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences. Through experiences like this, students are encouraged to think critically, make meaningful connections and develop a deeper appreciation for literature and the arts.
