The Ohio Department of Education recently released the 2021-2022 District Report Cards, ranking West Geauga Local Schools 10th in the state and first in Geauga County as measured by the performance index...
West G Ranked Top 10 in State
The Ohio Department of Education recently released the 2021-2022 District Report Cards, ranking West Geauga Local Schools 10th in the state and first in Geauga County as measured by the performance index (PI). The district’s PI of 106.7 is a calculation of how well all students in grades 3-12 performed on Ohio State tests.
Ninety percent of West Geauga students scored Proficient or higher on at least one test and of the students, 44 percent scored Advanced, the highest achievement level.
“These scores are a testimony to the quality and efficacy of instruction. Our teachers deserve a lot of praise,” states Superintendent Rich Markwardt. “I am so very proud of the students, staff, and families of West Geauga. Having a top ten rating is an accomplishment I knew was possible when I became superintendent in 2015. Our kids and their teachers reinforce that belief daily.”
West Geauga significantly exceeded state standards with 5-star ratings in Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, and Early Literacy, along with 4-stars for Graduation. The full report card can be found on the Ohio Department Education website.
National Merit Honors
West Geauga is pleased to have three 2023 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists based upon scores earned on the national PSAT exam. The honor is awarded to approximately 1 percent of the students who take the exam each year. Each semifinalist is now eligible to compete for National Merit Scholarships. Semifinalists are Reilly Lewis, Megan McGinnis and Morgan Palchick.
In addition, West Geauga High School has five commended scholars named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. They represent the top 3 to 4 percent of students taking the PSAT exam. Although these students cannot compete for National Scholarship dollars, many receive corporate and/or business scholarships as a result of their performance. Commended scholars are Lydia Hanna, Grant Congdon, Bryn Morgan, James Patterson and Isaak Taiclet.
Eleven West Geauga High School students, three of whom are also National Merit semifinalists or commended scholars, earned additional honors by receiving the National Rural and Small Town Award and/or the National Hispanic Recognition Award. The awards are earned as a result of their performance on the PSAT and Advanced Placement exams. Awardees are Bridget Bellett, Aidan Dondero, Elizabeth Furst, Grant Congdon, Isabel Gracon, Megan McGinnis, Morgan Palchick, Sophio Schulz, Samuel Taurasi, Adam Teeter and Nicolas Zapata.
The West Geauga Board of Education, administration and faculty take great pride in the academic accomplishments of the students and congratulate them and their families for their commitment to academic excellence.
West G Grad in OSU Band
Carolyn Hensley, West Geauga High School class of 2022, is one of the newest members of The Ohio State University Marching Band playing the trumpet. The band has a rigorous tryout process, and while 400 to 500 students audition for the band each year, only 225 are accepted to the group. Carolyn worked hard all summer and attended weekly practices, as well as many extra hours of music and marching practice on her own to prepare for the audition process.
Carolyn was a recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award at her senior year final concert, and the district has always been very proud of her musical accomplishments. Carolyn is the first West Geauga grad to make it into the band since 2010 and is one of four in the past 25 years. Previous band members are: Frank Cosenza, 2006-10; Maria Cosenza, 2004-08; Jason Branch, 2004-08; and Becca (DeMattia) Rudzinski, 2006-10.
Jason Branch, West Geauga band director, recently marched with the OSU band alumni during the pregame and halftime show of the OSU versus Toledo game. He and Carolyn Hensley had the opportunity to march together on the field, which was an awesome experience.
