Environmental science students at West Geauga High School really dive into their studies.
Students Study with Cleveland Metroparks
Environmental science students at West Geauga High School really dive into their studies. Twenty-two students in Mr. Mike Sustin’s class headed to North Olmsted to study aquatic ecology and fisheries management with Cleveland Metroparks biologist Mike Durkalec.
Students collected water quality data that involved sampling for macroinvertebrates and fish species. The students were surprised at the diversity of life present in the Rocky River that included rainbow darters, stonecat madtom, smallmouth bass and steelhead trout.
Students then toured the North Olmsted Wastewater Treatment plant to learn how municipal flows are treated before being discharged back into the environment.
Walter/Horn Award Recipients
West G teacher Renee Schonhiutt was the recipient of the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award, and Ellie Todd won the Raymond A. Horn Outstanding Student Award for the 2017-18 school year at a ceremony hosted by Auburn Career Center.
Schonhiutt was given the award based on her exceptional service to students.
“Renee is a dedicated teacher who cares deeply for her students’ academic and emotional well-being,” said West G Superintendent Rich Markwardt.
The award is named after Franklin B. Walter, the state superintendent in Ohio from 1977 until 1991.
Ms. Schonhiutt and Ellie Todd were presented awards by the State Support Team Region 4 in conjunction with the Lake and Geauga County Educational Service Centers.
WGHS Art Show
For the second year, the West Geauga Art Department offered an opportunity for students to show their work at the Geauga YMCA.
The show featured over 100 pieces of art from kindergarten to 12th-grade.
Staff, a senior citizen group and YMCA members voted on their favorite pieces of art and the winners received prizes that were donated by the YMCA.
Tim Clouser was the first place winner with his self-portrait.
Winners in the high school division are: Tim Clouser, first place; Ellie Angle, second place; and Eileen Faulk, third place.
Winners in the middle school division are: Shannon Swinerton, first place;Jolee Baker, second place; andMegan Conrad, third place.
In the elementary school division, winners are:Emily Wierzbicki, first place;Adeline Yellen, second place; and Vera Caudill, third place.
Sustin Awarded $5000 Grant
Mike Sustin, who teaches chemistry and environmental science at West Geauga High School, has just been awarded a $5,000 grant from Fund For Teachers.
The well-known grant has been in operation for years and was recently expanded by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation with an earmark for Ohio teachers. Sustin was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants.
With the funding, Sustin will investigate with professional scientists and interpretive naturalists from National Geographic the diverse ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands to draw parallels with local issues in environmental science, Earth and space science and general chemistry classes. He will also develop a summer student ecology expedition program.
According to Dr. Rich Markwardt, “Mr. Sustin consistently seeks ways to pursue activities and programs that generate excitement in science for his students. This recent grant is but one of many that he has successfully secured over the years.”
