2023 SENIOR CLASS Academic Achievement Awards

Fine Arts Specialization

Achievements based on specific area of interest and study

DANCE

Emmy Davis

Madison Dentler

Erin Muckley

THEATRE ARTS

Atticus Black

Abigail McClung

Emily Shawk

Dru Smith

VISUAL ART

Christina Amanatides

Hannah Burchfield

Olivia Crowl

Annabella Lattavo

Sophia Petrakis

VOCAL MUSIC SPECIALIZATION

Noel Adams

Grace Flock

Lindsey Yocum

Instrumental Music Specialization

John Alexander

FOUR-YEAR ACADEMIC LETTER

Congratulations to the following students who received an academic letter all four years of high school:

Lounieta Alkaied

Christina Amanatides

Annina Betro

Madison Dentler

Brenna Dobransky

Abigail Hartman

Jazel Issa

Kyla Jackson

Lindsey Klenner

Alexander Laird

Caris Lantz

Gavyn Leach

Paige Lucas

Andrew Martens

Blayne Maurer

Kennedy McGuire

Jon Michael

Carter Mucci

Erin Muckley

Maggie Mutchler

Ariel Oyler

Carmen Papaleo

Beau Parent

Andrea Pifer

Mia Russo

Zachary Sams

Haden Scott

Kate Weisbrod

Vanessa Wellman

Dylan Wolfe

Taylee Worley

Kathrin Wuchnick

Hunter Whitt

Scholar Athletes

CROSS COUNTRY

Liam Boyce

Braden Daugherty

Jenna Delp

Benjamin Flounders

Zachary Gemma

Jacob Harms

Eli Laughman

David Marginean

Blayne Maurer

Jon Michael

Thomas Rice

Andrew Spring

Kate Weisbrod

Brandon Werstler

Sydnie Wilson

GOLF

Andrew Arway

Annina Betro

Mason Sieloff

TENNIS

Andrew Arway

Daniele’ Falsaperla

Lindsey Klenner

David Marginean

Kennedy McGuire

Jazel Issa

Abbey Smrdel

Vanessa Wellman

LACROSSE

Jaden Ardelea

Caris Lantz

Zoe Myers

Beau Parent

Evelyn Parr

SOCCER

Daniele’ Falsaperla

Beau Parent

Evelyn Parr

Avery Weimer

Hunter Whitt

CHEER

Madison Broom

FOOTBALL

Hunter Kurylo

Nicholas Leon

Andrew Urban

Noah Williams

BASKETBALL

Benjamin Davis

Aleah Unkefer

BOWLING

Alex Howard

Makyah Stergis

WRESTLING

Isaac Sommers

SWIMMING

Jaden Ardelea

Jacob Harms

Blayne Maurer

Andrew Spring

Layne Studer

Kate Weisbrod

BASEBALL

Thomas ElFaye

Jared Hahn

Alexander Laird

Carter Mucci

Colin Sedon

Luke Senften

Lucas Wachunas

SOFTBALL

Lillie Cindric

Paige Lucas

Jena Wagner

TRACK AND FIELD

Lydia Ayers

Braden Daugherty

Jenna Delp

Mia Floyd

Jacob Harms

Eli Laughman

Nicholas Leon

Blayne Maurer

Thomas Rice

Andrew Spring

Layne Studer

Jon Michael

VOLLEYBALL

Lydia Ayers

Natalie Stepanovich

The Plain Local Schools Foundation & Alumni Association awarded thousands of dollars in scholarship monies to seniors in the Class of 2023.

Listed below are individual scholarships of the Plain Local Schools Foundation & Alumni Association with the 2023 award recipients.

PETER N. CAZANTZES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

An educator in Plain Local for over 30 years, Peter Cazantzes dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him. He demanded the most from his students and gave selflessly to his community. The Cazantzes family and friends have established this memorial scholarship to recognize a Plain Local graduating senior who has shown a dedication to his or her community and exemplifies strong moral character. The 2023 recipient of this $1,000 scholarship is John Alexander III, who plans to attend Kent State University to study Music Education.

FLORENCE ELIZABETH BARR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

In memory of Florence Barr, an outstanding female athlete and revered educator in the Plain Local School District, this scholarship is awarded each year to a young woman who is an exceptional student athlete. The 2023 Florence Barr Memorial Scholarship recipient, Kate Weisbrod, will be receiving $1,000 towards her studies at George Washington University.

PLAIN LOCAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION / DRENTA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP –

The PLSAA/Drenta Family Scholarship was established to award graduating seniors who are the children or grandchildren of a past graduate from any of the Plain Local high schools or a member of the Plain Local Schools Alumni Association. The scholarship also honors Vic and Darlene Drenta, who are both alumni and career educators of the Plain Local School District. The 2023 recipient of a $500 scholarship is Thomas Rice. Thomas will attend University of Tennessee, where he will be studying Business Finance.

EVANS/YOHE FAMILY ASL SCHOLARSHIP –

Established by Denise (Yohe) Evans (and family), 1982 GlenOak alumni, in honor of her brother, Rick Yohe, who lost his hearing at age two due to spinal meningitis. Rick and his wife Gwen were instrumental in getting the ASL classes started at GlenOak, and also support the deaf community in a variety of ways, including the annual Deaf Christmas party that GlenOak students participate in each year. The 2023 winner of this year’s scholarship is Hannah Pierson Hannah will attend The University of Akron to study Music Education.

ABBEY E. FOLTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

Abbey Foltz, a 1999 GlenOak graduate, lost her courageous battle to cancer in August 2000. Throughout her illness, Abbey continued to persevere, and was a high achiever in arts and academics. Abbey’s parents and family, all of whom were also Plain Local graduates, have established this scholarship for GlenOak students in order to commemorate Abbey’s love for music and to honor her memory. Receiving the award of $1,000 this year is Kennedy McGuire. Kennedy will be studying Psychology and Criminal Justice while attending University of Cincinnati.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP –

This scholarship is established by Personal Peak Consulting. The Golden Eagle Leadership scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates the ability to lead themselves well as they lead others. Receiving the 2023 award of $700 is Aleksandra Velickovic Aleksandra will attend Walsh University.

HAWS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP –

This scholarship was established by Plain Township Trustee, Scott Haws, upon his election to office on his promise to give back to the community. The scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who best exemplify excellence in the areas of academics, community service, leadership and athletics. The 2023 recipients of the $500 award each are Blayne Maurer and Lindsey Klenner. Blayne will be attending Mount Union. Lindsey will be attending The Ohio State University.

JIM HILLIBISH SCHOLARSHIP IN JOURNALISM –

This $1,000 scholarship was established in memory of Jim Hillibish, who worked for the Canton Repository for parts of five decades, writing stories, feature and entertainment articles, editorials, and general interest commentaries, as well as columns on gardening, cooking, and computers. While at Glenwood High School, he studied journalism and became the Editor-In-Chief of the school newspaper, The Eagle’s View, his senior year. The 2023 winner of this scholarship is Grace Flock. Grace will be studying Professional Writing and Editing and Secondary Integrated Language Arts at Malone University.

SYDNEY KLEPTACH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

This $1,000 scholarship was established in memory of Sydney, a 2018 graduate of GlenOak High School, and a student at the University of Mount Union. In high school, she was the president of the National Honor Society, a student ambassador, a Varsity soccer player, and she dedicated over 900 hours to community service. Due to her dedication to education, GlenOak National Honor Society, Student Council, and Sydney’s family have established this scholarship for students to commemorate Sydney’s passion for life as demonstrated through leadership, philanthropy, the arts, and/or athletics to honor her memory. The 2023 winner of this scholarship is Kate Weisbrod. Katie will be attending George Washington University. continued on next page >

BILL MEASE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

Dedicated to a former Plain Local educator and superintendent, the Bill Mease Memorial Scholarship honors the man who strived to improve the educational opportunities of thousands of children in the Plain Local community. Bill was the inspiration and driving force behind the concept of a community high school campus among other educational programs that laid the framework making Plain Local an excellent place to learn. This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics and at least three of the following four areas: athletics, leadership, the fine arts and community service. Receiving the $1,000 award is the 2023 recipient, Caris Lantz who plans to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at The Ohio State University.

TYDIN MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

Tydin Miller, a 2005 graduate of GlenOak High School, began with her life as an orphan in Vietnam. Tydin developed a positive attitude toward everything she encountered and, with the help of her family, friends, teachers, and coaches, Tydin became a persevering kid full of hope and happiness. Tydin’s family and friends have established this scholarship to celebrate the life of a young woman who helped others, worked diligently and never gave up. The 2023 recipient of the Tydin Miller Memorial Scholarship, receiving $500, is Myah Peterson. Myah will attend the Grand Canyon University where she will be studying Psychology.

ASPIRING TEACHERS SCHOLARSHIP –

The PLTA Aspiring Educator Scholarship is sponsored by the Plain Local Teachers’ Association which is composed of certified teachers in the Plain Local School District. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Plain Local 12th-grade student best demonstrating the qualities of exemplary scholarship and leadership who aspires to become an educator once he or she graduates from college. The scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving of those who apply. The 2023 recipient is John P. Alexander. John plans to attend Kent State University to study Music Education.

PLAIN LOCAL TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

HARRY TIMPE SCHOLARSHIP –

This $500 scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who will be entering the education field and demonstrate the characteristics of an outstanding educator. Harry Timpe was a dedicated and passionate career-educator in the Plain Local School District. The effects that Timpe had on his students were everlasting and changed the face of education in Plain Local. Applicants must have the personal attributes, character traits and dedication that would deem him/ her an exemplary teacher candidate. The 2023 recipient is Madison Dentler. Madison plans to attend Bowling Green State University where she will be studying Psychology and Dance Education.

GLENOAK SOCCER BOOSTERS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP –

This scholarship is established by the GlenOak Soccer Booster Club. The goal is to provide a $500 scholarship to a deserving GlenOak High School senior on a GlenOak soccer team. The 2023 winners are Hannah Birchfield and Beau Parent. Hannah will be attending SCAD Savannah College of Art and Design where she will be studying Fine Arts-Painting. Beau will be attending University of Kentucky to study Mechanical Engineering.

THE BROCATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP –

This $500 scholarship is established by a group of GlenOak High School 2016 graduates who feel strongly about giving back to current Plain Local students in pursuit of higher education. During a track meet in 2016, the idea for a 10-event competition was devised.

The annual event boasts 10 different activities to decide who would earn the title for the year. The “Brocathlon” name is derived from the track event the ‘Decathlon’ in tribute to the final sport in which all would compete. This group of athletes grew up in the Plain Local Schools participating in swim, track and field, cross country, basketball, baseball, soccer and football with most of the group having done multiple of these sports while in high school. The Ultimate Brocathlete Scholarship aims to serve a person, man or woman, who embodies these ideals of camaraderie, competition, involvement and GlenOak pride, with a $500 nonrenewable scholarship to help them advance their studies and embark on their mission to living a well-rounded life. The 2023 winner is Kate Weisbrod. Katie will be attending George Washington University.

DELANEY RILEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

This scholarship is in honor of Delaney Grace Riley. Delaney was a Glenwood student in 2015, walking to school on a beautiful September morning, when she suddenly and without warning succumbed to an undiagnosed heart condition and passed away. Laney was taken from all of us far too soon at 10 years old, but her exuberant spirit for the love for others, giving back to the community and thirst for knowledge is something that should never escape any of us. This scholarship was established by Laney’s family, friends and our Plain Local community to honor her love for life. This scholarship is to award a graduating GlenOak senior who plans to pursue a postsecondary education at any level. This graduating class is very special because this is the year that Delaney would have graduated from high school. The 2023 winners are Annina Betro, Vanessa Wellman, and Christina Amanatides

EVANS FAMILY VIDEO PRODUCTION SCHOLARSHIP –

This scholarship was established by Denise (Yohe) Evans, Cutler Realtor and GlenOak ’82 alumni in honor of her son Brad, and her nephew Zane, who both were students of the GlenOak Video Production program. The scholarship is being awarded to a graduating senior who plans to further their education in video production, photography or a related field. The 2023 winner is Andrew Martens. Andrew will be attending Cleveland State University to study Video Production.

JOHN AND STEPHANIE NOYES TRADE/TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

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The John and Stephanie Noyes Memorial Scholarship was started by the Noyes family after John’s passing on July 21, 2019. John graduated from Glenwood High School where he was a member of the 1966 football team. He was the owner and operator of the Noyes’ Sunoco Service Station on Cleveland Ave. for 37 years. This scholarship is to award a graduating GlenOak senior who plans to pursue a postsecondary education at any level. The 2023 winner is Dru Smith. Dru plans to attend Point Park University to study Psychology.

JON R. GHEEN SCHOLARSHIP –

This $500 scholarship is in honor of Jon Gheen. Jon grew up in Plain Township and loved his high school years playing basketball at Glenwood High School. In addition, he and Barb met at Glenwood, married in 1965, and lived in Plain Township until 2006. Both of their children graduated from GlenOak. At age 15, Jon began working in the family business, VeeGee Enterprise Corporation, and he eventually became president of the company. This scholarship is to award a graduating GlenOak senior who plans to pursue a postsecondary education at any level. The 2023 winners are Emily May and Jazel Issa. Emily plans to attend Baldwin Wallace where she will be studying Hospitality and Tourism. Jazel will be attending the University of Miami where she will be studying Business.

MATTHEW FOX MEMORIAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP –

This $250 scholarship is in honor of 1995 GlenOak graduate Matthew Fox. Matthew died tragically on September 5, 1995 in an automobile accident. This scholarship was established by Matthew Fox’s parents, family and many friends to honor his memory and love of music. This scholarship is to award a GlenOak senior who plans to pursue a major in music at the collegiate level and shares Matthew’s unsurpassed love and passion for music. The 2023 winner is John P. Alexander III. John plans to attend Kent State University to study Music Education.

TELERADIOLOGY CONSULTANTS SCHOLARSHIP –

This $2,000 scholarship is sponsored by local business owner Michael Buser and Teleradiology Consultants. Teleradiology Consultants makes it easier for healthcare clinics, primary care physicians offices, urgent cares and critical access hospitals (mostly outside major cities) to connect with quality radiologists to read their x-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI and MAMMO diagnostic exams at reasonable rates. The 2023 winner is Dru Smith. Dru plans to attend Point Park University to study Psychology.

THOMAS E. FILICKY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP –

This $500 scholarship is in honor of Tom Filicky. Tom Filicky began his teaching career in 1967 for Plain Local Schools as the vocational electronics teacher at Oakwood High School and later GlenOak High School. He was honored as a Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholar in 1969 and was selected “Teacher of the Year” in 1991. In 2005, he was inducted into the Plain Local School’s prestigious Hall of Distinction. This scholarship is awarded to a GlenOak High School graduating senior who has demonstrated the high qualities and character that Filicky exemplified throughout his life as a teacher, mentor, leader and friend. The 2023 winner is Lindsey Yocum Lindsey is pursuing studies at American Music and Drama Academy in New York City.

For more information on the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association, contact Tori Bell, Administrative Assistant at foundation@plainlocal.org.