In 1986, the Fairview Park Education Foundation established their first scholarship. Since then, we have been awarding scholarships to outstanding Fairview High School seniors. This year, the Foundation proudly awards the following 25 scholarships totaling $27,500:
Fairview Park Education Foundation’s 2022 Scholarships:
Dr. John Babel Memorial Scholarship –– Established in 2016 in honor of the 3rd Superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools. Dr. Babel was born in upstate New York, and upon his high school graduation he was intent on staying on the farm. His father encouraged him to continue his schooling, finally pursuing a teaching certificate and later a master’s degree. He was first in his family to attain a college degree and continued to complete his PhD from The Ohio State University. He taught at Cleveland State University for 25 years and was a member of the Rotarian Club for over 35 years. Dr. Babel’s life was changed by those in education, and he believed in the value of lifelong learning.
The $1,000.00 scholarship is being awarded to a senior who will pursue a career in education.
This year’s recipient is Andi Crawford
Andi graduated with a 3.3 GPA and she will study Early Childhood Education and Communications (American Sign Language) at Cuyahoga Community College. During her time at FHS, Andi was active in Jazz Band and Marching Band, and she participated in the Spring Musical. She also was a 2-year member of the Track team and a 4-year member of both Cross Country and Swimming. Andi volunteered weekly at her church and also assisted with Vacation Bible School. As a future teacher, Andi hopes to be a role model for her students, creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and valued.
Frank W. Barr Memorial Scholarship—was established in 1990 in honor of the 2nd Superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools who served from 1964 to 1979. Dr. Barr was a member of many professional educational organizations as well as a member of many community groups.
The $500.00 scholarship is being awarded to a senior who will pursue a humanity and/or liberal arts major at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Ethan Leube
Ethan graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to pursue a degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. During high school, Ethan was a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and FHS Student News. He also excelled in athletics as a member of the Wrestling team for 1 year, Track & Field team for 2 years and Football team all 4 years. He is a leader among his peers serving as class Vice President 2 years and Executive Board Vice President his senior year, while also captaining the Football and Track & Field teams. Ethan is most proud of his Student of the Year nomination for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society where he raised nearly $1500 towards cancer research.
Mary Lou Chalfant Memorial Social Studies Scholarship — Mary Lou was a social studies teacher at Fairview High School for many years. She was an avid supporter of the Fairview High School’s arts programs especially the theater department. She never missed the opportunity to attend a performance during her tenure at the high school. She retired from the Fairview Park Schools and after her retirement established this scholarship.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding social studies student who will be pursuing a career in Social Sciences or Social Studies Education or someone who was active in the theater programs at Fairview High School.
This year’s recipient is Connor Quinn
Connor graduated with a 3.3 GPA and plans to major in History and minor in either Education or National Security. His long-term goals include inspiring young people through teaching or guiding policy creation that will protect our country. At FHS, Connor was active in Marching Band and Pep Band. He also was a member of the Track & Field team his senior year and played Football for 3 years. Outside of school, he worked part-time and volunteered through St. Patrick’s church.
Bruce Linden Cherkala Memorial Scholarship—was created in 1991 by the Cherkala family as a memory to their son, Bruce, who graduated from Fairview High School in 1968. While at FHS, Bruce was an honor student, letterman in football and tennis. Bruce went on to graduate from Denison University and then Case Western Reserve School of Medicine with an M.D. degree. Bruce passed away suddenly in 1982.
This $500.00 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will pursue science or mathematics at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Isabella Klinger
Isabella graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA. She will study Microbiology/Pre-med at The Ohio State University. Isabella was active in National Honor Society, Key Club and Kindness Club, in addition to being on the Volleyball team for 2 years and the Track & Field team for 4 years. Isabella serves on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Youth Advisory Council and works a part-time job. She aspires to attend medical school and earn her doctorate in clinical pathology. Isabella plans to conduct research and publish her findings and eventually she may enter the field of education as a college professor.
Maureen Cundiff Memorial Scholarship – established as a scholarship in 2007 through donations made by community and friends for the Cundiff Family. Maureen was a very active person in the community, including being a member of the Fairview Park City Schools Board of Education, president of PTA, member of the Gemini Committee and many more organizations. Maureen coached many years of girls’ softball and was an avid softball player herself.
The $500 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding female varsity athlete showing great leadership, respect and has received acknowledgments for outstanding sportsmanship during their sports career. Softball or Cross Country are preferred.
This year’s recipient is Shelby Todd
Shelby graduates Summa Cum Laude with a 4.2 GPA. She will attend The Ohio State University to pursue a degree in nursing. Shelby was a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and Key Club. She is the Class of 2022 Vice President of Student Council. She was a 4 year member of the FHS Softball team and was named captain her senior season. Her junior year, she earned the GRIND (Gratitude, Respect, Integrity, Never quit, and Discipline) award for softball, and was named Polaris Student of the Year. She serves as a Polaris Student Ambassador and was named an AP Scholar with Honors. As a future nurse, she hopes to help others and make patients feel comfortable and safe in her care.
Laura Dean Memorial Scholarship—established in March 2001 through a bequest of funding from the estate of a former Fairview Park teacher and former Fairview High principal, Laura Dean. Ms. Dean’s teaching and administrative career in the Fairview Park City Schools began in 1929 and lasted for 45 years. Her first assignment was teaching mathematics to elementary students and later serving as the second principal of Fairview High School. It was at her request that the scholarship awards be given to young women pursuing careers in mathematics or in the field of applied mathematics.
Two $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving graduating female seniors.
This year’s first recipient is Olivia Broadbent
Olivia graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.2 GPA. She will attend Miami University and study Nursing. She held numerous leadership roles at FHS including President of National Honor Society, Secretary of the Student Council Executive Board and captain of the Soccer and Track & Field teams. She also participated in Key Club, Ski Club and volunteered through various organizations. Selected by the teachers and staff of FHS, Olivia was honored as a member of the FHS Homecoming Court each year during high school. Olivia completed the Health Professions program at Polaris Career Center, which affirmed her career path into nursing. Her strong desire to care for others and to continue her education in the future may lead her to complete a master’ degree and become a physician assistant.
This year’s second recipient is Abigail Smith
Abigail graduated Cum Laude with a 3.7 GPA. She will attend Ohio University to study Nursing after having been enrolled in the Polaris Career Center Medical Professions Program during high school, earning her STNA certification. She was a member of Student Council serving 2 years as Class President and 1 year as Executive Board President. Abby captained the Soccer team and ran Track. She excelled in Soccer, earning GLC Conference Honorable Mention and GLC Scholar Athlete. Abby was an Adaptive Soccer Camp volunteer and also worked part-time. Professionally, Abby aspires to open her own practice, focusing on the benefits of holistic medicine.
Shirley Docherty Memorial Scholarship – was established in 2013 by her children Denise Devine and David in memory of their mother Shirley Docherty. Shirley was a homemaker most of her life except after she graduated high school. After high school she was employed drawing maps for the War Department. After the war, she was worked for NACA, (a forerunner of NASA) were she worked as a graphic artist in the Aircraft Engine Research Lab.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding art student pursuing a degree in Art/Graphic Arts at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Payton Blake
Payton graduated Cum Laude with a 3.5 GPA. She will attend Kent State University and intends to major in Visual Arts. During high school she was a member of Key Club and she volunteered extensively through Safety Town and Respite Nights at the Gemini Center. She juggles school along with nannying, babysitting and house/pet sitting. Payton is most proud being named an AP Scholar award recipient. She recalls that the most significant event in her life took place in 8th grade as she describes it, she “began drawing in an old notebook almost hypnotically for hours.” Payton says that it was that moment that she realized Art was going to be a primary focus and joy of her life!
Fairview High School Class of 1971 – 50th Reunion Alumni Scholarship — established in 2021 through the generosity of the Class of 1971 Reunion Alumni. This scholarship is awarded to a student who desires to attend a college or university but has significant financial obstacles that may restrict that dream for them.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a deserving graduating senior with significant financial needs.
This year’s recipient is Gabi Lane
Gabi graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA. She will study Molecular Biology at Ohio Northern University. Gabi was active in a multitude of activities at FHS including National Honor Society and Swim team. She utilized her musical talents as a member of the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, and Marching Band. She has volunteered throughout high school and also worked part-time. Gabi was honored as an AP Scholar and was also inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Passionate about her field of study, Gabi aspires to complete her bachelor’s degree and eventually her master’s degree, also in molecular biology.
Fairview High School Class of 1971 – 50th Reunion Alumni Scholarship Trade School — established in 2021 through the generosity of the Class of 1971 Reunion Alumni. This scholarship is awarded to a student who will be going to a trades school (i.e. electrical, plumbing, construction, masonry, etc.).
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who will be going into the trades.
This year’s recipient is Jovhanny Feliciano
Jovhanny graduated with a 3.2 GPA and he will pursue a career in the Trades, specifically precision CNC machining. During high school, he was a member of the Marching Band and he attended Polaris Career Center. He is detail oriented and hardworking and recalls his proudest moment during his junior year when he was selected to complete a special machining project at Polaris. He desires to continue his education and become a leader in his career field.
Fairview High School Class of 2020 (COVID-19) Scholarship – established by the Fairview High School Class of 2020 After Prom Committee through a donation of funds that were set aside for the Class of 2020 to use towards their prom and after prom. Due to COVID-19 these students were unable to have the same prom and after prom that their previous graduates enjoyed. The After Prom Committee generously donated the monies for a scholarship to use towards the college education of future FHS graduates.
The $500.00 scholarship is awarded to a student with a hardworking spirit who has persevered through obstacles, possibly COVID-19 related. The scholarship honors the many challenges the FHS 2020 graduates endured during their senior year. This scholarship is for a student who also demonstrates financial need.
This year’s recipient is Clatisha Hunter
Clatisha graduated Cum Laude with a 3.5 GPA. She will attend Kent State University to study Nursing. She works at Rae Ann Nursing Home, gaining valuable experience with patient care. Clatisha is an ambitious student, taking advantage of the opportunity to enroll in CCP courses and begin working towards her college degree. After receiving her nursing degree, she would like to become a traveling nurse. She is excited to pair her career with her desire to see the world!
Fairview Park Education Foundation Scholarship – This $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding student with overall academic/community and school achievement.
This year’s recipient is Miette Jankowski
Miette graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.4 GPA. She will attend the College of Wooster to study Biology and Pre-Medicine. Miette has successfully balanced academics with numerous activities including Student Council, Stagecrafters, Key Club, International Thespian Society Troupe 8671, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Track & Field. Miette is a leader among her peers; she attended the National Student Leadership Conference: Medicine & Healthcare during the Summer of 2019, served as President of the FHS Class of 2022 and she presided over the cast and crew of the Spring play as Stage Manager. Miette’s professional goal is to become a clinical pathologist and medical researcher.
Fairview Park Education Foundation Richard Stuewe Memorial Scholarship– established in 2019, named in memory of Richard Stuewe. He was a graduate of FHS, a teacher, a counselor, and a coach in the Fairview Park City Schools and an honored member of the Fairview Park Education Foundation and many other organizations in Fairview Park.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student with overall academic/community and school achievement.
This year’s recipient is Kyah Thompson
Kyah graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.4 GPA. She will study Biology within the Pre-Medical and Health Professions program at Duquesne University where she has also been admitted into the Honors College. Kyah was a Varsity Cheerleader and a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Key Club, Thespian Society, Stagecrafters, and National Society of High School Scholars. Kyah was named the Polaris Satellite Outstanding Senior and earned the AP Scholar award. After medical school she plans to utilize her degree as an emergency medical physician.
Maxine Field Memorial Scholarship— established in 2016 by the Field children in memory of their mother Maxine A. Field (nee Waack). Maxine was a proud resident of Fairview Park. She graduated from FHS in 1948 where she was head majorette for the marching band. In 1948 she represented Fairview Park and the State of Ohio as Miss Ohio in the Miss America pageant. In 1966 Maxine again represented Fairview Park and Ohio as Mrs. Ohio in the Mrs. America pageant. Maxine was a model and fashion coordinator for many local stores and malls. She also enjoyed singing, dancing and the theater where she acted in many local little theater productions and musicals.
The $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to a deserving graduating senior who will be pursuing a career in either the fashion industry or music.
This year’s recipient is Gavin Jennings
Gavin graduated with a 2.8 GPA and will study Fashion Design at Kent State University, home of one of the top fashion design programs in the country. During high school, Gavin participated in Track & Field and Swimming for 1 year and was a member of Scarlet Singers for 3 years. He was a 4-year member of the FHS Football team and he credits football for making him stronger physically and mentally and for teaching him that anything is possible. Outside of school he works part-time, takes jiu jitsu, lifts weights, and is active in Young Life church group. Gavin’s long-range goal is to be the head designer for a well-known fashion brand or the head designer of his own brand.
Dorothy Graab Memorial Scholarship — was established in 2013 by the children of Donald and Janet Graab Miller in memory of their mother Dorothy Graab. After graduation, she went to Northwestern University where she majored in chemistry. Dorothy continued to study piano throughout college. In 1948 she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), a forerunner of NASA, as a chemist at the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dorothy was an active volunteer in civic and community groups. She served as PTA president multiple times and was an elected Fairview Park City Schools School Board of Education member, ultimately serving as president. A lifelong lover of music, Dorothy was an accomplished piano player who took great pleasure and pride over the years in supporting the Cleveland Orchestra.
The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is active in one or more music programs but is not necessarily pursuing that at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Isabella George
Isabella graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. She will pursue a degree in Mathematics at Youngstown State University. Isabella is an extremely talented musician as evidenced by her membership in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, Marching Band, Pep Band, The Singing Angels, Honors Choir, Sweet Adeline – Women’s Barber Shop Group, and her Solo and Ensemble experience. She is also active in theatre at FHS (Stagecrafters) and in the community (Fairview Park Fine Arts & Theatre Association). She has been inducted into the National Honor Society as well as Tri-M. Professionally, Isabella will enter the STEM field, likely engineering or accounting.
Judson Graab Memorial Scholarship — was established in 2013 by the children of Donald and Janet Graab Miller in memory of their father Judson Graab. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he majored in chemistry. Judson’s time at Ohio Wesleyan was interrupted by his service in the US Army during World War II. Upon graduation from college in 1948 he joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), a forerunner of NASA, as a chemist at the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Judson remained at NASA for his entire career, serving as the longtime head of the analytical chemistry department and he retired in 1978.
Judson was also part of the team of parents who created the Fairview Park Band Boosters and established the annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast. Upon his retirement, Judson worked with the Fairview High School auto shop as a volunteer. His continued support was acknowledged by the Fairview Park Education Association with their Friend of Education award in 1992.
The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will pursue a degree in the sciences, preferably chemistry at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Kevin Moll
Kevin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA. His intention is to study Biochemistry at Kent State University. While at FHS, Kevin was active in Ski Club, Football, Cross Country, and Track & Field. He volunteered at Deer Valley and also worked part-time. Kevin’s future career path is fueled by his passion for the sport of powerlifting and his interest in the pharmaceutical industry. After completing his undergraduate degree, he intends on advancing to graduate school to get a master’s in pharmacology through NEOMED at Kent State. His ultimate goal is to develop medicines that will help treat and prevent heart disease.
Fred J. & Betty J. Helwig Memorial Scholarship—was established in 1999 to honor their parents and funded each year by the Helwig children. The scholarships are awarded to hard-working students who demonstrate initiative, self-motivation and a desire to achieve following life changing obstacles they are presented with. In addition to the scholarship award, the scholarship recipient’s names will be added to a permanent plaque that hangs in the Fairview High School halls to commemorate this award.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, and THIS IS OUR ONLY SCHOLARSHIP THAT IS RENEWABLE FOR FOUR YEARS OF COLLEGE. SO IT IS WORTH A TOTAL OF $4,000 PER RECIPIENT.
This year’s first recipient is Madison Hout
Madison graduated with a 3.0 GPA and will attend Cleveland State University to earn a degree in Psychology with the intention of becoming a counselor. Her extracurricular activities at FHS include Yearbook and Choir. She has been a 4-year member of the Football and Basketball Cheerleading squads and also worked part-time. Madison’s long term professional goal is to work with children and teens, knowing that those years are some of the most difficult and critical in a young person’s development. She states that “kids need to know that there are people in their corner who are willing to listen and support them,” and she intends to be that person for those who are struggling.
This year’s second recipient is Emily Haag
Emily graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.4 GPA. She will study Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology where she will also pursue Biomedical Engineering research. At FHS, Emily was active in Pit Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and String Orchestra. She also participated in Swimming and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Emily volunteered her time with Children’s Ministry, Special Needs Ministry and GSA and she also worked part-time. Emily conducted independent research at Case Western University, contributing work to the grant, “A Structure-Math Approach for Designing Robustly Intelligent Synthetic Nervous Systems.” She will eventually earn her PhD and intends to run a research lab that uses engineering to make life more accessible for the disabled.
Hall of Fame Richard Stuewe Memorial Scholarship — originally established in 2015 by the Fairview Park City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame and renamed in 2019 in memory of Richard Stuewe, friend, colleague, and alumni. The Alumni Hall of Fame committee honors three groups from the Fairview Park City Schools; distinguished alumni, outstanding former athletes, and exceptional (retired) faculty.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a senior that is pursuing a degree in the field education.
This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Loucka
Elizabeth graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA. She will attend Kent State University studying Secondary Math Education. During high school, Lizzy was a multi-sport athlete as a member of the Soccer, Bowling and Track & Field teams. Additionally, she worked part-time. She states that for as long as she can remember, math was her favorite subject, which has led to her wanting to make a career from mathematics. She anticipates eventually earning her doctorate in math education and ideally will teach Algebra to students in grade 8-9. As a future teacher, she wants to create a classroom that is a safe place for anyone and everyone who walks in.
Jeanne and Michael Holick Memorial Scholarship —originally established in 2008 by the Holick family in memory of their father Michael Holick. The scholarship was renamed in 2021 in memory of their mother Jeanne Holick who passed away on October 15, 2021.
Jeanne and Michael were married for 56 years and raised four children in Fairview Park. All their children were graduates of Fairview High School and Baldwin Wallace College.
Jeanne was a graduate of the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and taught piano in Fairview Park until she was 86. She was a great advocate of music programs at Fairview High School and local venues and always enjoyed concerts and plays.
Michael’s talents as a master finish carpenter for 56 years are appreciated today as he is responsible for building his family home and homes for his children in Fairview Park, in addition to rebuilding the corner of West 204th Street and Lorain Road. He was also involved with many buildings, renovating and remodeling projects in the Cleveland vicinity. Michael was an active member of the Carpenters Local Union 1108 and the memory of his talents, love and support of his family and pride in his city will shine forever.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who will be going into the trades or has been active in one or more music programs in their high school career.
This year’s recipient is Robert Karliak
Robert graduated Cum Laude with a 3.6 GPA. He will be a future buckeye at The Ohio State University, studying Aviation. Robbie was heavily involved in the music and theatre programs at FHS as a member of Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Stagecrafters and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Robbie earned superior and excellent ratings in Greater Cleveland Solo & Ensemble competition and served as vice president of the FHS band. He is a member of National Honor Society and was selected to Homecoming Court by the teachers and staff of FHS. Robbie aspires to work his way through the airline industry to become a commercial pilot.
Zuhair Jallad Memorial Scholarship—a scholarship was established in 2019 in Zuhair’s name by his family to honor his memory. Zuhair passed away suddenly at the beginning of his senior year at Fairview High School in the fall of 2018. Zuhair was going to pursue a career in computer science engineering and attend a four-year college. Zuhair’s biggest dream was to in some way make a difference in this world. Students applying for this scholarship should be enrolled in college credit plus courses and show financial need.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and a desire to achieve.
This year’s recipient is Hanna Blake
Hanna graduated with a 3.4 GPA ad will study Applied Engineering and Computer Science at Kent State University. She participated in Key Club and Because I Said I Would and volunteered numerous hours at Fairview Park Safety Town and the Gemini Respite events. The most significant event in Hanna’s life was when she took her first robotics course in 8th grade. It sparked her passion for engineering and combined her thirst for knowledge with the need for a creative outlet. She will begin her professional life in applied engineering, but eventually she has visions of becoming a software engineer, writing code that will change lives for the better. Outside of her career, Hanna hopes to one day create a charity called “The Dragon Club,” which will focus on helping children in adverse and frightening situations.
Robert V. and Rose T. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship (originally the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship) — was established by the Kundmueller Family in 1990 in memory of their father Bob Kundmueller. The scholarship is also in memory of their mother Rose Kundmueller who passed away on November 14, 2014.
Bob and Rose became residents of the city of Fairview Park as newlyweds in 1955, raising six children who were all educated in the Fairview Park School System. Bob was a local Fairview Park business owner for many years.
Bob was the Education Foundation’s founding treasurer and trustee, involved in numerous civic organizations, and a Fairview Park Citizen of the Year recipient.
Rose was actively involved in the PTA and they both were strong advocates and supporters of the Fairview Park City Schools.
The scholarship is funded on behalf of the proceeds totaling $108,000 from the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Golf Tournament – the original Foundation’s annual fundraiser that occurred for 18 consecutive years.
The scholarship in the amount of $3,000 is awarded to a student showing outstanding academic achievement as well as community and school participation.
This year’s recipient is Samuel Allen
Sam graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.4 GPA. He will pursue a degree in Mathematics and would like to enter the field of Education. He notes that after having FHS math teacher Mr. Korey his freshman year, he knew that he too wanted to become a math teacher to provide a positive and engaging learning experience for future students. Sam was involved in numerous activities during high school including Symphonic Band, Tri-M Honor Society, Stagecrafters, National Honor Society, Student Council and Swim team. He was also active in Boy Scouts and worked part-time. He is an AP Scholar with Honors, has earned a Capstone Diploma and is an Eagle Scout.
Lewis F. Mayer Memorial Scholarship—a $500.00 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Fairview High School senior, in memory of Mr. Mayer, a humanitarian of Fairview Park, an educator, principal and the first superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools, serving from 1921 to 1964.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Fairview High School senior who will be pursuing a career in the humanities.
This year’s recipient is Jessica Sassano
Jessica graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.2 GPA. She will study Psychology at The Ohio State University. In addition to being involved in National Honor Society and Kindness Club at FHS, she was nominated by the faculty and staff to be a member of the Homecoming Court and was selected by her peers as the winner. In addition, Jessica is an elite figure skater, having skated since she was 6 years old. During high school, she worked as a Learn to Skate instructor and a private skating coach. She hopes to continue working with young skaters into her adult life. Professionally, she will study both psychology and kinesiology and hopes to become a sports psychologist to young athletes.
Richard C. & Louise K Nickerson Memorial Scholarship – Established in 2019 through a bequest of funding from the estate of Louise K. Nickerson. Ms. Nickerson worked her entire life at a job she loved. She did not choose to attend college. During her adult life she realized how important future higher education was and essential for a successful career at the present time. Her request was to help provide financial aid to students attending college.
Two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to students who have shown outstanding overall academic/community and school achievement. One of these scholarships will be for a student attending a two- or four-year college and the other will be for a student attending only a four-year college.
This year’s first recipient is Samuel Durno
Sam graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.1 GPA. He will attend Cleveland State University, studying Environmental Engineering. Sam was involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Concert Band. He is also a talented athlete running Cross Country and Track and swimming on the FHS Swim team. He is a Boy Scout and has earned Eagle Scout honors. His senior year, Sam was nominated and voted Homecoming King. In the future, Sam’s goals include taking on local environmental challenges and solving issues to benefit communities. He aspires to give back to nature, combating climate change and beautifying our world.
This year’s second recipient is Alyssa Wiemels
Alyssa graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.4 GPA. She will study Environmental Science, concentrating on Urban Studies and Policies at Cleveland State University. Alyssa was heavily involved in the music and theatre programs at FHS, including Stagecrafters, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society and participated in Track and Swimming. She is a member of her church youth group and worked part-time. She was named FHS Homecoming Queen her senior year. Her professional goal includes working for the EPA, managing environmental operations during times of crisis or bridging the gap between scientific research and environmental legislation efforts.