Sean Whalen, West Geauga School District’s director of technology and operations, was recently presented with WVIZ’s Betty Cope Award for his leadership within the district and for his efforts as a member of the Ideastream Education Advisory Council.
WVIZ’s Betty Cope Award
Sean Whalen, West Geauga School District’s director of technology and operations, was recently presented with WVIZ’s Betty Cope Award for his leadership within the district and for his efforts as a member of the Ideastream Education Advisory Council.
The award was named in honor of Betty Cope, the first programming chief and general manager of WVIZ. The presentation occurs annually to a representative of the Advisory Council for their outstanding service.
Whalen received this award based on his leadership and knowledge. Additionally, Whalen created the first Ed Camp, which has now been modeled for districts to use around Northeast Ohio, and for his provision of professional learning opportunities for staff who use technology for educational purposes.
Other members of the Advisory Council from the West Geauga School District included tie K-5 STEM teacher and library media specialist.
National Honor Society Inductees
The West Geauga Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 25 new members at its recent inauguration ceremony. In addition to outstanding academic performance, students inducted into NHS must exhibit strong leadership, service and character traits. Students are selected by a committee of teachers appointed by the principal. Mr. Ben Speros, WGHS social studies teacher, is the NHS advisor.
The 2018 inductees are: Rachel Agne, Maria Barboza*, Zachary Bobango, Lauren Brooks, Lucia Carpinelli, Kylie Czikray, Eileen Faulk, Arden Frankmann, Gregory Goden, Mackenzie Hanford, Lindsey Kulp, Antonio Linek, Giovanni Luciano, Benjamin Mihacevich, Jack Musser, Alexander Novitski, Gabriel Phan, Brandon Preda, Jonathan Rash, Katherine Raynor, Matthew Stewart, Sarah Suba, Julia Teeter, Gianna Wagner and Garrett Wineberg. (*Denotes senior inductee)
To comfortably accommodate families and guests, this year’s ceremony was held at the United Methodist Church in Chester Township. The district appreciates the generosity of the church in lending its facility for the induction ceremony.
Academic Challenge Victory
The West Geauga High School Academic Challenge team bested its opponents to win a recent episode aired on April 7.
Family, friends and school officials cheered on the team at a watch party at Oak & Embers restaurant in Chester Township, where the program aired on multiple televisions.
Representing WGHS were students Greg Goden, Nate Grabinski and Sydney Velotta. The advisor for the Academic Challenge team is math teacher Ethan Teare.
