A Bequest Expands Scholarship Giving for Heights High Seniors

by Julianna Johnston Senturia ’87

There is no doubt that once you are a member of Tiger Nation, the connection lasts a lifetime – and beyond. This holds true no matter how you may be connected, whether as staff, partner organization, community member, volunteer, or of course, as graduates and their families. When we receive planned donations, we’re reminded how true the saying “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger” is for so many.

Earlier this year we received a generous gift through the estate of Dr. Ita R. Kaiserman-Abramof to support scholarships for Heights High seniors. Dr. Kaiserman- Abramof was a longtime respected Professor of Anatomy at Case Western Reserve University from 1971-2015. She was also a Heights High parent.

Dr. Ita Kaiserman-Abramof

Dr. Kaiserman- Abramof’s donation was given in honor of her son, Heights alumnus Sergio Abramof, of blessed memory. Locals knew Sergio, Heights Class of 1975, as a chef and restaurateur. He created his namesake restaurant, Sergio’s, in University Circle followed by Sergio’s Sarava at Shaker Square. Sergio was also known for his work building the Cleveland-area food scene until his untimely death in 2012.

A portion of the gift expanded the number of awards for the Class of 2022 through The Tiger Fund for Graduating Seniors. The remainder will be invested with our Heights Schools Foundation Fund at the Cleveland Foundation, with scholarships given each year in memory of Sergio. We’re grateful that both Dr. Kaiserman-Abramof and Sergio will be remembered as part of the new Legacy & Legends Society for this impactful gift.

Expanding awards for graduating seniors is essential. At the 2022 State of the State Address, Ohio Governor Mike Dewine underscored the need for scholarship opportunities for our graduating seniors across the state. Parents have also let us know how much the staggering cost of college is impacting options and choices. At Heights Schools Foundation, we know that Tigers want to help the next generation of Tigers. HSF has committed to strategically growing scholarships that will incentivize achievement, engagement, and participation in activities that increase college and career readiness over the next five years. By highlighting key success criteria, we’ll help students not only to have additional funding for a career certification or college degree, but also to be fully prepared for those next steps. As we look towards the 100 year anniversary of the current Heights High building completed in 1926, HFS plans to have dozens of new scholarship opportunities available to celebrate. As part of our overall approach, we will launch a pilot project in the Fall that will help families plan for college starting when kids are still in elementary school and provide incentives to begin college savings accounts as early as kindergarten. We invite you to join us as we build even more opportunities for tomorrow’s graduates.

Sergio Abramof