In-Flight
Alliance Preschool Retains Gold Status
Alliance Preschool has once again earned Gold Status for Step Up to Quality designating them a high-quality preschool program.
Since 2014, the program has received the highest possible rating from Step Up to Quality. To achieve this, all staff members — teachers, teacher aides and building administrators — take part in hours of training each year on how best to care for young children. Training includes first aid, CPR, behavior intervention and best practices for teaching.
“We have the best staff I could ever ask for,” said Adam De Monte, principal of Alliance Preschool. “They go above and beyond every day for our students. It’s easy to lead this staff because they are already self-motivated, well experienced, and above all, love making a difference in our students’ lives.”
P.2
AHS
Along with the staff training, several other indicators must be achieved to earn and maintain gold status. Step Up to Quality checks for approved curriculum, active family engagement, and community engagement. They even look for structures to be in place to help support students with disabilities.
Earning Gold Status is not an easy feat, and is a true testament to the dedication and hard work the staff at Alliance Preschool puts in each and every day.
“I am extremely proud of our students, staff members, and community,” De Monte said. “Alliance is a special place and we use the ‘It takes a village’ approach to growing our students.”
Alliance Preschool has several partnerships that help to support the program and students, including Rodman Public Library, United Way, Early Childhood Education Association, and Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health.
Alliance Preschool, located at 1490 Parkway Blvd., is wrapping up its third year as a standalone preschool. Formerly located at Alliance Early Learning School, the program was moved to the former Parkway Elementary School in order to allow the program to grow and offer more support to the youngest Aviators and their families.
“This building has been very special to me,” De Monte said. “I taught preschool for eight years here, and have been overseeing the administration side of things for five years now I am proud to have had two of my sons come through our preschool, and I know there isn’t anywhere else that could have prepared them better for Kindergarten than Alliance Preschool.”
AHS Inducts 7 in Hall of Fame
The Alliance High School Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed seven new members during a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5.
This year’s inductees were selected by the Alliance High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee, which is composed of former Alliance High School coaches and athletes. Will Rose ‘20 is a Four-Time State Champion in swimming. He is the current AHS record holder in every individual swimming event and relay. His accomplishments include Eight-Time All American distinction, Eight-Time District Champion and Four-Time Stark County Swimmer of the Year. He also swam collegiately at Arizona State University.
Gavin Bruni ‘21 played baseball which earned him All American and All Ohio distinction. He was the 2021 PBR Ohio Pitcher of the Year, a Two-Time EBC Baseball Player of the Year and Three-Year Letter Winner at The Ohio State University. Bruni was drafted in the MLB by the Washington Nationals.
Michael Murray ‘92 played basketball where he was named First-Team All Stark County, First-Team District 4, First-Team All Federal League, AHS All-Time Career Free Thrower and Second Most Three Pointers In A Season. He was a Four-Year Letter Winner for Mount Union Men’s Basketball and the Mount Union Career Assist Leader. Michael was also the Head Basketball Coach at Rocky River High School with over
350 varsity wins earning GCBA Coach of the Year twice and Conference Coach of the Year seven times.
Richard Murray is a former Coach, Athletic Director and Principal at AHS. He was the 1992 Girls Track Stark County Coach of the Year, Two-Time District Champion, coached a Two-Time Girls High Jump Champion and coached a Boys Golf State Qualifier. As the Athletic Director, he assisted with the creation of the Top Gun Wrestling Tournament.
Charlie Winner served as membership chair of the Aviator Sports Boosters. He was a vital contributor to the Steve Gansel Scholarship and installed and maintained essential systems to multiple AHS athletic facilities, including the creation of the AHS Wrestling Room. Winner was the recipient of the OHSAA State Award for his countless hours of volunteer work for Aviator Athletics.
Larry Kinnard ‘00 participated in football,
boys basketball and track and field. He received Football Honorable Mention AllOhio, Two-Time All District, Three-Time All Federal League and Track and Field ThreeTime All Federal League. At Mount Union, he was a Four-Year Letter Winner, Three-Time National Champion, Two-Time All American, Three-Time All OAC, OAC Mike Gregory Award Winner and member of M-Club.
Daijana Johnson ‘16 participated in track and field, cheerleading, girls basketball and girls soccer. She is the AHS 100-Meter Record Holder, Three-Time 100-Meter Regional Finalist, Two-Time District 100-Meter Champion, Two-Time Stark County 100-Meter Champion, ThreeTime Regional Finalist, 4x1 Stark County Champion, Two-Time 4x1 District Champion, Two-Time NBC 4x1 Champion and AHS 4x1 Record Holder. Johnson also received the following distinctions: Girls Basketball All Stark County and All Conference and Girls Soccer All Stark County and All District.
Aviators Earn District Championship
The Aviators boys basketball team had a historic season earning the first district championship since 1982. Coached by Chet Harper (‘93), the team set this goal three years ago when he took over as head coach.
As a former AHS basketball player, Harper said, “It was an awesome feeling. I realized we had finally reached the goals we had set.”
Their hard work and dedication paid off as they soared to success first with the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) championship and then the district title.
“This team has made a lot of sacrifices and shown dedication and hard work over the past three years that allowed them to be a great team,” Harper said.
While the title is certainly something to be proud of, it’s not the only reason Harper is proud to be an Aviator coach. The team’s success brought the school community and the greater Alliance community together. The Alliance community as a whole rallied around the team every step of the way this season. From sponsoring team dinners and filling the stands to sending in good luck messages, the community showed their dedication and pride for the team as they made their historic run.
Harper hopes the team remembers their success, but also that they know they can achieve any goal they set when they work hard. He also hopes this team will serve as inspiration for younger students interested or currently playing basketball.
“I think it brings excitement to them,”
Harper said. “It
should inspire them to reach the same or to achieve higher goals
than this team did.”
Hello Aviators!
As many of us start to look forward to summer, I’ve been starting to look backward and reflecting on what our students experience over the course of the year and really what they experience every day in their lives. It’s hard for me to watch the news - or scroll through social media - without thinking about how much they are taking in every single day.
They are growing up in a world that moves fast, where information never really stops, and where pressure comes from a lot of different directions. It’s a lot to carry.
That’s why, here in ACS, our focus goes beyond academics. We are committed to supporting the whole child - their well-being, their sense of belonging, and finding their purpose and direction in life.
Our Aviators show up in our classrooms, on our stages, on our fields, courts, and mats day after day. They support one another. They keep learning, growing, and pushing forward. And even with all they have to navigate each day, our students continue to achieve at a high level. They are finding ways to succeed in a world that isn’t easy - and that says a lot about who they are, and about the community that supports them.
Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a family member or community member, thank you for continuing to stand behind our students and our schools. It is an honor to serve as your superintendent.
AHS Auto Tech Students Shift Into High Gear
The Alliance High School Auto Tech seniors have had a successful year with each student earning at least one certification on the first try, with three students earning all eight entrylevel certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
All Auto Tech career tech students will earn three to four certifications in the areas of suspension and steering, braking systems, engine electrical systems and engine repair. The four areas align with the curriculum of the class and the focus of each quarter. The students can choose to take more certifications during their time at AHS for free based on their areas of interest.
This year, three students received all eight entry-level ASE certifications which automatically got them the maintenance and light repair certification at the professional technician level. The three students are Brayden McCabe, Jacob Danko-Zorger and Atlee Fish. This is a big accomplishment for the students and shows their dedication to their chosen career field.
Along with the success of the three students, seven total students have been working in the auto tech industry for most of the school year where they are gaining valuable hands-on experience.
“That’s really a high success rate for this program,” said Kevin Billingsley, the Auto Tech teacher. “You normally don’t get that many students who are ready to work, or I don’t get that many employers that need somebody or can take on training a student, or I don’t get that many kids that have driver’s licenses or a way to work, so that’s been a huge success this year.”
He attributes this success to the community partners who support the program in an abundance of ways, from donating cars for students to work on to helping to spread the word about students looking for jobs. The community partners have been a huge help in shaping the success of the program over the years and Billingsley is grateful for their support.
The AHS Auto Tech program is an ASE accredited program, which many career tech schools are opting not to do anymore. Every five years, the program goes through the accreditation process, which involves onsite visits, documentation of how standards are used and taught and an inspection of the auto tech space.
Being ASE accredited assists the program in many ways, including allowing partnerships with multiple colleges and technical schools that will allow students to earn credits based on their ASE certifications and help to put them ahead in their programs. The accreditation along with the ASE certifications are nationally recognized in the auto tech field and helps students, when finding jobs, to showcase their skills and training to their employers.
Rep That A,
Rob Gress, Superintendent of Schools
#ProudSupt
Royal Aviation Soars at AHS
Alliance High School hosted nine choirs from around Ohio, and even some from out of state, for the 7th annual Royal Aviation Show Choir Competition.
Each choir performed during daytime performances, and each of the high schools’ choirs moved on to the final performances in the evening. The day also included exhibition performances from the Alliance Middle School Show Choir and the host choirs, the AHS Jetsetters and Aviatrix.
2026 Royal Aviation Grand ChampionEuclid Varsity Chorale
1ST RUNNER-UP - Scranton First Edition
2ND RUNNER-UP - North Royalton Royal Harmony
3RD RUNNER-UP - Van Buren The Association
4TH RUNNER-UP - Kenton Top 20
5TH RUNNER-UP - River Valley Music Company
The Royal Aviation Show Choir Competition will return in 2027!
AMS Students Shine in James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Alliance Middle School students brought the classic story James and the Giant Peach Jr. to life in a whimsical and imaginative performance that entertained audiences and showcased 45 talented students in grades 6-8.
The students worked hard for weeks preparing to bring their musical to life for their peers, family, and community.
“The musical is really complicated, but we have some really talented students at this school,” said Matt Horning, AMS teacher and musical director. “I’m amazed at how they pulled off some of these songs and some of the intricate choreography that comes along with it.”
The production was inspired in part by classroom learning, as 7th grade students read James and the Giant Peach in their English language arts classes. The connection helped bring the story to life both on stage and in the classroom.
The show was truly a collaborative effort across the district. AMS art and STEM classes created backdrops, 7th grade classes assisted with props, and Alliance High School students and staff supported set construction, choreography and costuming.
“It’s a really neat partnership between a lot of different people,” Horning said.
The growing interest in theater at AMS was evident, with this year’s cast nearly doubling in size from the previous year when they performed Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr. The success of the production continues to inspire more students to get involved and explore their creativity and build confidence on stage.
Hatcher (‘05) Named 2026 Pathfinder
Bylynn Hatcher was named the 2026 Pathfinder on Friday, Feb. 27 during a student-led assembly at Alliance High School. Born and raised in Alliance, Hatcher credits much of his success to the staff at Alliance City Schools who positively impacted his youth and encouraged him throughout his life, including staff members like Lori Gasparik and Anna Mae Searfoss.
In high school, Hatcher was an exceptional athlete, earning three varsity letters in basketball and playing football. Following his graduation from AHS in 2005, he headed to college at Grand Rapids Community College followed by Ashland University where he played basketball.
After college, Hatcher moved to Florida and became a highly trained and dedicated police officer. He has served in a variety of units including community policing, patrol operations, SWAT, school resource officer, gang unit and anti-crime unit. In addition to his responsibilities as a police officer, he is an instructor, mentor and community liaison and holds certifications in tactical operations, crisis intervention, gang investigation and crime prevention. He is a leader in his community and serves as a role model to the youth in his area and the students here at Alliance High School.
When accepting the award, Hatcher reflected on his time in Alliance, encouraging students to work hard, own their mistakes and think about where they want to be in the future.
“To every student in this auditorium today, I want you to know you are standing at the beginning of your own path,” Hatcher said to the students. “And the first thing I want you to understand is this; you are not just one thing. You are not just a student. You are not just a grade, a label, or something someone once said about you. You are the sum of your experiences, your challenges, your talents, your dreams, your mistakes and the lessons you learn along the way.”
During the assembly, the students in the 99th Squadron had the opportunity to ask Hatcher questions as part of a Q&A session. They asked him about growing up in Alliance, his experience in school, participating in sports and how he was influenced at a young age by staff members and coaches.
Hatcher was honest, inspirational and relatable to the students and their experiences as Alliance Aviators and growing up in the community. He worked hard to achieve all he has and hopes the current and future graduates of AHS do the same.
Hatcher is a true representation of a Pathfinder and holds true to the ideals of being a Caring Citizen and an Aviator.
Each year, Alliance City Schools hosts a series of Pathfinder Awards assemblies in February to recognize individuals who have been trailblazers for success. The recipients are recognized in five areas: arts and sciences, education, humanitarianism, citizenship/ government and business. All individuals recognized as Pathfinders are either alumni who have been an inspiration to minorities in one of the above areas either locally or out of the area or a non-ACS alumni who has been an inspiration to the local area.
Connection Through the Arts
Alliance High School hosted a student-led Diversity Night on Tuesday, Feb. 24 centered on how people and cultures are connected through artistic expression.
The evening featured a hair demonstration and a variety of appetizers in the lobby before student speeches, choir performances, a student-made video about diversity and a hair show featuring a variety of hairstyles that represented the culture of the model.
Alliance High School has been hosting an annual Diversity Night since 2022 focused on celebrating the diversity present in the school and community. The event is organized and hosted by the AHS social justice club, and it strives to promote inclusivity among all students.
“Diversity Night is all about celebrating our differences and respecting each other’s backgrounds within the community,” said AHS sophomore Kara Eversdyke and junior Gianna Phillips, members of the social justice club. “The hours of planning that go into it all are definitely worth the end result. We wanted to incorporate many different groups we have in this school into this night so we added a hair show to highlight the cosmetology students and food in the lobby from the culinary students as well as choir members. The more people we get to be involved with Diversity Night the better it becomes.”
The students spent weeks planning the event and discussing the best way to incorporate the arts into the night. They decided to include music, hairstyles and food. The three art forms are universal across cultures and help to showcase the individuality of each. The food was made by the students in culinary arts, the hair styles were done by the students in cosmetology, and the video was created by the students in the media arts class. Several classes and groups came together to bring the event together.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our students and staff did to bring Diversity Night to life,” said Derrick Showell, Jr., Coordinator of Student Services and an advisor for the social justice club. “It was a genuine collaborative effort between students and adults, and that spirit of connection showed up not only on the stage and in the lobby that night, but behind the scenes throughout the entire process. This event was a beautiful reflection of our district’s leadership, creativity, and willingness to celebrate both what makes us different and what brings us together.”
The social justice club would like to see the event grow in the coming years to incorporate more art forms, students and classes. They encourage community members to attend future Diversity Nights to see all their hard work and to connect with the school community
Community Rallies to Tackle Snow
What an unprecedented winter the community experienced this year. Coined by many as “Snowmaggedon,” the snowstorm experienced in late January brought nearly 14 inches of snow that covered roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
Out of concern for student and staff safety, Alliance City Schools closed for a whole week from Jan. 26-30.
When the snow finally stopped, the concern about sidewalks and bus stops remained. Most were covered in more than a foot of snow making it nearly impossible for students to safely walk to school and wait at the bus stop.
Tim Mosher, the principal at Alliance Middle School, came up with the idea to host a snow shoveling event and invite all Aviator families, staff, and community members to help clear as many sidewalks and bus stops on Friday, Jan. 30. Over one hundred Aviators showed up to help! They boarded school buses and traveled around Alliance clearing as many stops as possible in an hour and a half.
The community rallied together in a huge way and students were able to return to school the following Monday!
ACS Introduces Updated Logo
Nearly 20 years after it was first introduced, the Alliance City Schools logo received a refresh. The two-colored logo has been updated to include navy as a tribute to the history of the color within the school district.
Cockpit Crazies!
Logo Changes
• Removing the circle and placing the text under the “A”
• Replacing the red drop shadows with navy blue
• Black text replaced by navy text
Businesses and community members in need of the updated logo should reach out to the communications department at gonzalesch@alliancecityschools.org.
Alliance City Schools is excited to introduce the Cockpit Crazies! A name the high school students section has affectionately used for years, the Cockpit Crazies are the official mascots of the Alliance Aviators. Each of the four mascots is representative of the ideals and vision of ACS and are used to inspire, entertain and promote the Aviator spirit among our students and community!
Jet is a natural-born leader willing to help and mentor others so they can succeed and overcome the challenges life may bring. Jet offers guidance and is described as smart, capable, caring and influential.
A young cadet-in-training, with the help of Jet and Sky, Mav is ready to learn all that it takes to be an Aviator. Mav is hardworking, scrappy and determined to do whatever it takes to be the best version of an Aviator and make Jet and Sky proud. Mav
is fiercely loyal and always there when his team needs him. He brings courage and quick thinking to every mission and has a heart as big as his altitude. Ace also has a love for daring tricks and clever mischief that often help to save the day when things get a little nuts.
In the coming years, you’ll see several students from Alliance High School don their own uniforms as they create call signs and join the ranks of the Cockpit Crazies! Students will embody the ideals of Jet, Sky, Mav and Ace as they work together to provide school spirit at ACS and in the Alliance community!
Meaning Behind “Reppin’ That A”
Lilyana Elke is an 8th grader at Alliance Middle School who shares her perspective on what “Reppin’ That A” means to her as a student.
When I first heard the phrase “Reppin’ That A,” I thought it simply meant wearing a school shirt or cheering loudly at a pep rally. But over time, I realized it is much more than that. For me, “Reppin’ That A” is about pride, responsibility, and unity. The “A” represents who I am as a student, as a teammate, and as a member of my community. It means pushing myself to do my best, encouraging others, and representing my school with pride every single day.
“Reppin’ That A” is not just about school colors or loud cheers. It is about living out the values that make our school strong. It means taking pride in where we come from and responsibility for where we are going. It means striving for greatness, not just for ourselves, but for the people who stand beside us every day.
The first place this shows up is in academics. Learning is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s math, science, English, social studies, or the arts, our effort reflects how we represent ourselves. When we study, ask questions, and go beyond what is required, we show that the “A” stands for achievement and growth. Academics are also about teamwork. Helping classmates, working together on projects, and encouraging others shows that success is shared.
Another way we represent the “A” is through athletics. Athletes compete not only for themselves, but for their school and community. It’s not just about winning, it’s about effort, respect, and determination. Pushing through challenges, even when we feel tired or frustrated, shows what “Reppin’ That A” truly means. Accountability is also an important part. There have been times when I’ve made mistakes like forgetting an assignment or not giving my best effort. But I’ve learned that real pride comes from owning those mistakes, learning from them, and doing better. That is how we grow.
One of the best parts of our school is unity. No matter our differences, we all represent the same “A.” This connection shows in big moments like games and pep rallies, but also in small moments, like encouraging a classmate or standing up for someone. Those moments remind me that we are part of something bigger.
“Reppin’ That A” is also about attitude. There are days when I feel tired or stressed, but I’ve learned that my attitude affects others. Negativity spreads, but so does positivity. Representing the “A” means choosing to bring the right energy, even on tough days.
I’ve been fortunate to have teachers and staff who support us every day. They do more than teach subjects, they prepare us for life. They represent the “A” just as much as students do.
For me, “Reppin’ That A” is more than a phrase, it's a way of life. Every day, I can choose to work hard, stay positive, and lift others up.
Upcoming Events
May
May 1
AHS Orchestra Royal Ball & Awards - 6 pm
May 4
AHS CTE Career Commitment - 6 pm
AHS Senior Scholarship Night - 7 pm
May 5
Teacher PD Day - No Students
AHS Jazz Band Concert - 7 pm
May 6
AHS CTE HOF Induction/Academic Recognition - 9 am
AHS Top 10% - 7 pm @ UMU
May 9
AHS Jetsetter Cabaret
May 11
Art Show Awards - 6 pm in AHS Auditorium
AES Concert - 7 pm
May 12
AIS 5th Grade Concert - 6 pm
AMS Choir Concert - 7:30 pm
May 13
AELS 1st Grade Concert - 6 pm
AMS Orchestra Concert - 7:30 pm
May 14
AMS Band Concert - 6 pm
AHS Band Concert - 7 pm
May 19
BOE Meeting - 6 pm
AHS Choir Concert - 7 pm
May 20
Last Day for Seniors
AHS Spring Athletic Awards - 6 pm
May 21
AMS Spring Sports Awards - 6 pm
May 22
AIS Memorial Day Parade - 9 am
May 24
AHS Commencement - 2 pm
May 25
Memorial Day - No School
May 27
Last Student Day
AIS 5th Grade Promotions
AMS 8th Grade Promotion - 8 am
Driving School Offered
Students at Alliance High School now have the chance to take driver education classes through a partnership with Myers Driving School and the Stark County Educational Center (SCESC).
The classes are being funded by the Drive to Succeed grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. The grant was awarded to the SCESC and is an initiative of the Ohio Department of Public Safety to offer local agencies free driver education scholarships. Grant funding could only be provided to school districts who are part of the Community Eligibility Provision, which Alliance has been part of for several years.
The grant provides 75 students with free drivers ed classes, a total of $450 for each student. Priority is being given to AHS juniors, seniors and Career Tech students. In order to take part in the classes, students must have a driving permit and at least 15 hours of documented “on the road” driving time.
The classes are taught by Myers Driving School immediately after school on the AHS campus. One group each month will take part in the program. Each cohort will take part in two weeks of classes, three days per week and four hours each night for a total of 24 hours.
When all classes are complete and students pass their written classroom exam, they are placed in the queue for their eight hours of behindthe-wheel training. A recent law change now permits students to receive an excused absence from classes for up to eight hours of behindthe-wheel training.
"Myers Driving School is pleased to partner with Alliance High School to provide driver education services to your students," said Tonia Gusbar, operations manager at Myers Driving School. "We recognize the importance of highquality driver training. While obtaining a license is a critical milestone for all students, it is especially significant for those pursuing employment opportunities in their respective trades. We look forward to collaborating on this initiative and assisting the students at Alliance High School in becoming safe, knowledgeable and confident drivers."
Not only will this program help lift the financial burden off students and families and provide them with effective training, it also helps set students up for a positive future.
“The issue we found was CTE students were being offered manufacturing jobs in Canton and didn’t have a license,” said Shawn Jackson, assistant superintendent. “Kids need transportation for their jobs and that was a big push for us to figure that out.”
When planning for the driving program at AHS, a committee was formed at the high school composed of teachers, CTE teachers and school counselors to ensure it would be effective and beneficial for the students. Amber Patti, a school counselor at AHS was a driving force behind the planning and implementation of the program.
“Grant-funded driving school will be truly life-changing for students at Alliance High School, removing financial barriers and opening the door to independence, employment and expanded opportunities,” Patti said. “By helping students earn their driver ’s licenses, we’re not just teaching a skill. We’re increasing access to jobs, postsecondary options, and essential life responsibilities. We are incredibly grateful to Doug Neading at the Educational Service Center for this funding opportunity and for supporting our students in such a meaningful way.” Students interested in applying for one of the sessions should reach out to their school counselor.
Funding Ohio Schools Today
School funding in Ohio is a partnership primarily between state and local resources, with federal funds supporting specific programs such as special education and school nutrition.
The amount of funding each district receives varies based on several factors, including student enrollment, specific student needs, the cost of education, the state’s school funding formula, and the community’s ability to contribute locally.
Over the past year, state legislators have made a number of decisions that are impacting school funding at both the state and local levels. These changes include:
• A state funding formula based on cost data from five years ago (the 2021–2022 school year), which does not fully reflect today’s expenses
• Changes allowing county budget commissions to adjust previously approved local tax rates, which can affect locally approved funding decisions
• Caps on how much voter-approved levies can grow over time when districts are at the minimum tax rate (20 mills) or relying on inside millage, which also supports cities, libraries, and other local services
As a result, school districts across Ohio must carefully evaluate how to meet student needs while managing potential budget shortfalls in the coming years.
While much of this legislation is intended to provide predictability and property tax relief, the combined effect may increase pressure on local funding sources. Over time, there has also been a shift in how schools are funded, with more than 20% of the tax responsibility moving from businesses to homeowners over the past 40 years.
We know that property tax relief is important to many in our community, and we remain committed to balancing that priority with providing a high-quality education for every student. We will continue to monitor these changes and remain responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Thank you for your continued support.
Kirk Heath, Treasurer