Your Schools Summer 2012

Summer 2012
Class of 2012 Commences to “Take Over”
On June 6, the Class of 2012 was the
first Bedford High School graduating
class to hold its commencement ceremony at Cleveland State University’s
Wolstein Center. Principal Samuel J.
Vawters welcomed students, family,
friends, teachers, and other guests to
Bedford High
School’s 127th
commencement.
“Some have reported that the world
is going to end in the year 2012,” Mr.
Vawters said. “The world is not ending;
the Class of 2012 is just taking over!”
The principal highlighted some of the
special achievements of the graduating
class and introduced the A Cappella
Choir, who performed under the direction of Gary Kaplan.
Mr. Vawters introduced the teachers of the year from each school in
the district before Bedford High’s
teacher of the year, Tricia Mencin,
offered some words of encouragement to the students. Speaking from
a math teacher’s perspective, Ms.
Mencin said that life was a lot like
learning mathematics, starting out
pretty simple and ending up pretty
complicated. “I hope you will add
many friends, multiply your accomplishments, expand your knowledgeset and are able to solve problems
easily…We are all counting on you,”
she said.
Superintendent Sherman C. Micsak
acknowledged that the students were all
headed in different directions with new
challenges and demands, and that making the right choices won’t necessarily
be easy to recognize. “It’s obvious from
your accomplishments that this class
has great potential to make the world a
better place,” he said. “Regardless of
what path you take, your years at Bedford High School, along with the
assistance of your loved ones,
have given you the skills and
knowledge to make the
right choices. Now, take what you have
learned and use it to your best ability.”
The top five students of the class of
2012 addressed their classmates in a
progressive valedictory speech. Taylor
Sykes-Green, Erin Littleton, Crystal
Olberding, Autumn Walter and Taylor
Ward each spoke about what helped
her most to have a successful high
school experience. (See Head of the
Class, 2012, page two.)
Board of Education President Tim Tench
reminded the graduates and guests that
June 6 was D-Day 68 years ago, and that
there has been much speculation over
the years about what the D in D-Day
stood for. “Many of the more poetic
historians believe that D-Day stood for
the Day of Decision,” Mr. Tench told the
students. “And today, it is YOUR decision
day. It’s your turn to make a difference.
We have every confidence in all of you
and your abilities to make your positive
mark on our country and the world.”
Following the awarding of diplomas,
Class President Randy Bowling directed
his classmates to move their tassels from
the right side to the left side of their
mortarboards, making them “official”
graduates of Bedford High School.
Top left: Top grad Autumn Walter; Bedford Board of Education President Tim
Tench, with his grandson, Jacob Roberts; John Williams with diploma; bottom:
Superintendent Sherman C. Micsak introduces the top 5 students from the Class
of 2012 (l-r): Taylor Ward, Autumn Walter, Crystal Olberding, Erin Littleton,
and Taylor Sykes-Green, while Principal Samuel J. Vawters and Board of
Education President Tim Tench and Vice-President Phil Stevens look on.
Top right: Kelsey Shay moves tassel from right to left side.
Head of the Class, 2012
Five students graduated at the top of the Class of 2012. All are members of the National Honor Society and graduated
Summa Cum Laude, receiving Academic Honors Diplomas. These five students earned nearly $400,000 in scholarship
money!
The five young women together presented the valedictory address to their classmates at their June 6 Commencement
Ceremony at the Wolstein Center. The address was in the form of a progressive speech, in which each graduate talked
about one particular piece of her high school experience that helped her to succeed in and enjoy high school.
Here are quotes from each of their speeches, along with high school activities they were involved in and some awards and
scholarships they received. Congratulations top grads, and the best of luck for a happy and successful future.
Taylor Ward
Autumn Walter
Athletics:
Music and the Arts:
Friendships:
“Athletics are an outlet;
they allow us to release
all our frustration and
stress in a positive, fun
way…Athletics creates a
type of inspiration like no other, setting
standards that make us push ourselves
not only physically, but academically
as well. Athletics are how we express
ourselves, how we stay focused on
school, and how we stay motivated to
keep pushing ourselves….We all want
our family and friends to be proud of
us. But the future is unknown and scary.
Are we going to sit in the stands and
watch our lives pass us by, or are we
going to suit up, lace up, and fight for
our spot on the team of life?”
“Music and the arts
have always been an
important part of my
life…especially through
high school. When
working on a project, or when I was
having maybe not the best day, music
was always there just to bring up my
spirits…..Acting as a character allowed
me to enter a new world…The people
I met (in drama clubs) became the best
friends I could ask for, and were like a
second family…. Music and drama really
helped me to become the well-rounded
person I am today with a second family
full of friends who I know will always be
around to help and support me.”
High School Activities:
• Drama Club
• University Bound Scholars
• FAME (Females Achieving Most Excellently)
• Blood Drive Team
High School Activities:
• Softball Team
• Girls’ Basketball Team
• University Bound Scholars
• Band
Awards & Scholarships:
Awards & Scholarships:
• Outstanding Female Athlete Award
• Outstanding English Department
Award
• Eastern University Leadership Fellow
Program
• Red Cross Scholarship
• Bedford Foundation Scholarship
Awards & Scholarships:
• Outstanding Mathematics and
Science (Chemistry and Physics)
Department Awards
• Principal’s Academic Excellence
Award
• Community Service Award
• The Eagan Scholarship from
Mercyhurst University
• Principal’s Academic Excellence
Award
• Outstanding English and Science
(Biology) Department Awards
• Thearts Award
• Ohio Northern University Academic
Achievement Award and various
local scholarships
Future Education:
Future Education:
Autumn will attend Mercyhurst
University to study Forensic Science.
Crystal will attend Ohio Northern
University to study Pharmacy.
Future Education:
Taylor will attend Eastern University
(Pa.) to study Biology/Pre-Veterinary
2
Crystal
Olberding
High School Activities:
“Friends are a valuable asset throughout
high school. They
help with homework,
getting through hard times, and just
being there for me. Friends have been
a great motivation. Having the same
classes with them has only helped me
more because I kind of “compete”
with them for the best grades (whether
they know it or not.) High school has
its stressful moments and classes, but
having fun with friends helps balance
you….Friends will always be there for
you through anything and everything,
so remember to always cherish the
friendships that you have made.”
• Swim Team
• Track and Field Team
• University Bound Scholars
• Drama Club
Four Inducted into
Halls of Fame
Erin Littleton
Teachers and Mentors:
“My teachers and mentors were my parents
away from home.… These past four years
would not have been the same if I did not
have the teachers that I had. My teachers
not only taught me reading, writing and
arithmetic, but they also taught me how
to be respectful, mature, hardworking,
dedicated and confident. They taught me
life skills. They helped me to figure out
who I am. I know because of them that
I can only grow from here. And I now
look forward to having new teachers and
mentors in the future – even though none
of them will be as amazing as the ones at
Bedford High School.”
High School Activities:
• Volleyball
• Blood Drive Team
• University Bound Scholars
• FAME
Taylor
Sykes-Green
Family:
“Our foundation is what
defines how we grow. My foundation is
composed of family, my support system.
Who I am is like a home constructed by
them. My grandparents, great aunts, and
great uncles are the blueprint. My parents, aunts, and uncles are the cement
that firmly holds me. My siblings and
beloved cousins are the floors, stairs, and
walls covered with precious memories of
moments passed. With family guidance,
I have been able to have confidence in
myself and trust my abilities. I have grown
to stand strong and true, and they will forever be a part of me…. All of these things
mentioned (by the five of us) will stay with
all of us….So hold firmly onto the knowledge of what supports YOU, and walk into
the future proud and strong.
Four new members have been inducted
into the Bedford High School Halls of
Fame. Kris Nietert (Class of 1982) and
Louis T. Graves (Class of 1988) were
inducted into the Distinguished Alumni
Hall of Fame. Mr. Nietert is the deputy
chief of police of the City of Bedford,
Ohio, and he is also a pharmacist at
Kaiser Permanente and Walgreen’s. Mr.
Graves is an executive with Macy’s,
Inc., serving as the corporation’s senior
manager for learning & development in
credit and retail services. He is also a
sales consultant with CarMax, Inc.
Chris Chambers (Class of 1997) and
Everett Heard (Bedford teacher and
coach) were inducted into the Athletic
Hall of Fame. Mr. Chambers is an NFL
Player, who has played with the Kansas
City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and
Miami Dolphins. Mr. Heard is a retired
Bedford High School physical education teacher who coached football,
basketball and girls track.
High School Activities:
Awards & Scholarships:
• American Legion Award
• Principal’s Academic Excellence
Award
• Outstanding English, Social Studies
and Science (Chemistry) Department
Awards
• Heidelberg University Scholarship
and various local scholarships
Future Education:
Erin will attend Heidelberg University to
study Forensic Science and Psychology.
• Marching/Concert Bands
• University Bound Scholars
• FAME
• Blood Drive Team
Awards & Scholarships:
• Principal’s Academic Excellence
Award
• Outstanding English and Science
(Biology) Department Awards
• UAW Richard T. Gosser Scholarship
• Howard University Scholarship
Taylor will attend Howard University
and study Mechanical Engineering.
Hall of Fame inductees pictured left to right:
Everett Heard, Louis Graves and Kris Nietert.
Not pictured is Chris Chambers.
BHS Class of 2012:
Class slogan: The World is not ending…we are just taking over.
Class Colors: Black and Silver
Class Gift: Two flat screen televisions to be used at Bedford High to air
the morning announcements and other important announcements
Community Service: 7,570 hours were earned by 103 students –
averaging nearly 74 hours per student
Scholarship Awards: Approximately $2.5 million in local
scholarships
The BHS A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Gary Kaplan.
3
Future Directions
Members of the Bedford High School Class of 2012 are proceeding with a
plethora of plans as they leave the hallowed halls of their alma mater. The
following information was obtained from a survey that each student completed prior to graduation. (Information for some students was provided by
Bedford High School staff members.) As of press time, here are the shortterm plans of Bedford High School’s newest alumni.
Alabama State University
Avriel Joyce Chaney
Barber School
Marquise Larell RobinsonAllen
Bowling Green State
University
Kyre Dean Austin
Brittany Bonds
Halle Marie Byrd
Kala Briana Cornell-Lee
Craig Dansby East
Wayne Forest Hamilton
Jermesha Patrice Hicks
Briana Marie Johnson
Cidney Jovan Neloms
Unique Andrea Nickerson
Robbin Angellek Monik
Oulds
Jonnece Nichole Roberts
Marcelleus William Short
Brown Mackie College
Rulyanne Julissa Avant
Bryant and Stratton College
Sabrina Monea Bell
Case Western
Reserve University
Onesha Elexus Sledge
Clark Atlanta University,
Ga.
Regina Lorraine Gates
Cleveland State University
Alisia Marie Austin
Estee Vernice Austin
Devon Robert Blythewood
Randall Thomas Lee
Bowling
Courtney Danielle Britton
Rena Elizabeth Brooks
Charon Chanice Claiborne
Jhiselle Alyana Coleman
James Te Michael Elston, Jr.
Nadirah Atiyya Howard
Channon Rejai Hunter
Marche Victoria Johnson
Denzel Rashad
Middlebrooks
Jamie Ashley-McClain
Williams
College of Wooster
Joseph Tyler Beasley
Christian D. Golden
Columbus College
of Art & Design
Bryan Kaevonte Lee
4
Eastern Michigan
University
Nautica Sharell Felix
Tiara Shavonne Harp
Aaron Edmund Hayes
Taylor Monet Horton
Janiele Raquel Williams
Eastern University, Pa.
Taylor Leanne Ward
Hampton University, Va.
Breanna Nicole Gaines
Heidelberg University
Erin Elizabeth Littleton
Howard University,
Washington D.C.
Courtney Brianne Smart
Taylor Ruby Sykes-Green
ITT Tech
Santierra Evelyn Lavonne
White
Kent State University
DaVonta’ DeAngelo
Anderson
Tiffany Marie Burton
Ariel Janae Cole
Maria Augustina
Diederich
Destiny Diana Hawkins
Kenyona Michelle
Humphries
Damon Anthony McIntosh
Danielle Yvonne Plum
Brandon Waters
Bryanna Myshelle
Watkins-Shackleford
Patrick Allen Williams
Jenele Gene Willis
Jenice Ann Willis
Lake Erie College
Ryan Nathaniel Johnson
Marietta College
Quemonte Marcel
Leonard
Mercyhurst University, Pa.
Autumn Elizabeth Walter
Morgan State University,
Md.
Cornell Bandis Duckworth
Muskingum University
Donnie Pickens, Jr.
Notre Dame College
Brittany Charise Wilson
Dellyion Monique
Bowman
Nicole Danyelle Perkins
Ohio Northern University
Crystal Rene’ Olberding
Ohio State University
KeAira Shante Brandon
Tyvis Chaney Powell
Ohio Technical College
Brandon Gregory Coleman
Jacob Andrew Roberts
Ohio University
Denisha Franklin
D’Nair Wesley Newsom
Lorne Michael Owens
Paul Mitchell
Cosmetology School
Jenna Renee Herrell
Point Park University, Pa.
Trent Harold Naylor
Remington College
Jason Aaron Johnson
Seminole State College,
Okla.
Tasita Socorro Garcia
The Art Institute
of Pittsburgh
Keyawna Laniece Rice
Kenneth Anthony Tucker
Thiel College, Pa.
Donnay Rebecca Schultheis
Tiffin University
Jordan Edward Moore
Tri-C
Iman Unique Adams
Guldzhakhon
Naimjonovna Akhrorova
Deven Chemek Anderton
Ahmad Yasin Blevins
Tia Janae Britten
Darick Duane Crawford
Meledie Sade Ewart
Bre’anna Whitney Ford
Maure’sha Me’Kole Gullatt
Gino George Hanley
Lucenthdries Camille
Hardrick
Kenisha Monae Hardy
Keshon Marie Hardy
Shaidaya Howard
Brandon LaShaun Hunter
Fatima Jackson
David Regis Johnson
Nicholas Adam Lane
Marcus Lovelace
Jackey Douglas Mattox
Akilah Michelle Monique
McArthur
Antonio McCarroll
Joanna Ruth Money
Martin Morris
Ashley Rose Mortach
Brinee Janis Percy
Damario Lavnate’ Rall
Jeremy Tyler Redic
Amber Celeste Richardson
Imre Nigel Rucker
Johnnie Will Sanders III
Ashlee Mae Sedor
Jabari Ameer Sherman
Jasmine Nicole Taylor
Lisa Marie Thomas
E’lyse Renee’ Watts
Ronald Lee Malachi Miles
Wilson
Tuskegee College
Lara Candace Elizabeth
Miller
U.S. Air Force
Bryan Mack
Steven Craig Morris
Diante Anthony Page
Cedrick Montel Roseberry
Deandre James Williams
U.S. Army
Kelsey Morgan Shay
Avery De’Von Shields
U.S. Marines
Roberto Bevri Lee
U.S. Military:
Branch Undetermined
Sadasha Tiara Durden
University of Rio Grande,
Ohio
Ciara Oreon Herring
University of Akron
Cierra De’Mika Bailey
Jeane’ Diamond Battle
Jasmin P. Bender
Steven Robert Bissler
Alexis Estelle Boyd
Roniqua Lanee Braddy
Christopher Earnest
Colston
Sky LaRay Daniel-Miller
Tyran Lytra Doss
Kareece Shaquille
Downton
Taylor Ashley-McClain
Fisher
James Edward Fisher, Jr.
Eric David Hawkins
Keyara Anntionette
Hendrix
Cassidy Lyn Kirchner
Jasmine Illona McCalister
Eric Minter, Jr.
Brittani Emon Peters
Savannah Ann Price
Joi Ashlynn Rumph
Monique Latrice Scott
John Williams, III
Aaliyah Marie Wilson
University of
Central Florida
Angela Marie Travarca
University of Cincinnati
Darren Corey Benton, Jr.
Taylere Marie Kitchens
University of Pittsburgh
Edward Joseph Virzi
University of Toledo
Donald LaKeith Bell
Christopher Devone
Fitzgerald, Jr.
Delonte Martell
Greenwood
Terron Edwards Jones
Briauna Nicole Levett
Isaiah Nathaniel Mathews
Desmond Lee Oliver
Dylan Deandre White
Johnny James Woodson III
Brittany Diamond Young
Ursuline College
Amberrose Alexander
West Virginia
Wesleyan College
Dionte Dwayne Hawkins
Conrad Alan Miles
Jeri Travelle Petite, Jr.
Sean Michael Tompkins
Wilmington College
of Ohio
Devon Ernest Howard
Wright State University
Denina Marie Blakely
Wyo Tech, Pa.
Dezmin Ricardo Johnson
Alyster Dalton Bridges
Youngstown State
University
Malon Deonte Best
Shirley Simone’ Birch
Devin Dashaun Davis
Taylor Mone Ferguson
Shante’ Lanae Hawkins
Darnisha Gladys-Angelik
Jones
Terrick D’Shawn
McKenney
Kristen Alicia Tyus
Business, trade or
technical school
Nelson Lamont Davis
Danwan Varnell Hill
Salena Serenity Jefferson
Xavier Donzell Lampley
Charles Matthew Mills
Jamil Robinson
Justin Riley Workman
2-year College
(Undetermined)
Myles Lorenzo Bates
Tory Jovon Benford
Briaunna Tashea Blackmon
Cleophus Blackmon III
Jasmine Cherrelle Flagg
Jeanette laverne Jordan
Noel Nijeri Pruitt
Thomas Lee Sanders
Tierra Monet Threat
4-year college
(Undetermined)
Shamika Sherse Bonner
Cheri Ciara Chunn
Destiny Marie Esparza
Khari Jamal Ferrell
Darnisha Marie Little Floyd
Crenshawn James Ingram
Emily Grace Shirak
Aaron C. Wilson
Workforce
Kenneth Paul Armstrong II
Marvin Ballard
Brandi Marie Burns
Eric Anthony Fazl
Thomas Perk Grove
Alfred Donald Holly
Paige Marie Jackson
Aaron McKenzie
Marlon DiAndre Merideth
Corey Lee Moore
Kristen Brianna Oliver
Surazal Sanders
Bryant Lofton Simpson
Johann Rayshon Thrower, Jr.
Undecided
Brandie Lakeia Nycole
Griffin
Akiba Gerbi Jackson
Bre’ana Cheron Lacey
Jesse Collin Paul Nowak
Rolando Lachon Owens
Kailin Louis Polk
Kamron David Polk
Dezuan Allen Roseberry
Antonio Rucker
Michael V. Schuster
Kyle William Stepnicka
Katelynn Isabella Vilt
Michael Robert Virzi
Unknown (no survey)
Jonathan Alston
James Darius Harbison
Myles Avery Hilliard
Kiarra Houston
Tamika S. Killing
Theron Anthony Lewis
Matthew Andrew McGlothan
Damon Lamont Reed, Jr.
Jacqueline Marie StevensMcKenzie
Braxton Wright
Local Scholarships Aid Students in Furthering Their Education
The Bedford Board of Education, administration, faculty and staff offer congratulations to the
following Class of 2012 scholarship recipients. The district also appreciates the generosity of
the various community and school organizations and individuals who fund these scholarships.
Darren Benton
• Scholarship for the
Continuance of Music
Performance
Bedford Band &
Orchestra Parents
Cherry Locke and
Robert Mitchell
Memorial
Malon Best
• Bedford Heights
Scholarship
• Yvonne Nichols Sims
Scholarship
Steven Bissler
• Bedford Lions Club
Bert Zahn Scholarship
• French Bartlett Ladies
Auxiliary Scholarship
• Rotary Foundation of
Bedford Scholarship
Denina Blakely
• Bedford City Schools
Foundation Chris
Valley Memorial
Scholarship
Randall Bowling
• American Red Cross
Scholarship
• Yvonne Nichols Sims
Scholarship
Tia Britten
• Ohio PTA Technical
Memorial Scholarship
Rena Brooks
• Bedford Heights
Scholarship
Tiffany Burton
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
Brandon Coleman
• Bedford Council of
PTA Scholarship
Cornell Duckworth
• Bedford Heights
Chamber of Commerce
Scholarship
• Bedford Heights
Scholarship
Taylor Horton
• Bedford City Schools
Foundation Scholarship
• Bedford Heights
Scholarship
David Johnson
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
Dezmin Johnson
• Yvonne Nichols Sims
Scholarship
• Bedford Rotary Ernest
Petrilli Memorial
Scholarship
Marche Johnson
• Bedford Chamber
of Commerce
Scholarship
Erin Littleton
• Bedford Academic
Booster Scholarship
• Bedford City
Schools Foundation
Scholarship
• Friends of the Southeast
Library Scholarship
• Joseph C. Searcy
Memorial Scholarship
• Nora C. Beach
Excellence in
Leadership Scholarship
• Ohio PTA Academic
Memorial Scholarship
Isaiah Mathews
• Bedford Council of
PTA Scholarship
Jackey Mattox
• Ohio PTA Technical
Memorial Scholarship
D’Nair Newsom
• Bedford Academic
Boosters Scholarship
Bedford Band &
Orchestra Parents
Warren C. Miller
Memorial Scholarship
• Bedford Lions Club
Scholarship
• Ohio Association
of Public School
Employees Local 136
& Bedford Education
Association Scholarship
Crystal Olberding
• Bedford Band &
Orchestra Joseph R.
Allie Scholarship
• Bedford High School
PTSA Scholarship
• Ben Venue Laboratories
Scholarship
• Grant T. and Kathryn
R. Noble Scholarship
Kailin Polk
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
Kamron Polk
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
Keyawna Rice
• Bedford Council of
PTA Scholarship
Marcelleus Short
• Bedford Band &
Orchestra Dona Laing
Memorial Scholarship
Courtney Smart
• 2012 C. Michael
Robinson Memorial
Scholarship
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
• Ohio PTA Academic
Memorial Scholarship
• University Hospital
Bedford Medical
Center Ladies Guild
Scholarship
Taylor Sykes-Green
• Bedford Academic
Boosters Scholarship
• Bedford Band &
Orchestra Parents
Sue Balogh Memorial
Scholarship
• Bedford Chamber
of Commerce
Scholarship
• Bedford High School
PTSA Scholarship
• Rotary Foundation of
Bedford Scholarship
• Ohio Association
of Public School
Employees Local
136 & Bedford
Education Association
Scholarship
• Yvonne Nichols Sims
Scholarship
Angela Travarca
• American Red Cross
Scholarship
Taylor Ward
• American Red Cross
Scholarship
• Bedford City
Schools Foundation
Scholarship
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
Brandon Waters
• Grant T. and Kathryn
R. Noble Scholarship
Janiele Williams
• American Red Cross
Scholarship
• Bedford City
Schools Foundation
Scholarship
• Bedford Heights
Scholarship
• Bedford High School
PTSA Scholarship
• French Bartlett
Ladies Auxiliary
Scholarship
• Oakwood Village
Scholarship
• Ohio PTA Academic
Memorial
Jenice Willis
• Bedford Association
of Administrative
& Supervisory
Personnel
Scholarship
• Charles S. and
Virginia A.
Bright Memorial
Scholarship
Brittany Wilson
• Bedford Lions Club
Scholarship
Brittany Young
• Bedford Academic
Booster Club
Scholarship
• Ben Venue
Laboratories
Scholarship
• Fuhrmeyer Memorial
Art Scholarship
5
Bedford Rotary Honors Outstanding Students
Outstanding Bedford High School
Career and Technology Education
students were honored at the Bedford
Rotary Club’s 54th Annual Recognition Banquet in May at the Birchwood
Party Center in Walton Hills.
Teachers select award winners based
on their demonstration of a positive
attitude, professional image, academic performance, initiative, judgment,
dependability, creativity, leadership,
craftsmanship, and job performance.
This year’s honorees are:
• Steven Bissler, Automotive
Technology
• Erin Littleton, Biotechnology
• Nick Lane, Business Academy
• Marché Johnson, Financial
Management
l-r: Salena Jefferson, Ronnie Haywood, Destiny Hawkins, Estee Austin, Steven Bissler, Charon Claiborne, Marché Johnson and Erin Littleton.
• Charon Claiborne, Health Sciences
• Estee Austin, Marketing Education
• Salena Jefferson, Cosmetology
• Ronnie Haywood, Building and
Property Maintenance
• Destiny Hawkins, Teacher Academy
Dezmin Johnson received the $500
Ernest F. Petrilli Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was named in
honor of Mr. Petrilli, who was the first
director of Bedford School’s Career
and Technology (formerly Vocational
Education) Program.
Two Named Shipley Award Winners
Two veteran educators in the Bedford
City Schools shared the honor of being named the 2012 recipients of the
Woodrow W. Shipley Memorial Award.
Terry Lipford, principal of Central
Primary School and Kim Rado, 5th grade
teacher at Carylwood Intermediate
School, were recognized recently by
the Bedford Board of Education with
this prestigious award, which is named
in memory of Mr. Shipley, a former
Bedford Schools’ teacher, administrator, and coach. This award is bestowed
annually to a school district teacher or
administrator for exhibiting the qualities
of compassion, generosity, tolerance,
fair-mindedness, respect, leadership,
intelligence, community service, love of
children, and sense of humor.
“Kim Rado is never afraid to go outside
her comfort zone to bring fun to the
students and the staff. She is one
6
of the most respectful and respected
staff members I know,” said Carylwood
teacher Julianne Walker.
Kim Rado has been with Bedford 24
of her 27 years as a teacher. She is
a National Board Certified teacher
and a Jennings Scholar, and she was
Bedford City Schools’ Teacher of the
Year in 1999-2000. She was one of
the top three finalists in the nation for
The Presidential Award for Excellence
in Mathematics and Science Teaching
(PAEMST), which is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12thgrade mathematics or science teacher
may receive for outstanding teaching
in the United States. She is a certified trainer for the Jason Foundation
and works with scientists at National
Geographic to develop
curriculum to share with teachers and
students from around the world.
Terry Lipford has served as principal of
Central for 18 years. Under his leadership, Central has been rated “Excellent” for the last four years by the Ohio
Department of Education. The school
was selected in 2012 as a Hall of Fame
school by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators and was
named a School of Promise in 2011 by
the Ohio Department of Education. An
educator for nearly 35 years, Mr. Lipford
believes that parental and community
involvement in the schools is imperative
to student success, and has facilitated
many community partnerships and
sponsored a number of annual school
functions for parents, grandparents and
the community.
“Mr. Lipford never looks for recognition
for himself, but rather honors his staff
and students for any successes,” said his
staff members, who nominated him for
the award. “He always talks of the team
atmosphere at Central; however, he deserves to be recognized individually for
his leadership, community involvement
and compassion.”
Kim Rado and Terry Lipford – Shipley Award
winners (with Superintendent Sherman C. Micsak and Bedford Board of Education members
Merry Ann Hilty, Tim Tench and Phil Stevens.
Bedford Schools
Chosen as “Top
Workplace”
Principal Terry Lipford (center) with Central staff and school board members Phil Stevens, Merry
Anne Hilty, and Tim Tench, after being acknowledged as a Hall of Fame school at a May meeting of
the Bedford Board of Education.
Central Primary Recognized
as Ohio Hall of Fame School
Central Primary School was a winner of the 2012 Hall of Fame School Recognition Award from the The Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) this year. Nominations for this award were received from schools
across the state of Ohio, and only four of these were named Hall of Fame
Schools, which represent “the finest schools in the state of Ohio,” according to
the OAESA. The award was presented to Central Principal Terry Lipford and his
staff at an Awards Luncheon on June 20, during the OAESA 55th Professional
Conference and Trade Show at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.
“I am especially proud that Central School has been honored with this award,”
said Lipford, who has served as Central’s principal for 18 years. “I have a very
hard-working faculty and staff who are truly committed to student success and
have created a climate of excellence among all of the school’s stakeholders.
They are well deserving of this award, and I am happy to see that OAESA recognizes our school as one of Ohio’s finest.”
Finalists were selected based on extensive written documentation from school
staff, substantiating the quality of their educational program in the areas of:
Instructional System; Student Achievement; Student Development; Personnel;
Administration; School Management; and Stakeholders. Hall of Fame winners
were chosen by two committees of principals; one committee read and scored
the applications and
the other conducted
on-site evaluations of
the schools.
Bedford City School District was
named by the Plain Dealer as one of
“Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces –
The Best Employers in the Region.”
The school district was among 100
companies, nonprofits and government agencies ranked the highest in
keeping their employees happy with
respect, trust and challenges.
According to the Plain Dealer, its
third annual list of Top Workplaces
is culled from the opinions of
more than 49,000 employees at
companies in 11 counties. The list
is based on the results of surveys
conducted by Workplace Dynamics,
a consultant enlisted by the Plain
Dealer to survey employees and
develop the list.
The Bedford City School District
employs about 280 certificated staff
members (teachers, counselors,
administrators) and about 250 classified staff members (maintenance,
custodians, secretaries, bus operators,
teacher aides, etc.). The district serves
more than 33,000 individuals in
Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood
Village, and Walton Hills. Within the
22-square-mile district are six schools.
These include two primary schools
(Central and Glendale), two intermediate schools (Carylwood and Columbus), one middle school (Heskett),
and one high school (Bedford High).
Heskett Honors Top
Academic Achievers
Front Row: Dale D. Heskett award winners Michael Mohnasky
and Liam Duffy
2nd Row: STAR award winners (l-r) Landis Riley, Amber
Hamilton, Brittany Festa, Katie Schwab, and Tayler Stevens
Back Row: Heskett Assistant Principal Mary Catherine Ratkosky,
Heskett Principal Ginny Golden, and Heskett Assistant Principal
Kevin Gibaldi
Heskett Middle School’s highest honor, the prestigious Dale D. Heskett
Award was presented to Michael Mohnasky and Liam Duffy at the end
of the 2011-2012 school year. Named in honor of Bedford Schools’
superintendent from 1950 to 1964, the Dale D. Heskett Award is given
in recognition of outstanding scholarship and leadership.
Five other students were recognized as Heskett’s STAR award winners for exhibiting outstanding Scholarship, Talent, Achievement, and
Responsibility. This year’s STAR recipients are Brittany Festa, Amber
Hamilton, Landis Riley, Katie Schwab and Tayler Stevens.
7
IBM Awards $10,000 Grant
to Bedford’s Glendale Primary School
Bedford, Ohio – Glendale Primary School
was formally presented with a $10,000 IBM
Community Impact Grant at the May17
meeting of the Bedford Board of Education.
Glendale was one of four non-profit institutions
who received such a grant from IBM this year.
The grants were made in recognition of the
volunteer work led by Cleveland-area current
and retired IBM employees.
Glendale is applying the grant towards bolstering
its early learning programs. The project is
focusing on the use of technology, including
interactive white boards and iPads. “I foresee
Glendale’s relationship with IBM to be of
great assistance in opening doors to set up the
additional technology that will allow the early
childhood staff to continue to build strong
readers and mathematicians at the earliest grades
in school,” said Glendale Principal Nora Beach.
IBM Community Impact Grants are part of the
IBM’s 2011 Centennial Celebration of Service.
They support IBM employees’ involvement
in local projects that link IBM’s community
agenda and local community priorities.
Directory of Services
Schools
Carylwood–––––– 440-439-4509
Central––––––––– 440-439-4225
Columbus –––––– 440-786-3322
Glendale ––––––– 440-439-4227
Heskett –––––––– 440-439-4450
Bedford High–––– 440-439-4848
Administration
Superintendent –– 440-439-4777
Assistant
Superintendent––– 440-439-4377
Business
Manager–––––––– 440-439-4333
Treasurer–––––––– 440-439-4670
Departments
Athletics–––––––– 440-439-4588
Curriculum
& Instruction–––– 440-439-4412
Pupil Services ––– 440-439-4363
Transportation ––– 440-439-4234
Nutrition
Services –––––––– 440-439-4530
For a department or service
not listed above, please call
440-439-1500.
Visit our website for updates and additional information,
including supply lists, bus routes and dress code: www.bedford.k12.oh.us
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/BedfordCitySchoolDistrict
Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BedfordCSD
Beth A. Russell, Editor
Tim Tench, President
Phil Stevens, Vice President
Barbara A. Patterson
Debora J. Kozak
Merry Anne Hilty
Bedford Board of Education
Sherman C. Micsak, Superintendent
Linda A. O’Neill, Assistant Superintendent
Janet M. Pavlic, C.P.A., Treasurer
Jerry Zgrabik, Business Manager
Administration
The Bedford City School District is an equal opportunity employer
and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age,
religion, disability, or national origin in the education programs and
activities which it operates. Any questions or claims may be directed
to the district’s Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator Richard Dillman at
475 Northfield Rd., Bedford, OH 44146.
Your Schools is a publication for residents of the Bedford City
School District, including the communities of Bedford, Bedford
Heights, Oakwood, and Walton Hills. To request additional copies
or for more information; contact Beth A. Russell, Communications
Coordinator, at 440-439-4520. No material may be reprinted without written consent of the Bedford City School District. ©2012.
8
Glendale was formally presented with a $10,000 IBM
Community Impact Grant by Joe Carballada, IBM
Senior Location Executive, at the May 17 meeting of
the Bedford Board of Education. Pictured here (l-r)
is Mr. Carballada with Glendale staff: Katie Stata,
Principal Nora Beach, Julianne Wolf, Elsie Tarczy,
Lisa Alonzo, Kerry Boscarello and Special Education
Supervisor Monique Winston.