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Editor:
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Eagle Nation Plain Local Schools 901 44th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44709
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NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Plain Local School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability or age with respect to employment or educational programs and opportunities to students. Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer, Gayle Kimbrough 330-492-3500. 4 12 22 14
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LETTER FROM THE Principal LETTER FROM THE Deputy Principal
Dear Class of 2026,
Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your educational journey. Graduation is much more than the completion of high school, it’s a celebration of your hard work, perseverance, growth, and determination. You now join the proud tradition of GlenOak graduates and begin an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities, challenges, and endless possibilities.
Throughout your time at GlenOak High School, you have faced obstacles, embraced challenges, and demonstrated remarkable resilience. You have learned valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom. You have built friendships, discovered passions, developed talents, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, you have grown into capable young men and women who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world around you.
The Class of 2026 has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and rise to the occasion. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage, in community service, or through leadership opportunities, you have represented GlenOak with pride, character, and determination. You should be proud of all that you have accomplished.
As you look toward the future, I encourage you to continue pursuing excellence in everything you do. Whether your path leads you to college, a vocational program, military service, or directly into the workforce, approach each opportunity with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to continue learning and growing. Never be afraid to take risks, challenge yourself, or pursue your dreams. Success is not measured by a single achievement but by your commitment to growth, your willingness to persevere, and the positive impact you have on others.
You are now, and always will be, a part of Eagle Nation. No matter where life takes you, you will always have a home at GlenOak High School. We hope you will stay connected, share your accomplishments, and allow us to celebrate your successes for years to come.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your principal. I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see all that you will accomplish in the years ahead.
Congratulations once again on this well-deserved achievement. May your future be filled with purpose, happiness, and continued success.
Keep Soaring,
Eagles, Brett Niarchos Principal
Dear Class of 2026,
The time has finally arrived for you to celebrate one of the most important milestones of your life. Your years at GlenOak High School have been filled with learning, growth, unforgettable memories, and moments that have helped shape who you are today. Every lesson, challenge, and achievement along the way has helped prepare you for a bright and promising future.
Throughout your time at GlenOak, you have learned what it means to SOAR by showing strength, opportunity, accountability, and respect in everything you do. Those values will continue to guide you long after graduation. Whether you are heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or pursuing another passion, remember that your journey is only beginning.
The future ahead of you is full of possibilities. There will be moments of excitement, uncertainty, success, and growth. Embrace every opportunity with confidence and determination. Do not be afraid to take risks, learn from mistakes, and challenge yourselves to become even better versions of who you are today.
As you begin your next journey, carry the spirit of GlenOak High School with you. Continue to lead with kindness, work hard for your goals, and support those around you. Your talents, creativity, and passion will make a difference wherever life takes you.
Always remember that success is not measured only by achievements, but by the impact you make on others and the character you show along the way. Your teachers, families, and community are proud of everything you have accomplished and excited to see all that you will achieve in the future.
Congratulations and Best Wishes,
Deb Pickering Deputy Principal GlenOak High School
S ARING CLASS OF 2026
SENIORS
Every Eagle’s journey is unique, but each one leaves GlenOak with experiences, relationships, and opportunities that help shape what comes next. For this year’s Seniors Who SOAR feature, we asked six members of the Class of 2026, Javi’Ion McClendon, Panagiota “Gia” Tzouloufis, John Jemison, Marena Winn, Zachary May, and Ellie Cribbs, to share their plans after graduation and reflect on how their time at GlenOak prepared them for the future.
JAVI’ION McCLENDON
Javi’Ion’s plans after high school are: “After high school, I’ll be going to Tiffin University to play football on a scholarship. I plan to major in Business Management because I want to own my own landscaping company someday.”
How did your time at GlenOak help you SOAR for your future? “GlenOak High School has helped me SOAR and get ready for my future. My teachers and coaches have taught me how to manage my time and be responsible. They’ve pushed me to do my best in school and in sports, helping me grow into a well-rounded person. I’m really grateful for my time at GlenOak.”
PANAGIOTA “GIA” TZOULOUFIS:
Gia’s plans after high school are: “I plan to attend the University of Dayton to study Psychology while running track and cross country. My plan is to study psychology with a pre-med track and eventually become a psychologist. Mental health is very important to me; I have always had someone in my life who was there for me, and I want to be able to give back in that same way.”
How did your time at GlenOak help you SOAR for your future? “All of the relationships I have built with teachers have taught me lessons and given me opportunities that I otherwise would not have had. I made a lot of relationships with trusted teachers and staff members. I feel like they have really set me up to be successful.”
JOHN JEMISON
John’s plans after high school are: “I’m currently employed at The K Company and plan to begin my HVAC apprenticeship within a year after graduation, where I will gain hands-on experience and develop technical skills in the trade. My long-term goal is to become a journeyman and continue advancing within the field by taking on greater responsibilities and growing into leadership roles.”
How did your time at GlenOak help you SOAR for your future? “GlenOak has helped me SOAR by surrounding me with supportive teachers and mentors like Mr. Buck, who provided me with the HVAC opportunity through Stark State College and The K Company and encouraged me to challenge myself. Through CCP and experiences with The K Company, I’ve built real-world skills, gained confidence, and taken on new responsibilities. These opportunities have prepared me for my future and given me a strong foundation to succeed.”
MARENA WINN
Marena’s plans after high school are: “After high school I plan to attend Kent State University and major in Medical Laboratory Science with a possible minor in Biology. My goal is to become a medical lab technician.”
How did your time at GlenOak help you SOAR for your future? “GlenOak has given me so many opportunities, especially through Career Tech. What I loved is that a student doesn’t even need to join a Career Tech program to understand all of the different pathways they can take. Simply touring the programs really opened my eyes to the different careers I could choose from. Speech and Debate was also a major reason why I feel so comfortable in social interactions now. The program really helped me feel ready for future job interviews.”
ZACHARY MAY
Zachary’s plans after high school are: “I plan to attend Kent State University to study Musical Theater and Robotic Engineering.”
How did your time at GlenOak help you SOAR for your future? “GlenOak gave me opportunities I would have never been able to have anywhere else. I was able to direct and produce a full-scale play and perform in some of the best musicals produced by a public high school. Without GlenOak, I wouldn’t have been able to make it into Kent State’s Musical Theater program.”
ELLIE CRIBBS
Ellie’s plans after high school are: “I will attend Grand Valley State University and major in nursing.”
How did your time at GlenOak help you SOAR for your future? “GlenOak has helped me SOAR by providing classes that sparked my interest and challenged me. I was able to take AP and honors classes that pushed me academically. I was also part of the Sports Medicine Career Tech program, which is how I found my love for the medical field. GlenOak also provided a space for me to push myself physically. I was a member of the varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse programs and served as captain of both teams. Lastly, I was part of GlenOak’s National Honor Society, where I was able to give back to my community through various service activities.” Do
Close to 200 GlenOak High School students were recognized during the 2026 Senior Academic Awards Program on May 14, celebrating academic excellence, leadership, service, fine arts achievement, career tech success, athletics, and future plans after graduation. This year also marked a historic milestone as the Class of 2026 became the first graduating class at GlenOak High School to be recognized
through the new Latin Honors system, with 146 students earning Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude distinction for outstanding academic achievement. The evening highlighted the many ways GlenOak students continue to lead, achieve, and SOAR both inside and outside the classroom.
CAREER TECH CONTENT WINNERS
CONSTRUCTION
Spencer Henderson
Lilly Wightman
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Drayden Chapman
Breanne Patterson
Yordelis Dominguez
MILITARY COMMITMENTS:
Jessica Dick – U.S. Air Force
Isaac Dudley – U.S. Army National Guard
Wesley Harris – U.S. Marine Corps
Justin Johnson – U.S. Army National Guard
Angel Perdomo – U.S. Air Force
Nikolas Southall – U.S. Army
Vy Ho
Kai Rittman
Amelia Salomone
Codispoti
Allissa Bird
Edana Heckman
Marlie Mercado
SCHOLAR ATHLETES:
Anthony Alessandro – Football, Track and Field
Casey Allen – Lacrosse
Lainee Amos – Cross Country
Patrick Arway – Golf
Nico Codispoti – Soccer
Jace Craighead – Lacrosse
Ellie Cribbs – Soccer
Jessica Dick – Lacrosse
Brianna Dodd – Track and Field
Jonah Dunnivan – Cross Country
Noah Fitzsimmons – Swimming
Gavin France – Golf, Baseball
Nicholas Giavasis – Cross Country, Swimming
Landon Gilmore – Football
Macie Griffith – Softball
Alexis Groves – Softball
Richard Hairston – Football, Track and Field
Carter Hall – Football, Baseball
Emily Hallaman – Tennis
Emma Hamilton – Softball
John Hamilton – Football, Baseball
Andrew Harold – Cross Country, Track and Field
Giorgios Kaberidis – Football
Gabriel Kostevic – Swimming
Logan Kozma – Baseball
Sophia Krosse – Cross Country, Gymnastics
Augustine Krueger – Football, Track and Field
Soren Lewis – Swimming
Alayna Linquist – Volleyball
Sydney Long – Cross Country, Track and Field
Sean Lynch – Cross Country, Track and Field
Christian McAllister – Track and Field
Eve Meyer – Cross Country, Track and Field
Eleni Miller – Softball
Dylan Millsap – Cross Country
Kyle Moff – Baseball
Allison Monroe – Track and Field
Hannah Pace – Cross Country, Track and Field
Mason Pooley – Soccer
Ludovica Puccini – Cheerleading
Ava Pultz – Soccer
Justen Quintero – Soccer
Liliana Ramey – Track and Field
Matthew Rekstis – Football, Track and Field
Olivia Renicker – Softball
Braden Rosche – Soccer
Amina Salem – Cross Country
William Sanders – Soccer, Lacrosse
Nathan Schorsten – Soccer
Ava Shreiner – Swimming
Christian Sklavenitis – Football
Kyle Snedeker – Soccer, Swimming
Canaan Sommers – Cross Country, Swimming, Track and Field
Emma Studer – Swimming, Track and Field
Daisy Theodore – Lacrosse
Mia Thompson – Soccer
Panagiota Tzouloufis – Cross Country, Track and Field
Dominick Wagner – Football, Wrestling
Brooklyn Walker – Soccer
Issa White – Basketball
Lilly Wightman – Track and Field
Olivia Wiles – Tennis, Gymnastics
Marena Winn – Track and Field
Cole Zackiewicz – Lacrosse
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
ARCHIE GRIFFIN AWARD NEVAEH CARTWRIGHT MATTHEW REKSTIS
HANNAH PACE SOREN LEWIS
ALEXIS GROVES SEAN LEAHY
This spring, the Plain Local Schools Foundation & Alumni Association proudly awarded $26,250 in scholarships to graduating seniors from the GlenOak High School Class of 2026.
Made possible through the generosity of donors, alumni, community organizations, and local families, these scholarships support a wide range of postsecondary pathways, including college, career training, service, and leadership opportunities. Each award reflects the values, passions, and legacies of the individuals and organizations who established them, many of whom have deep roots in the Plain Local community.
The Plain Local Schools Foundation & Alumni Association is honored to invest in the future of these outstanding graduates as they begin their next chapter. Please join us in congratulating the recipients of the following scholarships presented through the Plain Local Schools Foundation & Alumni Association.
THE ABBEY E. FOLTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Abbey Foltz, a 1999 GlenOak graduate, lost her courageous battle to cancer in August 2000. Despite frequent hospitalizations and treatments throughout high school, Abbey demonstrated courage, determination, and perseverance in achieving her academic and personal goals. Her love for music and the performing arts inspired her family to establish this scholarship in her memory. 2026 Winner: Katie Dever
THE BILL MEASE SCHOLARSHIP: Dedicated to former Plain Local Superintendent and educator Bill Mease, this scholarship honors his commitment to improving educational opportunities for students and his vision for the future of Plain Local Schools. 2026 Winner: Soren Lewis
THE BROCATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP: Established by a group of GlenOak High School Class of 2016 graduates, this scholarship celebrates students who pursue excellence socially, academically, and athletically while demonstrating dedication, pride, and a competitive spirit. 2026 Winners: Sophia Krosse and Hannah Pace
THE BUSER FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Michael Buser and Jacqueline DiNapoli-Buser, this scholarship reflects their family’s commitment to philanthropy, kindness, respect, and supporting the needs of children in Northeast Ohio and beyond. 2026 Winner: Liana Orn
THE DELANEY GRACE RILEY BLACK SHEEP DISC GOLF
SCHOLARSHIP: Created in memory of Delaney Grace Riley, this scholarship honors her love for others, commitment to giving back, and enthusiasm for learning. Though her life was cut short at age 10, her impact continues to inspire others. 2026 Winners: Halle Speelman, Hannah Pace, Mason Pooley, Katie Dever, Landon Gilmore, Sean Lynch, Soren Lewis, and Olivia Bohaychyk
THE DRENTA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP: Established to support graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of Plain Local Schools alumni, this scholarship honors Vic and Darlene Drenta, both alumni and longtime educators in the district. 2026 Winners: Jace Craighead and Alayna Linquist
THE FLORENCE ELIZABETH BARR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Established in memory of Florence Barr, an outstanding athlete and respected educator in the Plain Local School District. 2026 Winner: Holly Harper
THE JIM HILLIBISH JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP: Established in memory of longtime Canton Repository journalist Jim Hillibish, this scholarship honors his passion for journalism, storytelling, and communications. 2026 Winner: Anna Resanovich
THE JON R. GHEEN SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship honors Jon Gheen, a Plain Township resident, Glenwood graduate, community leader, and successful businessman whose life reflected dedication to family, education, and hard work. 2026 Winner: Patrick Arway
THE MATTHEW FOX SCHOLARSHIP: Established in memory of 1995 GlenOak graduate Matthew Fox, this scholarship honors his passion for music, performance, and teaching. 2026 Winner: Katie Dever
THE PAULA PERTICARINI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
Established in memory of Paula Marie Perticarini, a dedicated educator, mother, and advocate for students whose kindness, compassion, and commitment to education left a lasting impact on those around her. 2026 Winner: Richard Hairston
THE PETER N. CAZANTZES SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship honors Pete Cazantzes, an educator who dedicated more than 30 years to Plain Local Schools and devoted his life to serving students and the community. 2026 Winner: Ellie Cribbs
THE PLAIN TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP:
Established by the Plain Township Fire Department and IAFF Local 2967 to support deserving GlenOak High School seniors. 2026 Winners: Liliana Ramey and Landon Gilmore
THE SYDNEY KLEPTACH SCHOLARSHIP: Established in memory of Sydney Kleptach, a 2018 GlenOak graduate whose academic achievement, leadership, artistic talents, athletic accomplishments, and dedication to community service positively impacted everyone she met. 2026 Winner: Zoey Zimmerman
THE TYDIN MILLER SCHOLARSHIP: Created to honor the life of Tydin Miller, a 2005 GlenOak graduate whose perseverance, positivity, kindness, and determination inspired all who knew her. 2026 Winner: Brooklyn Maurer
THE HAWS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Plain Township Trustee Scott Haws as part of his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting future leaders. 2026 Winners: Landon Gilmore and Brooklyn Maurer
THE GLENOAK SOCCER BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP:
Established by the GlenOak Soccer Booster Club to recognize deserving senior soccer players who have demonstrated commitment to their team, school, and community. 2026 Winners: Ellie Cribbs and Andrew Miracle
THE ROGER AND CHERYL MCCLURE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Roger and Cheryl McClure, longtime Plain Local educators, this scholarship celebrates a family’s three-generation connection to Plain Local Schools and a lifelong commitment to education. 2026 Winner: Laura Hall
International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma Candidates
The International Baccalaureate Organization began in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968 as a non-profit international educational foundation. The goal of the IBO is to help students develop the social, emotional and education needs of students in a rapidly changing world. The Diploma Programme is focused academic curricula for students ages 16-19 during the junior and seniors years. The IB has a reputation of excellence, rigour and relevance in education by preparing young students to be prepared for college and lifelong learning. Congratulations to the 2026 International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma Candidates.
Emerson Albert
Jace Craighead Brendan Dunphy Mitchell Garner
Soren Lewis
Kyle Moff Hannah Pace
Zoey Zimmerman
EAGLE
GLENOAK HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER
Of fondest memories those of GlenOak will last through the years. To thee our loyalty, forever and ever endures. May all the days that follow bring back the memories of old, of GlenOak High School, the home of the green and gold, the home of the green and gold.
Four-Year Degree: 53.1% Two-Year Degree: 7.6%
Workforce/Internship: 13.2% Military: 1.5%
Arts & Activities
Nearly one-third of the Class of 2026 participated in visual or performing arts opportunities
70+ performances across performing arts like, band, choir, theater, dance, strings, etc. GlenOak Artists earned recognition at the regional, state, and national levels
SENIOR WALK 2026 One Last Walk Through Eagle Nation
For the Class of 2026, one of the most meaningful traditions of graduation season was the annual Senior Walk. Before crossing the commencement stage, GlenOak seniors returned to the schools where many of their educational journeys began, giving younger students a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and imagine their own futures.
Wearing caps and gowns, the soon-to-be graduates walked through the halls of Plain Local Schools as students and staff lined the corridors with cheers, applause, signs, and high fives. While every stop was special, it was the personal connections along the way that made the day unforgettable.
Teacher Pathways students had the opportunity to reconnect with the young learners whose classrooms they had spent the school year supporting. Seniors involved in the Saturday Enrichment Program’s dance classes were greeted by younger dancers holding handmade signs and cheering them on. Throughout the day, many seniors shared emotional reunions with younger siblings, former teachers, and family members who now attend or work in Plain Local Schools. For seniors whose parents are district employees, the walk created a unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone together.
At each elementary school, graduates who once attended that building paused for a special class photo with former classmates before boarding the bus to their next stop. These photos captured a full-circle moment, bringing together students who began their educational journeys side by side years ago and were now preparing to take their next steps into adulthood.
The fan-favorite moment of the day came during the final stop at Middlebranch Elementary. After walking through the halls, Physical Education Teacher Mr. Hamilton invited every senior to participate in a beloved elementary school tradition: the parachute. As the colorful parachute filled the gym, graduates laughed, ran, and played alongside one another, ending the day the same way many of them began their educational journey, as kids.
The Senior Walk serves as a powerful reminder that every graduate’s story started somewhere. From their first days as Little Eagles to their final days as GlenOak seniors, the Class of 2026 has been supported by teachers, staff, classmates, and families every step of the way.
