In 1986, the Fairview Park Education Foundation established their first scholarship. Since then we have been awarding scholarships to outstanding Fairview High School seniors. This year, the Foundation proudly awards the following 22 scholarships totaling $25,100:
Fairview Park Education Foundation’s 2021 Scholarships:
Dr. John Babel Memorial Scholarship –– Established in 2016 in honor of the 3rd Superintendent of the school system. Dr. Babel was born in upstate New York, and upon his high school graduation was intent on staying on the farm. His father encouraged him to continue his schooling, finally pursuing a teaching certificate and later a master’s degree. He was first in his family to attain a college degree and continued to complete his PhD from The Ohio State University. He taught at Cleveland State University for 25 years and was a member of the Rotarian Club for over 35 years. Dr. Babel’s life was changed by those in education, and he believed in the value of lifelong learning.
The $1,000.00 scholarship is being awarded to a senior who will pursue a career in education.
This year’s recipient is Jade Peace
Jade has a 4.0 GPA and is graduating 15th in her class. She will be attending Bowling Green State University to pursue a degree in Middle Childhood Education. Jade is a member of National Honor Society, Youth Sustainability Leadership Program, Westshore Young Leaders, and Mosaic Club. She played volleyball throughout high school, earning Academic Athlete honors while also being named All-Conference 3 years running. Jade found her passion to be an educator during her junior year when she served as a student ambassador and chaperone for the 8th grade Washington D.C. trip. It was the connections that she was able to make with students, that made her realize that education was the career for her. Upon graduation with her teaching degree, she hopes to return to Fairview Park City School where she dreams of creating “a classroom where kids can unapologetically be themselves and love all without feeling judged or insecure.”
Frank W. Barr Memorial Scholarship—was 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 is Molly Hoskin
Molly graduates with a 4.16 GPA and 8th in her class. She will be attending The Ohio State University, majoring in history with a pre-law track. Molly has been involved in a multitude of FHS activities, including National Honor Society, Student Council, Gamer’s Club, Chorale, Show Choir, and Stagecrafters. She is also a 4-year member of the girls soccer team and was named captain her senior season. In addition to volunteering, she has worked at Summer Camp, 808 Shaved Ice and Gales Garden Center. Molly’s proudest moment in high school was when she stepped out of her comfort zone and auditioned for “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” which opened the door to new and memorable experiences! After law school, Molly dreams of moving to Washington D.C. to work with politicians to “guide them in making their decisions that affect the lives of millions of people in our country.”
Mary Lou Chalfant Memorial Social Studies Scholarship — Mary Lou was a social studies teacher at Fairview High School for many years. She was an avid supporter of the Fairview High School’s arts programs especially the theater department and she never missed the opportunity to attend a performance during her tenure at the high school. She retired from the Fairview Park Schools and after her retirement established this scholarship.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding social studies student who will be pursuing a career in Social Sciences or Social Studies Education or someone who was active in the theater programs at Fairview High School.
This year’s recipient is Logan Harvey
Logan graduates 4th in the class with a 4.4 GPA. Logan has been accepted to the Honors College at Miami University, with a plan to study political science and history and eventually to pursue a law degree. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a member of National Honor Society and International Thespain Society while also being a President’ List Scholar and a Sportsmanship award winner. Logan is a member of the Yearbook Club and ran XC for 2 seasons. He participated in iBelieve Foundation/Ohio Association of Student Leaders and QYou Program’s Leadership Development Institute. Logan’s law degree will be utilized as a civil defense attorney with the goal of protecting and supporting others. Eventually, Logan hopes to be elected to Congress, “so I can advocate for those who have nobody else in their corner and to make the world a more equal place.”
Bruce Linden Cherkala Memorial Scholarship—was created in 1991 by the Cherkala family as a memory to their son, Bruce, who graduated from Fairview High School in 1968. While at FHS, Bruce was an honor student, letterman in football and tennis. Bruce went on to graduate from Denison University and then Case Western Reserve School of Medicine with 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 Olivia Miller
Olivia is 33rd in her class with a GPA of 3.78. She will be majoring in Forensic Science at Tiffin University where she will also be playing collegiate tennis. She was a 4 year member of both the tennis and softball teams. She also was a football and basketball cheerleader at FHS and a member of the Yearbook Club. Olivia has been involved with Young Life, her church youth group, and she worked part-time. Olivia aspires to have an action-packed career, getting involved in crime scene investigation with the FBI.
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 $500 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding female varsity athletic preferably in softball or volleyball but not necessarily.
This year’s recipient is Grace Enold
Grace is graduating 60th in her class with a GPA of 3.16. She will study Exercise Science/Physical Therapy at Ashland University. Grace’s high school activities include Yearbook Club and Because I Said I Would. She was a 4 year member of the FHS Softball Team where she was awarded Rookie of the Year, 2nd Team All-Conference and she also serve as team captain. Grace loves helping others and therefore the role of Polaris Student Ambassador was the perfect position for her, assisting incoming students. Her future goal is to use her degree in physical therapy to continue to improve the lives of others.
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 $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving graduating female seniors.
This year’s recipient is Maya Jallad
Maya is graduating 29th in her class with a GPA of 3.8 and she will be studying Health Information Management at Cleveland State University. She participated in the Medical Professions program at Polaris Career Center, earning her STNA credentials. Maya was a member of the FHS National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society at Polaris. She also played basketball and participated in String Orchestra during high school. Her career goal is to complete her undergraduate degree and then attend North Eastern Ohio Medical School (NEOMED) with a dream of becoming a dermatologist.
This year’s recipient is Lily Palisin
Lily graduates 27th in the class with a 3.8 GPA. She will be attending Kent State University where she has been accepted into the Honors College. Her exact career path is undecided, but she will focus on business and mathematics. Lily was involved in Student Government, Student Government Executive Board, Stagecrafters, Key Club, and Show Choir/Scarlet Singers. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Lily also participated in swim team, Synchronettes, Track & Field, and Cross Country. She also served as statistician for the FHS wrestling team. Lily excelled in athletics, earning MVP honors and serving as XC team captain, leading her team to Regionals. In addition, she was captain of the track team and was a 3 event Regional qualifier. She was all-conference in both cross-country and track. Although her career path has not yet been determined, Lily is a leader and therefore, she wants to be a boss. She states that she wants to be, “someone who one day a little girl will look up to and be inspired.”
Shirley Docherty Memorial Scholarship – was established in 2013 by her children Denise Devine and David in memory of their mother Shirley Docherty. Shirley was a homemaker most of her life but after she graduated high school, she drew maps for the War Department. After the war, she was employed for NACA, (a forerunner of NASA) were she worked as a graphic artist in the Aircraft Engine Research Lab.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding art student pursuing a degree in Art/Graphic Arts at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Sydney Greenwell
Sydney is graduating 5th in the class with a GPA of 4.3. She will attend The Ohio State University with her major yet to be decided. While at FHS, Sydney participated in 2 years of track and 4 years of volleyball. In addition, she has been an active member of Student Government, serving as secretary of her class for 3 years and Executive Vice President during her senior year. She was selected as an ambassador for the Washington D.C. trip and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Sydney excels academically but has also been honored for her artistic ability. In 2019 she was a winner of the Cleveland Clinic eXpressions Art Contest, and she has also been honored through the PTA Reflections program. Sydney plans to study abroad and explore her many passions before deciding on her exact career path.
Fairview High School Class of 2020 (COVID-19) Scholarship – established by the Fairview High School Class of 2020 After Prom Committee through a donation of funds that were set aside for the Class of 2020 to use towards their prom and after prom. Due to COVID-19 these students were unable to have the same prom and after prom that their previous graduates enjoyed. The After Prom Committee generously donated the monies for a scholarship to use towards the college education of future FHS graduates.
The $500.00 scholarship is awarded to a student with a hardworking spirit who has persevered through obstacles, possibly COVID-19 related, honoring the many challenges the FHS 2020 graduates endured during their senior year. This scholarship also is for a student who demonstrates financial need.
This year’s recipient is Ayah Shehadeh
Ayah is 61st in her class with a 3.15 GPA. She will study Criminology at Cleveland State University. While in high school, she participated in volleyball for 2 seasons, and she also worked part-time. Ayah is most proud of taking and succeeding in CCP coursework during high school. COVID-19 impacted her family greatly with several family members contracting the virus and with Ayah herself becoming ill. Her sister was a 2020 FHS graduate and therefore the senior year for both girls was greatly impacted by the many changes that took place as a result of the pandemic.
Fairview Park Education Foundation Scholarship – This $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding student with overall academic/community and school achievement.
This year’s recipient is Maeve Mesaros
Maeve is graduating 20th in her class with a 3.9 GPA. She will be attending Bowling Green State University, studying in the Health and Human Services College. Her possible career pathways include social work, physical/occupational/speech therapy or education. She is passionate about working with kids and it is likely that her career will involve children. During high school, Maeve was a student council member for 4 years and was elected Executive President her senior year. She also participated in West Shore Young Leaders, FHS Green Team, Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District Climate Compost pilot project, Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Future Forum, and Youth Sustainability Leadership program. She was selected to the Homecoming court and was a Washington D.C. chaperone. She was a 2-year member of the basketball team, 3 year member of the track team and a 4 year member of the volleyball team. She won all-conference honors in basketball and volleyball. Maeve was voted prom queen.
Richard Stuewe Fairview Park Education Foundation Memorial Scholarship – established in 2019, named in memory of Richard Stuewe. He was a graduate of FHS, teacher, counselor, coach in the Fairview Park City Schools and an honored member of the Fairview Park Education Foundation and many other organizations in Fairview Park.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student with overall academic/community and school achievement.
This year’s recipient is Hailey Weaver
Hailey is graduating 2nd in her class with a 4.5 GPA. She will be attending New York University to study political science. She was extremely active at FHS serving as President of National Honor Society, Editor of the Yearbook, Secretary of Synchronettes, member of Key Club, and Academic Team participant. She was also a soccer and basketball captain and a member of the track team. She was selected as a delegate to Buckeye Girls State and Hailey earned the distinction of AP Scholar with Honors and AP Capstone Diploma recipient. Hailey plans to pursue a degree in law and she aspires to work as a legislative assistant in congress. She will “seek legal reform for police brutality, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s healthcare, climate change, and a myriad of other polarizing matters influencing the lives of Americans and jeopardizing the provisions for Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
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. In 1966 Maxine again represented Fairview Park and Ohio as Mrs. Ohio in the Mrs. America pageant. Maxine was a model and fashion coordinator for many local stores and malls. She also enjoyed singing, dancing and the theater where she acted in many local little theater productions and musicals.
The $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to a deserving graduating senior who will be pursuing a career in either the fashion industry or music (especially theater, singing and/or dancing)
This year’s recipient is Sarah Verburg
Sarah is graduating 36th in the class with a 3.7 GPA. She will be attending Bowling Green State University, as a business major and a member of the dance team. During her time at FHS, Sarah was involved with Student Council, Yearbook Club and Scarlet Singers/Show Choir. She also has been a member and captain of the Drill Team. Sarah is a competitive dancer herself and she used her talent to gain part-time employment at a dance studio as a student assistant. She was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and was elected a member of the Homecoming Court. Sarah hopes to combine her business major, psychology minor and love of dance by opening a dance company under her name with the intention of creating a loving and supportive environment for future dancers.
Dorothy Graab Memorial Scholarship — was established in 2013 by children Donald and Janet Graab Miller in memory of their mother Dorothy Graab. After graduation, she went to Northwestern University where she majored in chemistry. Dorothy continued to study piano 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.
The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is active in one or more music programs but is not necessarily pursuing that at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Dylan Carson
Dylan is graduating 14th in his class with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to pursue a degree in architecture at Bowling Green State University. Dylan is a member of National Honor Society and he has been very active in the music programs at FHS including Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. Dylan is also an avid runner, using his talents on the Warrior Cross Country and Track & Field teams. He is a 2 time Regional Qualifier and a State Qualifier in XC and a Regional Track Qualifier his senior season. He plans to continue his running career at BGSU through the Club XC and Track teams. Dylan looks forward to the challenges in the field of architecture and he hopes to have at least one mid-sized to major project featuring his external designs.
Judson Graab Memorial Scholarship — was 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.
The $750 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will pursue a degree in the sciences, preferably chemistry at a college or university.
This year’s recipient is Aaron Deutsch
Aaron is graduating 3rd in the class with a 4.4 GPA. He will study Medical Laboratory Science at Bowling Green State University. While at FHS, Aaron was active in Stagecrafters/Thespian Troupe 8671, Student Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Academic Team. He also participated in Fairview Park Fine Arts & Theatre Association. Aaron is a talented vocalist, participating in Chorale and Show Choir at FHS. In addition, Aaron’s musical talents allowed him to be an honored member of the Kent State All-State Choir for 2 years. Aaron was Vice President of the 2021 class for 3 years. His primary goal is to become a Medical Lab Tech, being able to support medical staff and patients through his work. His long-range goals include possibly returning to school to become a professor of chemistry or an associated science.
Fred J. & Betty J. Helwig Memorial Scholarship—was established to honor their parents 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 will be awarded and are renewable for up to a maximum of four years of college.
This year’s recipient is Jessenia Cedeno
Jessenia is graduating 22nd in her class with a 3.9 GPA. She will be attending The Ohio State University, studying criminology and criminal justice. Jessenia has been active in Tri-M, Orchestra and Race/Diversity Club. Because of difficult life circumstances, Jessenia attended a number of schools before coming to FHS. She only began playing the violin near the end of her freshman year, yet her skill and dedication to her instrument allowed her to progress quickly and eventually step into the leadership role of President of Chamber and String Orchestra. Jessenia’s long-term goal is to become a lawyer and open up her own law firm. She aspires to be someone whom others can go to when they need to seek help, specifically legal assistance.
This year’s recipient is Anna Newbacher
Anna is graduating with a 3.9 GPA and 18th in her class. She will study Interior Design/Architecture at Kent State University. Anna is a member of National Honor Society and Key Club. She also played basketball and soccer at FHS. She was an Academic Achievement honoree for both sports and she was also named All-Conference Honorable Mention in soccer. Anna has worked hard to overcome the many challenges associated with post-concussive syndrome. Her long-term professional goal is to work in the interior design or architecture field, specifically designing spaces for people that bring joy to work and home life.
Richard Stuewe Alumni Hall of Fame Memorial Scholarship — established in 2015 by the Fairview Park Schools Alumni Hall of Fame and renamed in 2019 in memory of Richard Stuewe, friend, colleague, and alumni. The Alumni Hall of Fame committee honors three groups from the Fairview Park Public Schools; distinguished alumni, outstanding former athletes, exceptional (retired) faculty.
The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a senior that is pursuing a degree in the field education.
This year’s recipient is Rachel Feher
Rachel is graduating 21st in the class with a 3.9 GPA. She will be attending Ohio University to pursue a degree in special education. During high school Rachel participated in Student Government, Key Club and First Ring Student Leadership Academy. She also volunteered at Safety Town and worked in the Kids Club at the Gemini Center. The most significant event in her life thus far was her time spent at Safety Town. It led her to realize her calling to the field of education. She aspires to create a classroom that is very inviting to all and serves as a place where she can help and greatly impact the lives of her students.
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 may be enrolled in some college credit plus courses and show financial need.
The $600 scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and a desire to achieve.
This year’s recipient is Ian Cepek
Ian is graduating with a 2.75 GPA and 79th in his class. He will study Computer Science at Cleveland State University Washekewicz College of Engineering. Ian was an active musician at FHS, participating in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Pep Band. Ian has also been active in Boy Scouts, serving in the National Youth Leadership Training program as a participant and eventually as a leader. Ian earned the distinction of Eagle Scout. Ian’s professional goal is to work in the field of computer science, specifically with microprocessors and superconductors. If advantageous to do so, he will consider graduate studies and possibly a Ph.D. in computer science.
Robert V. and Rose T. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship (originally the Robert V. Kundmueller Memorial Scholarship) — was established by the Kundmueller Family in 1990 in memory of 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 all educated in the Fairview Park School System, and Bob was a local Fairview Park business owner for many years.
Bob was the 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.
The scholarship in the amount of $3,000 is awarded to a student showing outstanding academic achievement as well as community and school participation.
This year’s recipient is Tyler Danburg
Tyler graduates 12th in his class with a 4.1 GPA. He will be attending The Ohio State University, studying broadcast journalism. Tyler has packed his 4 years at FHS with a multitude of activities including FPCSBN President/broadcaster, Class President, National Honor Society, Athletic Department volunteer assistant, school mascot, and Recycling Team. In addition to the many hours he spent broadcasting, he also played soccer and baseball for 4 years, earning All-Conference honors in both. Tyler was awarded the OHSAA Courageous Student Award, Academic All-Ohio and GLC Scholar Athlete. He also balances work and volunteering and serves the National Tourette’s Syndrome Association as an ambassador. Tyler’s professional goals include calling games for a national television sports network and serving as a radio broadcaster for a Major League Baseball team.
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.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Fairview High School senior who will be pursuing a career in the humanities.
This year’s recipient is Samantha Mei
Samantha is ranked 6th in the class and she has earned a 4.3 GPA. She will be attending Kent State University studying psychology with a possible literature minor. She participated in Chorale for 1 year and was a member of the tennis team for 4 years. She has held a steady job throughout high school and she also served as a volunteer assistant at Chinese School. Samantha’s long-range professional goals are to study and research mental health, start her own office/firm, and to publish her own works/novels. She hopes to become a lifeline and helping hand to those in need.
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. Thus, she wanted to provide these scholarships to graduating seniors to help with college costs.
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.
This year’s recipient is Jenna Reitz
Jenna is graduating 26th in the class with a 3.8 GPA. She will be majoring in visual communications/photojournalism at the renowned Scripps College of Communications at Ohio University. Jenna has been involved with numerous activities at FHS including National Honor Society, Key Club, Chorale/Scarlett Singers, Stagecrafters, Thespian Society, Yearbook Club, and Mosaic Club. She also served as Executive Board Treasurer. She was part of the swimming team for 2 years, volleyball for 3 years and softball for 4 years where she captained the team her senior year. Jenna created her own photography business, specializing in senior, family and lifestyle portraits. Jenna aspires to one day fulfill her dream of working for National Geographic.
This year’s recipient is Jack Munro
Jack is graduating with a 3.6 GPA and 40th in his class. He will study mechanical engineering at the University of Toledo. Jack is a dedicated musician who has been very active in band throughout high school as a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra. He also played golf for 4 years. Jack has been involved with Boy Scouts of America since 1st grade, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 2020 and he is active in his church youth group, serving as President. His professional goal as a mechanical engineer is to play an important part of making a difference in people’s lives through innovation.