R
MAY 2018
A Publication for Tiger Nation
Class of 2018
ON THE COVER |
Celebrating the graduating seniors of the
IN THIS ISSUE
Class of 2018, featured on the cover is Malcolm White (main photo) and,
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
4 | 2018 Senior Profiles
14 | Events Round Up
Join us in congratulating these graduating seniors of the Class of 2018 - they are ready to take on anything.
18 | District News and Updates
left to right, Raena Gamble, Matthew Fields, Emma Routh, Tyreke Smith, and Alyssa Vaughn.
22 | Reunion Info
8 | Young Alumni Under 30 and Awesome
23 | Giving Back
Young Alumni, all out of Heights less than ten years, show us in different ways how much can be accomplished in such a short time.
10 | Behind the Scenes with Keith Newman Keith Newman, Class of 1990, shows kids today how to master the technical skills of lighting, sounds, set design and more in the newly restored Heights High auditorium.
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12 | New Auditorium Memories Campaign Please take your seat and furnish the future.
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MAY 2018 | VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 2
EDITORS Julianna Johnston Senturia ’87 Executive Director Heights Schools Foundation JJS@heightsschoolsfoundation.org Scott Wortman Supervisor of Communications CH-UH City School District S_Wortman@chuh.org
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Cathan Cavanaugh Krissy Dietrich Gallagher ’91 Vivian Gatta Joy Henderson Lisa Hunt ’88 Betsy Friedlander Stimpert ’90 DESIGN BY Drew Dallet, Boom Creative www.boom-creative.com
ALUMNI INQUIRY 216-397-3871 BOARD OF EDUCATION 216-371-7171
Read The Heights Magazine online at HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org. To comment or change an address, please email info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org or call 216-397-3871.
STAY CONNECTED HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org
The Heights Magazine is published two
CHUH.org
times a year and is a joint project of the
facebook.com/HeightsFoundation
Heights Schools Foundation (formerly
twitter.com/CHUHSchools
the CHHS Alumni Foundation) and the
youtube.com/CHUHSchools
CH-UH City School District.
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THE HEIGHTS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION STILL GOT IT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS... Class pride is strong among Heights alumni. Often when we connect with alumni at events and tours, they make the argument for how great their class was, how many successful people came from their class, or what an amazing mark on the world our class is making. The truth is, you are right - your class is great. That’s because year after year, many talented students have worked their way through the storied CHUH schools that have produced fascinating achievers across the decades. We love hearing stories about successful and passionate alumni improving communities, playing beautiful music, creating new companies, writing books and leading across sectors! Often, we
Heights Schools Foundation Trustees
learn stories about alumni with a lifetime of achievements. Over 350 alumni have been recognized in the Distinguished Alumni Hall of
PRESIDENT Dr. Susan D. Carver ’78
Fame program each May from groundbreaking academics, business
VICE PRESIDENT Steven Haynie ’91
leaders who give back and outstanding athletes, to public officials
TREASURER Meghan Zehnder McMahon ’90
improving communities and prolific artists of all kinds.
SECRETARY Peter Shriver ’90 Nick Baumgartner ’13 Rachael Collyer ’11
We see that today’s students are just as amazing as they have always been, and this issue celebrates their varied achievements. Meet some of the outstanding members of the class of 2018, and
Dr. Talisa Dixon, Superintendent Adam Fried ’87
young alumni already making an impact, in this issue.
Dan Heintz ’85 Ed Long ’89 Laura Schwartz Loebl ’87 Kimberly Moss ’85 Margaret Rothschild Slesnick ’79
Remember their names, since you are likely to see them again, down the road, as Hall of Fame inductees!
MALCOLM WHITE A natural on stage, Malcolm White has never been short on opportunities to showcase his talents. As a 14-year-old freshman, he earned a lead role in the school’s fall musical Guys and Dolls. Later that year, Malcolm’s Instagram cover songs went viral and he was offered a recording contract by Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of the hip hop group Outkast. Now a more seasoned teenager, Malcolm is performing for the second time in the Cleveland All City Musical at Playhouse Square this spring. He was nominated as Best Actor for his role as the scarecrow in last year’s All City production of The Wiz. Despite his success on stages beyond Heights High, Malcolm still credits the Vocal Music Department for helping to prepare him as a performer. “Being in the VMD has taught me that performing is more than just singing,” said Malcolm. “I have improved my voice, tone, and acting. I have learned to embody a character and work hard during rehearsal to be prepared for the show. I played soccer and I’m in the Career Tech Audio Engineering program, but the most important thing for me has been the vocal music department.” Malcolm plans to attend Hampton University in Virginia to study theater and business. He hopes to become a recording artist and one day perform on Broadway.
Class of 2018 SENIOR PROFILES
MORGAN LEWIS
Oftentimes, student leaders develop a knack for inspiring other students and naturally go on to become teachers and school leaders as adults. Morgan Lewis appears to be on this track with her sights set on one day becoming a superintendent. “[Assistant Principal] Mrs. Simeri has inspired me to enter the field of education and to become a school leader,” said Morgan. “She is strong and always focused on her work. Her power is beyond her physical being. She might disagree with you, but she will always be firm and nice. I really respect her.” Morgan plans to attend Loyola University in Chicago to study secondary education. At Heights, Morgan is getting plenty of experience as a leader for a
MHWADA ABDULRAZZAQ
number of student groups. She is the president of SADD, vice president of the
An Iraqi immigrant who came to the Heights as an Arabic-speaking 14-year-
Singers vocal group, and a member of the cross country team and poetry club.
old, Mhwada Abdulrazzaq is a classic example of the power of grit and determination. Her parents were forced to leave Iraq because of the war in the 1990s, and they settled in Libya, where Mhwada was born. When she was 12, the family moved again, leaving Libya for nearby Tunisia, as the danger of terrorism grew. Mhwada’s family applied to immigrate to the U.S. but had to wait more than two years to be accepted. “We were so happy to come to the U.S.,” said Mhwada. “I did not know any English when I came to Roxboro in eighth grade. I used Google Translate to get by and really worked to learn English. After a year, I could understand my teachers and now I have very good grades and am preparing myself for college.” A 2017 Cleveland Clinic eXpressions art award winner, Mhwada plans to attend Kent State University and study fashion design.
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
Gender Sexuality Alliance, secretary of the Senior Class Council, secretary of the
RAENA GAMBLE It’s no coincidence when Raena Gamble, a future anthropologist, says her favorite part of Heights High is the sense of community. Raena grew up in the CH-UH system, attending Gearity Preschool, Noble Elementary, and Roxboro Middle before landing at Heights High. It’s quite possibly this sense of shared history with her classmates that has inspired Raena into pursuing archeology and anthropology in college. She has applied to several schools, including Wooster, Oberlin, Case Western, and Kent State, where she currently takes College Credit Plus courses. “Last summer, I had a Future Connections internship at the Natural History Museum and Dunham Tavern Museum,” said Raena, who is also involved in National Honor Society, tennis, marching band, symphonic winds, and the East Asian Club. “My ultimate goal is to earn a PhD. I would like to bring history to other kids so they can get the same experience I did when I went to museums.”
PEYTON MARSHALL Many students graduate from Heights High with a list of possible majors and career paths. For Peyton Marshall, what she plans to do--and more importantly, why she plans to do it--is all but established. “I plan to attend Ohio State University in the pre-med track, so I can become a doctor,” said Peyton. “When I was younger, my dad was in and out of the hospital, and it took several years for the doctors to figure out what was wrong. I want to prevent families from going through that.” Peyton has been a student leader at Heights, serving as president of the Junior Class Council and vice president of the Senior Class Council. She is a member of the National Honor Society, served as an assistant athletic trainer for football, and sings in the women’s barbershoppers group.
DAVID MATIA
TYREKE SMITH
All Heights High graduates obviously leave with a diploma in hand. David
One of the top high school football players in the country, Tyreke Smith had his
Matia will leave not only with a diploma but with the bulk of a college degree
choice among a long list of elite colleges seeking his talents on the gridiron.
in tow. David has loaded up on College Credit Plus courses at John Carroll
Tyreke committed to play at Ohio State, but take football away from the
University the past two years and will graduate high school with 40 college
equation and he still would have had no shortage of college suitors. Tyreke is
credits. “I’ve really enjoyed taking classes that interest me at John Carroll,
a straight-A student whose talent and leadership on the field are matched by
such as art history,” said David. “Next year, I plan to attend the University of
his determination in the classroom. “I can’t imagine my life without sports,”
Cincinnati’s School of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. I am interested in
said Tyreke. “My dream is to one day play in the NFL. My parents have always
pursuing a career in 3-D engineering product design with a focus on solving
supported me playing sports, but they also insisted that I get good grades.
environmental problems through art and design.” Despite taking many classes
That is really important to me too, as I plan to study business and finance in
off site, David has remained active at Heights High. He is the co-president of
college.” A California transplant whose father is a Heights alum, Tyreke was
the Cleveland Heights Youth Committee, which is an independent group of
captain of the football and basketball teams and is a member of National
students who perform community service and advocate for policy change
Honor Society and AVID.
at the local and national level. David is also a member of Model UN, National Honor Society, art club, and the soccer and golf teams.
MAY 2018
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EMMA ROUTH
MARQUISE WILLIAMS
A product of Ruffing Montessori School through eighth grade, Emma Routh was
It all started with a sixth grade talent show where a nervous Marquise Williams first
attracted to the diversity and the many opportunities that Heights High offered. She has
took the stage to dance. Fast forward several years, and he still dances, albeit on much
certainly taken advantage of those opportunities the past four years, getting involved
bigger stages. Marquise and the urban hip-hop group Elevated Dance Crew took second
in Swim Cadets, soccer, art club, and National Honor Society while taking AP and honors
place at the World of Dance Invitational in Chicago in 2017 and plan to compete at the
classes and College Credit Plus courses at Case Western. The ability to handle such a
2018 world event this summer. “I dance because it defines who I am. I don’t know
rigorous workload will come in handy next year, as Emma considers some of the top
where I would be or what I would do if I didn’t have dance,” said Marquise. “Dance has
universities in the country including Wake Forest, Colgate, Northwestern, and Denison.
given me so much--confidence, friendships, experiences. Dance makes me feel that I
Certainly not short on options, Emma considers Swim Cadets as her favorite experience
am different from everyone else. I hope that one day, dance is what keeps a roof over
at Heights. “I met my best friends on the team--they are a passionate, hard-working
my head because I have never been more passionate about anything else.” Marquise,
group of girls. The experience has taught me the value of working as a team and to
who is involved in AVID, MSAN, and drama club, plans to attend Cleveland State
never give up, even if your eyes are burning from chlorine!”
University to study graphic design while also pursuing a career in dance.
ALYSSA VAUGHN With a wide variety of Career Technical Education programs available on site, Heights High students have access to real-world opportunities just down the hall from their traditional classrooms. This turned out to be quite the convenience for Alyssa Vaughn, who had her eye on a job in the medical field even before discovering the Pharmacy Technician program. She has spent two years in the program, which has led her to pursue a degree in pharmacy at the University of Toledo. A member of MSAN and the National Technical Honor Society, Alyssa credits her parents for challenging her academically. “My parents are a big support. They are always motivating me to do my best,” said Alyssa. “They have encouraged me to take AP and honors classes and learn as much as I can. I wanted to be in the medical field because my mother always tells me about her day and what it’s like to be a nurse.”
LINNON MCMULLEN For budding entrepreneur Linnon McMullen the new Automotive Technology Lab at the Delisle Center is more than just a means to an end. It’s the jump start to a career that has been inspired by his entrepreneur father, Linnon Sr. “Working in the Auto Tech Lab just sets my mind free,” said the younger Linnon. “I love working on cars, and I enjoy working with other people to solve problems. My father has inspired me to be an entrepreneur. He owns his own business, and I’ve seen him be successful.” Linnon plans to attend Ohio Technical College to continue his education in automotive technology before opening his own auto
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shop. Linnon has already gained valuable business experience with positions at THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
Giant Eagle, Cedar Center Hardware, and Sahlani Brothers Service Station.
LAUREN IOTT
JOSEPHINE JOHNSON
One of the top lacrosse players in the state of Ohio, Lauren Iott has to rely on
Heights High is a place that cultivates student leaders with big ideas. Josephine
her hands to succeed in a sport that necessitates quick and deft coordination.
Johnson is no different. She plans to attend Cuyahoga County Community College
She’ll need this skill to succeed as a pro--not as an athlete but as a professional
to be a dental hygienist, but Josephine has kept her eyes on a bigger prize with
interpreter. Lauren will study American Sign Language at Grand Valley State
a long-term goal of creating an organization that helps people access basic
University, where she received a scholarship to play lacrosse. “ASL is pretty easy for
necessities such as housing, food, and clothing. She has honed her leadership
me,” said Lauren. “I love the motion of it, and the fact that it’s tactile. I hope to be
skills by being an active member of MSAN, helping to plan and host the 2017
an interpreter and work at concerts and events.” Lauren attended Communion of
national student convention held last October in Cleveland. “I’ve been a leader in
Saints through the eighth grade but was drawn to Heights from conversations with
MSAN, which works to close the achievement gap for students across the U.S. and
her friends at Roxboro Middle School. She served as captain of the lacrosse team,
fights to solve injustice in schools,” said Josephine. “Attending the national MSAN
earning multiple all-state honors, while also playing four years of soccer, singing in
conferences and hosting the 2017 national convention has allowed me to meet
the VMD, and participating in AVID.
many different students and hear motivational speakers to help us enact change.”
KYLE MATTOX Under the direction of commander Johnnie Lemons, the Criminal Justice program at Heights High is well known for preparing its students to be independent thinkers and productive citizens. Kyle Mattox is another shining example of a student who leaves the program with an eye towards serving his community. “I really want to help people who are marginalized and who need support,” said Kyle. “I think that going into law enforcement is a way to serve my community.” Kyle plans to take a gap year before attending Tri-C and then Cleveland State to study law enforcement. At Heights High, Kyle is a member of the track and cross country teams and also participates in the AFS Club,
MATTHEW FIELDS
Chess Club, East Asian Club, the Robotics Team, and SADD.
For senior soloist Matthew Fields, music is in his blood. It’s his past, present, and if all goes as planned, his future. An accomplished cellist, Matthew plans to attend a music school and then audition for a professional orchestra after college. He’ll be choosing from among McGill University, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, and the University of Cincinnati to continue his music education beyond Heights. “Music has been a driving force for my life,” said Matthew. “I come from a family of musicians, and this has really inspired me. I enjoy music because I feel like it is something that I can do to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that words cannot.” MAY 2018
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From the support of a single teacher to the world of broadcast news to a budding career as a communications manager. From the high school stage to that of professional opera, with teaching Italian and waiting tables along the way. From television and film to journalism and blogging, back to television and film, with a constant focus on identity and the intersectionality of marginalized groups. by Krissy Dietrich Gallagher ’91
Shanice Dunning Settle
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
Madeline Pollis
Hari Ziyad
he path from high school to one’s chosen
healthcare nonprofit, teaches Italian once a week and
career is never a linear one, at least not
performs with various choirs. She learned those juggling
for three recent Heights High grads. The
skills at Heights as well, where she performed with as
passions of Shanice Dunning Settle 2006,
many as nine different musical groups at any given time,
Madeline Pollis 2012, and Hari Ziyad 2009,
and served as president of a cappella choir and vice-
were sparked at the corner of Cedar and Lee, but
president of Singers. “I’m running around the city a lot,
were honed in front of the news camera, juggling five
but am so lucky to be getting paid to do what I love and
jobs, or giving voice to others with “brown skin and
to be on track to do this for the rest of my life.”
radical politics.” Shanice Dunning Settle attended Gearity, Wiley
Hari Ziyad, who identifies as queer and prefers the gender-neutral pronoun “they,” is also doing what
and Heights High where she, ironically, struggled in
they love, combining art with social discourse. After
the area of writing. “I knew I could do better,” she said
graduating from Heights in 2009, Ziyad went to New
from her current home in Cleveland Heights. “And I am
York University and studied Film and Television, and
so grateful for the teachers who believed in me and
Psychology. After a year working on Education Nation
worked with me. They were keen to find my strengths
and CNBC in Washington, D. C., Ziyad’s interest pivoted
and bring them out.”
more towards writing, whether stories, journalism, or
Upon the encouragement of her high school
screenplays. “But there wasn’t really a space for the
counselor, she joined the Power of the Pen team, along
kind of stories I wanted to tell, from the perspective of
with cheerleading, volleyball, Student Council, Singers
a person with brown skin and radical politics.” So they
and Choir. That move proved significant as she went
created that space.
on to earn a journalism degree from Ohio University
As founder and editor-in-chief of RaceBaitR, a digital
and a Masters in Broadcast Journalism from Kent
platform “created to explore the various ways race
State University. Settle spent nearly six years as a field
is expressed and defined with the goal of creating a
reporter for 19 Action News, before leaving to take
world without all of its intersecting oppressions,” Ziyad
the position of Communications Manager for the NRP
is leading conversations on race, sexuality and gender,
Group, a national real estate developer.
ally politics and how they intersect with art in all its
She now spends her days writing internal and external
forms. They also serve as managing editor for Black
communications and serving as spokesperson for
Youth Project and as a contributing writer for AfroPunk
the company, something she learned competing with
among other national publications. Ziyad’s activism
Power of the Pen in high school. “When I look back, I
caught the eye of television producers and they expect
don’t think I ever would’ve had the confidence to write
to move to Los Angeles soon to work on a coming-of-
for my profession without Power of the Pen. It not only
age drama by the writer of Moonlight.
boosted my skills, it boosted my confidence.” Madeline Pollis also learned both skills and
Ziyad’s experience at Heights High has continued to inform their work. “I remember being faced with so
confidence at Heights High. Her years with the Vocal
many different types of people, each with their own
Music Department, where she starred as Belle in Beauty
backgrounds and stories. I tried to figure out how to
and the Beast and Maria in The Sound of Music, gave
honor where they came from and share space with
her the taste of “how incredible it feels to share music
them. I’ve taken those skills and applied them to my life
with a whole community.” That feeling has continued to
right now.”
guide her over the past decade as she earned degrees
While none of these alumni would claim that they’ve
in Music and Italian from Vassar College in 2016 and
“made it,” and while they all acknowledge the winding,
made her professional opera debut with the chorus in
sometimes backtracking roads to success, they would
the Bronx Opera.
all also likely agree with Settle: “I’m finding that it’s a
Currently living in New York City and piecing together
journey and I’m just really excited about where I am
multiple jobs in the way that aspiring artists often do,
right now. I try not to set too many specific goals; I’m
Pollis gives private voice lessons, works for a pediatric
still just telling the story.”
MAY 2018
9
Behind the Scenes with
by Krissy Dietrich Gallagher ’91
It all started with a piece of graffiti... When Keith Newman was a member of the Heights High stage crew, there was an area in the lighting booth that was, as he put it, “graffiti-friendly.” As a teenager, he’d scribbled “If you’re having a party, don’t forget to call Keith,” along with his parents’ phone number. Fast forward a dozen years and Newman happened to be in between jobs and living back at his parents’ University Heights house, when he received a random phone call from a Heights stage crew member inviting him to come back and watch the drama department’s one-act plays. Newman, who studied film and video production and had earned a B.A. in Communications and Drama from Cleveland State followed by years working as a theater director in Columbus and Utah, jumped at the chance. Once there, he found his former stage crew director Jan Bruml still working at the school. They reconnected and Keith eventually shared his portfolio with her, “mostly just to show her how much I’d grown since I was a snotnosed kid who knew nothing.” It proved to be more useful than that. Bruml was impressed with all Newman had accomplished in the field of technical theatre production and, when she injured her back on the job a few months later, he was the first person she called. Newman agreed to fill in for three weeks; thirteen years later, he remains the high school’s Technical
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
Director, in charge of lighting, sound, set design and stage crew direction for countless musical, theater, and performance events put on at Heights High. For years, Newman has found himself in a weird gray area of employment, not officially a teacher, but responsible for educating so many students nonetheless. “He was by far the most influential teacher I’ve ever had,” said 2017 Heights graduate Akash Bartlett, who is now enrolled in a highly specialized program for lighting design at the University of Cincinnati’s College - Conservatory of Music. “Keith’s teaching style was to show, not just tell. Whenever I asked him a question, he would point me in the right direction so I could figure out the answer on my own. I learned enough doing stage crew at Heights to get into this program,” one that is rarely offered across the country and that only accepted twelve of 250 applicants last year. Newman is ready to take his teaching to the next level and is currently working with the district administration to establish an Entertainment Technician’s Program in the school’s Career and Technical Education department. “Stage crew has always been an after-school program, more like a club, but students are learning skills they’ll apply to real world situations for the
rest of their lives. They’re taking content area material like math and physics and combining that with art and history plus relying on problem solving and teamwork.” One of the things that makes the stage crew experience unique, according to Bartlett, is that all students come into it with the same level of (in)experience. Unlike other activities, like sports or music, where one kid may have had private lessons or played on a travel team, everyone is new to stage crew. “You don’t have to have previous talent,” he said. “No one has run a sound board or a light board prior to high school, but this gives us an opportunity to be artistic and creative and to be part of the performing arts program.” Such level footing also allows students to explore many different areas before settling on a specialty. “It doesn’t make sense for kids in the orchestra to try a new instrument every year,” said Bartlett. “But I got to move around the various areas of stage crew and try everything out, before deciding that lighting was what I wanted to do with my life.” Newman considers his crew of hard-working students a team. “We are as committed as any athletic team. And we rely as much on teamwork. The only difference is that our opponent is the clock. These kids definitely learn the importance of deadlines.” And when the curtain opens and the stage lights come on, they also know the feeling of victory.
MAY 2018
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NEW AUDITORIUM MEMORIES CAMPAIGN
PLease take your SeAt and furnish the future
The historically restored 1926 Heights High Auditorium, known as the Dina Reese Evans Center for the Performing Arts, is a careful blend of traditional decorative details with new sound and lighting technology. We welcome the community in for events and performances, and now, we invite you in to place a memory in this beautiful theater.
With your contribution to the Heights Schools Foundation’s new Auditorium Memories Campaign, you are supporting the work of the Heights Schools Foundation, including classroom grants, arts education, scholarships for graduating seniors, maintaining our historical archives and engaging alumni. And, your engraved message and memory will be a part of the auditorium and remain in place for years to come.
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
When you make your contribution, you may choose to have a 1" x 3" decorative metal plate placed on a specific seat in your honor, engraved as you designate. We’ll send you a certificate that will let you know which seat(s) your engraved plate can be found on in the auditorium. We’ll invite you to come and see the engraved plate(s) during Homecoming Weekend October 12-14, 2018 if you have made your contribution by September 1, 2018.
Balcony
Extras
$250 $300
Understudy
Artist
Orchestra
Patron
$300 $400
$500
Director
Dress Circle
Producer
$1,000
STAGE Of course, the engraved decorative plate doesn’t mean free tickets to schools events, or that this seat reserved for your use only. In the unlikely event that your plate is damaged or lost, we’ll replace it for up to ten years.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AISLE DEDICATION ARE AVAILABLE Please reach out to Heights Schools Foundation for more information at 216-397-3871
YES! I WOULD LIKE AN ENGRAVED DECORATIVE METAL PLATE Name________________________________________ Class of____________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________ Email_____________________________________________
Producer $1,000
Director $500
Patron $400
Artist $300
Understudy $300
Extras $250
PLEASE FILL IN DESIRED TEXT. SPACES AND PUNCTUATION ARE CONSIDERED CHARACTERS.
Mail your donation to: Heights Schools Foundation - 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio 44118 or make your donation online at: HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org
MAY 2018
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EVENTS WRAP-UP
GoldenTIGERS LUNCHEON LAUNCHES
This Fall, an all new multi-year reunion debuted with a twist - you must have already celebrated your 50th Heights reunion to attend! Dozens of “Golden Tigers” gathered for a lovely luncheon and tours of the newly renovated Heights High, and agreed that we’re on to something special with this new annual event. If you are in the Class of ’67 or earlier,
SAVE THE DATE FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2018 AT 12:00 PM! Send an email now to betsy@heightsschoolsfoundation.org to be sure you are on the list for an invitation and more information. by Betsy Friedlander Stimpert ’90
Alumni enjoying a meet and greet with appetizers and seasonal beverages, before heading in to the formal luncheon and private guided tour of the newly renovated high school. Ed Levine, Class of ’58 Marc Pohl, Class of ’58 Carol Pohl
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
Father and Son Heights graduates sharing their favorite memories and experiences with fellow alumnus, while listening to the top hits of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Steve Jacobs, Class of ’65 Mike Friedlander, Class of ’88 Douglas Friedlander, Class of ’60
Golden Tigers spending the afternoon at Heights High reconnecting with fellow classmates and reminiscing through Caldrons from every year in attendance. Marilyn Lipp Elk, Class of ’60 David Elk, Class of ’57 Sophie Itzkovich Brick, Class of ’64 Andrea Lyn, Class of ’62
Photos courtesy of: Betsy Friedlander Stimpert ’90
Our Golden Tigers recalled and shared stories of their alma mater with spouses and family members throughout the afternoon. Bob Katz, Class of ’55 Linda Katz Dalia Baker
MAY 2018
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HOMECOMING WRAP-UP The all new Community and Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2017 revealed many changes and was the first of its kind! In October, we combined Homecoming with an “all years” reunion weekend and our mighty R.O.A.R. (Returning to our Alumni Roots) was heard across the city! To celebrate and include former Heights graduates, we partnered with local merchants all over Cleveland Heights and included a Parade ‘Watch Party’ for the newly routed parade down the Lee Road business district. The Heights Schools Foundation worked collaboratively with a team of parents, alumni, the city, police department, school staff and non-profit organizations to plan the weekend. By recognizing the importance of a partnership between merchants, community and local schools, we multiplied individual efforts with many
merchants throughout Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Local businesses offered meet-ups, discounts and specialty Heights items to residents, students and alumni throughout the entire weekend. Many thanks to the Cleveland Heights Police Department for pulling off the large task of closing down a portion of Lee Road on a Friday during rushhour! The Parade Watch Party hosted by Heights Schools Foundation included live music, games, snacks, a magician and an interactive bubble performance. Saturday evening concluded with alumni meet-ups held at local establishments and Sunday, alumni, students and residents participated in the City’s Happy 5K Fundraiser. The weekend was truly a success and a showcase of our community. Save the date for the next Community and Alumni Homecoming Weekend, October 12-14, 2018.
ROAR RETURNING TO OUR ALUMNI ROOTS
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 6-8, 2017
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R MAY 2018
17
DISTRICT NEWS BOULEVARD ELEMENTARY
CANTERBURY ELEMENTARY
Students at Boulevard Elementary School like science so much that many of them enrolled in a week-long after school science club. Club Invention was modeled after a similar summer program offered by the District called Camp Invention, in which children’s creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills are challenged with hands-on activities. Fifth grader Nate Stafford had participated in the “really fun” camp last summer and “wanted to have another chance to have fun after school.” The program focuses on one scientific concept per day, brought to life through three activities. It follows a teaching approach that allows the students to explore and engage prior to having the content introduced. This allows science teacher and club advisor Ms. Cheryl Walton to explain the concepts after students’ curiosity has been piqued, instead of before, as in a traditional classroom.
Students in Mrs. Julie Meese’s class at Canterbury Elementary and Mr. Dan Russell’s class at Boulevard Elementary recently organized a successful donation drive for the Animal Protective League in Cleveland. Students worked with their teachers to organize the drive, decorating collection boxes and advertising the initiative over their schools’ morning announcements. The teachers, students, and staff in both buildings worked together to collect items for the animals in need. The classes then delivered the items to the APL. “We were able to see the dogs currently at the APL, along with the rabbits and cats who need homes,” Mr. Russell said. “The staff at the APL were amazed at the amount of items the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools community were able to collect.”
FAIRFAX ELEMENTARY
GEARITY ELEMENTARY
Boulevard’s Club Invention Engages Young Scientists
Fairfax Student Shares Dream on Fox 8
Students Organize Donation Drive for APL
Gearity and Boy Scouts Host Camping Event
Fairfax third grader Giani White shared her thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream for equality, as part of Fox 8’s celebration of Black History Month.
Giani’s message: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that is still alive today. On April 4, 1968, that dream was meant to be silenced. Here in 2018, we still experience some of the same issues that Dr. King fought for. I am only 9, and I can see that there is still work to be done. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for peace, love, and equality for all people. And I stand for all of those things. I want all black and white people to get along. I want our worth to be equal. I want everyone to love one another. Dr. King was a great leader -- and I plan to be one too. It may be my generation to make that change. My message would be, ‘never stop dreaming.’”
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
At the first-ever Gearity Family Campout in September, nearly 200 kids, parents and staff had fun participating in outdoor activities and making new friends. They spent an afternoon launching water rockets, racing boats, building crafts, starting campfires, playing kickball, and hiking through the woods. Local Boy Scouts volunteered to run events and work with the younger kids throughout the day. In the late afternoon, a brief flag ceremony was held. Following dinner, songs and skits served as the perfect ending to a wonderful day. Everyone had the opportunity to sing, dance, and laugh while the sun set over the trees. For many of the participants, this was their first opportunity to go camping. The event was made possible with the support of the District and the Lake Erie Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
DISTRICT NEWS NOBLE ELEMENTARY
OXFORD ELEMENTARY
Elementary students have many different opportunities to practice their leadership skills. At Noble, fifth grade girls have the chance to lead while they cheer. The Noble Cheer Team is made up of 16 fifth graders who meet with advisor Teresa Ware twice each month to learn cheers, prepare for performances, and talk about all it takes to be a young girl in today’s society. Participation on the Cheer Team, which is dependent on good behavior and hard work, serves as strong motivation to the girls. “This is a privilege,” said team member Gi’onne. “You have to earn it with your behavior.” The group focuses on issues beyond just cheerleading, including peer pressure, selfesteem and how to stick with a commitment. Some, like Gi’onne, like cheering “because it’s fun to inspire others and cheerleaders always have a smile on their faces.” Others, like Leahnae, know that they’re learning valuable life skills. “You’re reaching a goal in life. Like getting over your nervousness about performing in front of others.”
A monthly awards ceremony is not unique to elementary schools, but the reaction of the fellow students feels exceptional at the Oxford Rocks Awards. In what’s a mix between a rock concert and pep rally, the gathered children cheer their honored classmates on with enormous enthusiasm and pride. Students are recognized for their academic achievement, good behavior and positive attitude. The other thing that makes this awards ceremony special is that a community member is recognized for their contributions to the school. So far this year, the school has honored a father who uses his professional skills as a barber to give free haircuts to boys who need them during their lunch hours, a “grandmother to all our students” who lives down the street and walks children home each day, and the building’s PTA president who took on that responsibility after just one year in the district.
ROXBORO ELEMENTARY
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Noble Cheer Team Motivates Fifth Grade Girls
Fourth Graders Create Planet-Saving Robots Rox El students are solving complicated environmental problems ranging from invasive species to endangered animals to water pollution in Lake Erie. And they’re doing it with trash. Fourth graders used recyclable materials found in their homes to build robots with at least three functions or characteristics to solve specific environmental problems. One student made a silver creature with plastic cups for feet to “suck up the dirty water,” which will then be filtered inside her shoebox belly and “come out the tubes at the top all clean.” It also has a net on the side “to pick up slimy pollution and trash and a fork for any trash pieces that get missed.” Another robot comes with a satellite dish to help it locate invasive species. Then it flies to them using its jet pack before relying on a GPS to return animals to their natural habitats. The project, which is part of the grade level’s International Baccalaureate unit “Sharing the Planet,” incorporated lessons from both science and social studies. The research, oral presentation and written essay components, which were done in class, are all part of the language arts curriculum.
Scholars Honored at ‘Oxford Rocks’ Awards
Integrated Preschool Program Seeking Peer Models
The CH-UH Integrated Preschool Program is offered at Gearity Elementary School. This program includes both children who receive special education services and children who serve as peer models. Peer models are children who demonstrate strengths in the areas of social and emotional skills, communication and cognition. The program is currently seeking peer models ages 3-5 to participate. Classes meet Tuesday-Friday and children either attend the morning or afternoon session for 3 hours. All three CH-UH Early Childhood programs have been rated 5-Stars through the state’s Step Up to Quality process and are Universal Pre-Kindergarten sites. Contact Danielle Vigh at 216-371-7356 or D_Vigh@chuh.org for more information.
MAY 2018
19
DISTRICT NEWS HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL
HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Eighth grade AVID students at Heights Middle School hosted a College Fair in December, in a culmination of AVID’s College Ready focus. The students created display boards on the college of their choice. They also had to master their presentation and public speaking skills as families, staff and elementary school classes from across the district visited the fair. Melody Cole summed up the ultimate lesson that teachers were hoping to impart to their students when she said, “What you do right now in school…it follows you, to high school, to college and beyond.”
The annual Heights High Instrumental Music Department’s Spring Tour featured a fun addition this year. Heights High alumnus and Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champion Jason Kelce played baritone saxophone with the Jazz Band. The Heights High band was visiting Central High School in North Philadelphia where the bands from both schools performed and socialized. When Band Director Brett Baker learned that the spring tour would be in Philadelphia, he texted Jason to see if they could catch up for a few hours. That was last fall. Then as plans developed, Mr. Baker asked Jason if he would like to play baritone saxophone with the Jazz Band. “He’s always up for something fun,” Mr. Baker said. “He was great with the kids, signing autographs and taking photos.”
HMS Students, Teachers Recognized by Ohio Lottery
MSAN Students Encourage Peers to Take AP Courses
Two students and two teachers from Heights Middle School were recognized by the Ohio Lottery’s Partners in Education program for their outstanding work in the classroom. Eighth grader Griffin Vacchelli was honored by the Ohio Lottery as an Academic All Star for the month of October. November’s honoree was sixth grader Taufiq Sharif-Ivey. Adrianna November was named the Ohio Lottery’s Teacher of the Month for October 2017. She teaches eighth grade at HMS. Seventh and eighth grade teacher Lia Radke was the Teacher of the Month for November. All four winners were nominated by HMS teacher Lynne Gaines.
The Heights High Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN) student club, students currently in AP (Advanced Placement) courses, and the guidance department are working to inform students about the advantages of enrolling in AP courses.
HMS AVID Students Host College Fair
Jason Kelce Sits in with Heights Jazz Band
Students who are in AP courses sponsored ‘I am AP’ tables in the cafeteria earlier this year. Each display focused on a different AP course. The students at each table talked to their peers about the courses and what it takes to succeed in an AP course. “Just keeping up with the work and asking for help when you need it,” is a common statement from MSAN students. “AP courses prepare students for college,” said guidance counselor Charlene Searcy. “When a student completes an AP course, they will be familiar with the demands of a college course.” You can watch the CTE student-produced video, I am AP, on chuh.org.
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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
DISTRICT NEWS HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETICS
A group of government students at Heights High got an unexpected visitor in January when Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence joined the anti-corruption organization Represent.US for a surprise visit to their classroom. Thirty Heights High juniors and seniors participated in the discussion and lively dialogue about fixing democracy. Government teacher Justin Hons welcomed the guests and senior Londyn Crenshaw had the honor of introducing the speakers. Represent.Us is the nation’s largest nonpartisan grassroots anti-corruption campaign. They work with Americans across the political spectrum to pass state and local anticorruption laws.
Heights High School dedicated its new basketball court in honor of legendary former coach Jim Cappelletti during a pre-game ceremony on Feb. 9. The Tigers’ previous home court, replaced during the recent Heights High renovation project, was named in honor of Cappelletti, who spent 45 years in the CH-UH District and won 539 games in his coaching career. Cappelletti was on hand for the ceremony, and a number of his former players came back to honor their coach. Cappelletti is a true Heights legend, leading the Tigers to the State Final Four six times (1975, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2003). In 1975 and 1995, Cappelletti’s team finished as the State Runner-Up. In 1997, his team won the Division I State Championship, and he was named Ohio Coach of the Year. Coach Cap’s teams also won the Lake Erie League title 11 times.
Jennifer Lawrence Visits Heights High to Talk Politics
Barbershoppers Receive Outstanding Rating at International Festival
If you’ve seen them you already know - the Heights High Barbershoppers are outstanding. And now, it’s official. Both the Boys and Girls Barbershoppers vocal music groups received a rating of ‘Outstanding’ at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Festival in Costa Mesa California on January 17-20. More than 600 students from 18 schools attended the event. This is the first year that the girls have attended the competition. The boys have attended for several years. The possible ratings are Good, Excellent, Outstanding or Superior and are awarded by a panel of international vocal experts. The Heights students performed without their director, Mr. Jesse Lange. “Our students were one of the few groups performing without a director,” said Mr. Lange. “That requires the singers to be more self reliant and to depend on each other.” Besides performing for a panel of judges, the students also attended workshops and watched other groups perform, including college, adult and senior citizen performers. Barbershop music is unaccompanied (acapella) vocal music with four-part harmony.
Heights High Rededicates Cappelletti Court
Heights High Athletes Sign College Letters of Intent
A total of 12 Heights High School student-athletes signed their official college letters of intent at this year’s National Signing Day ceremony held in front of a large crowd inside the Heights High gymnasium. The group included 11 football players and one girls lacrosse player. Combined, they received more than $1.1 million in college scholarships. The students were girls lacrosse standout Lauren Iott (Grand Valley State), and football standouts Grayson Green (Central State), Isaiah Higgins (Hocking College), Kylen McCracken (Ohio University), Mekhi Patterson (Thomas More), Shamar Rhodes (West Liberty), Peter Rouse (Erie Community College), LeMaro Smith (Buffalo), Tyreke Smith (Ohio State), Jared Wilson (Ohio Dominican), Zaire Webb (Georgetown) and Ahmad Webber (West Virginia Wesleyan). February 7 was the day that high school senior football players could officially sign with college or university athletic programs. Heights High regularly has many studentathletes who go on to play collegiately in a number of sports. The signing period for other interscholastic sports is in April.
MAY 2018
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REUNION INFO
SAVE THE DATE FOR TIGER GATHERINGS! Upcoming Reunion Information Heights High Tours
CLASS of 1958
CLASS of 1988
Heights on Saturday mornings
60TH REUNION August 18, 2018 Winking Lizard Party Room
as part of a weekend of events.
For more information
30TH REUNION October 12, 2018 Homecoming Parade & Game Lee Road Pub Crawl
Class of 1987, pictured here,
Elaine Ullman Email elaineullman@gmail.com
October 13, 2018 7pm Music Box Supper Club
Several reunion groups have arranged tours of the new
visited in October with over 140 classmates! Contact the alumni hotline (216/397-3871) to arrange your reunion tour today.
CLASS of JANUARY 1961
75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY & REUNION May 19, 2018 10am Tour of CHHS 6:30pm Dinner at Winking Lizard May 20th, 2018 10:30am Brunch at Nighttown For more information
Joe Arnoff Email eclecticgourmet@ameritech.net Marilyn Levine Ozan Email sassygranny39@icloud.com
Are you a “Trifecta Tiger”? You are if: 1. You are a Heights grad 2. You have kids currently attending the CHUH schools 3. You are currently employed in the CHUH school district
If you are all three, we’d love to meet you! Contact Betsy Friedlander Stimpert at b_stimpert@chuh.org and we’ll invite you to a special gathering at the end of the school year.
CLASS of 1968
50TH REUNION August 10, 2018 Play Arcade & Kitchen August 11, 2018 10am Tour of CHHS Dinner at Landerhaven
CLASS of 1998
20TH REUNION August 31 - September 2, 2018 For more information Email chhsclass1998@gmail.com
CLASS of 2008 10TH REUNION July 20 - 22, 2018 For more information Email chhs08classreunion@gmail.com
Nancy Cohen 216-591-1559 Email nrc409@aol.com Web clevelandheights68.com
CLASS of 1978
40TH REUNION October 5, 2018 6:30pm Boss Dog Brewery
October 7, 2018 TBD For more information Email heights1978@gmail.com
THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE
Lisa M. Hunt 216-624-9014 Email marie2you2@yahoo.com Web heightshightigers1988.com Facebook Cleveland Heights High School Class of 1988
For more information
October 6, 2018 10am Tour of CHHS 6:30pm Dinner at Landerhaven
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For more information
Planning a Reunion Event? Update us on the details for future publications and our website. Send a note to info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org.
Email info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org if you are the contact for your graduating class or reunion committee. We often receive requests to reach out to other classes to consider combining years for reunions.
ANNUAL FUND
SHARK TANK
Opportunity (Grants) Knocking! A group of twenty CH-UH educators swam with the “sharks” at a February Professional Development Day in order to qualify for opportunity grants courtesy of the Heights School Foundation (HSF) and generous donors like you! The HSF was offering grants directly to educators for amounts up to $500. However, the teachers first had to face a panel of ‘sharks’ who determined whether the proposals were worthy of the investment. Each staff person who submitted a proposal was given two minutes to make their pitch and then another 60 seconds of back-andforth with the panel. In the end, a ‘shark’ had to make an offer to fund the proposal with an opportunity grant. The Heights Schools Foundation awarded more than $8,400 to CH-UH educators at the event, which was modeled after ABC’s award-winning reality show Shark Tank. One participant shared, “I loved participating in the Shark Tank with the Heights Schools Foundation. It was so fun. I loved hearing about all the creative and fun activities that my colleagues have planned. The support of the Heights School Foundation (financial and otherwise) was uplifting and inspiring. As educators we give all day. It was nice to feel this extra
support and to see how dedicated and creative my colleagues truly are.” Educators from all CH-UH schools participated in the event with proposals including grants for alternative student seating options (wobble chairs, bicycle desks), STEM items such as Lego Mindstorms and programmable drones, special events and field trips, a science speaker series, and educational garden supplies. “The Shark Tank was awesome! It was great to hear so many innovative ideas from teachers and see their dreams for their classrooms come true,” said an audience member. Help make educators great ideas turn into reality with your contribution today!
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF_ $______________________________________________
Name_____________________________________________________________________________ Class of________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________ City / State / Zip__________________________________________________________________ Email__________________________________________ Mail your donation to: Heights Schools Foundation - 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio 44118 or make your donation online at: HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit No. 4114
2155 Miramar Boulevard University Heights, Ohio 44118 HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org
SAVE THE DATE
ROAR OCTOBER 12-14, 2018
A Totally New Homecoming Weekend!