Superintendent’s Corner

I can’t believe another school year is coming to a close. This is the time the schools are busy wrapping up the year, which includes honoring a bunch of great kids, teachers and volunteers. As we wind down another year, I am constantly grateful for the opportunity to serve in the best school district in Ohio!

Senior Awards

On May 5, students in the Nordonia High School Class of 2022 were honored at the annual awards assembly. As of the writing of this column, NHS seniors have won more than $11.6 million in scholarships, including more than $62,000 in local scholarships. Thanks to the generous employees of the Nordonia Schools, students were awarded scholarships from the Nordonia Hills Educators Association, OAPSE Local #246 and the central office staff. 

A variety of local organizations also awarded scholarships. We have so many generous donors; I risk leaving someone off this extensive list. However, thanks to Friends of the Nordonia Hills Library; Nordonia Athletic Boosters; the Nordonia Club; Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills; the Nordonia Hills Garden Club; Nordonia Hills Kiwanis; Nordonia Hills Lion’s Club; the Nordonia Alumni Association; the Nordonia Hills Council of PTAs; the Olde Northfield Historic Preservation Association; Macedonia Firefighter’s Association; Brandywine Players; Nordonia Schools Foundation; and the PTAs of Ledgeview Elementary, Lee Eaton, Nordonia High School, Nordonia Middle School, Northfield Elementary and Rushwood Elementary for providing support to our graduates as they head off to college.

Many scholarships were also granted by individuals, or in memoriam of individuals. Again, the list is so long I risk forgetting someone, but thanks to these individuals or their families for their generosity: Mayor Migliorini; Nancy Fike; Chuck Sterling; Thomas and Debra Dirmyer; William Boliantz; the Gardiner family; the Martin family; the Pendleton family; Christine and Guido DiGeronimo; Oliver Ocasek; Robert and Janet McMinn; Roger A. Forman; Ray and Joyce Day Travnik; Jeanne and Emery Muncie; Kathy Kotecki; Ann Kah; and the Bernard Hovan family. The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me.

PTA Installation and Recognition Dinner

The annual Nordonia PTA/PTSA Installation and Recognition ceremony was held on May 10 at the NHS auditorium. The annual event recognizes Educators of the Year, Helping Hands awardees and Ohio PTA Achievements recipients.

Outstanding Educators recognized were: Stephanie York (NHS); Mary Tatton (NMS); Jackie Olesky (Lee Eaton); Allison Host (Ledgeview); Goksu Kretch (Rushwood); and Katie Patterson (Northfield). In addition, Goksu Kretch was named the Nordonia Educator of the Year and will represent us at the PTA District 13 level.

The Ohio PTA Achievement Award is the highest honor a PTA can bestow upon an individual. It is awarded to someone who has given outstanding service to children and youth, such as serving as an advocate for children in health, education, safety or legislation. The following individuals received PTA Achievement Awards at the May 10 event: Angie Stone (Ledgeview); Bob Zurbolo (Northfield); Tina Pudelski (Rushwood); and Nicole Seward (NHS). 

The Helping Hands Award is given to an involved PTA member who offers support, has made a positive impact on the lives of children, has participated in activities involving children and youth, and is dedicated to the mission and purposes of the PTA. At the May 10 celebration, Helping Hands Awards were presented to: Melinda Varian (NMS, Lee Eaton and Ledgeview); Amanda Schaub (NHS); Allyson Lehman and Stephanie Schmid (Rushwood); and Kari Zawadski (Northfield). 

The “T” in PTA Award is given to a certified educator who is an involved and supportive PTA member that has made a positive impact on the lives of children and is dedicated to the mission of PTA: to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. This year’s winners are: Dr. Rachel Vitale (NMS); Carol Tonsing (Lee Eaton); and Kris Cottrell (Ledgeview).

Congratulations to all of our student, parent, and educator award winners! As always, thanks for supporting the Nordonia Schools, have a great month, and remember to follow me on Twitter @JoeSuperintend1. ∞