Celebrating its 43rd year, the Shaker Schools Foundation, established in 1981, was the first foundation in Ohio to support a public school system.
The Foundation supports program enrichment and expanded opportunities for learning not covered by tax dollars.
Since its inception, the Shaker Schools Foundation has raised over $12M in support of students and teachers in the Shaker Heights City School District.
FOUNDATION STAFF
Holly McCormick, Executive Director
Laura Orazi, Director of Development
Erica Verderber, Senior Administrative Assistant
Megan Hanger, Development Associate
Marla Walker, Marketing & Communications
DISTRICT STAFF
Sharon Galin, Alumni Liaison
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024 2025
Cathy Zbanek, President, Class of ’91
Jonas Ng, Vice President
Christopher Hunter, Treasurer
Barbara Nolan, Secretary, Class of ’85
Ramona Lowery-Ferrell, Class of ’89
Community Engagement Liaison
Jennifer Lawry Adams, Class of ’88
Eileen Anderson
Alison Bibb-Carson, Board of Ed, Class of ’95
Michael Bowen, Class of ’05
Kevin L. Clayton, Class of ’77
Nicol Coxon
Mity Fowler
Mark Freeman, Life Member
David Glasner, Superintendent
Christine Medvedev
Cliff Mendelsohn, Class of ’94
Jay Morgan, Class of ’87
Phillip Rowland-Seymour, Class of ’93
Scott Shelfer
Tricia Stevenson
Carter Strang
Brittany Webb, Class of ’02
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Anne Borchert, Chair
Joanie Adler, Class of ’58
Maxine Isaacs, Class of ’65
Kathryn Jones
Peter Lawson Jones, Class of ’71
Barb Miller
Zachary Paris
Terry Pollack
Jennifer Proe, Class of ’85
Deborah Ratner, Emeritus
Ronald Ratner, Class of ’65
Susan Ratner, Class of ’64
Robin Weaver
Caroline Weingart
Steve Weitzner, Class of ’83
Mariama Whyte, Class of ’93
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Lora Cover, President
Alison Bibb-Carson
Pamela Scott
Douglas Wang
Heather Weingart
SHAKER SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
15600 Parkland Drive
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120
(216) 295-4329
Tax ID #34-1351470
shakerschoolsfoundation.org
Dear Friends of the Shaker Schools Foundation, We’re excited to join together—both past and current presidents—to thank you for the incredible impact you’ve made through your support. This year’s theme, Educate, Empower, Explore, Engage, perfectly captures the heart of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. Your generosity has opened up so many doors for Shaker students, giving them the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed in and beyond the classroom.
Whether it’s helping a student explore new interests, empowering them with the confidence to take on new challenges, or providing opportunities that enrich their education, your contributions have made a real difference. Because of you, Shaker students can engage with experiences that inspire them and prepare them for the future. These aren’t just words on a page—they represent the lives you’re changing every day.
As we reflect on all we’ve achieved and look ahead to what’s next, we want to thank you for standing with us. Your commitment to our mission means the world to us— and even more to the students you’re empowering to dream big and reach their potential. We couldn’t do it without you!
With gratitude,
Carter Strang
Cathy Zbanek PAST PRESIDENT PRESIDENT
Parent, Class of ‘99, ‘01, ‘04 & ‘06 grads Class of ‘91
Grandparent, Class of ‘34 & beyond
Parent, Class of ‘23 grad & Class of ‘26 student
MISSION
The Shaker Schools Foundation supports all Shaker Heights City Schools students by cultivating community resources to advance equitable access and enhance opportunities in and out of the classroom.
VALUES
• Each student is valued.
• Each student feels included.
• Diversity makes us stronger.
• Community engagement is vital.
• We are committed to inclusive decision making.
Woodbury MAC Sister Scholars participate in the designExplorr program.
Investing in Education
These numbers are a testament to the generosity of our donors, the careful stewardship of our resources, and our community’s commitment to educational excellence.
Shaker Schools Foundation Financial Statement
Fiscal Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
RECEIPTSCONTRIBUTIONS
$739,519
Cash & Investments (at market, beginning of year 7/1/23) $5,301,966
Cash & Investments (at market, end of year 6/30/24) $6,009,573
We are proud to share how your support makes an impact:
• Over 350 students received direct support through travel assistance, Level the Playing Field, or Beyond the Desk opportunity assistance scholarships.
• The Foundation supported over 130 projects and enrichment grants that enhanced learning by funding field trips, author visits, classroom resources, and more.
• Over 700 students benefited from the new Fashion Design Courses at the High School and Design & Inquiry Courses at the Middle School supported by the Foundation.
• Shaker Schools Foundation was proud to fund supplies for design labs and sensory spaces throughout the District, empowering STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and SEL (social-emotional learning).
EXPLORING THE WORLD
Our students’ thoughts on traveling abroad
“A trip I’ll be looking back on until the end. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity that Shaker has given me, and I hope many other people will be able to experience it.”
- Japan 2024
“Immersed in a Spanish-speaking country, I practiced Spanish, explored new culture, and made unforgettable memories with classmates, teachers, guides, and locals.”
- Costa Rica 2024
“…the trip made me realize that no matter where we come from, we can always find ways to relate to one another. And I am so happy I am still in contact with many of the students I met.”
- South Africa 2024
In 2023-2024, the
Foundation was pleased to support trips to Chile, Costa
Rica, Goslar, Japan, South Africa, and Vietnam.
The Foundation supported the students who traveled for the first time to South Africa with the South African Cultural Exchange (SACE) team, an initiative of Shaker Heights City School District’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Building an International Travel Endowment Fund
Each year, Shaker High School students have the opportunity to participate in international travel through cultural exchange programs, service learning, and performance tours.
The Shaker Schools Foundation has embarked on a $500,000 campaign to provide more life-changing opportunities for all Shaker Heights High School students who wish to experience international travel. Growing the International Travel Endowment Fund allows the Shaker Schools Foundation to extend the benefits of international travel to more Shaker students, strengthening inclusivity and diversity within the program.
To help a Shaker student see the world by eliminating financial barriers, visit shakerschoolsfoundation.org/student-travel-donations.
Shaker’s hands-on Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Classes are preparing students for successful transitions to college or careers.
The four courses in the pathway provide rigorous education along with skill development and workforce credentials that ensures that students are career ready.
In the 2023-2024 school year, the Foundation provided a classroom set of Snap-On Precision Measurement tools, elevating hands-on learning experiences. These state-of-the-art tools ensure that our students not only gain proficiency in technical measurements but also earn industry-level certifications. A Bridgeport milling machine, another equipment addition, provides our students with practical training and industry relevant skills. Milling machines are used to cut or drill solid materials, such as metal, and to cut, bore, and drill gears, threads, and slots.
Experience with these tools help students heading directly into the workforce as well as those pursuing degrees in architecture, manufacturing, and engineering.
New state-of-the art tools, certification, and career education offerings
TOP-NOTCH TOOLS
WRITING THEIR OWN STORY
Supporting girls at Woodbury & Boulevard
Empowering young
girls through positive relationships and career exposure can have a transformative impact on their lives.
The Girls Empowerment Group was launched for Boulevard’s and Woodbury’s young women to help them overcome barriers and achieve their potential while providing self confidence and important social skills.
The program introduces mentors from a variety of careers and provides the students with connections to trusted adults, time with friends, and academic support. Sponsoring a trip to a Cavs game and interactive workshops by designExplorr to tackle problem-solving challenges. Boulevard’s group teamed up with their MAC Scholar Sisters to write and illustrate a book.
The groups enjoyed hearing from alumni speakers who shared their Shaker stories and how they followed their passions in their selected careers. Learning and having fun is a great combination!
EXPLORING ART & CULTURE
A visit by author
Angela Dominguez
K-4 students enjoy language and literature enrichment
Award-winning author and illustrator, Angela Dominguez, visited students at all five of Shaker’s elementary schools in March 2024. Her bilingual books provided an opportunity to explore Spanish language and Mexican culture.
During the week-long residency, she spent a day at each school reading and having discussions with students about how she brought the main character in her popular books, Stella Diaz, to life. She also walked the students through the creation of an illustration. One group had her draw an octopus wearing a hat and scarf in the grassy plains!
These sessions were made possible through a grant from GDP Group Employees Foundation, the Shaker Schools Foundation, and the libraries of the Shaker Heights Schools.
THINK GLOBALLY
Woodbury French classes engaged in Senegalese culture and French language
A benefit of Shaker’s involvement in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is that students are encouraged to think globally and learn about different cultures. In Ms. Radefeld’s 6th Grade French Class, students learn about the diversity of the French-speaking world and about French-speaking cultures in Africa.
Ms. Radefeld’s class was treated to a great in-school field trip by members of the Djapo Cultural Arts Institute. This featured interactive lessons on the importance of drumming, dancing, and singing as a communication tool in French-speaking Senegal. Dancers and musicians taught the students traditional Senegalese folkloric dance, as well as rhythms on a drum called the djembe. A variety of French terms were used during the instruction.
After the workshop, students discussed en français how they felt about the experience. The Shaker Schools Foundation was pleased to support this engaging experience that expanded students’ perspectives of the French-speaking world.
The Foundation was proud to support the launch of a new Design Cycle class led by Mr. Jeremy Bishko, where Middle School students investigated food insecurity and studied its impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Students practiced and reduced food waste through lacto-fermentation, the oldest and safest method of preserving food. The students learned to lacto-ferment fruits and vegetables by making mustards, pickles, and hot sauce.
The response to the class has been enthusiastic! Mr. Bishko shared, “Rarely in my teaching career have I seen students so eager to engage more deeply with our class activities. I encountered a group of students who were eagerly ‘bugging’ me for more and varied fermentation projects. It’s the highest compliment to a teacher when students are hungry for more learning. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Shaker Schools Foundation.”
DESIGNING HANDS-ON
FASHION FORWARD
A new “fashionable” program at the High School
The High School’s new Fashion Design curriculum, introduced in the 2023-2024 school year, was developed in collaboration with Kent State University School of Fashion.
This course provides students with practical skills while fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and career exploration. Ninety students registered for its inaugural offering in fall 2023.
There are two courses in the sequence: Fiber Arts, where students develop skills in fabric dyeing, embroidery, needle point, knitting, and sewing, and Fashion Design, which focuses on fashion template models and designing garments. The Foundation purchased the equipment for the fashion design room, including sewing machines, mannequins, cutting mats, and more.
At the end of the year, the art students hosted their annual show, Art Exposed, that highlighted their skills and hard work across all art disciplines. The fashion design students showcased sustainable fashions inspired by the elements—earth, wind, fire, and water.
ENRICHMENT GRANTS
Supporting teachers, coaches, advisors, and more
The Shaker Schools Foundation’s Enrichment Grant Program (formerly Teacher Grants) supports projects that enhance student learning and participation such as field trips, special art supplies, additional classroom resources, teaching tools, and special cultural events.
Staff members submit an online grant request and receive mini-grants of $50–$500 per project.
District administrators collaborate with Foundation staff on larger grant requests.
Learn more at shakerschoolsfoundation.org/staff
OPPORTUNITY ASSISTANCE
Over 200 student activities funded in 2023-2024
The Opportunity Assistance grant program provides direct support to Shaker families by helping to remove barriers to participation in extracurricular activities and youth sports.
The Shaker Schools Foundation promotes greater diversity and inclusion in afterschool and summer activities for Shaker students by offering two different scholarships:
LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD: Supporting youth sports including football, cheer, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, rock climbing, crew, fencing, gymnastics, ski club, and more.
BEYOND THE DESK: Supporting extracurriculars including art, dance, cooking, chess, group music classes, STEAM camps, and more.
Learn more at shakerschoolsfoundation.org/student-scholarships
CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI & SCHOOLS
At the Woodbury Community Celebration in May 2024 we welcomed Shaker alumni, families, and current and retired staff. It was a special opportunity to gather as the school closes for extensive renovations. When it reopens, this building will be home to all Shaker 6th-8th graders.
Learn more about Shaker’s Long-Term Master Facilities Plan at shaker.org.
The Onaway Centennial Celebration, held in October 2023, provided a walk down memory lane for our alumni and retired staff. There were photos, yearbooks, and memorabilia celebrating Onaway’s 100 years of education.
Barbara Millican, Class of 1963, shares her kindergarten photo from Onaway.
Shaker staff and teachers: Shenita Siggers (Class of 2003), Jessica Agler, Veronica Malone (Class of 2003), Chante Thomas.
Shaker Class Reunions
Each year alumni return to Shaker for milestone reunions where they reminisce and reconnect with their classmates. Again and again, Shaker alumni share how their experiences at Shaker Schools shaped their future.
2023 Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame
In November 2023 we celebrated the incredible achievements of eight members of the 2023 Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame. Common themes were an appreciation for having grown up in Shaker Heights and the exceptional education provided by Shaker Schools. Each experience was unique, but Shaker was part of the foundation for each honoree’s future success. The class included Kevin Clayton, ‘77; the Honorable Ellen Rippner Cohen, ‘58; Aisha Fraser, In Memoriam, ‘91; James A. Goldsmith, ‘73; Heather Hanson, ‘95; Michael Jeans, ‘92; Russell Stokes, ‘89; and Ellen McWilliams-Woods, Ph.D., ‘80.
Please see our website for information about the 2024 inductees. Nominations for the 2025 Hall of Fame will open in January 2025. We hope you will nominate outstanding alumni that you want to recognize.
Shaker grads, please join us when it is your reunion time! Visit shakerschoolsfoundation.org/alumni to update your contact information and to find out if your class has scheduled a reunion.
Alumni Feature:
Ramona Lowery-Ferrell, Class of ‘89
Shaker Schools Foundation board member, Ramona Lowery-Ferrell, is also a proud member of a three-generation Shaker Schools family. She is the daughter of an alum and a parent to an alum and a current Shaker Heights High School junior.
Ramona is an amazing ambassador for the Foundation. Her personal passion is to provide STEM opportunities for students, with an emphasis on students of color. She does this through her volunteer work with NSBE Jr. (National Society of Black Engineers) and ACE Mentoring (Architecture, Construction & Engineering). She serves as the Foundation’s Community Liaison where she engages her wealth of professional contacts to support our Shaker students. The Foundation is grateful for her leadership and commitment to Shaker Schools.
Class of 2004 reunion attendees
ENGAGED DONORS GROW THE LEGACY
We are grateful to our amazing donors who are building a legacy for the next generation of Shaker students.
Your Planned Gift can provide for the future works of the Shaker Schools Foundation through:
• Bequest from a will or trust
• Life insurance policy or annuity
• Retirement assets (IRA, 401K)
• Current gift of $5,000 or more to the Legacy Fund or other existing endowed fund
• Establishment of a new named fund with a gift or pledge of $10,000 or more. Income from named funds helps support programs, celebrate achievement, and enhance inclusivity for Shaker students.
View our named funds at shakerschoolsfoundation.org/named-funds.
Questions?
Contact Holly McCormick, Executive Director 216.295.4325, or email mccormick_h@shaker.org.
The Legacy Society
As of 10/8/24
Stuart Abrams
Ruth S. Affelder
Reading Fund
Eileen Anderson
Herbert Ascherman, Jr.
Christine Auginas
Joan Ball
Deborah Beim
Cathy Belk
Kate Blaszak
George &
Margaret Cannon
Bill & Jennifer Clawson
Deborah Cowan
Mr. & Mrs. Rand M. Curtiss
James Deutchman
Sarajane & Sam Dolinsky
Susan Fainstein
Dr. Mark Freeman
Estate of M. L. Freidman
Ann & Scott Garson
Steven & Gail Goldfarb
Grant Kohn Goodman
Fiona & Matthew Green
Derek Green
Linda & John Hallbauer
Ayesha Bell Hardaway
Betty & Karl Hess
Estate of Dorothy
Humel Hovorka
Rick & Annie Hubbard
Chris & Maria Hunter
Estate of Helen L. Ittner
Robin D. Johnson
Kathryn & J. Stephen Jones
Nancy & Bernard Karr
Amy Kerr Thome & Stephen Thome
Adam Lehman & Belinda Krifcher
Matthew & Julie Lehman
Dr. & Mrs. Gilbert Lowenthal
Neil & Susan Luria
Abe & Barb Miller
John S. Murphy
Nancy Silber Pickus
Dorothea & Michael Polster
Judge Dan A. Polster & Ms. Deborah A. Coleman
Jonathan & Nancy Polster
Lisa & Sean Richardson
Sauerland Foundation
Paul Sauerland
SHHS Class of 1967
Philip & Shuara Shands
Sue Starrett
Craig Stout
Deedra & Carter Strang
Brian S. Sullivan
Annette Tucker
Sutherland & J. Mark Sutherland
Stasia Vavruska
Holly & Doug Wang
Robin Weaver
Fred Widen
Thomas Wise
Cathy & Brian Zbanek
Three Generations Margot Russo Tomer, Class of ‘99, Nora Tomer, current Shaker student, Lindsey Rice Cassidy, Class of ‘72
MAKE AN IMPACT!
Gifts from alumni, parents, and community members provide resources, access, and opportunity for Shaker students!
Your gift to the Advancing Shaker Annual Appeal supports:
• Classroom Learning - technology for hands-on learning, resources for social emotional learning programs, supplies and equipment for new curriculum
• Innovative Teaching - enrichment grants for field trips, author visits, and other tools for creative study and exploration
• Opportunities for All - direct student support for K-12 extracurricular activities and youth sports, and assistance for international high school travel
• Career Exploration - entrepreneurship, mentoring, job-shadowing, and leadership experiences
Educate Empower Explore Engage
Help us ensure that every child in the Shaker Heights Schools has the opportunity to thrive!
GIVE ONLINE
Visit shakerschoolsfoundation.org, select “donate,” and choose where you would like to direct your gift.
BY MAIL
Mail your contribution to: Shaker Schools Foundation
15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
WANT TO HELP SHAKER STUDENTS
SOAR?
RECURRING DONATIONS
Small recurring gifts make a big difference in providing extra resources for Shaker students. You can set up a monthly or quarterly donation. Visit us at shakerschoolsfoundation.org/donate for more information
HONOR OR MEMORY
You may designate your gift in honor or memory of a special Shaker teacher, student, classmate or loved one.
This year we are also building an International Travel Endowment Fund to extend the benefits of international travel to more Shaker High School students and to ensure a perpetual funding source for travel assistance.
Visit shakerschoolsfoundation.org/travel-assistance for more information and to donate.
QUESTIONS?
Call 216-295-4329 or email Laura Orazi, Director of Development, at orazi_l@shaker.org.
The Shaker Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible.
34-1351470
Thank you to our 2023 Partners
By investing in education, these corporations, foundations, and organizations are not just funding classrooms, they’re sowing seeds for a stronger community. They contribute to Shaker Schools Foundation because they believe in creating opportunities and shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
A Griffin Legacy Foundation
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Arminius Foundation
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
AVI Foodsystems
Bellefaire JCB
Blue Tree Coaching
BNY Mellon Charitable
The Botnick Law Firm
The Brandon Family Foundation
Calvetta Brothers Floor Show
Campbell’s Soup Company
Cardinal Charitable Foundation
Carol Nursery School
Charities Aid Foundation
City of Shaker Heights
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Foundation
Copy King Inc.
CustomInk
Cuyahoga County
Double Good
Enbody Weight Loss and Wellness
The Esther and Hyman
Rapport Philanthropic Trust
Expedia
Farrell Roofing
The Garland Company
Gilbane Building Company
Glaus, Pyle, Schomer, Burns & DeHaven, Inc.
Greater Houston Community Foundation
The Harry K. Fox and Emma R. Fox Charitable Foundation
Hogan Transportation
The Horowitz Ratner
Family Foundation
Huntington National Bank
Impact Assets
Independence Business Supply
J. Pistone Market & Gathering Place
James & Susan Ratner
Family Foundation
Jewish Federation of Cleveland
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Karlovec & Company
Design/Build Remodel
KeyBank National Association
League of Women
Voters Shaker Heights Chapter
Lewis and Ruth Affelder Fund
Love Insurance Agency
The Lubrizol Foundation
The Lozick Family Foundation
Maloney + Novotny LLC
Marrow Fine Jewelers
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Microsoft
Modern Yoga
MRI Software Foundation
Nederlandse School
Cleveland Inc.
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
Park Synagogue Sisterhood
Parker Hannifin Foundation
Procurement Team
Renaissance Charitable
Ronald and Deborah Ratner Family Foundation
Sangree Foundation
Sauerland Foundation
Schwab Charitable Trust
Sgt. Clean Car Wash
Shaker Arts Council
Shaker Heights City School District
Shaker Heights Teachers’ Association
Shaker Heights Youth Center, Inc.
Shaker Raiders Football Booster Club
Shaker Sports Boosters
SHCSD Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Sherwin-Williams Foundation
Solon Orthodontics
Squire Patton Boggs LLP
StepStone Group
Stifel Nicolaus
TransUnion
Tucker Ellis LLP
Ulmer & Berne LLP
University Tees
Uvas Foundation
Vanguard Charitable
The Veale Foundation
Wayfair LLC
WeFund4u
Weston Hurd LLP
Wilkoff & Sons LLC
We can’t wait for the opening of the Ludlow Learning Center in Fall 2025! The Foundation be supporting the new preschool playground.
Each year, the Shaker Schools Foundation helps more students have the opportunity for international travel. Italy, Cambodia and Germany are just a few of this year’s trips!
We’re continuing to make connections companies that can provide equipment internships to help our students opportunities.
LOOKING AHEAD
Here are just a few of the projects we’re working on this year…
We’re creating a book featuring the murals that students have painted on the walls at Shaker Heights High School over the years.
The Foundation is supporting a new makerspace in the Middle School library, utilizing some of the equipment that was brought over from Woodbury Elementary.
connections with equipment and students with career
Ludlow Early Foundation will playground.
Jason Miller
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
It might have been the 32nd annual A Night for the Red & White, but it was the very first time we celebrated at Shaker Heights High School. The school was transformed into an elegant venue for our gala fundraiser. The event featured student musical performances, K-12 Art Show, our co-emcees, Mariama Whyte (Class of ‘93) and David Pogue (Class of ‘81), dinner, dancing, raffle, and silent auction.
Our thanks to the Shaker community who came out to support Every Student, Every Grade, Every School. More than 500 guests (99 first time attendees and young alums!) exceeded our $40,000 donation goal for the evening and raised $53,317 to support PreK-12th grade student opportunities.
