About the Hall of Fame

Now celebrating the induction of the 41st class, the Cleveland Heights High School distinguished alumni Hall of Fame has inducted more than more than 400 members. Dr. Patricia Ackerman, retired CHHS principal and CHUH administrator, created the HOF as a way to provide students with direct access to life-sized role models and provide inspiration that professional achievement—even exceptional success—is indeed within their reach, as evidenced by many alumni who sat in the same seats and walked the same halls as they do. With more than 50,000 graduates, Heights students have an impressive and diverse list of alumni from whom to select for induction. As Dr. Ackerman initiated, a student committee blindly selects inductees from nominations provided by the general public. Students only know the nominees’ accomplishments, making the recognition even sweeter.

A New Celebration Format

For nearly 40 years, the HOF induction ceremony and celebratory events were held towards the end of the school year in late April/early May. As with everything else, the Covid-19 pandemic also impacted this event in 2020. The planned spring 40th anniversary HOF event was too important to cancel, so the Board approved moving the event to fall to coincide with Homecoming Weekend and embraced incorporating digital platforms as a means to make the event bigger than ever. With that success behind us, we welcome you to the 2021 HOF induction ceremony designed to meet the newest moment of pandemic life. We hope you enjoy what we have planned. Today’s events will indeed reach more students, alumni and community members than ever before. This is a new tradition.

Congratulations and enjoy, Tiger Nation!

Hall of Fame Fund

Heights Schools Foundation created this fund in fall 2019 in honor of the 40th anniversary of the CHHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame to support the program and guarantee that it continues for another 40th years. This event is among key offerings that provide current high school students with direct access to, and meaningful engagement with, role model alumni.

The Hall of Fame Fund also supports the Alumni Tiger Talks speaker series. By speaking to current Heights students, alumni guests are helping to expand what students think is possible for their future. With a focus on pathways to success, and strategies for overcoming obstacles, students become more prepared for their next steps toward career and college success. To volunteer for the speaker series, contact our offices at info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org.

The Hall of Fame Fund has commissioned a new work of art, a mural celebrating the ideals behind the program – excellence, striving, resilience, and potential. The mural will have a prominent place in the front hall of Heights High serving to both acknowledge the past and inspire the next generation. Installation is expected in 2021. The artist is Jerome White, an alumnus from the Class of 1988 and faculty member of the Heights High art department.

In the coming year, the Hall of Fame Fund will sponsor the complete digitization of the Hall of Fame program since its inception, including photos and biographical information about all Hall of Fame members. We strive to make the Hall of Fame easily accessible, searchable and to ensure the stories of our exceptional graduates continue to be celebrated for decades to come.

To support these projects, please visit HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org to make a contribution, or send a check to the address on the back of this booklet with “Hall of Fame” in the memo.