Alliance High's Top 10% honor educators at event

Alliance High School recognized the top 10% of the Class of 2022 during a recent celebration at the University of Mount Union.

A total of 23 students were recognized for their academic achievements along with their honored educator, a teacher or staff member who has made a significant impact on the student during their time at Alliance City Schools.

Each year, a guest speaker is recognized during the celebration and offers graduates advice and shares their story of success. This year’s speaker was Scott Rowley.

Rowley graduated from AHS in 2002 and earned bachelor of arts degrees in biology and Spanish from Capital University in Columbus in 2006. He earned his master of science in 2009 and doctor of nursing practice degree in 2021 from Ohio State University.

Since 2010, Rowley has worked as a nurse practitioner at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State. Rowley recently became the advanced practice provider manager at the James Cancer Hospital. He leads a team of 45 nurse practitioners and physician assistants as they care for and treat cancer patients.

Rowley lives in Columbus with his husband, Nathan. They are preparing for the adoption of their first child.

During the speech, Rowley told the students that who they are is important to being able to succeed in life.

“My sense of identity is singularly the most groundbreaking discovery I have made in my life,” Rowley said.

He encouraged the students to leave their comfort zone because that was when he learned the most about himself. Leaving for college and being away from his hometown gave him a clean slate and allowed him to be independent and learn more about who he is and who he wanted to be. He said the action of leaving often leads to the most growth.

“You’re about to embark on a journey,” Rowley said. “Many people think of high school graduation as a culminating event –as the end of something– and in the sense it is. Please take the time to relish in your success, be proud of your accomplishments, and celebrate with your loved ones. But, please try to remember it’s much less the end of something than the beginning. The word commencement, after all, does mean beginning.”

Kristy Woodford, principal of AHS, was mistress of ceremonies. She introduced each scholar and asked them to read their statement about their honored educator. Honored students were:

SHANNON BOWMAN will attend Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar and plans to major in graphic design. Her honored educator was Julie Krichbaum, a retired Spanish teacher.

PATRICK BURSE will attend Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music and plans to study music education with a concentration in percussive studies. His honored educator was Carrie Chunat, choir director at AHS.

THOMAS BUTT will attend Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar and plans to major in exercise science. His honored educator was Shaun Fontaine, assistant principal at AHS.

JANE COOK will attend Otterbein University, where she plans to major in creative writing. Her honored educator was Liz Davis, a Spanish teacher at AHS.

ALIVIA CORKE plans to pursue an apprenticeship program to be an electrician following graduation. Her honored educator was Chris Shively, a social studies teacher at AHS.

CAROLINE DENNY plans to major in evolutionary biology, and is undecided on her college. Her honored educator was Amy Miller, a science teacher at AHS.

SAMANTHA GOTTER plans to attend Kent State University to study speech language pathology. Her honored educator is Liz Davis, a Spanish teacher at AHS.

BLAKE HOOD plans to attend Walsh University to study engineering while playing on the golf team. His honored educator was Joe Richardson, the strength and conditioning teacher at AHS.

JORDAN KRESS plans to attend Coastal Carolina University to major in psychology. Her honored educator was Samantha Podlogar, a science teacher at AHS.

HANNA MAZZEI plans to attend college to major in psychology. Her honored educator was Steve Cabassa, an art teacher at AHS.

MISTY McMASTERS will be working full time following graduation. Her honored educator was Kim Woodruff, the premedical professions teacher at AHS.

KIERA MILES will attend Stark State College to earn an associate degree before moving on to Kent State University to study fashion design. Her honored educator was Rob Quicci, the interactive media teacher at AHS.

JANE MILLER will pursue a degree in theology/religious studies. Her honored educator was Josh Winner, a science teacher at AHS.

CELINE MONSTRA will attend Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study history. Her honored educator was Skyler McCully, a science teacher at Alliance Middle School.

PHOENIX MOTRY plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study environmental science. Their honored educator was Billy Sheak, a music/band teacher at AHS and AMS.

EMILEE RICHMOND plans to attend Ohio State University to study communication design. Her honored educator was Robb Quicci, the interactive media teacher at AHS.

ALYSSA RISLEY plans to attend Baldwin Wallace University to major in music industry. Her honored educator was Joss Bowling, the band director.

KEAGAN SERRANO plans to attend Ohio State to major in criminology. Her honored educator was Brianna Boehlke, a social studies teacher at AHS.

MADELINE SUMMERS plans to attend the Aultman College of Nursing following graduation. Her honored educator was Steve Cabassa, an art teacher at AHS.

HENRY WANG will attend Ohio State to major in exercise science. His honored educator was Skyler McCully, a science teacher at AMS.

NATHANIEL WOERTHER will attend Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study physical therapy. His honored educator was Stephanie McKnight, the sports medicine teacher at AHS.

SHYANNE YEAGER plans to attend the University of Akron to study biomedical sciences. Her honored educator was Madeline McClellan, an English teacher at AHS.

CECILIA ZUCCHERO will attend Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar. Her honored educator was Chris Schillig, an English teacher at AHS.

The Top 10% event is organized each year by the Alliance Academic Recognition Committee and the John and Roene A. Klusch Foundation.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Top 10% of Alliance High Class of 2022 honors educators at event