CONGR ATUL ATIONS, CL ASS OF 2022!
MAGAZINE
•
SUMMER 2022
POLARIS MEANS SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS! LUKE DEVINS
POLARIS CLASS OF 2022
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INSIDE 4-6 Polaris Honors the Best of 2022
7-10 The Year in Review
15 Baldwin Wallace Partnership Expands Student Opportunities
COMING SOON Adult Education Open House August 4, 2022 1st Day of School August 16, 2022 Polaris Open House January 12, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT SEASON 10th Grade Presentations October/November 2022 10th Grade Visitations November 14-16, 2022 Registration Night November 17, 2022
WELCOME TO THE SUMMER 2022 EDITION OF THE COMPASS MAGAZINE! By Robert Timmons, Superintendent
This past school year we have witnessed great accomplishments by our students as they prepare for their next step in their journey to college and/or a career. In this edition of the Compass Magazine, we will introduce you to several of our current students and alumni who have made a mark in their communities through their Polaris experience. We are very proud of our students as they represent the excellence of our organization and commitment to our mission of “Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Career Success.” Graduates, I encourage you to build on your Polaris experience and continue to grow, learn and achieve. On behalf of our entire school community, I wish you nothing but the best. CONGRATULATIONS, POLARIS CLASS OF 2022!
CONTENTS Polaris Means Small Business Success!............................. 3 Polaris Honors the Best of 2022............................. 4-6
“We are very proud of our students as they represent the excellence of our organization and commitment to our mission of ‘Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Career Success.’”
2021-2022: The Year in Review........................ 7-10 Where are They Now?.................. 11-12 Polaris Financial Update..................13 Adult Education – A Springboard for Success!..............14 Baldwin Wallace Partnership Expands Student Opportunities........15
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Devins Powerwash operates out of a 2,000 square foot facility in Berea.
“Polaris taught me how to be a professional – from how to dress, to how to talk to people, the value of networking and the importance of follow up.”
Luke Devins has built a successful small business using much of what he’s learned at Polaris.
POLARIS MEANS SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS! Luke Devins, a Berea-Midpark senior in the Polaris Business Professional & Office Technology program, has his eye on the future. For three years, he has built a successful residential and commercial power washing business, Devins Powerwash. Today, he operates the business out of a 2,000 square foot space in Berea, employs 10 workers and has a fleet of four vehicles. He credits Polaris for helping him grow his business. “Polaris taught me how to be a professional – from how to dress, to how to talk to people, the value of network and the importance of follow up.” He’s grown the business by providing honest, quality work and has built his customer base entirely on referrals. “I spend no money on advertising. Polaris gave me a strong foundation on how to use social media to grow my business through keywords and hashtags.” Devins plans to attend Miami University this fall and major in both marketing and entrepreneurship. He’s hired two people to help run the day-to-day operations while he’s away at school but will continue to be involved from a distance. His long-term goal is to continue to grow the business but keep it manageable with a strong focus on quality control and sales. He’s continuing to explore ways to expand the business to include other home services. This fall, they will offer gutter cleaning and may later expand into bug removal and home painting. Those new ventures can wait for now while he focuses on earning his two degrees and maintaining a successful business.
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CONGRATULATIONS BEST OF LUCK!
DELANY CONDOSTA MEDICAL PROFESSIONS OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL
POLARIS HONORS THE BEST OF 2022! Delaney Condosta (center), Medical Professions, Olmsted Falls High School, and Ian Taylor (left), Engineering, Berea-Midpark High School, were named the Outstanding Senior Students of the Year for the Polaris Class of 2022. In addition, Connor White (right), a Construction Trades senior from Strongsville High School, was named Student Employee of the Year. Each was honored at the First Annual Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner in April. All are high achievers who plan to make the most of their Polaris experience. As an added bonus, each was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Polaris Educational Foundation.
Delaney Condosta’s path to Polaris started in 2017 when she participated in Camp Discovery, Polaris’s summer camp program. She has been a model student ever since. She has maintained a 4.1 overall GPA while also participating in TWO Polaris programs – Medical Professions and Biomedical Science, a Polaris satellite program located at Olmsted Falls High School. Delaney is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and National Honor Society, was recognized as a Southwest Conference Scholar-Athlete on the bowling team, was named outstanding senior program student in both Medical Professions and Biomedical Science and is a Polaris Student Ambassador for both programs. She holds a number of industry credentials – she is a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), is certified in CPR and has completed the OSHA 10 course. In addition to her achievements in the classroom, Delaney is very involved in many school and community activities. She volunteers with The Rescue Inn, works as a youth group leader at Harvest Christian Church in Elyria and is an active member of Key Club, Helping Hands and Glamour Girls. She continues to juggle a very busy schedule while also providing childcare for a local special needs child. Delaney’s Medical Professions instructor, Eva Simmons, sings her praises. “Delaney gives 100 percent every day. Her character and integrity are outstanding. She continuously looks for ways to improve herself and help others. Because of her maturity level, determination and hard work, she will reach her goals ahead of her peers.” Delaney has set a clear career path which builds on her Polaris experience. This fall, she will attend Cuyahoga Community College to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing. She plans to further her education at a four-year school and will be on-track to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in three years. Her immediate goal is to start her career as a nurse but plans to return to school to someday become a nurse practitioner.
IAN TAYLOR ENGINEERING
BEREA-MIDPARK HIGH SCHOOL
Ian Taylor has built an impressive resume during his four years in the Polaris Engineering satellite program located at Berea-Midpark High School. He maintained a 4.3 overall GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Chinese National Honor Society and has been recognized as the outstanding senior program student in Engineering. Throughout his high school career, he has been recognized with countless awards and honors – he is an Eagle Scout, participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, earned summa cum laude academic honors multiple times, placed third in the Rite Aid Cool Tech Challenge, holds varsity letters in cross country, track and wrestling and received Southwest Conference honorable mention recognition in cross country. His school and extracurricular activities are unmatched. In addition to athletics, he is in the Boy Scouts, a member of the Student Athletic Leadership Team, was on the sophomore and senior executive board, was active in Model UN, was senior captain of the cross country team, a member and leader of LINK Crew, participated in the U.S. Naval Academy continued on page 6 >
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TO OUR AWARD WINNERS AND “Delaney gives 100 percent every day. Her character and integrity are outstanding. She continuously looks for ways to improve herself and help others.”
“Ian may be one of the finest young men that I have encountered in my 15 years as a teacher. He shows tremendous dedication and focus to achieve his goals.”
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Summer Seminar in 2021, volunteered at the Eliza Jennings Nursing Home and supported many other community outreach initiatives. In his “free” time, Ian works summers as an umpire for the Berea Baseball and Suburban Umpire Associations. His Engineering instructor, Dr. Ryan McElyea, speaks highly of Ian as both a student and leader. “Ian may be one of the finest young men that I have
encountered in my 15 years as a teacher. He shows tremendous dedication and focus to achieve his goals. He’s a hard worker; he has certainly shown a desire to have a thorough understanding of the material in the classroom. I am glad to see him reach his goal of attending a service academy.” Ian will continue his studies this fall at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings
Point, New York, where he will study engineering and run track and cross country. After college, he plans to work in the maritime industry as a marine engineer where he will focus on clean energy technologies. Ultimately, he hopes to someday give back to the industry as a teacher.
to build a career and life where there are no limits.” Connor has a full four-year ride from the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors
Association. Upon graduation, Connor plans to continue working at Allied Electric Co. to pursue a career as an electrician.
CONNOR WHITE
CONSTRUCTION TRADES
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
When a student is placed with a local company, the employer evaluates the student’s skills and provides feedback on their progress in the workplace. There is no better indicator of success than to hear from employers that Polaris students are meeting and exceeding their expectations. Based on positive employer feedback and overall performance in the workplace and in the classroom, Connor White has been selected as the 2022 Polaris Student Employee of the Year. Connor currently works as an intern at Allied Electric Co., Inc. in Cleveland where he has accumulated nearly 800 hours of work experience which will be applied toward the 8,000 hours needed to become a certified electrician in the State of Ohio. At the age of 10, Connor knew exactly what he wanted to become after he helped his father and a friend wire a new addition to their home. Years later, he enrolled in Polaris and hasn’t looked back since. He has maintained 3.9 overall GPA and a 4.0 GPA in Construction Trades while continuing to give back as a Polaris Student Ambassador. He is a four-year recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award at Strongsville High School and is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. White’s Construction Trades instructor, Jeff Busser, believes he has a bright future. “Connor is a talented, grounded, humble and goaloriented individual with a strong desire
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“Connor is a talented, grounded, humble and goaloriented individual with a strong desire to build a career and life where there are no limits.”
2021-2022: THE YEAR IN REVIEW From awards and recognitions to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this school year has been filled with pleasant surprises and many milestones. Here are a few of the highlights.
POLARIS HVAC GRADUATE NAMED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR!
POLARIS AWARDED INAUGURAL STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MAKERS GRANT
CONSTRUCTION TRADES STUDENT SELECTED AS PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR NOMINEE
Earlier this year, Stanley Black & Decker announced the recipients of its first “Empower Makers” Global Impact Challenge. We were awarded a $50,000 Makers Grant for our efforts to invest in new tools and equipment to enhance our Automotive Technology, Building Services & Ground Maintenance, Construction Trades and HVAC programs.
Pipefitters Union Local 120 named Kayla Quintiliano as their Apprentice of the Year. Kayla started with the Pipefitters Local 120 as a Polaris high school HVAC student. She graduated from Brooklyn High School in 2017. Kayla is in her fourth year of schooling as an HVACR Trainee.
SATELLITE PROGRAMS EARN NATIONAL AWARD
Fiona Kanzig, a Berea-Midpark High School senior in our high school Construction Trades program, was named one of five student Presidential Scholar Nominees – Career Tech Education Component in Ohio. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars – this is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
The Polaris Satellite Marketing & Entrepreneurship and Broadcasting & Video Production programs, located at Berea-Midpark High School, placed second in the Impact Teen Drivers “Fall 2021 Just Drive” Social Media Campaign. This national program is intended to eliminate reckless and distracted driving, the number one killer of young people in America. Their entry, “What Can Be More Important than continued on page 8 > COMPASS | 7
2021-2022: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Your Future,” was a take-off on the 1985 hit, “Back to the Future,” starring Michael J. Fox. Their award-winning entry was recognized for its concept and creativity, campaign execution and effectiveness of message. As second place winners, the programs were awarded a $5,000 educational grant. SCAN TO VIEW THEIR CAMPAIGN.
96 STUDENTS INDUCTED IN THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY This year, 96 students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). NTHS is America’s highest award for excellence in career and technical education. NTHS’s mission is to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for the organization’s members. Fewer than two percent of America’s secondary students are nominated for membership into this prestigious organization. Nominees are evaluated based on scholarship, service, leadership and character. To be eligible, Polaris students must meet the following requirements: • Earn all A’s in his or her Polaris program • Maintain a 95 percent or higher attendance rate • Maintain a 3.0 accumulative grade point average In total, Polaris inducted 45 students enrolled in its Middleburg Heights campus programs and an additional 51 students enrolled in satellite programs. SCAN TO VIEW THE ENTIRE LIST OF 2022 INDUCTEES.
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PRE-NURSING JUNIORS COMPLETE CLEVELAND CLINIC’S ASPIRE PROGRAM Polaris Pre-Nursing juniors (left to right), Hannah Odetallah, Jayanna Evans and Ravin Nickels, all from Strongsville High School, earned coveted spots in the ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program. ASPIRE is a 12-week enrichment program sponsored by Cleveland Clinic and the Howley Foundation in collaboration with the Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing and is designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing careers in nursing. This year, over 100 students applied but only 28 were admitted into the program. The students completed their experience in April with hopes of returning next year as second year mentors.
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS NTHS CAMPUS INDUCTEES
SATELLITE NTHS INDUCTEES
POLARIS COLLEGE & CAREER COORDINATOR PRE-NURSING STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN WINS STATEWIDE AWARD FIRST-EVER SOUTHWEST INTERNSHIP Each year, the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) honors outstanding educators from across the state who excel in their area of expertise. Jamie Bollinger, our College & Career Coordinator, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Ohio ACTE Career Guidance Award. She will be recognized at the Annual Ohio ACTE Innovation & Impact Conference this July in Columbus. Jamie is being honored for going above and beyond to ensure our students are on the right path to capitalize on their Polaris experience. From navigating the complex world of college credits to helping students complete the college application process, Jamie takes an individualized approach to help students succeed. SCAN TO VIEW JAMIE’S AWARD SUBMISSION AND THE OTHER STATEWIDE AWARD WINNERS.
BUSINESS STUDENT WINS PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD! Madison Hinton, a Berea-Midpark High School junior in our Business Professional & Office Technology program, won a People’s Choice Award in the Young Entrepreneurship Pitch Contest. She was initially selected as a finalist in the 9-12 category for her line of lip gloss products. This year, over 1,000 students participated in the competition.
Seven Polaris Pre-Nursing juniors have been selected to participate in the first-ever Polaris – Southwest General Health Center (SWGHC) summer internship. During this 6-week experience, the students will use their State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) training to provide direct patient care under the supervision of an RN. Care will include Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) – assisting with ambulation, transfers, bathing, feeding, grooming, turning and positioning. Congratulations to our seven SWGHC interns: Alyssa Todorovich, Brooklyn; Hannah Odetallah, Strongsville; Jayanna Evans, Strongsville; Nicholas Thompson, Olmsted Falls; Samela Xhaferi, Fairview; Katrina Gasper, Brooklyn, and Taylor Martin, Fairview!
INAUGURAL MAY MARKET EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!
The 1st Annual May Market event was a smashing success attracting hundreds of residents from the surrounding communities. The showcase was presented and hosted by our Marketing & Entrepreneurship satellite program at continued on page 10 > COMPASS | 9
2021-2022: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Berea-Midpark High School. The event featured hand crafted items produced by 31 young artists and entrepreneurs from throughout the high school providing them with a platform to highlight their business ventures and sell their creations. Some of the items for sale included baked goods, crocheted items, beach glass jewelry, boba tea, buttons/pins, digital art, glitter tumblers, greeting cards, homemade dog treats, jewelry, pepperoni rolls, plants, resin keychains, smoothies, stickers, student art, tote bags and more. A great time was had by all!
POLARIS STAFF MEMBERS RECOGNIZED BY THE MARTHA HOLDEN JENNINGS FOUNDATION
CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENT ATTENDED WEST POINT SUMMER EXPERIENCE Roosevelt Perry, a BereaMidpark High School junior in our Criminal Justice program, attended the West Point Summer Leader Experience this June. This unique experience provides rising high school seniors with a week-long immersion into the academic, military and social life of a cadet.
ADULT POLICE ACADEMY RECEIVES OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL STAR ACADEMY DESIGNATION Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost presented our Adult Police Academy with the Ohio Attorney General STAR Academy designation. This award recognizes Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)-approved police academies that go above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure that cadets receive the best possible training.
GREAT schools start with GREAT students, teachers and leaders. This spring, two Polaris staff members were recognized by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for their excellence in teaching. Amanda Betts, Polaris Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science satellite instructor at Olmsted Falls High School, was named a 2022 Arthur S. Holden Teacher Award for Excellence in Science Education finalist. Dan Abraham, Polaris Building Services & Ground Maintenance instructor, was named a 2022 Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Master Teacher Award finalist.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? We recently caught up with four former Polaris Outstanding Senior Students of the Year. They have certainly capitalized on their Polaris experiences and are making a name for themselves. Here’s where they are now.
SARAH COCHRAC
THEN: Polaris Class of 2013 Medical Professions, Olmsted Falls High School NOW: Transitions Nurse and NATCEP Coordinator Riverview Pointe Care Center
“Polaris gave me a strong career foundation built on industry professionalism. The knowledge and skills I gained gave me a leg up on my counterparts in college. The Polaris family provided me with support when I needed it the most. I am eternally grateful for the support.” Sarah Cochrac is making her mark in the healthcare industry. She is a Registered Nurse (RN) and holds a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree from Hiram College. She continues to give back to Polaris and provides important industry input while serving on the Polaris Medical Professions advisory council. She is a transitions nurse in charge of patient admissions and discharges at Riverview Pointe Care Center in Olmsted Falls. She is also their Nurse Aide Training and Competency Program (NATCEP) Coordinator and oversees their state tested nursing assistant (STNA) training program.
JOHN SPRAGG
THEN: Polaris Class of 2018 Criminal Justice, Strongsville High School NOW: Senior Intern Washington D.C. Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency Intelligence Analyst Washington D.C. Army National Guard John Spragg has accomplished a lot in a short period of time since graduating from high school. He earned two associate degrees – an Associate of Arts Degree from Cuyahoga Community College and an Associate of Intelligence and Operations Studies from the United States Army. In addition, he just graduated from the University of Akron at the top of his class with a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. While enrolled in college, he worked part-time for the Ohio Army National Guard as an intelligence analyst for the State of Ohio and worked for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center in Dayton supporting real-world intelligence operations under the auspices of the United States Africa Command. Just this spring, he earned a senior internship with the Washington D.C. Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency and the National Threat Intelligence Center. He will continue his military service with the Washington D.C. Army National Guard and work as an intelligence analyst.
“Polaris gave me a strong foundation that will always serve as a key to my long-term success. The guidance and mentorship I received broadened my perspective and set me on the right path for my military and civilian career. I would not be where I am today (and will be tomorrow) without Polaris.” continued on page 12 > COMPASS | 11
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
CHEF KATHERINE MEDEROS (RANDOLPH)
PETER YELKO
NOW: Co-owner and Executive Pastry Chef Kojin Miami
NOW: Electrical Engineer Lincoln Electric
THEN: Polaris Class of 2017 Baking & Pastry Arts, Berea-Midpark High School
Chef Katherine Mederos (Randolph) is a rising star in the Miami, Florida culinary scene. She has an associate degree in Pastry Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Management from the Culinary Institute of America. After spending a couple years in the New York City area working for a local restaurant and catering company, she relocated to Miami in March of 2020. For two years, she helped run E&P DMPLNGS, a successful pop-up dim-sum spot, and later opened Kojin Miami with her now husband, Chef Pedro Mederos. This Michelin rated new dining hot spot features Japanese small plates and decadent desserts prepared by Co-owner and Executive Pastry Chef Katherine Mederos. Check out this video featuring Chef Mederos prepared by our Broadcasting & Video Production students at Berea-Midpark High School!
“Polaris connected me to the culinary field beginning in my junior year, and I haven’t looked back…what an amazing opportunity!”
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THEN: Polaris Class of 2013 Electronics & Alternative Energy, North Olmsted High School
“At Polaris, I learned from a true professional. The broad exposure and career guidance I received from my teacher and mentor paved the way for my career success.” After visiting Lincoln Electric on a Polaris field trip, Peter Yelko knew that’s where he wanted to work someday. Well that someday is NOW! After graduating from Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Yelko was placed into the Lincoln Electric Engineering Development Program for one year. After completing that assignment, he was moved into the engineering department as a plant engineer. Today, he works in the wiring group in Mentor as an electrical engineer.
POLARIS FINANCIAL UPDATE By Mike Robinson, Treasurer
Polaris continues to operate under sound and transparent fiscal practices. Due in large part to the support of local taxpayers, Polaris has been able to continue preparing students for in-demand careers despite the challenges of the last few years. Our career center offers students an engaging learning environment complete with access to technology, tools and field experiences that prepare students for real-world opportunities. The charts below show where the center’s revenue is generated and where the funds are spent. Each expense is carefully reviewed and approved to provide maximum impact where it matters most – in the classrooms and experiences we provide to our students.
EXPENSE REPORT FOR YTD 2022 $257,421 $790,446
$146,399
$60,000
It should also be noted that the Polaris Adult Education department also provides critical job training skills to adult learners as well as popular personal enrichment classes for the community. Polaris strives for strong and transparent fiscal management of all our departments and programs. Evidence of this is the district receiving the Ohio Auditor of State award for financial reporting for six straight years. We invite our residents and taxpayers to visit www.polaris.edu/financials to access the most up-to-date fiscal information. We are grateful for an engaged and informed community that continues to value education and lifelong learning.
Scan to View Polaris financial information.
Both charts below reflect financial data through May 31, 2022.
REVENUE REPORT FOR YTD 2022 $392,214 $486,441
$1,236,754 $4,419,478
$7,517,974
$10,118,028
$2,863,234
Salaries
General Property Tax (Real Estate)
Benefits
State Funding
Purchased Services
Tangible Personal Property Tax
Supplies and Materials
All Other Revenues
State and County Fees Capital Outlay Operating Transfers-Out
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ADULT JOB AND CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS – A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS! Our 14 adult job and career training programs are designed to prepare you for many of today’s leading occupations and give you the skills you need to find the job that’s right for you. Featured program:
• Automotive Service Technician • Building Maintenance • Cardiographic Technician • Cosmetology Academy • Dental Assisting • Early Child Care Education/Child Development Associate (CDA) • Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
• Manicurist • Medical Assisting • Medical Billing & Coding • Phlebotomy Certification • Police Academy • Precision/CNC Machine Technology • Welding
We’re currently enrolling for fall. Contact Theresa TODAY at 440.891.7697 or tliska@polaris.edu to arrange a personal tour or visit www.polaris.edu/jobtraining for more information.
YOU’RE INVITED! ADULT OPEN HOUSE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Explore our adult job and career training programs and learn more about financial aid options, the tuition payment plan and federal student loans. Call 440.891.7697 for more details.
COMING THIS FALL! Our Adult Education department offers hundreds of classes designed to help you enhance your skills, prepare for new career opportunities or discover new hobbies and interests. Here’s a preview of what’s coming this fall: • Breaking Through Writer’s Block • Business Communication Practices • Business Strategies for the Competitive Advantage • Expanded Weekend Warrior Series – Now including classes in masonry, painting and HVAC! • Kids Cook with Fran – Celebrating Grandparent’s Day and the fall/winter holidays 14 | COMPASS
• • • • • • • •
Leadership Communication Negotiating for a Win-Win Outcome Painted Wine Glasses Voice-Acting – Getting Paid to Talk Windows: Basic Windows: File Management Windows: Internet Wire-Wrapped Decorative Serving Pieces
Register online at polaris.edu/register or call 440.891.7600 for additional information.
Photo courtesy of Baldwin Wallace University
BALDWIN WALLACE PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS This spring, Baldwin Wallace University and the Polaris Criminal Justice (CJ) program finalized an articulation agreement of alignment between programs. Students from the CJ program who matriculate to BW after high school graduation will be awarded 16 college credits at no cost. To qualify, students are required to pass the Polaris high school program, be accepted to BW and pass their private security certification. In addition, the agreement was structured to allow students the opportunity to be awarded the college credits regardless of whether they were pursuing a Criminal Justice or related degree or not. The 16 college credits equate to a full-time semester of classes and approximately $18,125 in BW tuition savings! “We’re thrilled to offer this new pathway to our students. It saves them time and money and connects them with a great institution right here in our backyard,” says Robert Timmons, Polaris Superintendent. Three Polaris Criminal Justice students, Alexandria Beck, Mia Davis and Stephanie Mraz, all from Strongsville High
School, are taking full advantage of this new partnership and pursuing degrees at BW. Alexandria was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship of $17,000 a year for four years. Mia was awarded the Trustee’s Scholarship of $19,000 a year for four years. Stephanie was awarded the Presidential Scholarship of $21,000 a year for four years. “This is an amazing opportunity. We’re excited to see these three young ladies choose this career path and begin their college experience at BW,” Timmons adds.
“We’re thrilled to offer this new pathway to our students. It saves them time and money and connects them with a great institution right here in our backyard.” - ROBERT TIMMONS, SUPERINTENDENT
In accordance with Title VI of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Polaris Career Center’s policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, ancestry, economic status, military status, or age in its educational programs, activities, services or employment policies. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of legally acquired genetic information. If you have a problem or have questions or concerns regarding compliance with Title IX or Section 504, contact: Assistant Superintendent, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, 440.891.7600. COMPASS | 15
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OH PERMIT NO. 2280 7285 Old Oak Boulevard Middleburg Heights, OH 44130-3375 440.891.7600 www.polaris.edu
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2022 POLARIS BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Neal Postel, President Berea City School District
Mr. James Oper Brooklyn City School District
Dr. Joanna DeMarco Olmsted Falls City School District
Mrs. Michelle Bissell, Vice President Mrs. Jennifer Bolander Strongsville City School District Fairview Park City School District
Mr. Robert Timmons, Superintendent Polaris Career Center
Mr. Rocky Neale Brooklyn City School District
Mr. Mike Robinson, Treasurer Polaris Career Center
Mr. Tom Herbster North Olmsted City School District
INSIDE –
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Catching up with four former star students! Pages 11-12
“Polaris gave me a strong foundation that will always serve as a key to my long-term success.” - JOHN SPRAGG
JOHN SPRAGG
POLARIS CLASS OF 2018 CRIMINAL JUSTICE
SARAH COCHRAC
POLARIS CLASS OF 2013 MEDICAL PROFESSIONS
CHEF KATHERINE MEDEROS (RANDOLPH) POLARIS CLASS OF 2017 BAKING & PASTRY ARTS
PETER YELKO
POLARIS CLASS OF 2013 ELECTRONICS & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
