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To acquire and distribute resources to Highland Local Schools to supplement learning opportunities for its students, staff and community. We achieve this by providing direct support for student development, encouraging staff excellence and creativity, promoting the school district as a center for community learning, and helping to build a strong school partnership.
Thanks to the generous support of The Highland Foundation, Highland Middle School has adopted a nationwide program called “WEB: Where Everyone Belongs.”
Officially launched this school year, the purpose of the new orientation and transition program is to welcome 6th graders and help them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their middle school experience. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, the program trains mentors from the 8th grade class to be WEB Leaders. As positive role models, WEB Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide the 6th graders to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to middle school and help facilitate 6th grade success.
The Highland Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Shelton to its Board of Trustees.
Melissa is currently the COO of Lease Purchase Ohio, LLC. Her career spans nearly 30 years in the areas of community relations and fund development primarily in the non-profit sector. Active on the annual dinner committee, fund development and finance committees, she is eager to put her skills to work for The Highland Foundation in an effort to benefit the Highland Schools, its students, teachers and the community-at-large.
Residents of Hinckley Township, Melissa and her husband Doug have two children, Mirabella an 8th grader, and Doug a 7th grader, both attending Highland Middle School.
WHY THEY GIVE...IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Volunteer Spotlight: AMY LYONS
Amy has a thing for “stars”– not just any stars, they have to be Highland Foundation STARs! Delivering STAR Awards twice each school year is no easy task, but for Amy, mother of three, it’s time well spent.
“I enjoy volunteering my ‘time,’ where others might prefer to donate money because their time it short. But any way that people can help out is time and/or money well spent. My favorite Foundation program, of course, is the STAR Awards. I love delivering the awards – to see the joy on the face of each teacher/staff member/bus driver, is priceless. In the Spring of 2020 when the pandemic hit, our community came together to recognize the Highland staff with what would be the most STAR Awards ever presented and delivered. Volunteers drove all over Northeast Ohio to make sure everyone received their award. It was an incredible effort. The Highland Schools is the core of our community and since each person involved with the schools and The Foundation is unique -- it really sets our community apart.”
Amy and her husband Dan have three children; a 3rd grader at Granger Elementary, a 7th grader at Highland Middle, and a 10th grader at Highland High School.
WHY THEY GIVE...IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Volunteer Spotlight: LORI GIBB
Lori and her husband Mike are the proud parents of two children who currently attend Highland Middle School. Lori was first motivated to become a volunteer because she wanted to give to the schools and community in a way that was meaningful and feasible, despite being a working mom.
“By volunteering my talents to The Foundation, I have been able to use my creativity to decorate for special events while supporting my passion for education. It is amazing to see the monies raised from the annual Great Gifts Dinner actually come alive through the special events, programs and scholarships provided by The Foundation. The people of the Highland School District (administrators, teachers, secretaries, support staff, community members, etc.), as well as Foundation volunteers are so very special to me. I have witnessed them give so much. Even when faced with adversity, they find a way to give their time and resources to make Highland a special place for all students to learn, grow and succeed!”
WHY THEY GIVE...IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Volunteer Spotlight: KRISTINA RADIGAN
Kristina, a teacher herself, is passionate about student experiences. After being recruited by a friend to volunteer, she realized she it would be an honor to be a small part of these exceptional opportunities being offered through the Foundation. She and her husband Joe have three boys who currently attend Highland Middle School and Highland High School.
“I love that The Foundation supports teachers and their ability to provide unique opportunities for students. I especially love the creative and artistic grants like The Maker Space and science enrichment at the high school. It has been wonderful to witness the passion that Highland teachers have for their students. The Foundation thrives and exists because of the generous donations and volunteer efforts of so many people. It has been my pleasure to see so much growth and support through the years.”
The Highland Alumni Association, in partnership with The Highland Foundation, inducted its third class of Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame members on October 8. The district and community celebrated the honorees at a special ceremony and reception held at Highland High School, followed by recognition during halftime at Highland’s Homecoming football game.
The six newest inductees span generations of Highland graduates, reinforcing the district’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence. Congratulations to Todd Bischof (1981), Kimberly Bolas Miller (1989), Gary Green (1970), John Kobs (1999), Mike Kudla (2002) - Posthumously, and William Wagar (1983) - Posthumously. Also honored were 2019 inductees Dwier Brown (1976) and Jim Ritcher (1976) who were unable to attend their induction ceremony held in 2019.
The Highland Alumni Association recognizes a new class of honorees every two years, with nominations accepted via The Highland Foundation website. The Selection Committee, composed of members of The Highland Foundation executive committee, considers various criteria when selecting Distinguished Alumni, including a nominee’s accomplishments in their chosen vocation, their demonstrated leadership skills and their commitment to the community. All nominees must have graduated from Highland at least 10 years ago. To learn more about each inductee and their outstanding accomplishments, please visit the Alumni HOF Inductee webpage HERE.
The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence
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