In-Flight
Superintendent's Message
Thanks for taking some time to read through our winter newsletter. As you flip through the pages, I encourage you to reflect on what each story represents— the positive impact of a strong public education system right here in Alliance. Every achievement highlighted, from the creation of the new Alliance High School Aviatrix to the accomplishments of our girls wrestling team at Top Gun, is a testament to the high performance, the leadership, and the caring citizenship that make Alliance City Schools exceptional.
In ACS, we are relentless in providing opportunities that prepare every student for life, college, and careers. Whether it’s the hands-on learning experiences in our Career Tech programs at Alliance High School, the leadership development happening at Alliance Middle School, or the strong academic foundations being built at our elementary and early learning schools,
each initiative reflects our commitment to student success. These efforts, supported by our incredible employees, families, and community partners, ensure that every Aviator is equipped to soar.
Our students are not just learning—they are engaging in the learning process, and learning to be caring citizens as well. I encourage you all to engage with our school district. Our strong public education system makes our whole community successful, and it likewise takes the support of our whole community to keep our schools a great place to learn!
Rob Gress Superintendent of Schools
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ACS Preventing Chronic Absenteeism Sampson Receives First Compass Award
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Kindergarteners Learn About Careers U.S. News and World Report
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Upcoming Events Growing Gardens
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Diversity Night Culinary Arts to Open Fall 2025
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Royal Aviation Brings Record Number of Schools Aviatrix Takes the Stage
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Alumni Spotlight - Ricky Frazer '03 Girls Wrestling Dominates
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ACS Administrative Changes AMS Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.
ACS Works to Prevent Chronic Absenteeism
Alliance City Schools, along with several other districts in the county and the Stark County Educational Service Center, has partnered with the Office of the Stark County Prosecutor to hire a special prosecutor in an effort to reduce truancy in schools.
Mary Slanczka has been appointed as the special prosecutor to oversee truancy cases, helping to educate families and hold students and parents accountable for chronic absenteeism. She works closely with the partnering districts, assisting in addressing attendance issues before they escalate to legal intervention.
"We hired a special prosecutor to help ensure our students are in school every day,” said Shawn Jackson, Director of Secondary Education. “The goal isn't to punish parents, but to support families in overcoming challenges that prevent regular attendance. When students are in school, they have the best chance to learn, grow and build a brighter future."
Chronic absenteeism has been a focus of Alliance City Schools for years. A student is considered chronically absent if they have missed 10% or more of the school year, whether those absences are excused or unexcused. Studies show that regular attendance directly impacts student success, including higher state test scores, better college and career preparation, and an increased likelihood of graduating on time.
“Coming to school every day is really important for students to do their best in school and in life,” Jackson explained. “When kids
attend school often, they learn more, make friends, and get better at solving problems. Young kids who come to school regularly do better in reading and working with others. By third grade, students who miss a lot of school may have a harder time reading at their grade level. As they get older, missing too much school can lead to lower grades and make it harder to graduate high school. Going to school every day helps students stay on track, feel connected, and prepare for a bright future.”
Oftentimes, barriers prevent students from attending school regularly. These challenges may include health issues, transportation difficulties, or a lack of necessary resources. The district's goal is to work closely with families to identify and address these barriers, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to attend school consistently.
Before a truancy case reaches the special prosecutor, the district takes multiple proactive steps to assist with attendance concerns:
• The district employs a court liaison who builds relationships with families to help them overcome attendance challenges.
• Each school building has an attendance team that meets with chronically absent students and their families to develop personalized solutions.
• A district-wide attendance team focuses on implementing best practices to reduce absenteeism across all schools.
The more Aviators are in school, the more they can learn, grow, and thrive. By prioritizing attendance and offering support, Alliance City Schools remains committed to preparing students for life, college, and careers.
Sampson Receives First Compass Award
Misty Sampson was recognized with Alliance City Schools’ first-ever Compass Award. The award was created to honor staff members who have excelled in teaching or modeling one or more of the district’s core values. Sampson, a dedicated ACS staff member for the past 29 years, has made a tremendous impact on both staff and students as a teacher and now as a member of the district technology team.
“I selected Misty for her leadership with Techvemberfest,” said Superintendent Rob Gress. “She has taken a huge amount of initiative to ensure the district-wide technology professional development day is a productive use of staff members’ time and keeps ACS focused on staying progressive in using and teaching technology.”
Sampson began her teaching career in 1996 at Liberty Elementary School, where she taught 4th and 5th grade science, social studies, and language arts. She has remained with the district throughout her career. When Liberty Elementary closed, she moved to Northside Elementary School, where she became the building’s Technology Resource Teacher (TRT)—a newly created position. In this role, she taught K-5 technology and trained staff on best practices for integrating technology into the classroom. Sampson later moved to Alliance Middle School as their TRT before transitioning to the administration building to become the district TRT and a member of the technology team.
“Although I didn’t attend ACS myself, Alliance has always been home to me,” Sampson said. “I’ve lived here my entire life, and my connection to ACS runs deep—my mom worked as an elementary school secretary in the district for 32 years. As a little girl, I loved helping her in the school, which sparked my admiration for this community. Alliance gave me an incredible opportunity when they took a chance on me as a 21-year-old new teacher. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring educators and staff, who have shaped my journey and
taught me so much.”
In her current role, Sampson brings an educational perspective to the technology department, allowing her to assess how new technology impacts staff members from all angles.
“I genuinely believe the ACS IT Team is second to none,” Sampson said. “Though we’re a small department, we share a unified vision and work seamlessly together to achieve it. Collectively, our team brings an impressive 99 years of experience in technology, which allows us to stay ahead of the curve and embrace cutting-edge advancements with confidence.”
Sampson emphasized that ACS has always been unafraid to take bold steps toward innovation, ensuring that both staff and students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed. One of the ways the technology team supports this mission is through Techvemberfest, an annual, all-day professional development event for ACS staff, which Sampson helps plan and execute each year. While the event has evolved over time, its purpose remains the same—to empower teachers and staff to make the most of available technology. The conference-style day features a variety of
sessions, led by ACS staff members and representatives from ACS’s technology partners.
“Since its inception, we’ve continually evolved Techvemberfest by adapting to staff feedback and ensuring it remains relevant to their needs,” Sampson explained. “Each year, we hear the same sentiment: Techvemberfest is the best professional development day of the year. It empowers teachers and staff by offering choices in what they learn, making the content directly applicable to their classrooms, and inspiring new ideas they can implement with students the very next day.”
Sampson’s dedication to keeping ACS progressive in technology integration has been instrumental in preparing all Aviators for life, college, and careers. As technology continues to evolve, it’s critical that students understand how to use it responsibly and effectively, ensuring they are both safe and successful beyond ACS.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be the first recipient of this award,” Sampson said. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of building my vision for technology from the ground up, supported by so many amazing people along the way. This recognition feels like a celebration of that shared journey. To me, this award represents not just my work, but the collective efforts of everyone who believed in and contributed to this vision of technology over the last 30 years. I am profoundly thankful to have spent my career at ACS, working alongside incredible staff and students. I truly feel that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Outside of work, Sampson enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their golden retriever, Ginny, who always keeps them laughing. She also loves spending time with her close family, being active in her church community, reading, binge-watching old comedy series, and vacationing in the Outer Banks, where she enjoys reading on the beach.
Kindergartners Learn About Careers
The last week of February was an exciting one for the kindergarten students at Alliance Early Learning School as they welcomed nearly a dozen visitors to share insights about their careers.
Career exploration is an important part of the kindergarten curriculum, and this annual event is designed to introduce some of the youngest Aviators to the wide range of career opportunities available to them in the future. The week concluded with Career Day, where students dressed up as the professionals they aspire to become when they grow up.
“Introducing career exploration in kindergarten is a fun and engaging way to help students learn about different careers while sparking curiosity and big dreams,” said Michelle Balderson, Director of Elementary Education. “Seeing the smiles on their faces as they dress up as their future career choices—such as doctors, chefs, teachers, beauticians, and auto mechanics—shows just how exciting and meaningful this experience is for them. It allows our kindergarten students to visualize themselves in a future career, making their aspirations feel real and achievable.”
Students proudly dressed as teachers, bakers, police officers, hairstylists, doctors, firefighters, archaeologists, and more!
Throughout the week, special guest speakers presented their professions to students, incorporating interactive elements to showcase what makes their careers fun and rewarding. Guest speakers included:
• Lieutenant Dave Bair – Alliance Police Department
• Judge Robert Lavery – Retired Judge
• Dr. Bob Woodward – Scientist & Professor at the University of Mount Union
• Tatiana Crockett – Code Enforcement Administrator
• Brian Stanick – Electrician
• Trent White – Owner of White Refrigeration
• Madi Gasparik – Emergency Room Nurse
• Dr. Nathan Hieb – Trauma Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
• Robert Fountain – Salon Owner & Cosmetology Teacher at Alliance High School
• Justin Summers – Factory Worker
• Dr. Megan Woodward – Pediatrician
Alliance City Schools is committed to preparing students for future careers, and that preparation starts early. By introducing career exploration in kindergarten, young students can begin to dream big and aspire to careers they may one day pursue after graduating from AHS.
AIS Recognized by U.S. News & World Report
Alliance Intermediate School (AIS) has been ranked one of the top Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings include more than 79,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country.
“This recognition is a formal acknowledgement of what I have always known about this school,” said Stephanie Garren, Principal of AIS. “In the eight years I have been the principal, I have worked with the most passionate, dedicated and caring people in my career; including staff, students, and families. This award is a community effort and should be celebrated by everyone, and I am beyond proud to be a part of it.”
AIS houses all 4th and 5th grade students attending Alliance City Schools.The methodology focuses on state assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are educating their students. Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the overall score.
“We are incredibly proud that AIS has been recognized as one of the best elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report,” said Michelle Balderson, Director of Elementary Education. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the AIS staff, who work together to build strong relationships, set high expectations and support students in reaching their full potential. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every student is challenged, encouraged and empowered to succeed. Congratulations AIS.”
The 2025 Best Elementary and Best Middle Schools rankings are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. For district-level rankings, at least two of the top performing schools must rank in the top 75% of the overall elementary or middle school rankings to qualify for district-level recognition.
“Schools play a vital role in our communities. Parents want to ensure that the schools their child attends provide a high-quality learning environment,” said LaMont Jones, Managing Editor for Education at U.S. News. “The 2025 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings not only offer accessible data but it also provides a valuable insight into how well elementary and middle schools are supporting and preparing students for high school.”
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers, and consumer products and services.
Upcoming Events
March
Thursday, Mar. 27
AHS Cosmetology Hair-A-Thon, 12-6 pm
AHS Parent/Teacher Conferences
AHS Musical, 7:30 pm
Friday, Mar. 28
Report Cards Distributed
AHS Musical, 7:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 29
AHS Musical, 7:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 30
AHS Musical, 3:30 pm
April
Thursday, Apr. 3
AP Parent/Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Apr. 8
AMS National Junior Honor Society Induction, 6:30 pm
Thursday, Apr. 10
AHS Jazz Festival, 7 pm
Saturday, Apr. 12
AHS Band Dinner Dance, 6 pm
Apr. 14-18
Spring Break
Saturday, Apr. 26
AHS Prom, 6 pm
Apr. 28 - May 2
ACS Fine Arts Showcase
May
Monday, May 5
AHS Senior Scholarship & Career Commitment Night, 7 pm
Tuesday, May 6
No School - Teacher Day
Wednesday, May 7
AHS Top 10% Dessert
Thursday, May 15
AMS Top 10% Banquet, 6 pm
Tuesday, May 20
ACS Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm
AHS Open Mic Night, 7 pm
Sunday, May 25
AHS Commencement, 2 pm
Monday, May 26
No School - Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 28
AHS Spring Sports Awards, 6 pm
Thursday, May 29
Last Day of School
AMS 8th Grade Promotion, 8 am
Growing Minds, Growing
Gardens
The students at Alliance Middle School are getting their hands dirty with the new AMS Garden Club. The club began this year under the guidance of AMS science teacher Nathan Morrison, who strives to teach students about the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency through the school's very own gardens.
Morrison grew up in a gardening culture where he learned the benefits of agriculture and self-sustainability He’s excited to share his agricultural knowledge with his students as they learn about the growing season, different types of plants, and how to properly tend the gardens to ensure a good crop.
The goal is to provide a fun and exciting wrinkle to the everyday classroom, along with incorporating gardening into the curriculum and eventually being able to provide for the school and the future Alliance High School Culinary Arts program, Morrison said.
During the warmer months, students tend to the garden, plant seeds, and harvest produce that’s ready for picking. They have learned about a variety of plants and vegetables and the specific needs of each one. From a science perspective, students have discussed how vegetative organisms reproduce and how natural selection can be a factor in species variation.
“The students love the idea of the gardens,” Morrison explained. “Almost every day, they ask to go outside and take a look or tend to the garden. It’s a great way to take a break from the classroom and the day-to-day grind while still getting some science and agriculture worked in.”
The Garden Club aligns with the 8th-grade science curriculum, which covers vegetative reproduction, species diversity through heredity, and genetics. One of the key genetics lessons students discuss in class comes from Austrian monk Gregor Mendel and the experiments on plants the students will eventually grow in the gardens.
Some of the plants they have grown include cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and radishes. Students in the Garden Club enjoyed their lettuce and tomatoes in a fresh salad, while the radishes were pickled. “Some students had never tried radishes before,” Morrison said. “That was a fun experiment—watching them do a taste test of the produce they grew.”
Funding for the Garden Club comes from the Stark County Health Department, and the outdoor garden was established through a generous donation from the Grove family. Morrison looks forward to eventually incorporating community partners into the club.
“My hope for the future of the Garden Club is that, throughout the year, we are able to teach students how to maintain the garden, and it then becomes completely student-led,” Morrison said. “My other hope is that as the responsibilities of the garden grow, the garden itself will grow in size as well, adding new beds and possibly some other features.”
Alliance High School Hosts Inspiring Diversity Night
The Alliance High School Social Justice Club and Choirs came together to host the annual Diversity Night on Feb. 19, celebrating this year’s theme: "Connection Through the Arts!" The event showcased how music, dance, and storytelling unite people across cultures, highlighting the powerful influence of the arts.
“Diversity Night was a huge success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Social Justice Club and Vocal Arts Department,” said Maria McDermitt, Advisor of the Social Justice Club. “Their commitment was evident in every aspect of the event, making it a memorable evening for everyone involved.”
The night featured an array of performances, including a step dance routine choreographed by AHS alum Ande’marie Green ‘16 and a selection of moving choral pieces. Attendees also heard inspiring student speakers, including Alliance Middle School’s Pathfinder essay contest winner, Gabriel Cox, who shared his essay, "Beyond the Month: Reflecting on Black History's Personal Impact."
The evening concluded on a high note with the AHS Jetsetters performing Michael Jackson’s iconic songs, "We Are the World" and "Black or White." Their performance left the audience inspired and reminded everyone of the power of music. For more information about upcoming performances and events, visit www.alliancecityschools.org.
Culinary Arts to Open Fall 2025
Alliance High School’s new culinary arts program is gearing up to open this fall under the guidance of Chef Kaitlyn Gibson, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in restaurant management, food service coordination, and culinary arts. With a passion for cooking and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of culinary professionals, Gibson is eager to bring her expertise into the classroom and kitchen.
The new program was made possible for Alliance City Schools after the district received a $3 million Career Technical Construction grant through the State of Ohio in the fall of 2023. Construction on the new facility, which is being built in the former Auto Body space, began in the fall of 2024 and will be completed in time for the first class of students to begin in the fall of 2025.
After an extensive interview process, Gibson was selected as the instructor for the Culinary Arts program. Gibson began cooking at a young age with her mother and grandmother. Her passion for food led her to earn a Culinary Arts certificate from the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC) and an Associate’s Degree in Baking and Pastry from the Culinary Institute of America. She has had a successful culinary career since completing her education, serving as general manager and chef for a restaurant in Columbiana for four years before moving to Alliance to become the executive chef of Aeonian Brewing Company when they opened in 2021.
“Over the years, my desire to share my knowledge and experience with others has grown,” Gibson said. “Teaching cooking classes for youth and serving on the advisory board for MCCTC deepened my passion for education, and I’m excited to transition into teaching full-time.”
The culinary arts program will join the eight other career tech programs offered at Alliance High School and 14 total programs offered by the Alliance Career Tech Planning District, which includes Alliance, Marlington, and Salem High Schools. The program will be offered for three periods a day to juniors and
seniors who apply and are accepted during their sophomore year.
“Our new Culinary Arts program is an exciting addition that will give students practical skills and prepare them for opportunities in the food and hospitality industry,” said Shawn Jackson, Director of Secondary Education. “It will also build connections with local businesses, helping students gain real-world experience. This program is a great way to support student success while contributing to the growth of our community.
The program will include a classroom setting, a state-of-theart teaching kitchen, and a small café that will accommodate approximately 30 patrons. The café, called the Jetway Café, will be run entirely by students and will provide hands-on experience in all aspects of the restaurant industry, including management, cooking, serving, and food safety.
“My vision for the student-run café is to create a dynamic and inclusive space that not only serves affordable food to our school community but also extends its reach to the broader community,” Gibson said. Gibson’s vision for the program extends beyond just learning how to cook.
“Students will gain a wide range of skills, including cooking techniques, kitchen safety, sanitation, food costing, menu planning, and restaurant operations,” she explained. “The program will also emphasize soft skills like time management, teamwork, communication, and customer service.
Students will develop both technical skills in preparation and the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success in kitchen management or owning their own business.”
Updates on the new culinary arts program will be available on the Alliance City Schools website and social media accounts.
Royal Aviation Brings In Record Number of Schools
The 6th Annual Royal Aviation Show Choir Competition brought a fun and energetic atmosphere to Alliance High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, as 15 schools from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia competed in the largest event yet. With a record number of participating schools and a growing waitlist for future years, the competition has quickly become a premier event for smaller schools looking for an exciting performance opportunity.
The competition included performances from Garfield Heights Music Express, Euclid Varsity Chorale, Licking Valley Vocal Impact, River Valley Middle School Revolution, Buckeye Valley Middle School Allusions, Kenton Middle School Dimensions, Ada Varsity Singers, River Valley Music Company, Van Buren The Association, Scranton First Edition, Buckeye Valley Visions, Kenton Top Twenty, Nitro ShowCats, and Musselman Kaleidoscope.
The all-day event featured daytime performances, a solo contest, a daytime awards ceremony, finals and a finalist awards ceremony. Attendees were also treated to exhibition performances from the Jetsetters, Aviatrix, Alliance Middle School Show Choir and Lakeside Melodica.
The soloist competition, held in the AHS Learning Commons, provided individual performers the chance to show off their vocal talent. The winner of the contest had the honor of opening for the final performances.
Congratulations to this year’s winning choirs:
GRAND CHAMPION
Euclid Varsity Chorale
1ST RUNNER-UP
Nitro ShowCats
2ND RUNNER-UP
Scranton First Edition
3RD RUNNER-UP
Van Buren The Association
4TH RUNNER-UP
Buckeye Valley Visions
Beyond the music, the event featured food trucks and a craft show, making it a fun-filled experience for competitors and spectators alike.
With another successful year in the books, planning is already underway for next year ’s event. The 7th Annual Royal Aviation Show Choir Competition is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2026.
Aviatrix Take the Stage for the First Time
Alliance High School has a new all-girls competition show choir group called the Aviatrix. The group, consisting of 18 members, made their debut this year with a powerful show titled "Queen of Soul," featuring songs from none other than Aretha Franklin.
The Aviatrix joined the AHS Jetsetters at several competitions this season. The Jetsetters, who have been a competitive show choir for more than a decade, are an audition-based choir—leading to the creation of the Aviatrix.
“When we were auditioning for Jetsetters this year, there were so many girls with very high scores,” said Carrie Chunat, Choir Director at AHS. “Although the idea is for the group to be selective and competitive, I was really torn by the number of girls I would have to cut and how high their scores were. I tossed around the idea of an all-girls choir. I had no idea if the girls would be behind the idea or if the community and the Jetsetters group would embrace it, but they absolutely have. It's been very rewarding to watch it all come together.”
The Aviatrix choir is made up of ten current Jetsetters and eight girls new to the world of competitive show choir. The 18 performers take the stage in fun costumes, singing and dancing to a number of popular songs that get the crowd on their feet. The group had a fantastic first season, competing in three competitions and performing during the exhibition at AHS’ Royal Aviation Show Choir Competition on Saturday, Feb. 22.
“My goal for the group is to teach. I tried to make it as educational and student-led as possible,” Chunat explained. “The girls also wrote goals for the group, and they are to make new friends, perform really well, and make positive memories.”
The group has four squad leaders, two seniors and two juniors. Their choreography is a mix of amateur and professional work—one Aviatrix song was choreographed by a senior Jetsetter who wanted to try choreography, while another song was choreographed by a Jetsetter alum.
“It has been an amazing opportunity to see some girls step up and stand out,” Chunat said. “When you're on a team with lots of strong seniors, it's easy to take a back seat and let someone else have the limelight. With Aviatrix, I've been able to highlight some of those girls who have equal talent but just not as much experience. I think the benefits have been huge, and I hope the girls feel the same.”
Alumni Spotlight: RICKY FRASER (‘03)
For Ricky Fraser, a 2003 graduate of Alliance High School, his passion for cars started early. In middle school, he took a program taught by Suzie Dennis, called “Red Hot Jobs.” The program opened Fraser’s eyes to all the potential career paths he could take related to cars that weren’t just becoming a mechanic. This experience led him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
Following his time at Alliance, Fraser attended the University of Toledo where he graduated in 2008 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While attending Toledo, he had the opportunity to take part in three co-operative programs with Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, OH. Following graduation, he accepted a position with Honda in East Liberty, OH.
In 2009, Fraser accepted a position at a new manufacturing plant in West Point, GA for Kia Georgia, Inc.- the only Kia manufacturing plant in the U.S. He began his career as an engineer in quality assurance and steadily advanced through the company as an engineer, assistant manager, manager, director and now vice president of quality. In his current position, he has ownership for the level of vehicle quality leaving the plant, including all supplied parts coming into the plant, body and paint quality, assembly quality, quality engineering and quality assurance.
Fraser credits his time at Alliance City Schools with preparing him for life after graduation. His experiences with dedicated teachers from kindergarten through high school left a lasting impact.
Lori Gasparik was influential in his early years, and he recalls learning from Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Fife, Mrs. Pavlik, Mr. Hoopes, Mrs. Barnes, Mr. Ballor, Mr. Carli, Mr. Morris, and Mrs. Dennis throughout his time in the district.
There are many lessons he still remembers and utilizes from learning financial literacy from Mr. Morris to Mr. Ballor telling his students: “Don’t follow the herd, stand apart from the herd” while teaching proper grammar. The guidance from teachers and the experiences he had at Alliance helped to prepare him for life after graduation. As for current students, Fraser encourages them to focus on their passions rather than simply chasing a degree.
CALLING ALL AVIATOR ALUMNI
I became an engineer because I wanted to work in the automotive industry, not the other way around,” Fraser explained. “A lot of students go to school to earn a degree or graduate, but going to school is really to give you the skills and experiences necessary to have a good career. I would tell current students to figure out first what they want to do in life and then use schooling as a tool to get them there.
He would encourage current high school students not to chase the money or success, and instead chase happiness in order to be successful.
“Find something you love to do and do that to the best of your ability,” Fraser said. “In doing this, the passion and drive will come naturally and success will soon follow.”
Fraser emphasized how his family played a key role in helping him to succeed over the years. He would not be where he is without the unconditional support of his parents, Donna and Rich.
“Their sacrifices growing up for them to raise four successful kids within four years is truly remarkable,” Fraser said of his parents.
“Both of my parents have worked in the Alliance City School system for 30-plus years, so they helped instill these strong work ethics and dedication.”
He also credits being the youngest of four siblings- Jen, Tiff and Jonny- for his competitive nature and dedication to succeeding. Fraser’s greatest achievement, however, is not his career—it’s his family. He is incredibly grateful for the constant support of his wife, Valerie, and their two children.
“As a fun fact, and given my profession in the automotive industry, both my kids are named after vehicles,” Fraser explained. “I told my wife she could name our kids whatever she wanted as long as it had something to do with cars, so we settled on Novaleigh, Nova for short, and Maverick.”
Fraser’s journey is a shining example of how hard work, dedication and passion can lead to success. From a young student in Alliance to Vice President of Quality at Kia Georgia, his story is one of perseverance, ambition, and staying true to what he loves.
Alliance High School is looking for Alumni to share their career journey and insights with our current students! Whether you're interested in mentoring one-on-one or speaking to small groups about your profession, your experience can inspire and guide the next generation of graduates.
We’re looking for alumni willing to discuss their career path, industry and what students can expect as they explore various fields. Please scan the code and take a moment to fill out the short form to let us know how you’d like to get involved!
Girls Wrestling Dominates 2nd Girls Top Gun
For the second year, the Alliance Top Gun Wrestling Tournament has included a girls' division, and for the second year in a row, the Alliance High School Girls Wrestling Team has come out on top, with four wrestlers earning championships.
In their respective weight classes, seniors Adilyn Mozden, Abigail Mozden, Avery Horning, and sophomore Miley Gross took 1st place, with many of their teammates placing alongside them. Juniors Ashlynn Pennington, Andalyn Barker, and Chacora Tackett placed 3rd, while senior Bella Hall and sophomore Kiya Koons placed 4th.
The boys' wrestling team also had a strong performance at Top Gun, with junior Johnny Beltz placing 5th, senior Quinn Callock placing 7th, and junior DJ Geiselman securing 8th place in their respective weight classes. The 38th annual Top Gun Tournament, held on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, featured 579 male wrestlers from 47 teams and 154 female wrestlers from 28 teams, representing Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This two-day event attracts thousands of fans each year, watching as wrestlers compete in one of Ohio’s most notable high school wrestling tournaments.
This year’s tournament also featured the awarding of State Championship rings to Aidan Mozden (‘24) and his coaches. Mozden was the 2024 Ohio State Wrestling Champion—the first state wrestling champion for the district in 40 years. The rings were generously purchased by the Aviator Sports Boosters.
A tournament of this magnitude would not be possible without the hard work of the Alliance High School Athletic Department and the many dedicated volunteers who ensure the tournament runs smoothly each year.
The 39th annual Top Gun Wrestling Tournament is set for Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, and Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
ACS Announces Administrative Changes for 2025-26
Alliance City Schools is restructuring administrative roles following the announcement that Michelle Balderson will be retiring at the end of the school year. Balderson, who has served in a number of positions, including teacher, Principal and, most recently, Director of Elementary Education, is set to retire July 31 after nearly 34 years with the district.
“Serving Alliance City Schools for 33 years has been more than a career, it has been a lifelong dream fulfilled, giving back to the district and community that shaped me. From student to teacher, Principal and Director, my journey in Alliance has been a full-circle moment filled with meaningful relationships and unforgettable memories,” Balderson said.
Her departure brings about changes that include eliminating three roles– changes that include eliminating three roles– coordinator, Director of Elementary Education and Director of Secondary Education– and replacing them with three new positions– Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum and Director of Student Services.
Shawn Jackson will step into the position of Assistant Superintendent. Jackson is currently serving as the Director of Secondary Education.
Kristy Woodford will step into the role of Director of Student Services. She is currently serving as Principal of Alliance High School.
Natalie Kern will step into the role of Director of Curriculum. She is currently serving as Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction.
“Our new structure and the administrators in their new roles will ensure that we stay relentless in preparing our students for life, college, and careers,” said Rob Gress, Superintendent of Schools.
Woodford’s departure from principalship leaves a leadership vacancy at Alliance High School that will be filled by Shaun Fontaine, current Assistant Principal at AHS. Fontaine led the AHS band from 2003-2021 and has served in the Assistant Principal role for the past four years.
“Mr. Fontaine has dedicated his career to helping students in our community. He is more than ready to lead AHS and continue building on the strong Aviator culture of trust and results,” Gress said.
The search for a new Assistant Principal for AHS is currently underway.
All structural changes will take place over the summer ensuring students and staff a smooth transition into the 2025-2026 school year.
AMS Wows the Crowd with Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.
Alliance Middle School students took to the stage for their production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. Their energy, fun dancing, and fantastic performance of the classic songs everyone knows and loves brought delight to the audience members young and old.
The show, which ran on February 28 and 29, brought the beloved educational songs of Schoolhouse Rock to life in a story about Tom Mizer, a nervous new teacher who finds inspiration through classic tunes and lively characters.
A cast of 23 student actors, ranging from 6th to 8th grade, entertained musical patrons with their performances of iconic songs like “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill,” and “Interplanet Janet.” The production, which ran under 50 minutes, showcased weeks of dedicated rehearsal and teamwork from the AMS students. Backstage, two student stage managers kept the production on track while, AMS teachers Matt Horning and Heather Shive directed from the audience.
Beyond the cast, the musical was a district-wide collaborative effort. The Alliance High School Jetsetters assisted with choreography,
while the AHS Construction Trades program played a key role in building the set. Community support also contributed to the show’s success, with organizations such as Union House Boutique, AHS Dramatics, University of Mount Union Theater Program, and Carnation City Players providing costumes and props.
With outstanding performances, creative staging, and strong community involvement, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. proved to be a hit, leaving audiences impressed and students proud of their hard work.
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and production team for a fantastic show!
Shawn Jackson Natalie Kern
Kristy Woodford Shaun Fontaine
Michelle Balderson