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 Fairview Park Education Foundation proudly awards the following 24 scholarships totaling $25,850:
Fairview Park Education Foundation Scholarships:
Dr. John Babel Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2016 in honor of the 3rd Superintendent of the school system, Dr. John Babel Jr. Dr. Babel was born in upstate New York, and upon his high school graduation was intent on staying on the farm. Upon encouragement from his father, he attended a two-year agricultural college. As a result of the advice from his high school teacher he continued with his schooling and pursued his teaching certification and later his Masters at Cornell University. He was first in his family to attain a college degree and continued on 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.
This year’s recipient is Alexis Facaros – $1,000 scholarship
Alexis is ranked #3 in her class with a 4.3 GPA. She plans on majoring in Music Education at Baldwin Wallace College. Alexis has been in Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Pit Orchestra all four years of high school. She served as section leader for chamber orchestra in her junior and senior year and was pit orchestra manager in her sophomore and senior year. She participated in the Northeast Regional Orchestra for junior and senior year. Alexis was also involved with the Yearbook during her sophomore, junior and senior year and served as editor her senior year. She played Tennis and worked a variety of jobs after school and weekends during her high school career. Alexis is looking forward to attending her dream college and furthering her career around her love of music.
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.
This year’s recipient is Charles Lorkovic– $500 scholarship
Charles is ranked #10 in his class with a 4.1 GPA. He plans on majoring in English/Creative writing at Cleveland State University with the hopes of becoming a writer someday. Charles has been involved in Student Council (Treasurer and Representative), Key Club, In-Club and Book Club during high school. He was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2017. He volunteered his time as an office aide during his four years of high school. He was on the Varsity Bowling Team where he achieved Athletic Award as well as Academic Athletic Award. Charles believes in giving back to the community, so he has volunteered his time working at Safety Town for multiple years, Fairview Park Library as a Book Buddy, Fairview Park Recreation Center with Summer Camp, and in the Early Education Center Library. He has worked evenings and weekends at the Fairview Park Library as a Library Page and also at the Fairview Park Recreation Center as a summer camp counselor. Charles achieved multiple honors and recognition’s: PTA reflections 2015-2016 Honorable Mention in Literature and 2018-2018 Honorable Mention in Visual Arts, Student of the Quarter 2016-2017 in the World Languages Department for Spanish, HOBY 2016-2017 representative attending leadership seminar and has been an Academic Scholar in all his high school years. Charles started his love of writing in 8th grade English class creating poems. Since then he has been inspired to create many more poems, creating characters and plot-lines for many stories . He looks forward to furthering his love of writing at college and hopes to become a writer or maybe a food critic. Whatever he does, he is sure he will make a mark on the world.
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 year’s recipient is Rose Marie Conlon– $500 scholarship
Rose Marie is ranked #24 in her class with a 3.9 GPA. She plans to pursue a degree in Integrated Social Studies Education at Ohio University. Rose Marie has been involved with Stagecrafters (7th grade -12th grade) Synchronized Swimming (8th grade – 12th grade) and Choir (10th grade 12th grade). She was inducted into the National Honor Society in her senior year. Rose Marie was also inducted into the International Thespian Society and was a We Do Care letter award winner. Even though she had to overcome a lifetime medical disorder with her knees, she was able to participate in Synchronettes, tennis and a varsity cheerleader during her high school career. She worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for many years at the Fairview Recreation Department, where she became a lifeguard supervisor. Her proudest moment was when she made the march number in Synchronettes in her junior year. She felt that all her hours of hard work paid off allowing her to perform at this level of performance. She looks forward to continuing her education so that she can become an Integrated Social Studies Teacher.
Bruce Linden Cherkala Memorial Scholarship: Established 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 a M.D. degree. Bruce passed away suddenly in 1982.
This year’s recipient is Adam Nemeth – $500 scholarship
Adam is ranked #41 in his class with a 3.5 GPA. He plans to major in Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Adam’s athletic ability earned him much success during his high school career, where he was extremely busy in the fall, balancing football and soccer. Adam was selected to co-captain the soccer team his senior season, organizing and leading early morning summer workouts and motivating his teammates to succeed. He was honored as an Academic Athlete, First Team All-Conference in Football (kicker), First Team All-State in Football (kicker), and First Team All-Conference in Soccer. Adam also worked part-time and volunteered in the community, raking leaves, assisting at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and helping with youth soccer camps. The event that most significantly influenced Adam’s life was when his parents moved to the United States from Hungary. Although this occurred prior to his birth, he realizes how is quality of life has been positively influenced because of all of the opportunities he has had, growing up in America.
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.
This year’s recipient is Angelina Lopez – $500 scholarship
Angelina is ranked #25 in her class with a 3.8 GPA. She will attend Lakeland Community College, majoring in the Pre-Dentistry program and playing collegiate softball. At Fairview High School, Angelina was a member of National Honor Society, Mosaic Club and Yearbook Club. In addition, she participated in Swimming and was a 4 year member of the Varsity Softball Team. Her strong work ethic and internal drive have allowed her to succeed in the classroom and as an athlete. Angelina credits softball for shaping her into a strong, independent leader. She earned the honor of Academic Athlete, Team Player Award and Softball MVP. Outside of athletics and academics, Angelina volunteered in the school and community and she also worked part-time. In the next ten years, she hopes to achieve great success professionally, while also traveling and exploring the world and giving back to her family for all the support they have given her.
Laura Dean Scholarship 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 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 scholarships were awarded to Madeline Bochenek & Elena Dixon
Our first recipient is Madeline Bochenek
Madeline is ranked #8 in her class with a 4.2 GPA. She will major in nursing at The Ohio State University. Madeline seized the many opportunities offered at Fairview High School. She was a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Show Choir and Chorale, Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, Yearbook Club and the Academic Team. She also competed for 4 years in Volleyball and Track & Field. Madeline is a leader among her peers, serving as Executive President of Student Council, Vice President of National Honor Society, Captain of the Track & Field Team, and Captain of the Academic Team. She is most proud of her hard work and dedication to her studies, allowing her to finish in the Top 10 of her class, while also being active and well-rounded.
Our second recipient is Elena Dixon
Elena is ranked #1 in her class with a 4.4 GPA. She plans on majoring in Bio-statistics at Saint Louis University. She selected this institution because of the Jesuit mission of contributing to the greater good of humanity, aligning with her core values and her desire to receive a holistic education of academics, character building and servant leadership. While at Fairview High School, Elena was a member of Stagecrafters, Yearbook Club, Student Council, String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, Scarlet Singers, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Mosaic Club. She also participated in Tennis and Synchronettes. Elena was an exceptional student who was accepted into the Pre-College Scholars Duel-Enrollment Program through Case Western Reserve University where she earned CCP credit. She was also named a Phi Beta Kappa Award recipient, SLU Presidential Scholarship finalist, Fairview Advantage Award winner, Fairview High School Academic Letter winner, International Thespians Society Inductee, and AP Scholar with Honors. Elena demonstrated leadership as President of Synchronettes and Vice President of Key Club. In addition to all of her high school activities and accomplishments, Elena also worked a part-time job and volunteered in the community. She states that her professional goal is to earn her PhD in Epidemiology and lead a research team in discovering interventions that address the root causes of global health problems and health disparities.
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) were 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 Arts at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Madison Maria Dinger– $500 scholarship
Madison is ranked #47 in her class with a 3.4 GPA. She plans on majoring in Art Illustration at Columbus College of Art and Design, hoping to work in the Animation Industry. While in high school, Madison was involved in Orchestra as a cellist and she also played tennis. She is outgoing and passionate about 2 specific areas of interest, including animals and art, leading to her head animal care position at Pet Supplies Plus and her 60K scholarship at Columbus College of Art and Design! She notes her proudest moment as having her art work on display for the community to see at the Fairview Schools Innovation Showcase. Given the opportunity to collaborate with other artists as a middle schooler and create a book about bullying was a defining moment in her life. This lead Madison to discover her desire to pursue Illustration as her career choice.
Fairview Park Education Foundation Scholarship: Established in 2018, the criterion is an outstanding student with overall academic and community and school achievement.
This year’s recipient is Erin Jennings– $1,000 scholarship
Erin is ranked #6 in her class with a 4.2 GPA. She plans to major in nursing at University of Cincinnati working towards her BSN and eventually obtaining her MSN. During her time at Fairview High School, Erin was a member of National Honor Society, Student Government and Show Choir/Chorale. She participated in Track & Field for 1 year and Volleyball for 4 years. Erin also worked at Goldfish Swim School and volunteered with youth volleyball camps, children’s karate classes and her church nursery. She was a Top 5 Finalist in the Cuyahoga Community College Reimagine Project contest, was a Scholar Athlete and earned Principal’s List honors. Outside of school, Erin spent 8+ years in martial arts and she became the first female black belt holder at DeCore Martial Arts. She credits martial arts with helping her to realize how mentally and physically strong she truly is!
Richard Stuewe Education Foundation Memorial Scholarship – established in 2019 , one of the $1,000.00 Fairview Park Education Foundation scholarships will be named in memory of Richard Stuewe, who recently passed away. He was a graduate of Fairview High School, teacher, counselor, coach and honored member of the Fairview Park Education Foundation and many other organizations of Fairview Park. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student with overall academic/community and school achievement.
This year’s recipient is Lauren Reitz – $1,000 scholarship
Lauren is ranked #13 in her class with a 4.1 GPA. She plans to major in Communications (Public Relations) with a minors in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Toledo. Lauren was heavily involved in the many offering at Fairview High School. She was a member of the Academic Team, Morning Announcements, Mosaic Club, National Honor Society, Spirit Club, and West Shore Young Leaders. She was emcee for the Talent Show and Synchronettes Show and was a set creator for the musical Bye Bye Birdie. Lauren’s athletic talents led to her participation in Swim Team, Softball, Volleyball, Track & Field, and Drill Team, earning her the Academic Athlete Award and Patriot Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete Award. She also worked throughout high school and volunteered with various organizations. Lauren has held numerous leadership positions in high school including President of the National Honor Society, Captain of the Academic Team and Captain of the Swim Team. Moving to Fairview Park her freshman year was one of the most significant events in her life, giving her a sense of belonging and allowing her to make friendships that will last a lifetime.
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 Fairview High School in 1948 where she was head majorette for the marching band. In 1948 she was Miss Ohio in the Miss America pageant and in 1966 she was 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.
This year’s recipient is Colette Karliak – $1,000 scholarship
Colette is ranked #4 in her class with a 4.3 GPA. She will major in Fashion Merchandising at Kent State University with the hopes of moving to New York as a fashion designer. Colette was a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Stagecrafters, International Thespian Society, and Drill Team. She captained the Drill Team and served as Vice President of Stagecrafters. Colette recalls her acceptance into the Singing Angels as one of the most significant events in her life. As a part of this group of accomplished young vocalists from Northeast Ohio, she was given the opportunity to sing throughout the United States, including Radio City Music Hall and around the world, including all over Italy. The memories and friendships she gained through Singing Angels will last a lifetime! As a designer, Colette aspires to eliminate the cruel world of underpaid laborers in the fashion industry, living a professional and personal life that is free of unethical fashion practices, while also being environmentally conscious.
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 year’s recipient is Gabriel Durno– $750 scholarship
Gabriel is ranked #28 in his class with a 3.8 GPA. He plans to major in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toledo. During his time at Fairview High School, Gabriel was a member of the Marching Band, Concert Band and Student Council. He participated in Wrestling, Swimming and Baseball. In addition, Gabriel was a Boy Scout and he worked with the Fairview Park Recreation Department as a youth baseball referee. As Vice President of the Band, he states that he utilized Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote as inspiration for his leadership style, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” striking a balance between being open minded and lenient, while also keeping his peers focused on the task at hand. Gabriel earned the National Technical Honor Society Award, Academic Athlete, Scholar Athlete, Student of the Quarter (FHS), and Student of the Quarter (Polaris Career Center). As an engineering professional, he hopes to create and patent a product, making a name for himself.
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 U.S. Army during World War II. Upon graduation in 194, 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 in the 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 year’s recipient is Jacob Crestani – $750 scholarship
Jacob is ranked #16 in his class with a 4.0 GPA. He will major in Biology at Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania. While at Fairview High School, Jacob was a member of National Honor Society, Show Choir and Chorale. He was also a multi-sport athlete, participating in Cross Country, Basketball and Track & Field. He led his peers as captain of the Warrior Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Jacob volunteered extensively with Cleveland Kids Book Bank and Berea Animal Rescue and Friends, while also working part-time as a Child Investigative Agent for the State of Ohio. Jacob credits his success to his calm demeanor, allowing him to comprehend the task at hand and to thoughtfully and methodically achieve anything he sets his mind to!
Fred J. and 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 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 renewable for up to four years of college attendance were awarded to Grace Patton & Kira Weaver
Our first recipient is Grace Patton
Grace is ranked #21 in her class with a 3.9 GPA. She plans on majoring in Digital Art Media & Graphic Communication at Notre Dame College. Grace has been a remarkable student, working very hard in her high school career even though she has Autism, Sensory Disorder and Dyslexia. She made the National Honor Society in both her Junior and Senior year. She was also involved with the club Because I Said I Would in her Junior and Senior year. She has received many honors including Society of High School Scholars, Honor Roll, Principal Roll, Outstanding Student Achievement Award, Fairview Advantage Award, one for Rising Star and one for Valedictorian. Other awards are in art with PTA reflections photography award and artwork in the 2018 Fairview Community Calendar. Grace has been part of synchronized swim team all of middle and high school. She is active at her church, St. Angela Merici, as an alter server and has volunteered for five years at Camp Invention and Lake Erie Nature Center Wild Reading Camp for one year. She states her greatest strengths are her determination and ree. She learned how to come to terms with who she is and what she can become by learning how to learn with her disabilities. When she was placed in regular education classes this gave her confidence to be successful and be recognized for her achievements just like her peers. At the end of her high school career she states “she is successful, kind, honest and emphatic young lady who has a lot to offer this world”
Our second recipient is Kira Weaver
Kira is ranked #42 in her class with a 3.5 GPA. She will pursue a Bachelors Degree in Music with a major in Vocal Performance at Berklee College of Music. Kira has been involved in a multitude of acivities during high school. They include Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus – 3 years, Chorale (Vice President) and Show Choir -5 years, Band (Section Leader and Librarian) including concert and Jazz Band – 5 years, Stagecrafters – 5 years, Student Council as a representative -4 years, Green Team (Founding Member) – 3 years, National Honor Society – 3 years, Key Club – 1 year. She has won many honors including AP Scholar, Honor Roll and many superior/excellent ratings at Solo & ensemble Contests. Kira had the opportunity to perform a Master Class with Alexander Elliot and was the only girl chosen to sing a solo at Severence Hall. She also has been an assistant teacher (five hours a week) at Rockport United Methodist Church for three years. Kira chooses not to have her life planned out too completely, but to dream about all she wants to accomplish such as reading a playbill from the Metropolitan Opera House noting the opera was commissioned by her, kayaking in Churchill, fostering children. She states this way she can be happy now instead of relying on the future to make her happy.
Richard Stuewe Alumni Hall of Fame Memorial Scholarship: established in 2015 by the Fairview Park Schools Alumni Halls of Fame and renamed this year in memory of Richard Stuewe, friend, colleague and alumni. The Alumni Hall of Fame committee honors three groups from the Fairview Park Public Schools; distinguished alumni, outstanding former athletes, exceptional (retired) faculty.
This year’s recipient is Ryan Starks – $500 scholarship
Ryan is ranked #50 in his class with a 3.3 GPA. He will pursue a degree in education at the high school level at the University of Dayton. Ryan played varsity baseball his Junior and Senior year of high school where he won First Team All-PAC in his Junior year. This was his most proud moment because he had taken off three years from the sport and trained very hard to get back to the game. He also played soccer all four years of high school where he was chosen team captain in his senior year. He has volunteered at youth summer soccer camps, election day volunteer and leaf clean-up for soccer boosters. His work experience is at the Fairview Park Recreation Center working in the Kids Club and at Firehouse Subs. His greatest adversity was the loss of a friend in 2016 to cancer. This friend had passed on his passion for soccer to Ryan and Ryan was determined to do his absolute best at the sport. He earned many awards during his high school soccer years and ultimately was offered to play soccer at The University of Dayton. He will continue his education at the college level hoping to become a teacher and high school coach.
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 is Alexander DeGennaro– $250 scholarship
Alexander is ranked #45 in his class with a 3.4 GPA. He will major in Film Production at Baldwin Wallace University with the dream of creating films for others. Alexander participated in Student News, Robotics Club and Tech Team. He also played golf his sophomore through senior year of high school. He has been an alter server at his church since 2011 and has volunteered at Habitat for Humanity at Baldwin Wallace during the summer since 2015. His greatest accomplishment was being recognized as an Eagle Scout in 2018. Alexander has been scouting his entire life starting as a cub scout in first grade. During that time he completed 31 merit badges, was a Senior Patrol Leader, and ultimately completed his Eagle Scout project. He also received along with his Eagle Scout Award an added gold palm for extra service in scouting. His love of scouting hopes to bring him back to Fairview Park after college graduation with a goal to return to Scouting Troop 401 as a role model or maybe even a scout leader. Other accomplishments include Scholar Athlete Award in golf, the Innovation Award for Fairview Advantage for the production of the Summit Learning Video. Proud moments for him were helping create with Mayor Patton and his best friend the State of the Community video highlighting the City of Fairview Park. Another moment was working on Student News creating a great atmosphere for the school and highlighting all the great things that were happening. He hopes to someday to be a film producer.
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 is Andrew Repasy – $500 scholarship
Andrew is ranked #28 in his class with a 3.8 GPA. He will major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Music Technology at the University of Dayton. Andrew participated in the Broadcast Club and Robotics Club. He also played on the golf team all four years of high school. He has been an alter server at St. Angela Merici since 2013 and has achieved the distinction of Eagle Scout. Andrew has been in scouting for 11 years and received dozens of merit badges, and being Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. His Eagle Scout project was to remodel and paint the Fairview Park Community Park Pavilion. His greatest moment was participating in the high school’s talent show. He performed his music which was stressful but in the end built up his confidence and overcame his fear of performing in front of an audience. Other accomplishments include honors diploma, academic athletic for golf all four years, Innovation Challenge Award 2018 & 2019, help create with Mayor Patton and his best friend the State of the Community video highlighting the City of Fairview Park. Andrew also worked with two friends to create a short film for the Cleveland 48 Hour Film Festival in 2018 and that film was nominated as one of the top 10 best films in the Cleveland area and he was recognized for producing the best original song in that video. His personal goals are to get a degree in Mechanical engineering and minor in Music Technology, get a job using his talents and stay involved in his vocal music and film community.
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 of 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 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. A $600 scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated initiative, self-motivation and a desire to achieve.
This year’s recipient is Jack Provenza – $600 scholarship
Jack is ranked #27 in his class with a 3.8 GPA. He will major in Applied Mathematics at Kenyon College. Jack played football all four years of high school and was captain of the team in his senior year. During his football career he also broke the school’s all time rushing record. He also played basketball during his sophomore through senior year. He has been a scholar athletic in his senior year, honorable mention all conference freshman year in football, first team in football during his sophomore through senior years. He earned the MVP award in football both his junior and senior years. He played on the basketball team when they won conference in his senior year. His work experience includes Dominic’s Santo restaurant since 2017 and also yard work during the summers. He will be playing football at Kenyon College and working on his Applied Mathematics degree.
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 City Schools. The scholarship is funded on behalf of the proceeds totaling $108,000 from the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Golf Tournament – the Foundation’s original annual fundraiser that occurred for 18 consecutive years.
This year’s recipient is Brandon Weise – $3,000 scholarship
Brandon is ranked #3 in his class with a 4.3 GPA. He will major in Chemical Engineering at The University of Dayton. Brandon has been involved in Key Club (2016-2019), National Honors Society (2017-2019), National Technical Honors Society (2017-2019). He participated on the swim team for four years, Cross Country for two years and Synchronettes for two years. He volunteers at Lake Shore Swim Club from 2018 to present and Neon Swim Club in 2017. His work experience includes being a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Fairview Park Recreation Center and a Shavista at 808 Shave Ice since 2018. His leadership roles includes captain of the swim team and the lead swim instructor at the Fairview Park Recreation Center. He has received various honors including Principals List, President’s Education Award, Academic Athletic, Perfect Attendance, AP Scholar with Honor and MVP for Swimming. Brandon looks forward to continuing his education in chemical engineering using it’s broad disciplines and sciences, along with his multiples interests, to find just the right engineering position for him when he completes college.
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, a principal and the first superintendent of the Fairview Park City Schools, serving from 1921 to 1964.
This year’s recipient is Anne McLaughlin– $500 scholarship
Anne is ranked #39 in her class with a 3.5 GPA. She will major in Acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy with the hopes of performing on Broadway one day. The many activities that Anne has been part of during his high school career include Stagecrafters (Secretary) (2015 -2019), String Orchestra (Vice President) (2015-2019), Chamber Orchestra (Vice President) (2016-2019), Key Club (2015-2016), National Honor Society (Treasurer) (2017-2019), Tri-M (First President) (2018-2019), International Thespian Society (2018-2019) and Student Council (2015-2016). She played on the Tennis team for two years. She has participated in many activities at her church, Journey Church. She also has found time to work at the Rocky River Recreation Center’s Kids Cove from 2018 to present. Anne has accomplished many honors such as Merit Rolls, Honor Rolls, seven orchestra solo and ensemble awards and chamber orchestra excellence award. Since she was in sixth grade her father has been ill with various sicknesses. This has been very difficult for any child to imagine and deal with. Because of this she makes sure she appreciates everyday she spends with her dad, and for herself, all her dreams for her future. Her future plans include being an actress on Broadway or television. She loves sharing her passion with many people and making people feel as she connects with her audience.
Richard C. & Louise K Nickerson Memorial Scholarship – Established in 2019, through a bequest of funding from the estate of Louise K. Nickerson. Ms. Nickerson was not able to go to college. She worked her entire life and realized during that time that future higher education was essential for a successful career. With that in mind, she wanted to establish 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 for attending a four year college
Two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Connor Kelly and Molly Weir
Our first recipient is Connor Kelly
Connor is ranked #5 in his class with a 4.2 GPA. He will major in Electrical Engineering at Ohio State University. Connor has participated in Robotics Club and Project Lead the Way as a Student Ambassador (Engineering). He played soccer for four years (Team Captain) and varsity bowling for one year. He has volunteered with the Fairview Park Recreation Center as an Assistant Basketball coach (2016-2019), Puritas Baseball League, as Assistant Baseball coach (2015-2018) and Youth Soccer Counselor (2015-2018). Even with his busy schedule, Connor did find time to work at Coatings Research Group as a lab assistant from 2017 to present and also Puritas Baseball as a concessions assistant since 2015. He has been on the principals list all four years holding a 4.0 GPA or higher during those years. He was also awarded varsity letters each year, two all-conference awards and scholar athletic in both soccer and bowling. The biggest adversity he has had to deal with is with his health and a severe indent in his chest. This caused breathing problems that he had to deal with playing sports. He was still able to continue his sports but needed to be mindful of his limits. His proudest moment was during his junior year when he passed and got college credit for four AP classes that he took. He looks forward to working in the field of engineering.
Our second recipient is Molly Weir
Molly is ranked #36 in her class with a 4.3 GPA. She will major in Journalism at Ohio State University where she was also accepted into the Scripts School of Journalism. Molly participated in Scarlet Singers (2016-2019), National Honors Society (2017-2019), Yearbook Member (2016-2019) and Mosaic Club (2017-2019). She played Soccer (Captain, two years) (2015-2019), Track and Field (2016-2019) and Varsity Bowling (2018-2019). She volunteered as a church server (2012-2015), youth soccer camp (2015-2019) and Deck the Halls (2017-2018). Even with her busy schedule she found time to work at East Coast Custard (2017-2018), Kohl’s (2018-2019) and was a swim instructor at Goldfish Swim School (March 2019 to present). Various honors Molly has received during high school are Scholar Athlete for soccer and bowling, Principal’s List, Honor Roll, 1st Team All PAC for varsity soccer for 3 years, Greater Cleveland 2nd Team for varsity soccer for two years, Greater Cleveland Honorable Mention for soccer for one year, MVP for soccer and Academic Athletic for soccer, track and field and bowling. The biggest obstacle she has had to overcome was tearing her MCL twice. After her surgery recovery it allowed her to still play high school soccer but after the second tear, no college soccer was in her future. She worked through her rehab and therapy assuring that she would complete her senior year strong. She aspires to be a journalist, hoping that her work allows the reader to escape from their own life and enjoy the characters and story.
Nelson Russ Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2001 by Mrs. Fern Russ, in memory of her late husband, Nelson. Mr. Russ served as the Recreational 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 School and distinguished himself as Fairview High School’s first Varsity football coach.
This year’s recipient is Liam Howatt – $500 scholarship
Liam is ranked #56 in his class with a 3.3 GPA. He will major in Business at Otterbein University. During Liam’s high school career he played football all four years (Captain), wrestled his freshman and senior year and was on the track and field team for three years. Football was a huge part of his life starting to play tackle football in fifth grade. At that time he did not realize how this sport would change his life and mold him into the person he became. He volunteered helping family and friends with yard work all four years of high school. He also worked as a head lifeguard from 2017 to present. He was the Mark Tulios Warrior Award winner in the 2018-2019 school year in the sport of wrestling. Liam will continue playing football in college and will go into the field of business.