BCSD Magazine | July 2018

A publication for Alumni, Parents & Friends of the Berea City School District

July 2018

m a g a z i n e

Celebrating the

CLASS OF

2018

TM

BCSD magazine |

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The Berea City School District is a diverse community dedicated to inspiring lives of

character, learning, leadership, and service.

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contents 4

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Project information and anticipated completion dates

Board of Education Ana Chapman President

Cori Farris

Vice President

Steve Dockman Jeffrey Duke Neal Postel

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LINK CREW

Meet the crew getting ready to welcome new BMHS students

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District Administration Michael Sheppard Superintendent

Ryan Ghizzoni Treasurer/CFO

Jeffrey Grosse

Assistant Superintendent

Cristina Carosielli

Director of Marketing & Community Relations

Karen Frimel

Director of Academic Affairs

Kevin Jaynes

Director of Information Technology

Jason Niedermeyer

Director of Academic Affairs

Sabrina Scott

Director of Pupil Services

Michael Slivochka

ANNUAL DISTRICT ART SHOW Student artwork celebration

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A COMMUNITY OF CARING

Improving upon services to students and families

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Director of Personnel

Building Principals Nick Discenza

Berea-Midpark Middle School

A DOG WITH A PURPOSE A teacher takes a "Chance"

FALL SPORTS INFORMATION

Start dates for the middle school and high school

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26TH ANNUAL DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

Teri Grimm

Grindstone Elementary School

Joseph Kornick Snow School

Mike Kostyack

Brook Park Memorial Elementary School

Katie Rolland

Big Creek Elementary School

Vincenzo Ruggiero

Berea-Midpark High School

Tracy Schneid

Brookview Elementary School

Berea City School District 390 Fair Street Berea, Ohio 44017 216-898-8300 www.berea.k12.oh.us

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COVER STORY: CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2018 BCSD magazine |

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Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

I thank each of you for your dedication and commitment to your educational journey in the Berea City School District. As you take on new journeys, continue to persevere and remain dedicated to working hard towards success. I'd also like to thank all the wonderful staff members for your support and your guidance for our students. To our parents, we appreciate everything you have done to help your child succeed.

Mr. Michael Sheppard Superintendent

216-898-8300 x 6240 msheppard@berea.k12.oh.us

If you have a student coming back to Berea City School District in the fall, know that we are working hard over the summer to ensure each school is ready in August. I ask for your continued support as we work through decisions being made to balance the needs of the school district as a whole and the individual needs of each school. I value your patience in these times of change. I also look forward to sharing in the excitement of yet another school year this August.

The district website continues to have construction updates and photos.

The board's update regarding the timeline of our projects is included in this publication. It is important to also note that the district will be hosting several construction progress meetings for our families and the community throughout the school year.

I hope that you have a wonderful summer filled with opportunities for rest and relaxation.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and schools.

Mike Sheppard Superintendent

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COMING

SOON

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Berea City School District

Berea-Midpark Middle School

UPDATE

New Brook Park Elementary School

CONSTRUCTION This update was first released on June 5, 2018.

With the passage of Issue 107 in November 2016, the voters of the Berea City School District awarded our district the funds necessary to execute our proposed facilities plan. The execution of the plan began almost immediately with the creation of design committees to bring the plan to life. To keep our community informed of the progress, we have updated our website with construction news, conducted numerous forums, and had regular updates and presentations at Board meetings over the past 18 months. As we conclude the 2017-18 school year, the Board would like to share a broad overview of the projects:

Big Creek Elementary School

In July 2017, the Board of Education, through its Construction Manager at Risk (CMR), awarded contracts for various improvements consisting of window replacements and HVAC and electrical upgrades. All work should be completed by the start of school on August 23, 2018.

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In July 2017, the CMR began work on window replacements and HVAC and electrical upgrades and the construction of a connector to expand the footprint of the middle school. The majority of that work will be completed in time to welcome students on August 23, 2018.

The Administration and Board recently became aware of a completion date later than the originally planned August, 2019. The new completion date is scheduled for December, 2019.

The initial plan was to build the new elementary school behind the existing building, with construction beginning in Spring 2018. The challenge was how to integrate the existing auditorium into that design. The best solution was to rebuild on the current footprint of Ford Intermediate School and tie into the auditorium directly. As this requires abatement and demolition of the current building before any construction can begin, it was necessary to wait for the completion of the 2017-18 school year, thus pushing our completion date to December 2019. The Board considered several other options to finish the school sooner but none proved to be fiscally prudent.

New High School

The High School project will start in the middle of

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June 2018 with an early site package. The balance of the project will be awarded, through the CMR, in late August 2018. Due to design changes that were made earlier this year to accommodate the requests of residents as well as the City, the current project schedule calls for a “phased” opening. The first phase will be in August 2020 as originally planned, when all of the academic classrooms will be done and available to students and staff.

The second phase, to be completed in November 2020, will include the gym, auditorium and music spaces. Please note that these spaces in the current high school will be utilized in the interim. Lastly, the demolition of the existing high school will follow and the project will be complete by August 2021.

The Board of Education is thankful for the community’s approval of this significant investment in our district facilities. We recognize this is a significant time in our district’s history, and while we all look forward to our future, we remain committed to our current students and stakeholders. We will continue to exercise fiscal prudence and protect the funds provided by the community for these improvements so we may maximize the impact for our students and staff.

The district has worked to be transparent and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the plan.

For more information, contact Jeff Grosse.

216-898-8300 x 6220 or jgrosse@berea.k12.oh.us

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"Tools" by Kayla Simonitis

Through the Ages Annual District Art Show Berea City School District’s Fifteenth Annual Student Art Show was held May 8-10 in the Student Activity Center at Baldwin Wallace University. The event attracted parents, students and community members. The show highlighted the district's art department and student creativity and expression. This year’s exhibit, “Art Through the Ages 2018,” enabled visitors to observe the growth and development of students as the show included two- and three-dimensional works by K-12 artists. Hundreds of pieces of artwork were on display.

Defined as something created real, fictional, imaginary, whether animate or inanimate, human specific or a being of anomalous or uncertain

aspect or nature, the art show “theme” for this school year focused on "Creatures."

Kayla Simonitis, a recent graduate of BereaMidpark High School, was the featured artist and named Best in Show with her charcoal on paper piece entitled, "Tools."

A wide variety of mediums represented in the show included, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencils, charcoal, marker, mixed media, tempera, chalk, clay and glazes, paper mache, and more.

This annual celebration of art is an opportunity for students to show their talents outside of school hallway displays.

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A Community of Caring Improving each year

The District has completed another year of numerous services to students and their families. The services provided by the Pupil Services Department include, but are not limited to, the following:

Health/Nursing services

• Dental services brought to each school to provide screenings, restorative services, or procedures to participating students • Partnership with Baldwin Wallace University for nursing students to gain experience serving in schools The Berea City School District offers two programs for working parents or for parents wish to provide a social opportunity for their children.

ExtendED Program

A before and after school enrichment program located at all four elementary schools and at the middle school (up to age 14). Our program is an extension of your child’s school day and includes homework assistance, educational and recreational activities, music, sports, and arts and crafts all in a safe and nurturing environment. The ExtendED Program begins the first day of school and ends the last day of school. Enrollment is required on an annual basis.

Enrollment is limited at each site. All placements are on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list is maintained for openings which may occur during the registration period or the school year.

Summer Day Camp

An 8 or 9-week program for students who have completed kindergarten up to age 14. Camp is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ExtendED Camp is available from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. for additional fees. Children will

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participate in a wide variety of experiences including: sports, outdoor games, arts, crafts, science activities, and field trips all built around a weekly theme. Campers have daily access to the gym and playground and swimming twice a week at our community recreation center swimming pools. All camp transportation, field trips, snacks and beverages, as well as one “pizza day” per week, are included in the cost of the program.

We hope all children and parents will derive the greatest possible benefit from participation in our programs.

More information is available on the district website: www.berea.k12.oh.us/programs

Special Education

Students having an Individualized Education Program (IEP) • Services in all areas of need and child development: language, social-emotional, behavioral, sensory, physical, assistive technology, and academic intervention • Service providers including, but not limited to: intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, speech/ language pathologists, behavior coach, social worker/ licensed therapist, mental health/ behavior assistants, home instruction coach, educational interpreters, audiologist, hearing specialist, vision specialist • Established mental health/behavior assistants in classrooms with greatest behavioral/emotional needs • Wilson Reading Systems—intensive, multisensory reading program provided to students • Extended School Year—summer services provided to students with intensive needs

• Beginning collaborative problem solving with BCSD and parents for partnership in helping families with children with special needs obtain assistance, education, support • Home instruction coach connects parents to resources in the community

Academic Intervention

• Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII) team and process in each building to address academic needs for all learners and types of learning needs • Absence intervention teams—district and buildings—to help minimize truancy • Home instruction coach—to provide direct instruction to students with medical and/or mental health needs necessitating services at home

Behavioral/ Mental Health Intervention • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)—Safety, Respect, Responsibility

• Alternatives to Discipline—research and best practices reviewed by principals, pupil services director, and assistant superintendent to look at options for students • Tools for Behavior Toolbox—staff using mindfulness, zones of regulation, peer mediation, classroom management tool to help address behavior and wellness • Social-emotional learning—teams reviewed research-based social emotional curricula to implement in district from preschool to high school • Building PBIS teams established or revised to focus on data-based building needs from social behavior on playground or in cafeteria to compliance to classroom and school expectations to tardiness

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• Bullying forms reviewed and updated for counselor and administrator use to help prevent and intervene in the area of peer conflict

Training and Professional Development

• Student handbooks updated to reflect PBIS and more proactive approaches to behavioral needs

• District Representative Training for all building administrators and select staff serving as district representatives for IEPs (e.g.,IEP basics, services, placement, discipline, etc.)

• Safety Assessment—District established Safety/ Threat Assessment Teams of building administrators, school counselors, school psychologists, police and resource officers, and Ohio Guidestone mental health staff to implement district-wide procedures 2018-19 • Partnership with Ohio Guidestone for services to students attending Snow School, collaboration of mental health services and crisis responses in every building in district, shared staff training for both BCSD and Ohio Guidestone staff • The Day to Liv: Transition Bridge Program (TBP)—collaboration between Berea City School District and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to bridge communication and support between clinical providers and school teams for the social-emotional and academic success of students at school well underway addressing the needs of students and families grades 6-12 • Community Connectors Grant with Ohio Guidestone—afforded a teacher for students to provide social-emotional instruction and connecting students to mentors in the community for the purposes of college, career, and life readiness for 2017-18 (and grant approved again for 2018-19!)

• Legal Updates for all district staff—in areas of confidentiality, safety, behavior, disabilities, etc.

• Youth Mental Health First Aid—training to over half of the entire district’s staff (5th–12th grade staff, transportation department, nurses, ExtendED Care) with the remaining staff to be trained 2018-19 school year • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training—verbal de-escalation training given to over 100 staff and physical restraint training given to select special education providers • Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)/Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs)—training to special education staff and school counselors in behavior assessments and intervention plans • Basics in Behavior—training provided to Summer Camp staff • Safety, Assessment, and Intervention (SAI) training—sponsored by Sandy Hook Promise, forensic psychologist Dr. Cornell (with Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Parkland, etc.) provided the only evidencebased threat assessment model in the country to the district’s Safety and Security Committee, building threat assessment teams, and over 20 other districts and agencies in Ohio

The Pupil Services Department wants to remind every student and family that it is available for ALL students and ALL needs. Please contact staff in the buildings such as principals, school counselors, intervention specialists, or school psychologists if you have a need. Also, please contact our office at the Board of Education if you need further assistance at 216-898-8300.

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A SECOND CHANCE

Once unwanted, Chance is now a dog with a purpose Heather Labuda is a Title I Tutor at Brook Park Memorial Elementary School. She and her husband have a certified therapy dog named Chance who comes to school to work with students on Fridays. Chance is a rescue dog. He had been shot in the back leg and was dragging a coyote trap on his front paw. His injuries were so severe that his back leg and one front toe had to be amputated. Heather and her husband were chosen out of 80 families to adopt him. Chance quickly became a "dog with a purpose" and has been an inspirational support to the students at BPM. He has a mailbox so students can write him "Tail Mail." In the summer, he helps out at BPM's summer reading program at the Brook Park Library. Chance helps children focus and stay calm.

Kids at BPM say that Chance inspires them to do their best on their work. They think Chance is brave, strong, and the best dog ever. They draw him pictures and send cards. Sometimes they ask questions and other times they tell him how he helps them in school. With the help of Heather, students always gets a letter back.

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Back to School

Information AUGUST

The Alliance of Therapy Dogs says there are numerous benefits to bringing a dog into the classroom: • Physical benefits—interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.

• Social benefits—a visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.

• Cognitive benefits—it has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problemsolving skills.

• Emotional and mental health benefits—a therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter; the therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.

Chance is the result of lots of caring people taking chances. It is the hope that Chance teaches his friends at school that even though taking chances can sometimes be scary, lots of chances are worth taking. When we open our hearts to scary things, we discover things we didn’t even know about ourselves and realize how strong and determined we can be to overcome obstacles we didn’t believe we could.

First Day of School for

All Elementary Schools Berea-Midpark Middle School Back to School Schedule for

Berea-Midpark High School

Bus riders/transportation begins August 23

August 23

Grade 10 ONLY Orientation 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

August 24

Grade 9 ONLY Orientation 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

August 27 ALL GRADES IN THE BUILDING

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BEREA-MIDPARK HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2018

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2018 Orange and blue we'll always be

Friends and family members gathered on May 29 for the ceremony to commemorate the accomplishments and achievements of the Class of 2018. The fifth Berea-Midpark High School commencement ceremony signified a milestone in the lives of the 472 graduates as they began the next stage of their lives. Over half of those students graduated with a 3.0 GPA or highter.

Vincenzo Ruggiero, principal of Berea-Midpark High School, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

He recognized the Berea Board of Education and all BCSD staff present, and thanked everyone for their tireless efforts in helping students achieve scholastic excellence.

The Class of 2018 has had many award-winning students this past school year. Their accomplishments have been recognized at the Academic Letter of Intent Signing program, the Senior Scholarship and Awards programs, and the Polaris Career Center Awards program. Many seniors received academic awards, class awards, participation awards, and scholarships totaling just over 3 million dollars. The number of overall honor students included: 58 Cum Laude (GPA of 3.500 to 3.849), 57 Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.850 to 4.249), and 29 Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 4.250). Of the 472 graduates, 8 students have joined the military, 12 percent will be at a two-year college or vocational school, and 35 percent are going on to a four-year college or university.

Superintendent Mike Sheppard offered students advice on changing the world one situation at time. "I ask you this evening, graduates, to strive to look for the positive in situations, and what is really good in the world," Sheppard said. "You need to be the ones that encourage others, support those around you, and provide that much needed positive message in whatever challenge that you and those around you face."

The Berea-Midpark High School symphonic singers gave a captivating and emotional performance of the song, "For Good" by composer Stephen Schwartz. The song's lyrics, "because I knew you, I have been changed for good," aligned with the evening's inadvertent theme of change.

Senior Emma Wozencraft reflected on many of her school experiences and memories of becoming a Titan. "When we walked through the large doors of our elementary schools 12 years ago, we looked on not just with fear and intimidation, but with hope and excitement. Our lives were changing right in front of our eyes as we tentatively entered the classroom ready for the journey ahead."

"Tonight we are here to recognize the Titan in every graduate," said student Margaret Bartlett during her Emma Wozencraft student address. "All of you have shaped each other in a way nobody else has. The lessons we take away with us will change all of us for the better. We are different people now because our lives have been impacted by almost every single person here tonight. Whether they are wearing their cap and gown, sitting in the audience, or will be back in the classroom tomorrow, we have shared this experience together as Titans, and whatever kind of person you are in the moment or plan to be in the future, you will always uphold some trait that makes you a Titan now and always."

We look forward to where the future takes our Titans. Best of luck to the Class of 2018!

Margaret Bartlett BCSD magazine |

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Our graduates are going places!

Students from the Berea-Midpark High School Class of 2018 are attending:

Art Institute of Atlanta Baldwin Wallace University Bowling Green State University Capital University Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland State University Columbus State Community College Cuyahoga Community College Denison University Eastern Michigan University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Gallaudet University Georgia Institute of Technology Heidelberg University High Point University Hiram College Hocking College

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John Carroll University Kent State University Kettering University Lorain County Community College Lourdes University Mansfield-Ohio State University Mercyhurst University Miami University Mount Vernon Nazarene University Notre Dame College Ohio Dominican University Ohio Northern University Ohio State University Ohio University Otterbein University Penn State Beaver Southeastern Louisiana University Tiffin University

University of Akron University of Cincinnati University of Dayton University of Findlay University of Kentucky University of Mount Union University North Western Ohio University of Toledo Valencia Community College Walsh University Wittenberg University Wright State University York University, Canada Youngstown State University And more!

Renew your membership for another year, join for the first time, or become a Lifetime Member of the Friends of The Education Foundation group!

Since 1996 The Education Foundation for Berea City School District has been fortunate to have many volunteers and supporters who have spread the word about our purpose, helped out with the work of the Foundation, celebrated our successes, promoted our events, and contributed financial support.

Because of that support The Education Foundation has

given back over $825,000 of grants and

scholarships that have enhanced the educational opportunities for Berea City School District students.

We want to more formally recognize our current supporters and welcome new friends with our Friends of the Foundation group!

As a Member of the Friends of The Education Foundation:    

you get to be the first to learn about the happenings of the Foundation. you have the first opportunities to get involved in Foundation activities. you get to feel really good about giving back and making a difference in the lives of BCSD students. you receive a fun little decal to show your pride for the Education Foundation.

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Friends of The Education Foundation MEMBERSHIP FORM

_____ Yes! I am excited to be a Friend of the Foundation!

NAME: ___________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________ CITY: ________________________________ STATE: _________________ ZIP: _____________________ PHONE: ______________________________ EMAIL:__________________________________________ (please note: much of our correspondence will be done via email)

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERSHIPS: ____ $20 for 2018-2019 Membership

____$120 for a LIFETIME Membership

Please complete form and drop off or mail. Checks made payable to: Education Foundation, 390 Fair St. Berea, OH 44017 ONLINE FORM and PAYMENT available at www.EducationFoundationBerea.org

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Leading the titan way

Link Crew

Through connected relationships

Big changes are coming to Berea-Midpark High School in the fall as 9th grade will return to the high school. Approximately 950 9th and 10th graders will be new to the halls of the high school. A transition program called Link Crew is already being implemented to support those students. Link Crew is made up of student leaders and staff coordinators.

Link Crew leaders consist of returning juniors and seniors who are trained to be positive role models and motivators. The program is facilitated by staff members Steve Blatnica, Steve Bosko, Mary Draves, Karen Frimel, Lori Mercer, Carrie Rice, and Charlie Salata who will serve as Link Crew coordinators.

Link Crew leaders will welcome freshmen and sophomores this fall and make them

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feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience.

Link Crew is built on the belief that students can help students succeed. As positive role models, Link Crew leaders are mentors and student leaders who will guide freshmen and sophomores to discover what it takes to be successful both academically and socially during the transition to high school. Link Crew helps create a safe and supportive school environment where students learn that people at school care about them and their future. Freshmen and sophomores will be able receive support and guidance from juniors and seniors who have been through the challenges that high school poses, and understand that the transition to a larger school can sometimes be overwhelming.

Link Crew gives great kids with all different types of backgrounds an opportunity to be real leaders at school. Over 300 students applied to become Link Crew leaders. On May 18, those students selected to be a Link Crew leader experienced “May Day.� The new Link Crew leaders spent time getting to know each other and participated in team building activities. They were also asked what they thought were the 3 most important things a freshman should know about being successful in high school, and what they wish someone told them. These items will be shared with incoming students during orientation. Prior to orientation day, Link Crew leaders will spend two full days in August preparing to welcome the new freshmen and sophomore classes.

Through building relationships and connections, Link Crew aims to create positive whole school culture and climate change to make Berea-Midpark High School an even better place than it already is.

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FALL SPORTS INFORMATION TM

Physicals must be submitted to the coaching staff and all forms MUST BE COMPLETED on FinalForms prior to tryouts/practice participation. If a student-athlete does not have their physical or forms completed, they will not be allowed to tryout/practice.

Berea-Midpark Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Fall Cheerleading Start Date: August 6 Start Time: 3:15 p.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Cross Country Start Date: August 7 Start Time: 10–11 a.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark Middle School Track Additional Information: Brief meeting at 10 a.m. on August 7 prior to beginning of practice.

Be prepared to run on the first day!

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7th and 8th Grade Football Start Date: July 30 Start Time: 8th Grade at 3:30 p.m. & 7th Grade at 4 p.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark Middle School Football Field Additional Information: Athletes must bring their cleats, a mouth guard, water, a snack, and a lock for their lockers.

7th and 8th Grade Volleyball Start Date: August 6 Start Time: 8–11 a.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark Middle School Gymnasium Additional Information: Tryouts will be on August 6 and 7. Teams will be established after tryout period.

Berea-Midpark High School Boys Cross Country Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Either Berea-Midpark Middle School Track or Wallace Lake Girls Cross Country Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark Middle School Track Additional Information: Please bring water and a towel for the first day of practice.

Football Start Date: July 30 Start Time: 8 a.m.

Location: Roehm Athletic Complex Additional Information: Please make sure athletes bring cleats to practice.

Boys and Girls Golf Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 3:30 p.m.

Location: Seneca Golf Course Boys Soccer Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 4–6 p.m.

Location: Big Creek Elementary School

Girls Soccer Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Location: Roehm Athletic Complex Additional Information: Players are asked to wear their practice kits each day. Please also bring soccer cleats, indoor soccer shoes, running shoes, shin guards, a notebook and something to write with. Please pack a healthy lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.

Girls Tennis Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 9–11 a.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark Middle School Additional Information: Girls Tennis is a no cut sport! Stroke clinics will also be available over the summer for interested students in grades 7–12.

Times for stroke clinics to be announced.

Dates: Monday, July 23 – Groundstrokes Tuesday, July 24 – Volleys and Overheads Wednesday, July 25 – Serve and Return Thursday, July 26 – Strategy and Play Friday, July 27 – Competitive Fun Play Volleyball Start Date: August 1 Start Time: 8–11 a.m. and 12–3 p.m.

Location: Berea-Midpark High School Gymnasium Additional Information: Please bring a lunch with you for the first practice.

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Seven inductees joined the Berea City School District Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame as part of its 26th induction ceremony this past April.

Those joining the Hall of Fame for 2018 were Vicki Balzer, former teacher; Joseph Callow, MHS '86; Ann Cola Schuh, BHS '79; James Connell, former administrator; Mickey Sego, BHS '57; the late Eloise Tressel, community member and volunteer; and Lisa Zone, MHS '94.

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize alumni who have made a mark in their career, positively contributed to society, or achieved success in a worthwhile endeavor. In addition, the Distinguished Staff Hall of Fame Committee selects Distinguished Staff nominees for induction to the Hall of Fame and bestows an honorary Alumni membership on each inductee.

These nominees alternate annually among teachers, support staff, administrators, Board of Education members and community volunteers.

Inductees reflected on their experiences with Berea City Schools and shared advice for current students today.

Balzer was a teacher at Midpark High School for 30 years. She then spent time at Berea High School to tutor the graduation test. Currently, 22 | July 2018

she is volunteering in third grade. Balzer advised students "to concentrate more on what they like, what they're good at, what they'd like to pursue, and less on grades and tests, because if you have a passion for learning, the grades and tests will come."

Callow, a litigation partner at Keating, Muething, & Klekamp in Cincinnati, spent only his senior year at Midpark High School. Being accepted into and part of the Midpark community helped him adapt to new situations throughout his lifetime and career. His advice "whatever you do, you should work to be the best at it and strive and always give purpose to what you are doing" is something he also tells his own children.

An accomplished clinical audiologist, ColaSchuh believes students should "do the best you can in school, but also participate in activities at school." She credits her extra-curricular activities to becoming a USA swimming official.

Her experience at BHS included honors classes, participating on the swim team, being a Camp Mi-Bro-Be counselor, and a member of NHS. Connell began his career at Berea City School District as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He then became Assistant Superintendent, and finally was Superintendent

James Connell | Lisa Zone MHS '94 | Joseph Callow MHS '86 | Vicki Balzer | Mickey Sego BHS '57 Ann Cola Schuh BHS '79| Eloise Tressel (represented by her granddaughter, Julie and son, Dave)

of the District for 7 years. He advises current students to "try to embrace as many experiences as you can" and to "make school bigger than just going to classes."

Sego is an award-winning cartoonist as well as a published author. He reminisced about the faculty who helped guide him in his field. He spent 30 years as a Political Science Professor with Cuyahoga Community College. He currently owns an art gallery with his wife in Williamsburg, VA. His advice is to embrace technology as it "often times doesn't restrict you, but it releases you to bigger, better things."

Tressel was represented by her son Dave and granddaughter, Julie. They both spoke of how active Eloise was within the schools and the community. Dave said his mother would "encourage students to study hard and advise them to get involved in service and serve their community." Eloise was known as the first lady of

football coaches. She truly enjoyed being involved and simply just loved people.

Zone credits many of her high school experiences to contributing and forming the person she is today. As a managing director at a communications and marketing firm in Cleveland, it was writing for Midpark's school newspaper that made Zone fall in love with writing and editing. She believes if students "focus on things they are good at and things they love, they'll find a career that fits those."

Berea-Midpark High School students had an opportunity during the day of the induction to meet with the honorees and learn what led to their success. The evening ceremony was held at Middleburg Heights Junior High.

Nominations for the 2019 April event are due November 1. Nomination forms are available on the district website.

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