1986 was the year that the Fairview Park Education Foundation established its first scholarship. Since then the Education Foundation has been awarding scholarships to outstanding Fairview High School seniors. This year, the Education Foundation proudly awards the following 22 scholarships totaling $23,000:
Frank W. Barr Memorial Scholarship: Established in 1990 in honor of the 2nd Superintendent of the school system, 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 humanities and/or liberal arts major at a college of university.
This year’s recipient has maintained a rigorous schedule of honors and AP classes as well as being involved in Key Club, Chorale and Cheerleading. She is a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the Cheerleading Squad, teaches sunday school, and is a Messiah School Cheer Coach. She has been an office aid and works at Hollister. This year’s recipient plans to major in Criminology and attend Cleveland State University.
Her name is Elizabeth Lattner.
Mary Lou Chalfant Memorial Social Studies Scholarship: Mary Lou was a social studies teacher at Fairview High School for many years. She retired from the Fairview Park Schools and after her retirement established this scholarship. This $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding social studies student who will be pursuing a career in Social Sciences or Social Studies Education.
This year’s recipient was involved in Stagecrafters, Mock Trial, and Mosaic club. She participated in cross country, cheerleading and track. She was captain of the cross-country team this year and has received several cross-country awards in addition to many merit and honor roll awards. She has done volunteer work helping to feed the less fortunate, works as a tutor and maintains a job at Panera Bread. She plans to major in psychology and attend Kent State University.
Her name is Alexis Neuhaus.
Bruce Linden Cherkala Memorial Scholarship: 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 and a letterman in football and tennis. Bruce went on to graduate from Denison University and then Case Western Reserve School of Medicine with a 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 second in his class with a grade point of 4.478. He has maintained a vigorous schedule of AP and post-secondary classes. He has played varsity soccer, varsity track and Cleveland premier soccer and has been captain of the soccer team his junior and senior year. He has been on the principal’s list and has obtained an academic letter, academic scholar and academic athlete status every year of high school He was chosen 1st Team All-Conference Soccer, 1st Team Greater Cleveland and an Academic All Ohio Soccer player. He plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Akron in the fall.
His name is Jacob Seeh.
Coca Cola Scholarship: Established in 2007 through the Coca Cola Bottling Company. This year we have two $1,000.00 scholarships to be awarded. Criteria for these scholarships areoverall academic, community and school achievement.
The first recipient is a young man who ranks eighth in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been involved in Student Government, In-Club, Mosaic Club, Chamber Orchestra, and Pit Orchestra. He has served on the Fairview Park Strategic Planning Action Group. He is active in his church’s youth group, has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the FHS chamber orchestra community outreach. He has served as Executive Vice-President of Student Council, President of his class, President of In-Club and President, Vice President and Librarian of the Orchestra. He plans on majoring in math with the goal of attaining a 7-12 teaching licensure.
His name is Samuel Hvizdos.
The second recipient is a young man who ranks 7th in his class and is also a member of the National Honor Society. He is involved in the Key Club, and Mosaic Club, has participated in the Swimming, Diving and Tennis Teams. He is a team captain of the swim team and a most valued player and is a multi-district qualifier. He has volunteered with his Church Youth Group and Fairview Hospital. He has worked as a lifeguard at the Fairview Recreation Center and works at Mooyah Burgers and Fries. He plans on majoring in Chemical Engineering.
His name is Anthony Weise.
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 Board of Education, president of PTA, member of the Gemini Committee and many more organizations. She gave so much of herself to her family and community that having a scholarship in her memory is a wonderful way to remember her. The scholarship is a $500.00 scholarship and the scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding female varsity athletic.
This year’s recipient is involved in student government having been elected secretary. She is also involved in yearbook, has played softball for four years, volunteered at the hospital and as a volunteer coach. She works at Chuck E. Cheese. She has been chosen student of the month many times and has been chosen employee of the month at work. She plans on attending Kent State University in the field of nursing because of her passion for helping people.
Her name is Salena Iwais.
Laura Dean Scholarship Memorial Scholarship: Established in March 2001 through a bequest of funding from the estate of a former Fairview Park teacher and Fairview High principal, Laura Dean. Ms. Dean’s teaching and administrative career in the Fairview Park 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 active in Stagecrafters and Yearbook. She has served as assistant Stage Manager and as Stage Manager this year for the school plays. Her out of school activities include being an usher at her church and she has participated in multiple Mission trips. She will be attending Bowling Green State University in the fall majoring in Accounting.
Her name is Christina Stover.
The second recipient is a student who ranks first in her class with a 4.51 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has been involved in student council, yearbook, and key club many in leadership roles, has played volleyball and has taken dance (Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe). She is active with her church youth group and has volunteered at Fairview Hospital for the past three years. She works at the Rocky River Recreation Center. She is the Student Council Senior Class President and leadership team leader for YOSA, her church youth group. And was awarded the 2016 Cleveland Phi Beta Kappa Award, is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her first choice of schools is Notre Dame University where she plans on majoring in mathematics or applied mathematics and statistics.
Her name is Julia Reyes.
Shirley Docherty Memorial Scholarship: 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 but, after she graduated high school, she drew maps for the War Department. After the war, she was employed for NACA (now known as NASA) where she worked as a graphic artist in the Aircraft Engine Research Lab. This $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding art student pursuing a degree in Art/Graphic Art at a college or university.
This year’s recipient has a love of art and has taken many AP and post-secondary classes during her high school career. She has been and is currently editor of the Yearbook, and is involved with student government as a representative. She has been a member of the Drill Team, has worked at the Rocky River Recreation Center Kids-Cove, is a Learn-to-Swim instructor, and was a Rocky River Recreation Elmwood Funcamp Counselor this past summer. She will be majoring in Art History at Cleveland State University.
Her name is Molly McDevitt.
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. Also in 1948 she represented Fairview Park and the state of Ohio as Miss Ohio in the Miss America pageant held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After marrying Roland Field, they built a home and raised a family in Fairview Park. In 1966 Maxine again represented Fairview Park and Ohio as Mrs. Ohio in the Mrs. America pageant held in San Diego, California. 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. Maxine continued to enjoy activities, especially Jazzercise, up to shortly before her passing at the age of 84. This $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 (especially theater, singing and/or dancing).
This year’s recipient has taken several AP classes and ranks 12th in her class. She has been involved in Drama Club, Mock Trial Team, Broadcast Club and Choir. In addition, she has participated in the programs of the Beck Center for the Arts the past two years and is active in her church youth group. Her involvement in her church group, Drama Club, acting and with the Beck Center span several years and have gained her much experience, especially helping younger less experienced members. She will major in Comedy Writing and Performance and will be attending Columbia College in Chicago.
Her name is Isabella Jannsohn.
Dorothy Graab Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2013 by children Donald and Janet Graab Miller in memory of their mother, Dorothy Graab. She graduated from Warwood High School in West Virginia where she played oboe and glockenspiel in the band and graduated as the valedictorian in 1944. After graduation, she enrolled at Northwestern University where she majored in chemistry. Dorothy continued to study piano until graduation in 1948. 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 school board member, ultimately serving as president of the Fairview Park School Board. 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. This $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is active in one or more music programs but is not necessarily pursuing that field at a college or university.
This year’s recipient ranks tenth in his graduating class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, has been active in Chamber Orchestra for all 4 years of high school, and is active in Stagecrafters, Academic Team and Mock Trial Team. In addition, he has participated in the Beck Center Theatre, and Dance for four years. He is President of the National Honor Society, Chamber Orchestra 1st seat and Concertmaster, Academic Team’s TV Team Captain, Ensemble Head of Quartets playing at events. He is a teacher at the Beck Center summer camps; the theater’s dance captain and has lead roles in FHS Stagecrafters Productions. He will attend Vanderbilt University, majoring in computer engineering or musical arts.
His name is Tristan Irvin.
Judson Graab Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2013 by children 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 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 establishing 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. This $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 ranks fifth in his class and have also taken many AP and post-secondary classes. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He has participated in Varsity Football, and Wrestling for three years and Varsity track this year. During his senior year he was a captain of the Football and Wrestling teams and was sole captain of the Wrestling team his junior year. He was involved in Boy Scouts for three years and his youth group at New Hope Church. He will be majoring in Chemical Engineering in the Honors College at the University of Akron.
This year’s recipient is Thomas Palisin.
Fred J. & Betty J. Helwig Scholarship: A scholarship was given in the names of their parents’ honor by the Helwig children. The scholarship was created in 1999 and is 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. 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 are renewable for up to a maximum of four years of college.
The first recipient has been active in student government, and has played Volleyball for 4 years, and Club Volleyball for two. She works for the Fairview Park Recreation Department and as a Cleveland Indians Kids Club Attendant—a job that she will continue to keep during her summers at college. Having to overcome dyslexia, she was able to take College Credit Plus classes and has the honor of being the first student with a learning disability to be accepted into the College Credit Plus program from Fairview High School. She will attend Kent State or Bowling Green University and will major in Interior Design.
Her name is Gabrielle Szoradi.
The second recipient is a student who works very hard to achieve good grades. He has taken many AP, honors and post-secondary classes. He has been involved with In-Club and has participated in cross country and basketball for four years and track and field for three. He was captain of the cross country and track teams for two seasons. He was a Regional-Qualifier for Track and Cross Country and was All-Conference in Track and Field. He had to adjust to moving to Fairview Park in 2008 by making new friends and getting used to the new school and curriculum. He is most proud of the relationship he has made with a special needs student. He is an altar server at his church, works at Giant Eagle and has worked at Santos Restaurant. He has been accepted at the University of Cincinnati and hopes to major in athletic training.
His name is Wil Krueger.
Hall of Fame Scholarship: Established in 2015 by the Fairview Park Schools Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Committee honors three groups from the Fairview Park Public Schools: distinguished alumni, outstanding former athletes, and exceptional (retired) faculty. The Committee is awarding a $250 scholarship to a senior that is pursuing a degree in the education field.
This year’s recipient is a member of the National Honor Society and has attended Cuyahoga Community College for two years having been placed on the Dean’s list of the College. She has participated in student government as secretary for two years, is a member of the Key Club. She has participated in soccer for four years, Inferno Club Soccer team for two and track for one. During her junior and senior years, she was a captain of the soccer team. She made First Team All-Conference, and Honorable Mention All-Greater Cleveland her senior year. She is a member of her church’s youth group, has worked all four years of high school, first at Gene’s Place and presently at Dominic’s Santos. She will attend Hiram College in the fall to major in Early Childhood Education and continue to extend her athletic career in soccer.
Her name is Emma Kovach.
Mary Hoertz Memorial Scholarship: A $250.00 scholarship is given to a graduating senior who has shown leadership, community involvement, school participation and academic ability.
This year’s recipient has taken several AP classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Mosaic Club. She has played both Volleyball and Basketball for four years and has earned multiple captain awards for her roles in both volleyball and basketball. She has an extensive list of recognitions and awards for academic achievement, sports and leadership. She has worked as a research assistant, is an altar server at St. Angela Merici Parish, and works as shift leader at Robeks smoothies and juices. She plans on majoring in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and hopes that someday she can make a difference in the lives and health of other people.
Her name is Sarah DiGennaro.
Michael Holick Memorial Scholarship: This $500.00 scholarship was established in 2008 by the Holick family. Michael Holick was proud to be a resident of Fairview Park for 56 years and loved his community. He was married to Jeanne in 1951 and his four children are all graduates of Fairview High School. His 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 building, 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.
This year’s recipient has taken several AP classes. He is involved in Stagecrafters, was vice-president of the Drama Theater Group and was the Synchronized Swimming Show Host this year. He had played basketball his freshman year and received an academic athletic award. He has attended Polaris Career Center where he earned a Certified Electronics Technicians Associate’s License as well as built a manufactured product for SkillsUSA competition. He was the team leader for the Skills USA team. In addition to academic achievement he was accepted into the National Technical Honors Society, and is an Associate Certified Electronics Technician. He is currently working on both an honors diploma and the Polaris Portfolio of Achievement from the Career Center.
This year’s recipient is Jacen Conlan.
Robert V. and Rose T. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship (originally the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship): Established by the Kundmueller Family in 1990 in memory of Bob Kundmueller. The scholarship is also in memory of Rose Kundmueller who passed away on November 14, 2014. Bob and Rose became residents of the City of Fairview Park as newlyweds in 1955, raised six children who were educated in the Fairview Park School System, and were local Fairview Park business owners 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 Schools. The scholarship is funded on behalf of the proceeds totaling $108,000 from the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Golf Tournament – the Foundation’s annual fundraiser that occurred for 18 consecutive years. This 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 a very involved student both in school and in the community. She is a member of NHS, Key Club, and The In-Club. She has demonstrated her leadership as vice president of student council, president of Mosaic club, captain of the drill team, and as manager and assistant manager of Stagecrafters. She has participated in track and field and dance as part of the advanced tap team. In addition she has found time to work at Gene’s Place and to volunteer at Fairview Hospital. She hopes to attend Denison University in the fall majoring in biology pre- medicine and whether as an undergrad or Doctor would like to provide free healthcare for underprivileged neighborhoods.
Her name is Claire Hoy.
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 Schools, serving from 1921 to 1964.
This year’s recipient has been involved with Drama Club, Student Council, Yearbook, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has been editor of the Yearbook, Secretary of the Drama Club and Class Treasurer. She has taken many AP classes and post-secondary classes, has several academic awards and is an AP scholar. Her proudest moment was her first time performing in a school production. She will attend Baldwin Wallace and major in Public Service Leadership.
Her name is Mariah Thompson.
Medical Mutual Scholarship: This $500.00 scholarship was established in 2008 and is made available through the Health Insurance Plan that the Fairview Park City School District participates in. This is a yearly scholarship awarded to a student with both a combined outstanding academic achievement and economic need.
This year’s recipient ranks second in her class. She has taken many AP classes, has been involved with student government for three years, National Honor Society for two years and Key Club for four years. She has played soccer. Her work experience includes working in the Kid’s Cove at the Rocky River Recreation Center and as a soccer camp counselor and soccer referee. She is vice president of her senior class, has been captain of the track and field team for two years. She has many academic awards including AP Scholar with Honors. She plans to attend Ohio State University in the fall and has selected Ohio State for its national recognition as well as the fact that it is associated with its own graduate dental school, which she plans to attend.
This year’s recipient is Olivia Howard.
Nicoloff & Thoma Memorial Scholarship: This $500.00 scholarship has been ongoing for many years with the Business Advisory Council, but beginning in 2008, it was named in memory of Richard Nicoloff. Richard passed away suddenly in September of 2007 and was a strong proponent of education. He held two master degrees and had a career in banking that took place at the Cleveland branch of the Federal Reserve and at National City Bank. Two of his children are graduates of Fairview High School and his wife Judy is a longtime member of many community organizations in Fairview Park. Pauline Thoma (Judy’s mother) passed away in 2015 and was added to this memorial scholarship. She was a journalist for over 50 years with the Plain Dealer. She held many distinctions during her career which included being inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993, serving on the executive board of the Newspapers Guild, serving as treasurer of the Theta Sigma Phi (Women in Communications), serving on the Board of Directors of Sigma Delta Chi (Society of Professional Journalists), and serving as Treasurer of the Cleveland Press Club. This $500.00 scholarship is given to a student who is pursuing a career in business/actuarial science/communications.
This year’s recipient is involved in Stagecrafters and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is a volunteer at Fairview Hospital and is very involved in her church’s youth group. She has worked for two years for Lakewood Insulation. She has been student of the month, is on the principal’s list and received an honorable mention in the Arts Reflection contest. She is planning on attending Baldwin-Wallace with a Major in English Education.
This year’s recipient is Savanah Rieber.
Nelson Russ Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2001 by Mrs. Fern Russ, in memory of her late husband, Nelson. Mr. Russ served as the Recreation Director for Fairview Park, served on the Fairview Park City Council and was one of our City’s Citizens of the Year. Mr. Russ served three decades on the faculty at Fairview High and distinguished himself as Fairview High School’s first Varsity football coach. The $500.00 scholarship is given for academic and athletic excellence, preferably in the sport of football.
This year’s recipient has been played football for all four years of high school and has been the team captain. He had also played freshman basketball. He has been on the merit roll every year and has won district honors for football in both his junior and senior year. In addition, he has worked at Holiday Grill and Catering and at J.J. Pizza. He plans on attending Mount Union College in the fall. He has not yet determined a major.
This year’s recipient is Max Logterman.
