North Royalton High School recognizes students with Pride of NRHS Ceremony

North Royalton High School staff celebrated their students’ first quarter success in person and with their families on Thursday, November 17 in the new Community Room. Families were treated to a continental breakfast.
Teachers nominated students in four categories (Achievement, Character, Engagement, and Leadership).They recognized these students and wrote personal nominations as to why they deserved their awards.
At the event, every nomination was read aloud and the student was then surprised with finding out who nominated him/her. Every award winner was presented with a certificate by Assistant Principal Kristin Hubbell. The gift this quarter was a water bottle, presented by Assistant Principal Matt Yappel.
Students recognized include:
ACHIEVEMENT
Achievement – “Something accomplished through great effort, skill, perseverance or courage”
Mackenzie Albert – Mack entered into Biology this year with a great attitude and willingness to learn Biology. She represents the epitome of someone who works hard and that translates into success. Further, she’s always asking questions and actively participates in class. Her overall efforts have been outstanding.
Mr. Sean Drvenkar
Fadia Alkhlef – Outstanding first quarter experiment and presentation.
Mr. Chris Boch
Andre Andreano – Andre completed the first quarter with a high B, which was the highest grade in the class.
Ms. Lauren Stefancin
Sydney Blasko – Sydney is an extremely hard-working student. Sydney takes pride in her work and she always puts forth 110% effort. Sydney’s work is always well done and extremely neat.
Mrs. Catherine Norris
Avery Breen – Avery had a great first quarter throughout all of her classes. So proud of her accomplishments and hard work.
Mrs. Tennille Haugh
Abigail Deal – Although Abbey clearly deserves this honor for her achievements, I wish I could nominate her for every category because her impact is truly that all-encompassing. Abbey is a thinker, and as such, she processes literature in a reflective manner. The way she interprets the work is inspiring; when I read her essays, I learn, too. Her contemplative manner is not only evident in her writing, but it is clear when she engages in discussions with her peers that she appreciates learning for the sake of learning. She wants to know more. She pushes herself and everyone in her vicinity to higher levels of understanding. Ultimately, the world is better because of Abbey’s academic curiosity and drive for greatness.
Mr. Michael Hemery
Tess Marie Falcioni – Tess Marie puts in an enormous amount of effort in all of her classes. The personal growth I have seen in her academics in the past year is a direct result of the amount of hard work she puts into school. Tess Marie earned fantastic grades in her classes and on her assessments. She takes pride in every assignment she completes.
Miss Rachael Sladky
Glendalyse Fannin – Glendalyse has done a phenomenal job in U.S. History this first quarter. She works incredibly hard to master the material presented in class and clearly gives the extra effort to prepare at home as evidenced by her superior test scores. She is a positive participant in class, chiming in on discussions and is constructive and helpful in her interactions with peers. Glendalyse has thrived in her new environment here at NRHS and she makes my classroom a better place to be for all of us in 4/5 U.S. History.
Mr. Matt Kish
Maria Farris – Maria has worked very hard this first quarter. She came in before school to get extra help and her extra effort has paid off.
Mrs. Chris Shepherd
Sara Fox – Sara had the best Egyptian project this nine weeks. She is a very diligent worker and an outstanding student.
Mr. Anthony Kleem
Julia Galay – Julia is incredibly conscientious and works hard on all of her assignments and for her test preparation. She is always on task, engaged, and is not afraid to ask for clarification. She is a real pleasure to have in the classroom and her hard work sets a great example for her peers.
Mr. Jim Hoover
Julia Galay – While I believe Julia could qualify for all four categories, Julia has shown great achievement in Algebra I. Julia has the potential to be quiet and reserved but she pushes herself to shine in the classroom. She comes to class each day prepared and ready to learn. She actively participates in daily lessons, seeking help when needed by asking for clarification and soliciting responses, takes daily notes, completing all assignments, and CLEARLY advocates for kindness and respect to peers and teachers within the classroom. She is a great role model and example to other students. She is incredibly dedicated to her academics with a positive mindset. Her dedication has paid off and she earned one of the highest grades out of all of our Algebra classes. She is a joy to work with and she deserves to be recognized for her hard work.
Mrs. Nina Ford
Mara Geiger – Mara is a diligent, respectful, and fully engaged student. Her perseverance, work ethic and interest in the class material deserves recognition.
Ms. Michelle Kovach
Emily Hain – Emily did a fantastic job in Sociology throughout the first quarter. She performed at an extremely high level on assessments, consistently engaged in class discussions and even led a few of our activities. Emily is a cerebral, responsible student. For these reasons she is very well deserving of this award.
Mr. Cory Brady
Emily Hain – Emily has done an outstanding job this quarter in Honors Anatomy and Physiology! She is a dedicated student who puts forth her best effort to succeed.
Mrs. Beth Quirino
Rylie Haynes – Rylie had an outstanding first quarter in Pre-Calculus. She is a positive example to her classmates by always being on task and engaged in the lessons.
Mrs. Adrianne Klein
Joseph Kinney – Joe did a phenomenal job in Spanish I this first quarter! He achieved a very high A and had a great transition into his sophomore year of high school. He has a positive attitude in class, steps in as a leader when working with his classmates, participates well during class time, and exhibits mature behavior on a daily basis.
Señora Corey Durichko
Brooke Kostyack – Brooke achieved the highest academic achievement during the first quarter in Biology through her impeccable work and outstanding work ethic.
Mr. Joe Francescangeli
Claire Kramer – Claire worked extremely hard in this first quarter to understand the material. She takes great pride in her learning, which is demonstrated by her using every available resource. She is a pleasure to have in class and I look forward to hearing about all her future successes.
Mr. Mark Skor
Brooke Lee – Brooke has shown early on that taking pride in her math studies is a priority for her. She has done a wonderful job during the first quarter.
Mr. Tim Matus
Vincent Mercurio – Vinny had a terrific first quarter in Algebra I. He is someone who always comes prepared to class, is constantly engaged, and does outstanding on his assignments. Mrs. Ford and I have been so proud and impressed with Vinny’s work ethic and attitude.
Mr. Nick Woods
Jalen Sandvick – Jalen is a very hard worker who sets a great example for the rest of the class on how to participate and put forth your best effort on a daily basis. Jalen works hard during class and outside of class to be the best student he can be.
Mr. Bryan Bielak
David Swab – David demonstrated maturity, leadership, and responsibility by successfully juggling a busy golf schedule with his course requirements. His efforts were rewarded on the course and in the classroom. Congratulations on your golf accomplishments and earning an A in American Government.
Mr. Kirk Ambrose
Katlin Taylor – Katlin did a fantastic job on her Family Heritage Speech. She spoke with confidence and gave excellent eye contact throughout the entire speech. Her visual aid was used effectively and I’m very proud of her for completing such a difficult assignment.
Ms. Chris Roach
Shane Tomer – Shane has worked so hard in our new Strength, Speed and Wellness course this year. He is consistent with outstanding effort every single day for his workout. Shane always comes prepared and leads by example with his work ethic.
Mr. Nick Lapsevich
Blake Valley – Blake has demonstrated an exceptional level of achievement in Algebra II this year. His percentage is 100% for the first quarter. He has done every homework assignment and has aced every test for the quarter. This level of achievement shows when someone has a natural ability for the subject area. Blake has that ability. I am sure he will continue to be one of my top performers throughout the rest of the year. You cannot do any better than 100%, so keep it up and congratulations on this well deserved award and all the recognition that comes with it.
Mr. Nick Ciulli
Essence Whitmore – Essence (Estela) has achieved a very high level this first quarter. She is well-prepared for class, reliable, participates a lot, works well with her classmates and scores very high on all of her assessments. She is a pleasure to have in class.
Mr. Chris Carion
Essence Whitmore – Essence has done a phenomenal job this entire quarter. She is very skilled in ELA. Throughout the quarter, she displayed hard work, intelligence, and maturity. I’m very proud of her and I’m excited to see her continued success and achievement.
Mr. Jonathan Dietrich
CHARACTER
Character – “To act in a manner that is honorable, courageous, compassionate and ethical.  It results in being viewed with respect, overcoming the difficult and feeling good about oneself.”
Mackenzie Albert – Mackenzie is always willing to jump in and help out.  Mackenzie is caring and thoughtful to those around her.  She has a welcoming smile.  She also goes the extra mile to help a friend in need.
Ms. Kathleen Miluk
Chase Ammar – Chase receives this award not just for character but for all four categories. While many freshmen struggle to adjust to high school life and expectations, Chase has been an outstanding individual since day one. He works hard, takes responsibility for his actions/choices, and leads by setting a great example. I wish every one of my students would follow the model that Chase has set.
Ms. Betsy Engel
Sierra Campanelli – Sierra is one of the few students that actually seeks help outside of class. She is always prepared for class and puts forth the individual effort to make sure she understands everything outside of class. Her work ethic is beyond most of her classmates and will serve her well at the next level of her education.
Mr. Joe Sieracki
Asher Grace – Asher is a reliable, compassionate, and warm hearted student.  Asher cares about others and is kind to all.  Asher is someone you can count on to do what he says he is going to do and someone who is always there for a friend.  Asher is a shining example of honorable, courageous, compassionate, and ethical character.
Ms. Jennifer Gaydos
Shane Haditsch – Shane demonstrates great character each day in Geometry by coming in with a positive attitude, working to lift his peers up, and putting forth his best effort no matter what.
Ms. Elisabeth Jasina
Momina Jaffery – Momina is a student who is willing to go above and beyond. She is the first one to help other students, invite other students into her group, or lead the class in positive behavior. Momina takes pride in her work and her positive, energetic attitude is contagious to her peers.
Mrs. Santina Lovano
Viktoriia Ohonovska – Viktoriia is kind and compassionate to her classmates and to her teachers. Viktoriia is a great resource in the class when she helps other students in the class when I am unable to do so. Thank you for your assistance and help during the first quarter. It is very much appreciated.
Mr. Jamie Leonard
Tarush Pandey – Tarush is a very honorable young man who is truly committed to his studies. He is a pleasure to have in class.
Mr. Michael Colabianchi
Logan Saunders – To be fair, I could easily nominate Logan for every Pride category. Logan is an athlete who comes to class every day to better himself and better those around him. His work ethic is infectious, yet unmatched. Logan started class with an injury to his hand and he found a way to complete every exercise without an excuse. Logan quietly leads by example and has become a great classmate in Strength, Speed and Wellness class. Logan, I see the good you do every day and I appreciate every ounce of your compassionate hard work. Your kindness and grit are great gifts.
Mrs. Anna Koncius
Aubrey Thome – Aubrey is a kind, hard working student. She always does her best in our class. Aubrey is conscientious about her written work as well as in the lab. You can always find her taking the time at the end of the labs cleaning the counters and wiping down the sink. She is a wonderful example to the students in her group. She leads by example.
Mrs. Barb Soza
ENGAGEMENT
Engagement – “Involved in or committed to something as a cause”
Bishoy Assad – Bishoy has done a great job participating in class discussions in U.S. History. Even in a first period class, he is always willing to engage in any discussion or debate we are having as a class; and his thoughts are often insightful and add a little more to the class.
Mr. Nick Neumeister
Gavin Belter – Gavin worked very hard to be more present and engaged this quarter. He participated a ton in class and was always willing to try new things.
Ms. Lauren Stefancin
Penelope Bly – Penelope is always on task. Her assignments are always completed and turned in on time. She takes great pride in her classroom achievements, be it homework, projects or assessments.
Mr. Dean Chuppa
Dominic Catanese – Dominic, I am so happy you have taken another class with me. I have watched you mature from last year to this year and I am so impressed with your development, discipline, and dedication to your schoolwork. Accounting is the hardest class that I teach and you are flying through it. You have a natural knack for this material and I hope you continue to follow your passions and dreams because I know you can do anything you set your mind to. Moreover, I can’t wait to watch you bowl this upcoming season.
Mrs. Kriste Smith
Jason Crowe – Jason has good background knowledge in science and he never hesitates to answer in class. His participation is greatly appreciated.
Mrs. Kahle Miller
Jason Crowe – Jason, your participation and engagement have been fantastic this first quarter. I love your exuberance and excitement for the Spanish language. Thanks for always helping others and for  being an active participant in class.
Señora Debbie Syroney
Nicholas Echols – Nicholas has demonstrated not only some of the best coding in my class this fall, but a truly unique artistic design style that sets him apart from the rest of the class. Instead of using sprites or characters built into the coding software, Nicholas actually designed and drew all his own characters for EVERY project this semester. His programs ended up being some of the best I have had in my career and his projects will be shown off to classes for years to come.
Mr. Jeff Rhodes
Andrew Ferenchak – Andrew is a phenomenal student and person. He is always participating in class and brings an energy to the class that radiates positivity. He has done exceptionally well this quarter on all homework assignments and assessments, and has earned an A for the first quarter. I appreciate his willingness to answer questions in class everyday and his engagement in the lessons each day. It is a pleasure to have him as a student.
Mrs. Eva Teague
Lilyanna Frantz – Lily has gone above and beyond helping in the Counseling Office. Not only did she completely create all three bulletin boards in the office, she expertly displayed her amazing ideas to share with others. Lily is quick to offer assistance with anything that is needed, and always does so in a friendly and cheerful manner. Even though she doesn’t have a study hall this semester, Lily continually stops in after school to offer her help.
The Counseling Office
Dahlia George – Dahlia is a consistent contributor to classroom discussions and her participation positively influences her peers and the class environment.
Mr. Sean Folk
Carson Huzl – Carson always takes the lead in class discussions. He always has something interesting to say.
Mr. Anthony Kleem
Gurmehar Kandola – Mehar has been an absolute standout in many ways throughout the first quarter.  In class, Mehar is always willing to participate and his sense of humor gets 1st period started off on the right note. He takes his studies seriously and is always trying his best. I am also very impressed with Mehar’s dedication to being an active member of the NRHS community. In addition to being on the freshmen football team, he is almost always present at other sporting events in the cheering section and is a member of Student Council. Mehar was an excellent help by leading a group of his friends during Homecoming set up to step up and fill in any task that needed to be done. I am so excited to see how Mehar continues to grow and continues to impress over this year and beyond.
Mr. Matt Ciha
Daniel Karac – Daniel exemplifies what an honors student should be:  he is diligent in his work and cares about critical thinking.  While some students rush to just get assignments completed, Daniel always takes the time to do assignments “the right way.”  From class discussions, to homework responses, to major essays, Daniel always produces thoughtful work.  His engagement in the material is noteworthy and appreciated.
Mr. Aaron Garman
Reece Keimer – Reece is the “rock star” of Economics. He could be nominated under any of the four categories: Achievement, Character, Engagement, or Leadership. He is always engaged in the class, willing to assist or answer at a moment’s notice, and pleasantly supportive of his classmates. What information that he adds or shares is always of tremendous value to the class.
Mrs. Kathleen Zink
Sofia Murguey – Sofia is always willing to participate in Spanish class. She sets a great example for classmates.
Señora Laura Sandy
Miranda Olson – Miranda participates very well in class and always has a great attitude. She makes positive contributions to class on a daily basis. Keep up the great work.
Jonathan Pavelich – Jonathan is a wonderful musician and human being. He is positive and ready to work every day, no matter how busy life gets. He is always willing to help out and be the friend everyone needs in their life. He is dedicated to making the show choir a warm and welcoming environment as well as a high achieving one! He does not settle for okay, he always strives for the best.
Ms. Sydney Jahnigen
Mallory Vish – Mallory comes to class each day with her willingness to learn and her creativity. I have had her now in class for quite awhile and she never fails to come up with something new to impress me. Even when we were online during Covid, she created a project that is now an example for the younger students in class. I have been honored to have her in German now for four years and I know her effort will bring her future success in life.
Frau Michelle Klann
Isabella Weatherbie – Bella’s work ethic and drive in the weight room is very noticeable. She is constantly working at improving her overall strength and is a great ambassador for Strength, Speed and Wellness class.
Mr. Brad Klingbeil
Allen Winer – Allen contributes such insightful, articulate comments to our literary discussions. Every time he raises his hand, I know that he will say something beyond his years or that I hadn’t considered before. He gives fresh, original connections and interpretations, and the whole class benefits from his participation.
Ms. Stacie Leatherman
LEADERSHIP
Leadership – “The art of motivating a group of people towards achieving a common goal”
Madeline Holloran – Madeline has been wonderful to have in class. She is a natural leader in the classroom and that has carried to her campaign for vice president. She has the ability to connect and have a conversation with anyone. She always brings enthusiasm and energy to the class. She also uses that energy during cheerleading to pump up the crowd on Friday nights. Madeline is a great leader both in and out of the classroom and will continue to make North Royalton High School proud.
Mr. Caleb Tinsley