BW builds connection with Berea City School District students

By KATIE COLABIANCHI Contributing Writer

The close proximity of Berea city schools to Baldwin Wallace University creates a unique chance for their students, staff and faculty to build a relationship between the schools, which gives high schoolers the chance to work with older students and professors, and learn more about the college experience.

“[Baldwin Wallace is] a beautiful place with very welcoming people,” said Grace Trella, a ninth-grade cheerleader and soccer player at Berea-Midpark High School.

Mark Smithberger, principal of B.M.H.S., added that BW and the Berea City School District make up one joint, cooperative community, “enabling a symbiotic relationship that benefits both sides.”

Through the schools’ connections, both parties collaborate and share athletic spaces. For example, B.M.H.S. athletic programs utilize BW’s George Finnie Stadium to host varsity football games, soccer games and conference track meets. They also use the connected Roehm Athletic Complex softball fields for games and soccer practices.

Sam Jackson, a senior football player and shot put thrower, emphasized how grateful he is to take advantage of collegiate facilities.

“Playing on such a nice field and a nice stadium is something I really appreciate that not many other high schoolers are lucky enough to experience,” said Jackson.

Trella said that she enjoys cheering in the large college football stadium. She said there are always “so many fans,” making the game experience even better and more exciting.

Jordyn Rozek, a BW alumnus and teacher at Berea-

Midpark Middle School, said that her students are fascinated by Baldwin Wallace’s athletic fields.

“It [seeing the fields and athletes] gives them something to strive for beyond K-12 schooling,” Rozek said.

In addition to athletics, Rozek and Smithberger said BW offers more programs their students can get involved in and attend. Many BereaMidpark students take voice lessons from BW professors, accompany art shows and watch musical productions.

Smithberger also shared that BW students mentor BereaMidpark students in athletics and academics, presenting themselves as mentors and cooperating teachers.

“Students and parents view Baldwin Wallace University as a resource. They know we are lucky to have the university so close to us and can rely on the college for great opportunities,” Smithberger said.

With BW being so close