TheByLine FALL/WINTER 2014

Summer/Fall Highlights Focus on Institute for Scientific Research Honor Roll Facult y Alumni News Fall/Winter 2014 Academics Community Opportunity

2014-2015 All-School Day of Service

2014-2015 Board of Mission

Directors Our mission is to send into a changing world confident young people of integrity who think critically and creatively while embracing the joy of lifelong learning. Robert C. Smith, Chair Rebecca Ruppert McMahon, Vice-Chair Michelle J. Belardo, MD, FACOG, Table of Contents Secretary Board Update 3 Benjamin P. Norton, Treasurer Summer/Fall Highlights 4 Michael Bramhall Institute for Scientific Research 6 Thomas J. Dresing, MD ’83 Focus on Faculty 9 Don R. Esch Honor Roll of Donors 21 Robert M. Fairchild Alumni Spotlight 29 Amelia Farago Vicenta C. Gaspar-Yoo, MD, MBA Alumni News 30 Tobi L. Gibbons Zydrunas Ilgauskas Donald W. Kaatz ’70 Vaughn Kauffman Integrity, Respect, Scholarship Bakari Kitwana Andrea Manning and Personal Best Bridget Moreno Julie Rehm, Ph.D. Chann Spellman Editor: Susan Haas, Director of Marketing and Communications Hayden E. Stafford ’89 On the cover: Faculty Group Shot

2 A Letter Welcome New Board Members From Board Chair Bob Smith

Dear Friends of Lake Ridge Academy, Vaughn Kauffman Vaughn Kauffman (Sydney ’24, and Jordin ’22) is a Global The 2014-2015 school year at Lake Ridge Practice Leader and Partner in PricewaterhouseCooper’s Academy represents a year of endings Health Industries Advisory. His recent work includes for me, as my youngest child will be examining health care reform and the advancements in health graduating from the school and my care information technology and social influences to identify term as Board Chair will be coming to ways to achieve efficiencies across the health care value a close. It has been a privilege to lead chain and improve the quality and accountability of care. our exceptional Board of Directors and it is humbling for me to observe their steadfast dedication to their role and Andrea Manning the school. Andrea Manning ( Aaron ’23) is a Senior Treasury Analyst at Invacare Corporation. Her responsibilities include cash It has been an incredibly exciting time to management, investment activities, bank relationship work with my board colleagues and Carol, administration, and risk management. Prior to her work at as we have worked diligently to define the Invacare, she was an accountant at ICI Paints. Earlier this long-term vision and executed several year she assisted in developing Lake Ridge Academy’s programs that will assure the financial Statement of Investment Policy. stability of the school for years to come. The 50th Anniversary was an epic celebration and a catalyst to launch the Benjamin P. Norton largest gift campaign in the school’s Benjamin Norton (Benjy ’22, Katie ’20, and Gretchen ’17) is history. It is gratifying to see the success the C.O.O./ Senior Vice President of Buckeye Community of this campaign, as so many people have Bank. Previously, he was Vice President at National City stepped forward to contribute at any level Bank. Ben served on the Lake Ridge Academy Board of they can to support our school. Directors from 2004-2013. He also served on the EMH I also have a gained a deeper Regional Medical Center Board from 2002-2009. appreciation for the passion and quality of the Leadership Team and our faculty. Participating in the accreditation process validated the unique and rigorous curriculum and its positive impact on student enrichment.

Lastly, the feeling of community, purpose and belonging at this school is so important. I am a proud parent, like all at Lake Ridge Academy, but acting as Board Chair has given me an even greater sense of the amazing things this school achieves for its students every day. I look forward to another excellent year ahead and a bright future for Lake Ridge Academy.

Sincerely,

2014-2015 Board of Directors Robert C. Smith

3 Leadership Circle Induction The Leadership Circle (formerly known as the Summer/Fall Highlights President’s Society) recognizes individuals who have made transformational investments in Lake Ridge Academy. Membership includes former chairs and presidents of the Board of Directors and individuals whose philanthropic investments have significantly Lake Ridge Academy All-School Day of Service influenced the school’s future.

On September 16, students, faculty, and staff volunteered together during the annual All-School Day of Service to support our local community at a variety of locations. The event allows students to learn about the importance of service for others, environmental responsibility, and builds school comradery. Students traveled to several area parks in Lorain and western Cuyahoga counties to lend a hand and learn about the plants, animals, and resources in our natural habitats.

Lower School students teamed with their Upper School buddies to work together on projects. At French Creek Park and Miller Nature Preserve, first graders pruned and mulched areas while learning about the plants at those facilities. Second graders went to Carlisle Wildlife Observation Center to learn about the importance of birds in our environment and then assisted in mulching and chipping the observation trail. The fourth grade class visited Day’s Dam in Lorain to clean stream banks and learn of the dangers of storm run-off and trash Keith and Erin Brown with Carol Klimas accumulation in our waterways. Fifth and eighth graders joined forces at Huntington Beach to collect water sampling data for Lake Erie Alliance and In July, Lee and Jo Ann Howley graciously cleaned litter from the beach alongside Upper School students. The sixth grade hosted a Leadership Circle gathering at their class worked in the historic Rose Garden at Lakeview Beach. home to honor the most recent inductee, Keith Brown. Keith’s children attended Lake Our campus also benefited from our hard-working teams. Kindergartners and Ridge Academy for several years, and he their Upper School buddies crafted donor thank you notes, washed buses and continues to serve as a powerful advocate for trimmed gardens while seventh graders painted the track fence. Upper School the school with his wife, Erin. students constructed the fall play stage set and improved the landscape around Heusinger House. Leadership Circle members listed below exemplify visionary leadership and endorse The All-School Day of Service is one of the the educational mission of Lake Ridge school-wide events that represent Lake Academy through their actions and influence. Ridge Academy’s commitment to community service and volunteerism. Other events Kathy J. Ader Henry R.B. Irish* include the Holiday Project, our most revered Dale R. Alexander Donald Wesley Kaatz ‘70 tradition, which partners our school with an William W. Baker Herbert W. Kaatz* area church by providing donations of food, Louis A. Bettcher* John W. Kemper, Sr. clothing, gifts, and volunteers in preparation Keith Brown Arthur* and for their Three Kings’ Celebration. Alice M. Kiendl* Robert K. and Sarah F. Dresing Edwin G. Koethe Richard J. Dunn Phyllis F. Nacey Robert M. Fairchild Charles B. Small* Miley ’26 and Christian ’26 Scribner L. Fauver Robert C. Smith Worth Fauver* Kenneth A. Sommer George E. Gregory* Chann and Edward Spellman Roy E. Hayes, Sr.* John J. Whitney* Wilfred J.* and Patricia R. Hemmer H. Robert Wismar Lee C. Howley * deceased 4 Students paint the playground house Please join us for one of these upcoming events!

January 22, 2015 Middle School Science Fair Fall Family Sports Day Open House with guest speaker Kelly Liman

On September 20, Fall Family Sports Day brought out January 25, 2015 over 75 families on a beautiful fall day to cheer on Winter Family Open House homecoming games, learn a new sport at a clinic, meet the Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleaders and dance team, January 27, 2015 and enjoy a hot dog lunch provided by the Parents January Networking Event Association. A school-spirited student bake-off showcased culinary and creative skills, while Upper School students raised funds for the Upper School Houses with car washes and concessions. The fun day was capped off by several January 29, 2015 homecoming victories! Lower School Winter Concert

February 19, 2015 February Networking Event

February 26-28, 2015 Upper School Musical

March 31, 2015 March Networking Event

April 11, 2015 Culture Fest Fall Family Sports Day Bake-Off Winners April 17, 2015 Barnes & Noble Book Fair & Student Performances Networking Events The Lake Ridge Academy Alumni Council April 19, 2015 began a monthly networking event series Spring Family Open House last year giving members of the community the opportunity to connect with and be April 28, 2015 introduced to other accomplished members April Networking Event of the Lake Ridge Academy community. During the networking events, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends have MAY 1-2, 2015 the opportunity to meet other members of Arts Fest the community through a formal speed- Reunion Weekend networking exercise and find ways to help each other in business. MAY 30, 2015 Lake Ridge Academy networking events are open to the entire Lake Ridge Graduation Academy community. The Alumni Council sponsors the monthly events with drinks and appetizers included in the nominal registration fee. JUNE 1, 2015 For more information about the networking events and to register online, visit our Golf Outing website at www.lakeridgeacademy.org or contact Leannie McAllister at mcallisterl@ lakeridgeacademy.org or 440.387.5381. 5 Institute for Scientific Research

Thanks to the generosity of Bettcher Industries, Inc. and many other donors to the 50th Anniversary Campaign, Lake Ridge Academy was able to launch the Institute for Scientific Research two years ahead of schedule. Operating as the graduation certificate program for the Center for Science and Engineering, the mission of the Institute for Scientific Research is to provide students with a unique learning experience to help spur their development into independent, innovative, and analytical researchers. The Institute strives to cultivate students’ ability to think creatively, to inquire, to evaluate, and to communicate their findings in a clear and accurate manner.

Through this rigorous research program, the Institute for Scientific Research seeks to give Lake Ridge Academy students a distinctive advantage over other college applicants.

Alyssa ’16, Evan ’16, Dominic ’16, Casey ’16, and Emma ’16

In the sophomore year, students who are both interested in and As juniors, Fellows declare an original research project and work qualified for the Institute may elect to take the Science Research with the Director of the Institute to plan their projects and Methods course during the spring semester. This introductory identify partners (either internal or external to Lake Ridge course helps students to understand the scientific research Academy) who can help them complete their study. The summer process and the methods used to conduct research. following their junior year, Fellows participate in ongoing research, documenting their progress, and then, during their Students who elect to continue with the Institute for Scientific senior year, complete a thesis, and defend their research before Research beyond the initial course become known as “Institute a faculty panel. Fellows,” a title that implies membership in a community of learners along with the honor and responsibility that accompanies Through this rigorous research program, the Institute for their membership. Now juniors, these students then embrace the Scientific Research hopes to give Lake Ridge Academy students oldest and most respected of human intellectual endeavors: a distinctive advantage over other college applicants. Mr. Patrick research. By taking ownership of a research project, Fellows will Smith, Director of the Institute, is working with a number of have a transformational experience from student to scholar and organizations and individuals who are interested in supporting may then consider themselves to be collaborators who seek other students through partnership opportunities including deeper understanding through research and support others’ Bettcher Industries, Inc., The Cleveland Clinic, University search for knowledge. Hospitals, Kemper House, Oberlin College, Hiram College, and Baldwin Wallace University. 6 Dominic Bunn ’16 is one of the first Fellows of the Institute for Scientific Research. His research interest is driven by his love for his late grandfather who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. Dominic plans to study the effects of music and environment on Alzheimer’s patients like his grandfather.

Kristin “Kippy” Kemper ROSHKOWSKI ’84 is Vice President of Kemper House, which is an assisted-living facility founded by her mother, Betty Kemper, which exclusively serves residents with all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. When Kristin learned of Dominic’s research interests, she took interest because of two projects that are currently underway at Kemper House.

First, Kristin is working with Dr. Cameron Camp, Director of Research and Development Center for Applied Research in Dementia. His research suggests that Alzheimer’s patients can learn, and that familiar music or patterns, for example, may help Alzheimer’s patients better remember basic routines such as knowing when it is time for meals or even how to recover from difficult surgeries. Betty Kemper and Kristin (Kemper) Roshkowski ’84 Additionally, Kristin said that one wing of Kemper House in Strongsville is undergoing renovation and will study Kristin and Dominic will begin working together the effects of room décor and the difference it may make immediately, and throughout this academic year. Kristin for their residents. For example, through informal plans to offer Dominic a shadow experience to help him experimentation, Kristin and her colleagues have deduced clarify his research goals, introduce him to Dr. Camp, and that some colors are more calming to residents than other offer Dominic a longer-term experience at Kemper House, colors and they are eager to study this phenomenon more so that he might complete research studies on-site. fully with Dominic’s help.

Aaron Hagge-Greenberg, M.D. ’95 didn’t have any Downstate College of Medicine. “At that point, I realized plans to pursue medicine as a Lake Ridge Academy student. that while I enjoyed the process orientation of research, it In fact, when he graduated from Lake Ridge Academy, had peak periods that required round-the-clock monitoring Aaron was certain that he didn’t want a medical career. Not that no longer allowed me to have a work-life balance,” knowing what he wanted to do, Aaron began working with a Aaron said. relative, Alan Levine, M.D., who offered him a research position in his laboratory at Case Western Reserve University Medicine ultimately (ironically) seemed to make the most (CWRU) School of Medicine. sense, and Aaron is now a successful urologist in White Plains, New York. Research experience provided Aaron with In the beginning, Aaron said that he was completely green valuable experience and knowledge for his current work. He about the lab equipment and research process. After two looks forward to introducing Lake Ridge Academy students years, Aaron was hooked and completed a biology degree to Dr. Levine at CWRU so that perhaps they too will be and a great deal of genetics research at Bates College and inspired to pursue a career in medicine. then graduate school at the State University of New York

7 Alyssa Chow ’16 plans to study sleep deprivation and its impact on learning memory. For her research, she needs to induce sleep deprivation in mice to test their ability to learn and then remember their way through a water maze.

For Alyssa’s experiment, she needed an apparatus to hold the mice and keep them from sleeping. She found her solution through Ed Spellman. Ed is a Lake Ridge Academy parent and owner of Sackso Enterprises, a company that specializes in product and component design, development and manufacturing for the consumer, industrial, and medical sectors. He is working with Alyssa and Institute Director, Patrick Smith, to design and build the sleep deprivation chamber. Once completed, the chamber will be programmable and allow Alyssa to record a variety of data for her project.

Mr. Smith explains that “Alyssa’s research is based on established investigations into the impact of sleep deprivation on learning and memory, but she has proposed an interesting twist by looking for differences among age groups. Although she is using a mouse model, Alyssa’s work may shed some light on whether sleep deprivation has a greater impact on learning and memory in children, adolescents, young adults, or older adults.”

Alumni, parents of current and former students, and friends of the school are invited to participate with the ongoing development of our Institute for Scientific Research in the following ways:

> Serve as a Mentor or Research Partner. If you are in any our Institute Fellows’ experiences by offering short shadowing field of science or engineering, regardless of your location experiences and/or more long-term, project-based across the country and beyond, we would love for you to assignments. share your professional expertise and become a resource for Institute Fellows. > Donate Equipment. If you work in a laboratory and no longer have need for certain equipment, consider donating it to Lake > Be a Guest Lecturer. We hope to expose Institute Fellows to Ridge Academy as a charitable gift. a broad array of experts in the field of science, engineering, and technology. If you are available to give a talk or lecture > Field Study Sites. Undoubtedly, some student projects will about your work and interests, we would be eager to host you involve environmental research. If you have an interesting or on campus. unique ecosystem associated with your property, we would greatly appreciate the use of this potential study site. > Host an Institute Fellow in Your Lab or Company. Student research projects will vary, but many host partners will be If you, your organization, or someone you know is a good match needed to work closely with our Institute Fellows, particularly for our student Institute Fellows, please share your ideas and when laboratory resources for specific projects do not exist on connections with Mr. Patrick Smith, Director of the Institute our own campus or when students with engineering interests for Scientific Research, at [email protected] or need exposure to other settings. Hosts can greatly enhance 440-327-1175, x9216.

8 Korgan ’25, Henry ’25 and Nevaeh ’25 with Mrs. Laura Lane Focus on Facult y

When alumni reflect on their years at Lake Ridge Academy, their fondest memories most often stem from strong bonds that they formed with their teachers. Alumni express gratitude to their teachers who made their first year of college course work a breeze. They will also admit that the activities and conversations that they shared with a teacher outside of the classroom really made a difference and shaped their lives in some important way.

9 Mr. Justin Schafer with his Upper School students Ms. Greta Lesher and Oliver ’20 at the Big Dig

Lake Ridge Academy teachers have an average of 15 years of the “stuff” that happens outside the classroom is where the experience, and 63% hold a graduate level degree. Retention real difference can be found. of faculty members is high (95%), and teachers work under one-year contracts that are renewable following Sometimes, our students know about the extra things their comprehensive performance reviews. teachers do. Sometimes though, teachers do things – often anonymously – to make a life-changing difference for a student. Known for challenging our students to their full potential, our teachers get high marks for preparing our students for college. Consistently, our students place higher than national averages on Student/ College the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. This year, combined Teacher Readiness School Ratio Ranking SAT and ACT scores were 19% and 32% higher respectively than the national averages. These statistics stand out to colleges too, Lake Ridge Academy 8:1 86.8 and as a result, our graduating seniors consistently earn millions Solon (#1 in NE Ohio) 19:1 58.5 of dollars in scholarship offers each year. Bay Village 16:1 49.5 Recently, US News and World Report published their 2014 Avon Lake 18:1 47.6 College Readiness Rating, which is based on the number of Westlake 16:1 42.6 high school seniors who successfully complete AP (Advanced Rocky River 15:1 35.1 Placement) exams by earning a 3, 4 or 5 on college-level Avon 20:1 24.6 coursework exams. Though US News and World Report only Strongsville 20:1 23.8 reported public school data, Lake Ridge Academy utilized the same methodology to compare our results to public schools in Oberlin 14:1 21.1 our region. North Olmsted 16:1 17.6 North Ridgeville 18:1 13.3 These impressive statistics suggest that our teachers are working hard to challenge our students in important ways. Yet, U.S. News and World Report 2014 High School Rankings

10 Mr. Andrew Wright showing a 1st grade student the AP Bio Lab

For example, one teacher planned to lead a group of students years – even decades – later when they hear about alumni to another country for a culminating foreign language class doing something in their lives beyond Lake Ridge Academy. experience. The trip was intended to reward her students for reaching a level of fluency in their studied language and also Phil Paoletta ’03 returned to campus a couple of years ago to to challenge her students to test their skills in a native- talk with students about his work. His career involves finding speaking country. Some of her students had traveled outside and showcasing existing social enterprises in West Africa that of the United States, and for others, this was to be their first are doing effective work to innovatively develop solutions to trip abroad. One young man though, unable to go for the problems faced in these communities. He is frustrated significant financial reasons, was to be the only student left when people have a lack of knowledge about West African behind. Though the cost was significant and took the teacher countries, and he says that his work and personal mission were five months to cover, unbeknownst to the student, she made inspired by a memorable class that he had with Dr. Chandana sure that student could attend with the class. Mozumdar (a.k.a. “Dr. Mo”).

Another faculty member has painted, repaired, built, and “We were each reporting news stories about African nations constructed projects for his classroom and other rooms on that we had read in the newspaper, and one of my classmates campus. He does not ask to be reimbursed for his time or mistakenly referred to Sierra Leone as a person while sharing materials, and often he does this kind of work for other the news story,” Phil shared. Dr. Mo stopped the class teachers. immediately and announced that the following day we would have a geography test to show that we knew every country on 100% of our teachers support the Annual Fund every year, and the continent. Phil said that he was quite sure, at the time, that many of them make other gifts to the school as well. They he didn’t appreciate her frustration but that now he knows that often buy supplies for their classrooms using their personal the experience helped to shape his life’s work. resources, and they routinely attend sporting events and performances to support their students. Their eloquently Our teachers have that kind of impact every day in our written letters of recommendation are critically important to classrooms. They are proud to be at Lake Ridge Academy and the college admission process, and they remember students fondly reflect on some of their favorite teaching moments.

11 Ron Adams 4th and 5th Grade Mathematics Ann Bort Ceramics and Sculpture

B.S. Elementary Education, St. Bonaventure B.F.A. Fine Arts, Cleveland Institute of Art University K-12 Art Education degree, Baldwin Wallace Certificates/Awards: Ohio Semi-Finalist for National College Science Foundation Presidential Awards for Ann has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 1990 Mathematics and Science Teaching and has taught art in all three divisions. She has Ron is starting this year at Lake Ridge Academy completed graduate classes in ceramics and after teaching elsewhere for 6 years. Prior to painting, and has attended advance placement leaving, he taught at LRA for 27 years. Ron’s workshops. She is currently a grant artist for Lorain funniest LRA memory comes from a day when he broke his finger while County Community College and includes her work in several regional art trying to keep Zach Sweebe ‘08 from falling on his face. shows. She also works with her students to create bowls for the annual Empty Bowls on the Lake fundraiser in Avon Lake. Brandon Aigner Middle School Science Ann fondly remembers working with the Lower School Art class to make the school’s first duck tape animal, the elephant, for the Avon Duck Tape B.Ed. Middle Childhood Education, University of Parade. In Duck Tape Camp, students created a jungle environment for Toledo the float and won 1st place! M.A. Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut Margot Calcut Upper School Mathematics Certificates/Awards: Siemens Foundation STEM Fellow B.S. Mathematics, Baldwin Wallace College Brandon is new to the Lake Ridge Academy family M.A.T. Mathematics, Michigan State University this year. Brandon’s proudest teaching moment Margot began teaching math at Lake Ridge came during his tenure as a Science Olympiad coach. During his Academy in 2010 and serves as the Mathematics students’ first year, they placed high enough at the regional tournament Department Chair. She has taught in Texas, to qualify for the state competition - an extraordinary feat for a rookie Maryland, and Michigan, and won the Graduate team. Student Teaching Award while at Michigan State University. Some of Margot’s favorite memories include Culture Fest, Holiday Project, visiting the 4th grade re- Arizon Anderson K–5 Spanish enactment, and the light bulb moments when students make Industrial Engineering degree, San Agustin connections, have ideas, and are excited about mathematics. University - Peru B.A. Education, Cleveland State University Timothy Callaghan Upper School Visual Arts M.S. Computer Engineering, San Agustin B.F.A., Cleveland Institute of Art University - Peru M.F.A., Kent State University Arizon has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 7 years. She started teaching mathematics and Tim joined the Lake Ridge Academy family this science but made the transition to teach Spanish year. Tim’s proudest teaching moment happened and bilingual classes. Arizon’s proudest moments often come on days when one of his former students at Cuyahoga when her students demonstrate their Spanish speaking skills for their Community College received a full ride transfer parents in the spring. scholarship to The Cleveland Institute of Art.

Carolyn Ballou Upper School Digital Art Ray Campbell Middle School and Upper School Mathematics B.F.A., Cleveland Institute of Art M.A. Education, Case Western Reserve University B.S. Mathematics, University of Southern Mississippi Carolyn has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 8 years and has developed the curriculum to include Ray has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2013 a variety of digital media formats including digital and is always impressed by the 7th grade camp photography, Flash animation, Dreamweaver web experience at the end of the year. The students development, and 3D modeling. Her students have perform as a unit, using leadership skills that won awards at the national Scholastics continue to be important as the group moves competitions each year. She is most proud of the hard work and through their 8th grade year and beyond. dedication that last year’s School of Fine Arts seniors put into their senior show, which was held at Cleveland’s well known W. 78th Street Studios gallery. Their show was presented in a professional setting and received rave reviews from students, parents, and faculty.

12 FOCUS ON FACULTY

Dana Cunningham Upper School History Andrew Edgar K-12 Physical Education and Health

B.A., Macalester College B.A. Physical Education and Health K-12, Anderson M.Ed., Harvard Graduate School of Education University Dana has been with Lake Ridge Academy since Andrew has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 12 2013 and also taught here for four years between years. He has been awarded the Physical Education 1994-1998. Dana was proud to be dubbed “C” by Service Award (IAHPERD), and is certified as a the class of ‘98. NFHS Athletics Coach, NASP Basic Archery Instructor and Challenge Education Instructor. Andrew was proud to have coached the 2010 varsity golf team when they became the first athletic team in Lake Ridge Ron Davis US English Academy history to qualify for the State level tournament. B.A., Clarion University of Pennsylvania M.A., State University of New York at Buffalo Tom Flowers 4–12 Strings Ph.D. (in progress), Kent State University B.A. Music Education, Kent State University Ron has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 7 years. M.A. Music in Performance, Kent State University He teaches many classes including Sci-Fi/ Fantasy, Tom has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 7 Creative Writing, Advanced College Literature. Ron years. Prior to coming to Lake Ridge Academy he is proud to be building a Thoreau Cabin for the taught strings in the Elyria Schools for 29 years and campus with Byron Fouts and Laura Guggenheim. band and choir in Cedarville, Ohio. He is a member He also remembers singing “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers accompanied of the Akron Symphony and is the Principal Bass by the Upper School Choir to his wife Laura on their anniversary.​ with the Firelands Symphony. He has participated in the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria and the Lindsay Diehl 3rd Grade Spoleto Festival Orchestra in Spoleto, Italy. He has also played with the Cleveland Pops and Blue Water Chamber Orchestra. B.Ed. Elementary Education, Indiana University of PA Tom was especially proud when his students performed with the combined 4-12 strings, vocal soloists, and Oberlin College Professor, Reading Specialist, University of Pittsburgh Peter Slowik, at the spring concert in May 2013.​ Lindsay has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2007. She was touched when her first class held a baby shower for her to welcome her daughter, Byron Fouts Middle School and Upper School Visual Art Taylor Diehl. The beautiful quilt and “Baby Advice” B.F.A., Ohio University book will always be something she will cherish. M.S., Bank Street College/ Parson’s School of Design Brooke Dillon Kindergarten Byron has been part of Lake Ridge Academy for 37 B.A., Hollins University years. He has been recognized by Scholastic Art and Writing and has won various awards for being Brooke has been an educator for 12 years and has an outstanding educator for his dedication and spent 7 of those years at Lake Ridge Academy. She guidance of student work. He has furthered his has had extensive training, from the Reading education in brain and visual art research from Washington, D.C., and Institute in New York, multi-sensory training, and has illustrated numerous books. has been working towards her M.Ed. Brooke’s proudest moments happen when her Byron’s proudest memory is the day his daughter, Elizabeth, graduated kindergartners begin to write for authentic from Lake Ridge Academy. Byron’s funniest (or more embarrassing) purposes. Brooke feels that there is no greater gift than to be the times occurred when he left school for the day but forgot to bring his facilitator of an environment where children are so authentically daughter with him. He remembers having to endure an ironic lecture connected to their education.​ about the importance of responsibility from his daughter.

Debby Ghezzi Athletic Director

B.Ed., Ohio University M.Ed., Ohio University Debby started her career at Lake Ridge Academy in 2007 and loves watching her student athletes compete to the best of their ability. Another proud moment was during the first “Soccer Under the Lights” and seeing the field lit up!

13 Betsy Glor Upper School Science School and Middle School physical education and is coaching the Middle School volleyball and track and field. Sue’s fun moments happen B.S., Heidelberg College daily while teaching elementary level physical education, especially in Ph.D., Indiana University kindergarten and 1st grade. She is proud to have coached the talented Betsy has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 17 1983 winning N.E.O. Field Hockey League Championship and have years and serves as the Science Department chair. started the volleyball program in 1993. She has created numerous mathematics and science workshops, and multiple Venier and AP Fran Hamper Upper School Mathematics workshops. Betsy’s proudest moments happen when students step up and take action for people B.A. Biology, Vassar College in need – either locally or globally. Student initiated events such as Fran has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 20 Indiafest, Culturefest, Relay for Relief, and many more, and these make years and was recognized among the Who’s Who her so proud to be a part of this caring community of America’s Teachers in 2000. Every day, Fran is proud of her students, who come to school willing Laura Guggenheim Upper School English to learn something new, even if it means risking mistakes along the way. B.A. English, Miami University M.A. Literature, Kent State University

Ph.D. English and American Literature (in progress), David Harris 4th and 5th Grade Science, Lower School Science Kent State University Coordinator Laura has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 5 years and previously taught at Kent State University B.A. Philosophy, Wittenberg University for 5 years. She has attended various academic David has taught in the Lower School at Lake Ridge conferences focusing on diverse literatures and Academy since 2008 and has enjoyed teaching teaching pedagogy. science and math at different grade levels for many Laura’s proudest memory was the final day of the inaugural Excursions years. His proudest moments happen regularly class trip to Massachusetts in 2012, when a busload of exhausted when he sees his students gain confidence and students chose to spend their final afternoon on a return visit to Henry success, especially when they achieve success David Thoreau’s Walden Pond. Their tour guide, bus driver, and through repeated effort and achieve that smiling countless others had already told them what an amazing group of kids “ah ha” moment. David also admits that his pride in Lake Ridge they had, but it was made doubly clear for Laura and, co-chaperone Ron Academy comes shining through when students sing the Alma Mater. Davis, when watching the kids swim in Walden Pond, hike the surrounding trail, and appreciate the pond like Thoreau. Their Katherine Hatcher Lower School Director connection to the literature and the world was electrifying and spectacular.​ B.A. History, Stetson University M.A. Education, Baldwin Wallace College

Margaret Haase Kindergarten Katherine has been at Lake Ridge Academy since 1995 when she first taught language arts and B.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Akron history in 5th and 6th grades. She was the K-5 Margaret started her career at Lake Ridge Language Arts and Social Studies Curriculum Academy in 2008. Margaret’s proudest memory Coordinator, a team leader for grades 3-5, and has comes from a day when she discovered a school presented at state and national conferences. She like Lake Ridge Academy existed and knew that her became Director of the Lower School in 2008. Katherine is proud to be teaching dreams had come true. This school feels part of a school that puts students first. like home, her colleagues feel like family, and kindergarten feels like one of the happiest places in Frank Hawkins Entrepreneurial Studies the world. B.A. Accounting, Ohio University Susan Haendiges Physical Education Frank has been part of the Lake Ridge Academy family for many years. He is a proud parent of an B.S. Physical Education/Recreation, Southeast Mo. alumnus, was a community representative, booster State University chairperson, baseball coach, treasurer of the Board M.A. Education, Southeast Mo. State University of Trustees, and was Lake Ridge Academy’s Chief Certificates/Awards: Health Certification, Cleveland Financial Officer. His business experiences have State University helped him teach students about entrepreneurship. Sue has taught physical education at Lake Ridge Academy for 29 years and serves as the Department Chair. She is currently teaching Lower

14 FOCUS ON FACULTY

Rachael Henkel 4th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

B.A. Anthropology, Oberlin College M.Ed., Temple University Rachael has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2012. She most enjoys the traditional Reenactment of the Statehood of Ohio when the 4th graders gather around the campus pond in May. Seeing all her students in costume performing 19th century trades that they spent weeks researching and explaining their characters’ history and journey to Ohio gives her a wonderful feeling. This day of active learning really represents the educational philosophy of Lake Ridge Academy, and she loves to see the students’ excitement!

Kellie Hughes Upper School Science

B.S. Biology, John Carroll University Mr. David Harris with his fifth grade science class M.A. Secondary Education, Cleveland State University Teresa’s proudest memories include a day in 2008 when she coached Ed.S. Educational Technology (in progress), the state winning Mock Trial Team and directed the school’s first full Walden University production at the State Thespian Society. Her proudest legacy is a Kellie has been with Lake Ridge Academy since student senate that is more responsible than entitled – a real center of 2008. She has completed a Forensic Science Boot the Upper School! Camp for Educators at Lawrence Technological University as well as a special training program through the UNCC- Mark Jessie 6th Grade Music Destiny Biotech Bus. She also mentors the Upper School’s CLUB MED and loves watching the “Ah-Ha” moment happen in her students. B.M. Music Education, Kent State University M.M. Music in Conducting, Kent State University Paul Isherwood Upper School History D.M.A. Choral Conducting, University of Oklahoma

B.A. History and Politics, University College, Dublin Certificates/Awards: Induction into the Elyria Schools Alumni Association Hall of Fame, 2014 M.A. History of International Relations, University College, Dublin Mark is new this year to the Lake Ridge Academy family. He brings years of music teaching M.A. United States History, Ohio University experience and achievements. Mark’s proudest ABD (PhD Program), Ohio University teaching memory happened last year when his Elyria High School Paul has been with Lake Ridge Academy since Madrigal Singers were invited to share a concert at Lake Ridge 2013. He received the Contemporary History Academy. During the evening, students from both schools embraced Institute Fellowship for his achievements. Paul’s one another like old friends. He just stood back and watched during the funniest memory comes from a day when he was asked to be the voice after-concert reception as they laughed, joked, and complimented one of the Sorting Hat for Upper School house selection. another for their performances.

Teresa JENKINS Upper School English Angela Jumbert Middle School and Upper School French

B.A., Western Kentucky University B.A. French, The University of Akron M.A., Western Kentucky University M.A. French Literature and Culture, Kent State Certificates/Awards: Permanent teaching certificate University and has been part of the OCEAN (Oberlin College Angela has been with Lake Ridge Academy since Education Alliance Network) Institute for 8 years. 2008 and is the Foreign Language Department Teresa has been part of Lake Ridge Academy for 33 Chair. She started her teaching career at Kent years. Along with her duties as department chair, State University and the University of Akron and she teaches Shakespeare, 9th grade English, was an English Assistant at a high school in debate, and college writing. In addition, she serves as the student France. Once, while walking with her cousins in Paris, France, she senate advisor and speech coach for the Mock Trial Team. Teresa has a walked straight into Chris Walleck ‘10, who was studying in Europe at list of achievements from numerous local and state community theater the time. Her reaction to seeing him was so loud that several people awards for acting, directing, and play writing, including a chapter in around them stopped to watch their reunion. He took the first AP which she discusses her poem, “Sanctuary”, that has been published in French class she taught and she is proud that he still continues to the Heineman’s Workshop 5: The Writing Process Revisited. use the language today.

15 Ed Leonard Jazz Director

B.A. Music, Baldwin Wallace College M.A. Music, Kent State University, summa cum laude Ed has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2009 and is the varsity girls soccer coach. One of his funniest memories was during 7th grade camp seeing the students continue to attempt the ominous “Power Pole” jump along with their teachers.

Melanie Leonard K-5 Visual Arts

Associate of Arts, University of North Florida B.A., Cleveland State University Melanie has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2009 and has won juror’s awards in various art shows and has presented at an NAEA Conference. She participates in local art shows and workshops through the Cleveland Institute of Art and Ohio Mrs. Kim Parrish ’87 with Mona ’22 and Maria ’22 Association of Education of Arts. Melanie once taught a kindergarten class about Piet Mondrian, an early 19th century artist. She later explained to the class that a guest artist ​ would be visiting them the following week. One of the students asked if Donald Kaatz ‘63 Entrepreneurial Studies the visitor was going to be Piet Mondrian.

B.A. Mathematics and Economics, Hiram College Greta Lesher 6th Grade Social Studies and Language Arts M.B.A. Management, Marketing, and Finance, Indiana University B.A., College of Wooster Don has a long history with Lake Ridge Academy J.D., Cleveland State Marshall School of Law and serves on its Board of Directors. His father was M.Ed., Ursuline College one of the founders of LRA, and he was part of the Greta has been part of the Lake Ridge faculty since first graduating class in 1970. Don developed his 2004. She has many good memories of the long own financial management company before standing 6th grade Big Dig project. Teams of teaching and is proud that his own entrepreneurial drive has helped students create a culture, language and artifacts to many Lake Ridge Academy students achieve their goals in creating their bury for another team to discover. The excavating own businesses. Don is most proud of Lake Ridge Academy’s faculty team must try to define the created culture using only the artifacts as members who are amazing mentors and differentiate Lake Ridge clues. During a recent Big Dig, Greta and a group of students were Academy from all other schools. surprised to find a group of hibernating toads. Some of them were almost totally white! After finding two of them, they began to “relocate” Laura Lane 2nd Grade them into a corner of the archaeology pit, which they named “Toad Condominium.” B.A., Wittenberg University Certificates/Awards: Kindergarten Certification, Ashland University Megan Mahan 6th Grade Mathematics and Science Laura has been at Lake Ridge academy since 2002. B.S., Eastern Michigan University Prior to teaching 2nd grade, she taught M.A., Ohio State University Kindergarten for 2 years, and 4th grade for 6 years. Megan joined the Lake Ridge Academy family this Laura’s most meaningful memory happened during year. When participating in team-building games a Lower School scavenger hunt. When she asked in her classroom, she kept getting “out” during her students to visit an “old” teacher (what she meant was “former” the game and one of her students said to her, teacher!) and have that teacher sign their scavenger hunt paper. Most of “Don’t worry, Ms. Mahan, I’m not very good at this the 4th graders headed to Doris Willman’s room for her signature. Laura game either.” was confused since she knew they did not all have Doris for 1st grade. Later, when Doris came down and pointed out her poor word choice, she understood perfectly! Luckily Doris has a wonderful sense of humor!

16 FOCUS ON FACULTY

Jeanette Marks Middle School and Upper School French Dale Pagano 7th and 8th Grade Language Arts

B.A. French ​Language and Literature, Hillsdale B.S. English Secondary Education, Bowling Green College State University M.A. Translation Studies, Kent State University M.Ed. Urban Education, John Carroll University Certificates/Awards: Certificate from L’Institut de Dale has been with Lake Ridge Academy since Touraine for participation in 100 hours for teachers 2008. He has over 15 years experience teaching in of “FLE” (French as a Foreign Language) Catholic, city, and charter schools. Dale’s proudest LRA memory happened when he watched his very Jeanette has been with Lake Ridge Academy since first class graduate. 2009. Jeanette spent a year living in France where she taught English in French elementary schools. One of Jeanette’s favorite memories was working with Kristy Rodriguez and Angela Kimberly Parrish ‘87 K-5 Technology Jumbert to create the 2014 Senior Video. The video was a parody of the B.A. Elementary Education, Rollins College “Evolution of Dance” videos like those seen on “The Tonight Show with M.A. Educational Theory and Practice, The Ohio Jimmy Fallon.” State University Kim is a proud lifer and graduate of Lake Ridge Lisa Medvetz Physical Education Academy, and has been teaching at Lake Ridge for 19 years. After many years as a homeroom teacher B.S. Sports Fitness and Exercise, Indiana State in second and third grades, she currently teaches University technology for the Lower School students, and Lisa has been with Lake Ridge Academy since works with the Middle School CORE program. A lifelong learner, Kim’s 2012 and was voted Coach of the Year in ‘11-12. passion was instilled in her as a student at Lake Ridge Academy. She Lisa is most proud of her girls’ varsity basketball takes pride in helping all her students find the fun and joy of learning.​ team which made history by winning the first district title in basketball and playing in a great Danielle Parrish Middle School Director game at regionals. B.A., Ohio State University

Lilly Corona Moreno Spanish M.Ed., Cleveland State University School Counseling License B.A. Social Work, Cleveland State University Danielle has been teaching at Lake Ridge Academy B.A. Spanish, Cleveland State University since 1989 and holds Certifications in School Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Counseling, Wilson Structured Language, and Cleveland State University CHADD. Before becoming the Director of the Lilly has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 6 years Middle School, Danielle held many roles at the school including K-10 physical education teacher; track, basketball, field and holds a resident educators license. In addition hockey and golf coach; Athletic Director and Dean of the Middle School. to Spanish, she also has been teaching Mexican She won the OHSAA State Award for Lorain County Coach of the Year. dance for over 20 years. Lily proudly recalls when Danielle is proud to have coached high jumper David Money ‘98, to the her entire Spanish 2 and Honors 2 classes participated in the Day of the OHSAA State competition and golfer Amit Oza ‘01 to the State Golf Dead Celebration held at the Cleveland Public Theatre located in the Championship in 2000.​ Gordon Square Arts District of Cleveland.

Regan Pore 1st Grade Chandana Mozumdar Upper School History and Political Science B.A. Business Marketing / Communications, Baldwin Wallace College B.A. History, Brabourne College Teaching License - Pre-K to 3rd grade, John Carroll M.A. International Relations, Jadarpur University University M.A. History, Clemson University M.Ed. Education Administration (May 2015), Ph.D. History, Auburn University Ashland University Chandana, affectionately known as “Dr. Mo”, has Certificates/Awards: BWU Athletic Hall of Fame been part of Lake Ridge Academy for 16 years and 2001 is Dean of Students. She has had advanced Regan has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2012. She recently placement training in history, and coaches our presented at the 2014 OCTM and as head coach, has successfully grown Mock Trial teams. Her proudest memory is when the Mock Trial team the varsity volleyball program. Regan’s proudest moments are always at won the State Championship. the end of a year when she reflects on how her students have grown socially and academically. The independence each child gains over the year is impressive, and she knows they are ready to take charge of their behavior and learning!

17 Kate Ptacek 3rd Grade Katie Schulz 1st Grade

B.S. Early Childhood Education, Kent State B.S. Elementary Education, University of Dayton University Honors College, summa cum laude M.Ed., Rockford College Kate joined Lake Ridge Academy in 2013. Kate M.Ed. Education Administration, Cleveland State most enjoys watching her 3rd grade students University (December 2014) interact with their kindergarten buddies throughout Certificates/Awards: numerous grants for science, the year. For many, it is their first time in a language arts, and technology studies. mentoring role, and watching them accept that Katie has been teaching 1st and 3rd grades at Lake responsibility so gracefully is a joy to her. Ridge Academy since 2004. She has special training from Schools Attuned along with Peer Coaching, and has received Kristy Rodriguez Midde School and Upper School Drama numerous grants for science, language arts, and technology studies. B.A. English and Theater, Wittenberg University Katie recalls a memorable moment when the first grade animals had to be rescued from flood waters by the custodial crew. The bunnies made M.A. Teaching, Ursuline College their way to the tops of their cages, and the tortoise’s cage was bobbing Kristy has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 10 along the surface of the water. The numerous phone calls that came to years and has directed 5 productions that were the school regarding the welfare of the beloved class pets were selected for the Ohio Thespian Conference. She wonderful examples of the love our families have for their time spent in was selected by the 2007 Music Theater first grade! International’s Broadway Teachers’ Institute, to present at the 2010 National Theater Educators’ Conference and was the curriculum writer for Great Lakes Theater and Michael Shaulis Upper School Director, Head of Academics The Musical Theater Project’s School Residency Program. B.S., B.A., M.A. University of Akron Kristy’s proudest memory comes from a day when a student, Christian Mike has been with Lake Ridge Academy since Flaherty ‘16, won the top state rank for his musical theater performance 1995 and started his Lake Ridge Academy journey and then shared his recognition with his classmates whose feedback in by teaching 7th grade Language Arts and Social class led him to the high honor. Studies. Since then he has taught English and history in grades 8-12. Mike also created, directed, Nancy Scarpitti Middle School Technology and taught the Entrepreneurial Studies program. In 2007, he was named Director of Upper School and B.S. Management Information Systems, University was later promoted to the Head of Academics. Some of Mike’s best of Dayton memories at Lake Ridge come from the times when his classes played M.B.A., Xavier University Good Time Fun. Teaching License: K-12 Computer Science, Baldwin Wallace University Jennifer Shaw K-5 Music Nancy joined Lake Ridge Academy in 1996 as the Middle School technology teacher and technology B.M., Temple University coordinator. She left for a few years then returned M.M., Temple University in 2011 to teach Lower School Technology. For the past two school years Jennifer has been with Lake Ridge Academy since she has been the Middle School technology teacher and works with the 2003. She has earned all three levels of Orff technology Department to support and maintain the campus-wide Certification from Cleveland State University, network. Nancy continues her education with graduate level classes in Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, and has completed technology. Nancy’s favorite memory is shopping with Middle School Orff master courses at the University of Kentucky. students for the Holiday Project and witnessing their excitement to find She is the past-president of the Greater Cleveland the perfect gifts for families in need. Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. Ms. Shaw has given presentations on Orff-Schulwerk at The Ohio State University, Justin Schafer Upper School Science and Mathematics Florida State University, and Marywood University. Recently she and her 5th grade students presented a performance at the Ohio Music B.S. Astronomy and Physics, University of Michigan Educators Association’s professional development conference in M.A. Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University Columbus. Justin has been with Lake Ridge Academy since Jennifer’s fondest memory was the first time she participated in the 2005. Justin’s proudest LRA memory comes from a Holiday Project. She was completely caught up in holiday cheer but even day in 2007, when the boys’ varsity soccer team more so, she realized that she was part of a larger community at school won its first ever district championship. that cared and gave so generously.

18 FOCUS ON FACULTY

Fraser Sims 4th and 5th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

B.S. Education, Ashland University Fraser has been teaching at Lake Ridge Academy since 2010. He graduated summa cum laude from Ashland University and has completed a Responsive Classroom Training course. Fraser’s proudest memory comes from a day earlier this school year when his entire 5th grade class scored 100% on their spelling tests.

Erin Sims Middle School Mathematics

B.S. Mathematics and Science, Ashland University M.A. Curriculum and Instruction of the 21st Century Educator, Ashland University Erin has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 4 years and won the Outstanding Middle School Math Educator in Greater Cleveland award in 2014. She has coached junior varsity volleyball for four years, and this will be her fifth year coaching Middle School girls basketball. Erin was proud when one of her students helped calculate the dimensions of the “50” in which all faculty, staff, and Mr. Ron Davis and Mr. Bryon Fouts work on the Thoreau Cabin students stood for an aerial photograph celebrating the school’s anniversary. The pilot said it was the best he’d ever seen, and the Jutta delights in inspiring students to use their imaginations and student was honored for her accomplishment. witnessing children engage in self-initiated dramatic plays. Last spring, she transformed the library into a Poetry Café to celebrate Poetry Patrick Smith Upper School Mathematics, Director of Month. She smiled when she noticed a third grader calling out, “Table The Institute of Scientific Research for four? Table for four?” The student then escorted her classmates to a table where the children ordered items from the poetry menus. “I’ll B.A., Oberlin College have a limerick shake,” declared one young lady. “My husband and I M.A., Kent State University will be sharing.” Ed. M., Harvard University

Pat has been with Lake Ridge Academy since 2012 Lauren Thome 2nd Grade and has a strong following among his Middle School students who run cross country and track B.S. Elementary Education, Marquette University and field. He loves how they work hard individually B.S. Psychology, Marquette University and as a team, and compete enthusiastically. Pat’s Lauren has been with Lake Ridge Academy funniest moment occurred when trying to help a group of 8th graders since 2013. She was proud of her second grade get back in their canoe after they had tipped it over in the Cuyahoga class when they completed their final poetry River during Community Building Days. They must have tried 10 times to performance this past May. They worked extremely get back in, and by the time they got it right, they were soaking wet and hard throughout the year creating original poems, covered in mud. working on speaking in front of a group, and growing as performers! Jutta Swoboda K-12 Library Media Specialist

B.S. Education, Miami University Tim Unger 7-12 Choral Music Coordinator M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, Ashland Bachelor of Music Education, Baldwin Wallace University University Jutta has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 30 Master of Music in Choral Conducting, University of years. She is currently the library media specialist Cincinnati but has also taught first grade, third grade, and Tim has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 9 years Lower School technology. She has attended and serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair and numerous workshops and conferences for library School of Fine Arts Director. Tim recalls when the media specialists and teachers of technology. Miss Swoboda is a 8th grade advisers put on the “What Not To Wear member of the WVIZ Ideastream advisory council and steering in Quebec” fashion show and the head of school walked through the committee. Middle School Commons just as he took the runway in the “short shorts and belly shirt” outfit. #onlyatLRA #pleasedon’tfireme

19 FOCUS ON FACULTY

trained in the Accelerated Integrated Methodology (AIM) approach of teaching a foreign language and is currently working on her certification. Because of her training, Maryse has been recognized as one of the first teachers in the United States to successfully implement the AIM approach of teaching a second language. The highly participatory and active learning environment in an AIM classroom ensures that students of all abilities and learning styles are supported. One of Maryse’s proudest (and ironic) moments happened one day when 6th grade girls were passing secret notes in class. When she collected the notes and read them, they were in French! This totally made her day. They really took her class rule to heart: No English Allowed!​

Andrew Wright Upper School Science, Biomimicry Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator

B.S., Allegheny College M.S., Wake Forest University Mrs. Kristy Rodriguez rehearses with her students Andy has been teaching with Lake Ridge Academy for over 18 years. He has had Advanced Lloyd R. Wakefield 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Placement training in calculus, biology, and environmental science and recently completed a B.Ed. History and Government, Ohio University summer research experience in biomimicry at the M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of University of Akron, which will result in a scientific Akron journal publication. Andy’s proudest memory happened as he watched Lloyd has been teaching with Lake Ridge in awe as his son, Garrett ‘14, gave the best salutatorian address he’d Academy for 4 years. He has over 40 years of ever heard.​ teaching experience and has received the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers award and Stori Zinkhann-Edgar Director of International Student Local Teacher of the Year awards. He has further Programs training in Pathwise, and he is also trained to teach severely learning disabled students. B.A. German and English, West Virginia University Lloyd has extensive education on the Constitution, the American M.A. TESOL, West Virginia University Revolution, slavery, and the American Civil War. Lloyd enjoys hearing Ph.D. Foreign & Second Language Education, his current and former students remind him of the phrase that he Ohio State University often uses when teaching about ancient civilizations: “Don’t Mess Stori has been at Lake Ridge Academy since 2010 with Rome.” and has over 19 years of teaching English, Composition, Research, and ESL (English as a Michelle Waltz Middle School and Upper School Spanish Second Language). She has also researched linguistic variances in Taiwan and Japan. Stori proudly watched Anh B.A. Spanish, Ohio Wesleyan University Nguyen ’14 graduate because she had witnessed Anh work diligently, M.Ed. Foreign/Second Language Education, Ohio both academically and socially, for three years to emerge as a strong, State University independent woman, thinker, and speaker of English. Michelle just joined the Lake Ridge Academy family this school year. Michelle enjoyed spending Wade Zwingler Upper School Mathematics a year in Tacna, Peru, teaching kindergarten and First Grade English at Colegio Cristo Rey. B.S. Education, Bowling Green State University B.S. Mathematics, Bowling Green State University Maryse West K–5 French M.Ed. Student Personnel in Higher Education, Kent State University B.A., University​​ of Toronto Brock University Wade has been with Lake Ridge Academy for 6 B.A. French major with a minor in Spanish years and has over 40 years of teaching Certificates/Awards: Currently working on experience. He has won various awards including certification in the AIM approach the Presidential Award for Excellence in Maryse has been with Lake Ridge Academy for Mathematics and Science Teaching, the Radio Shack Tandy Scholar, 14 years. She grew up in a French environment, and the Buck Martin Award – Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. with first-hand life experience of communicating Wade remembers laughing as Jay O’Neill ’13 mimicked him teaching in the French language daily. She has been Statistics class during TGWBIS.

20 Honor Roll of Donors

In this honor roll publication, we gratefully recognize donors who made gifts in the last academic year (between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014). During that 50th anniversary year, these individuals, companies, and organizations collectively made generous commitments totaling more than $1.7 million, all of LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY which is also counted towards the overarching 50th Anniversary Campaign. 50th Anniversary Campaign Donors who supported the school’s highest priority – the Annual Fund – are noted in italics for their support that totaled more than $302,000. 1963 Society members who provided Annual Fund gifts of $1,963 or more are noted in bold.

We are pleased to recognize these donors for their gifts that include outright gifts, new pledges (some of which will be fulfilled in future years), gifts in kind, will commitments, event sponsorships, and matching gifts. They have made quite a difference for Lake Ridge Academy!

$100,000+ Lake Ridge Academy Parents Association 50th Anniversary Anonymous Current Family Drs. Ferdinand ’79 and Donna Plecha Campaign – Going Strong! Bettcher Industries, Inc. Nancy M. and Joseph D. Scarpitti Amy Bircher Kent ‘72 and Gail Sommer The 50th Anniversary Campaign Donald ‘70 and Linda Kaatz The Stocker Foundation is a comprehensive, multi-year Daniel and Carol Klimas fundraising initiative, which includes all charitable gifts made to Lake Michael Shaulis and Sarah Durn $10,000+ Ridge Academy between July 1, 2010 Anonymous Family through December 31, 2017. More $50,000+ Anonymous Current Family than 1,000 families have supported Anonymous Family Dale and Brenda Alexander the Campaign during this period Robert and Sarah Dresing Bo H. Yoo and Vicenta Gaspar-Yoo and collectively given more than Patricia Hemmer Ronald McMahon and Rebecca Ruppert $11 million to the school so far. John W. Kemper, Sr. and Betty Kemper McMahon Medical Mutual 50th Anniversary Campaign donors $25,000+ Miraldi Family Foundation have supported the Annual Fund, Anonymous Current Family Bernardo and Bridget Moreno Vision Beyond 50 objectives, and Anonymous Current Family Robert and Susan Smith key strategic planning priorities Community West Foundation Sommer’s Mobile Leasing Inc. including academic programs; Robert and Cynthia Fairchild Chann and Edward Spellman athletics; scholarships; technology; Lakewood Acceptance Corporation George, Vivy and Alexandra Voutsiotis endowment funds; our centers Mercedes Benz of North Olmsted of excellence in the fine arts, Phillip and Clare Navratil $5,000+ science and engineering; and the Benjamin and Brenda Norton William and Linda Baker proposed new science building. The Focus Foundation Jihad and Sandra Bitar Since tuition covers just 75% of the Cole ‘79 and Susan Fauver school’s operating needs, campaign donors are helping to complete $15,000+ Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund the classroom experience for our Anonymous Family Charles and Charlotte Fowler students and giving our teachers the The Collection Auto Group Kenyon and Elizabeth Glor best possible resources. Sean Decatur and Renee Romano Jeffrey Gwinnell and Margaret Benham Marla Gerrek Lee and Jo Ann Howley 21 Honor Roll of Donors

Zydrunas and Jennifer Ilgauskas First Federal of Lakewood John and Jill Waldock Vaughn and Karen Kauffman FM Global Foundation The Clara Weiss Fund John Kemper, Jr. and Jenny Kemper Tobi and Francis Gibbons Betty Weiss Bakari Kitwana and Monique Jacques- Ronald H. and Linda G. Gordon Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook & Batista Kitwana Joe Hammond Steven Wojtal and Wendy Kozol Microsoft Corporation Robert and Lisa Hanline Kam and Lo Wong MMI Textiles, Inc. James and Christine Heusinger Woodbine Products Company Northwestern Mutual Foundation Jeffrey ‘72 and Lynda Jacobs Robert and Carrie ( Moore ‘79 ) Young Deborah and John O’Neill Chris and Kelly Kamm Joyesh Raj ‘89 and Kelly Raj John Kastelic $1,000+ Bruce Szabo and Julie Rehm Jennifer Zinn Lagasse ‘86 and Luc Lagasse Richard and Kathy Ader Winfield Associates, Inc. Daniel Latham ‘90 Michael and Julia ( Hemmer ‘71 ) Ayers The Laub Foundation Clyde and Tara Barrett $1,963+ Ralph and Carol LeRoy Adam Bechler Sabry and Maryam ( Nasr ‘87 ) Ayad Maloney + Novotny Timothy Birch Christopher ‘86 and Patricia Baker Gary and Cathy Martz Bramhall Engineering & Surveying Co., Inc. Bartlett Insurance Agency, Inc. Joseph ‘90 and Marie Miclat Michael and Lisa Bramhall Mark and Adele Bartlett Chandana Mozumdar and Ravi Vedula Jane Buehrer The Belardo Family Benjamin and Jane Norton Carnegie Management & Development Corp Philippe and Lori Berenger James and Vanita Oelschlager J. B. Shaw III and Ann Marie Davis George and Lora Blaha O’Neill Management Craig Goodman and Elizabeth A. Dresing ‘81 Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Christine Weiss Pfeil ‘70 Scribner and Ann Fauver The Capital Group Companies Mark and Kristin ( Kemper ‘84 ) Roshkowski Byron and Deborah Fouts Juan and Liliana Chahda Ross Environmental Services William and Lynn Gerlach Jim and Tamara Chippi James and Cynthia Seidel Jon and Colleen Hyman Randall Chriss and Beth Llewellyn Mike and Carol Sherwin Jump Start Consultants Thomas Dresing, M.D. ‘83 and Janna Dresing Mark and Melanie Shock Michael and Pamela Kolczun George and Roxanne Elliott SkyZone - Westlake Theodore Krawec Trustees Faculty and Alumni Staff Current Parents Grandparents Marvin Krislov and Amy Sheon National Average (June 2013) Don and Sherry96 Esch 78 15 Spero65 Smith Investment17 Advisors Lake Ridge Academy (June 2013) Fairchild Family100 Foundation100 6 Hayden37 ‘89 and9 Rachael Stafford Edward and Pat Kuss Lake Ridge Academy (June 2014) 100 100 11 53 8 Michael Farago and Amelia Workman-Farago Paul and Barbara Swasey Robert and Shelly Lee Julianne Filion UBS Matching Gift Program Jeanette Marks 120 Michael and Laura ( Osgood ‘78 ) Meadors Michael and Tara Moore Bob and Susan Moore 100 Participation Rates Among Board ofTrustees DirectorsFaculty and MAlumni Staff embers,Current Parents Grandparents National Average (June 2013) 96 78 15 65 17 Valji and Minaxi Munjapara Lake Ridge Faculty Academy (June 2013) and Staff, Alumni and Current100 Families100 6 37 9 Lake Ridge Academy (June 2014) 100 100 11 53 8 Vs. National Averages Oswald Companies 80 120 Peter ‘86 and Kimberly ( Kemper ‘87 ) Parrish Ratliff & Taylor, Inc. NaMonal Average (June 2013) 100 % Standard Insurance 60 Lake Ridge Academy (June 2013) Stark Enterprises

80 % Lake Ridge Academy (June 2014) Roger Swagler Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal 40 NaMonal Average (June 2013) 60 % Lake Ridge Academy Taft (June 2013) Stettinius & Hollister, LLP

Lake Ridge Academy (June 2014) 20 40 % $500+ Oakley Andrews 20 % Franz Bauer ‘88 0 Trustees Faculty and Staff Alumni Current Parents Grandparents Vance and Laurie Behringer 0 % Board of Directors Thomas Butchko ‘04 and Vanessa Butchko Members Faculty and Staff Alumni Current Parents Grandparents Brian and Karen Cockrell Credit: National Association of Independent Schools Will and Susan Colley

22 Moreno Family Challenge Met!

Last year, current families supported the Annual Fund at all gift levels and increased their participation to 53% thereby doubling their participation over the previous academic year. As a result, the Moreno Family members honored the challenge that they had set for other families and doubled their own gift to the Annual Fund. Kudos to all participating families for meeting the challenge! Amy Bircher, Josh ’24, and Ann Griss

Tom and Myra Stockett Eric ‘92 and Aida Collings UBS Financial Services, Inc. Gregory and Elizabeth ( Zimmie ‘84 ) Craig Danny Unda ‘71 James Crawford Jo Ann and Lee Howley Ken and Grace ( Fauver ‘82 ) Velardi Jon and Cynthia Cromling Wells Fargo Eaton Corporation Li-zen ‘87 and Vanessa Yieh Tracey Frierson Michael Liebeskind Lynn Yieh ‘87 Anthony Galang Kelly and Susan Lyon Joseph Yost ‘04 Chris and Greta Geiselman Clark and Ann Moore Frank and Sharon Groh-Wargo Sarah Evans Moore ‘00\ $250+ O. Mark and Barbara Hastings and Kenneth N. Moore ‘00 Jeffrey Ader ‘04 Ronald and Katherine Hatcher Masroor Mustafa and Marina Magrey Levent Aksoy Gregory and Meghan ( Flannery ‘98 ) Hayes Eric and Carissa Nettle Safaa Al-Haddad and May Al-Abousi Lee Howley ‘07 North Coast Jaw & Implant Center, LLC Ian Anderson ‘04 Barry ‘77 and Jamie Hyman Bradley ‘86 and Debbie Norton Jan ‘84 and Cynthia Beseler Robert and Paula Janmey William and Tonia Peacock Benjamin ‘86 and Christina Buttriss Howard and Kathleen Kerber Prab and Radhai Prabhakaran Jack and Margot Calcut Colleen Kilbane and Solur Udayashankar S. R. and Basabi Ratnaparkhi Jeff Parsons and Gwang Kim Ralph and Jennie Reed Candice Champion-Parsons ‘97 Brian and Cathy Kingsley Rob and Michelle Robertson Chemical Solvents, Inc. Brian Koethe ‘86 Scott and Heather Russell Jeffery and Shuijun Coble David Kuentz Katie and Tim Schulz Wen and Lixin Cui John and Jane Lacoste Michael and Michelle Sherwin Carrie Kuss Denning ‘92 Brooke Dillon Rollin and Deanna Edgar Energizer Holdings, Inc. Lake Ridge Academy relies on the lifelong involvement and financial support of its Amber Fisher alumni. Students are made aware of alumni support and learn that they too will one Megan Gardner ‘03 day have a responsibility to give back to future generations of students and honor Ronald and Linda Gordon their former teachers who made a difference in their lives. Ronald and Veronica Gosselin Marten and Lisa ( Khosh ‘84 ) Granger In 2013-2014, all senior students made their first gift to the Annual Fund, and David Hastings ‘04 a five-year pledge to continue their support as alumni. Other alumni classes Hyland Software, Inc. remain consistently supportive too led by the Alumni Council of whom 100% of its G. Tracy ‘84 and Kelly Ilg members support the school through the Annual Fund. Last year, we held a friendly competition and tracked alumni participation among decades. Congratulations to Inflatable Images the 1970’s alumni for earning the highest Annual Fund participation. George and Katherine Jumbert William Kaatz

23 Honor Roll of Donors

Libby Ruppert Rick and Rebecca Baker Jeffrey and Laura ( Pettit ‘80 ) Rusick David and Carolyn Ballou Mario and Mary Lynn Sertich David and Carola Bamberger Les and Sandy Spike Daniel and Lisa Barrett Nick and Erin Stellato Sherri Bates N. Gint ‘90 and Katrina Strautnieks Russ and Nancy Becker Brett ‘90 and Gretchen Swasey Jacob Belardo ‘14 Brian Tian and Wendy Li Selena Benz ‘14 Sally Timms David and Ronna Biegel Roderick Tung ‘94 Alison Bilz ‘03 Ed and Cindy Wolff James Bircher Seth Zaremba ‘90 Bryant Bitar ‘01 Grover and Mary Zinn Maureen Blaha ‘14 Raymond Bobgan and Holly Holsinger $1-$249 Richard and Ann Bort Erica M. Aber Michael and Elizabeth ( Stewart ‘84 ) Burns Julie Rehm and Bruce Szabo Academy Graphic Communications, Inc. Donald Butchko ‘01 David Ader ‘02 Katherine Butler Juan and Martha Agui Paul Butler ‘75 George and Deborah Kobrak Grant Alexander ‘96 Robert Byrne Tom and Ann Medwetz Sara Al-Haddad ‘14 Ray and Patty Campbell Norman and Shelley Miller Arizon Anderson Francesco Catanese David ‘71 and Leslee Miraldi Brian Adams and Gretchen Anderson Keith Cayton William O’Neill ‘07 Charles and Laura ( Kneale ‘77 ) Anderson Matthew and Elizabeth ( Sekerak ‘81 ) Chenelle Monty and Danielle Parrish Chris and Sara Arnold Amanda Chow ‘14 Ramon and Judy Rivera Jay Ashby and Kimberly Nazarian Kevin and Wendy Ciero Jeff and Karen ( Gordon ‘90 ) Robelen Crystal Ayoub ‘14 Norman and Carol Clary

Gift from the Heart at the 50th Anniversary Celebration

Gift from the Heart donors at the 50th anniversary gala celebration offered more than $361,000 in a single evening to support the new Center for Scientific Exploration and Research. Their gifts provided these enhancements to our already strong math and science program last year:

• Complete upgrade of the middle school technology laboratory • New laptops for the middle school laptop cart • Science Department equipment • Full classroom of iPads and supporting software for lower school • Science teacher professional development workshops at Carnegie Mellon University • Robotics equipment for middle school and upper school • 3D printer • Scientific calculators • Math teacher professional development opportunities at the Ohio Council for Teachers of Mathematics (they presented!) • Two new courses (Physics with Engineering Principles and Bioethics)

Betty Kemper and Karen Kemper

24 Parents Association Gift Repairs Track

If you collected a Box Top, provided the chance for your child to participate in the Holiday Workshop to make a craft, purchased a gift card through the Parents Association, bought an entertainment book, or supported other Parents Association fundraisers, you also helped to repair Lake Ridge Academy’s track.

In June, the Parents Association voted to make a gift of $18,000 to the school to repair a badly worn section of the track, and that work was completed this fall. This repair has made it possible for Lake Ridge Academy to host track and field competitions again, and the track has become a useful place for fitness and exercise for the entire community once more.

Deborah Cocco and Carl Jacobson Michael and Stacie Foor David Hawkins Edwin and Jayne Cole Paul and Nikki Forte Robert and Janine Hendricks Luis Gomez and Kristen Conway-Gomez ‘87 Paul and Connie Freeman Rachael Henkel Lilly Corona Moreno and Alejandro Moreno Heather Harris Freiberg Nelitza Hernandez Laura Coufalik Jim Freiberg Mia Hill Michael and Michelle Cousino Russell and Margaret Friedrich Wendall Hinkle and Carolyn Kmieck-Hinkle Randy Cozart Daniel Fulop ‘14 Wai Kwong and Anna Ho Stacy Cozart Gary and Christy Garbinski Chris Howell and Susan Clayton Marilyn Crooker Katarina Gardner ‘07 Luke Howley ‘09 Dana and Stephanie Cunningham Ronna-Jean Gedeon Gene and Kellie Hughes David and Jennifer Cupar Debby Ghezzi Robert and Susan Hyman Chantal Dalencour James and Lisa Gilles Gary Ilg ‘81 Sabine Decatur ‘14 Benjamin Glor ‘10 Intel Foundation Matching Gifts to Cheryl DePalma Emily Glor ‘12 Education Programs Ed and Mari Dickson Ethan Glor ‘07 Paul and Rose Isherwood Lindsay Diehl Douglas ‘86 and Lisa Gordon Bojan and Kerry Ivkovic Joshua Doehr Nigeria Gould ‘14 IWA, Inc. Jason and Amy Dreger Clarence and Carol Gray Ali and Lisa Jahan William and Victoria Dufford Kaci Gregory ‘14 Teresa Jenkins and Jeff Fowler Rodney and Rebecca Dummitt Keeon and Traci Gregory Elizabeth A. Johnson Denise and Laurence Dunlap Billie Griffith Angela Jumbert Richard and Louise Dunn Ann Griss KeyBank Foundation Dane Elliott ‘14 Edward and Rene Guest Fadi and Janine Khoury Mehrun Elyaderani Laura Guggenheim and Ronald Davis Martin ‘00 and Ashley Kilbane Cameron English ‘14 Margaret and Michael Haase Marcia and James Kingsley Merri Lynne C. English Susan Haendiges Hadden Klima ‘11 Katrina Escuro ‘03 Richard and Frances Hamper David and Marilyn Koethe Wenchao Fang ‘14 Scott Hamper ‘07 Abigail Kolczun ‘14 W. ‘73 and Christine Farquhar Mark Hancock ‘05 Anonymous Alumnus Andrew ‘89 and Lori Fauver David and Julie Harris Bruce and Juliann Krous Scribner ‘77 and Susan Fauver James and Susan Harris Joseph and Gina Kubec Andrew and Karel Fisher Kaprice Harris Varun Kumar ‘14 Stephen FitzGerald and Yumi Ijiri Lucille Hassler Howard and Laura ( Fauver ) Lane Thomas and Renee Flowers Robert ‘77 and Cheryl Hastings Edward and Lindsey Leonard 25 Honor Roll of Donors

Ladies Night Out Tea and Fashion Show

The Ladies Night Out Tea and Fashion Show was held at the Ritz- Carlton on September 7. This elegant sold out fundraising event, planned by Lake Ridge Academy parents Meera Ayad ‘87, Bridget Moreno, Melanie Shock, and Pam Kolczun was a huge success raising $9,180 for the school!

Ladies Night Out has become a wonderful tradition that has been led by many different volunteers over the years. Started by Lake Ridge Academy parent and alumna, Meera Ayad, as a ladies night out shopping spree for the benefit of the school, it has blossomed into an afternoon tea with more than 100 guests. Lake Ridge Academy is grateful to everyone who has been involved and helped to grow this annual event’s success in support of our students!

All of the funds raised were counted as part of our Auction Gala fundraising event. The Auction Gala is a longstanding Lake Ridge Academy tradition that dates back to the school’s first decade and presents an evening gathering for parents, alumni, and friends. The Lake Ridge Academy Auction Gala continues to help provide exceptional education for our children. Over the last four years, the Auction Gala has raised over $1,000,000 for curriculum enhancements, property upgrades, technology purchases, and classroom resources. Madeleine ’24, Breana ’25, Maizy ’26 and Kiki ’26 and Maizy ’26 Shelly Lee

Melanie Leonard Ralph and Kathy LeRoy Yuquian Liu ‘14 Erich Lochner ‘95 Bill and Wendy ( Sommer ‘74 ) Long Robert and Cammie Loy Alyssa Lucas ‘06 James and Sherry Lucas Jerry and Kimberly Luccioni Ryan Luccioni ‘12 William MacKay Pat Hemmer and Michael and Aimee Maiure Julia Hemmer Ayers ‘71 Franklin and Margaret ( Busser ‘94 ) Malemud Caleb Mayer ‘14 Andrew Milluzzi ‘08 Stephan and Kristen Mayer Frank and Joan Milluzzi Kurt and Leannie McAllister Renee Romano and Anthony Milluzzi ‘12 Sean Decatur Kevin and Jenifer McCarthy Adam Moreno ‘14 Ryan McCarthy ‘14 Vasu Munjapara ‘14 Mark and Barbara McClusky John Norton Zaeem Mustafa Lone ‘14 Susan McDonald Brett Oley ‘00 Adam and Lisa McElwain Karim ‘86 and Amy Nasr Claire O’Neill ‘14 Amy McHugh David and Heidi ( Crooker ‘92 ) Nathanielsz Frank and Gail Opaskar Fallon McNally ‘07 Jean Neumann Christopher Orlando Lisa and Steve Medvetz Anh Nguyen ‘14 Claudio and Elizabeth Orso-Giacone Robert and Sharon Mier Henry and Polly ( Bakewell ‘77 ) Nichols Paolo M. Orso-Giacone ‘14 Angela Miller Gregory Norton ‘06 Mikayla Ortiz ‘14 Govanna Miller ‘14 John and Victoria Norton William and Betsy ( Evans ‘77 ) Owens 26 Dale Pagano Guanyue Rao ‘15 Hitesh and Alpa Patel Gary and Angela Rasoletti Jay Patel ‘00 Stephen Rasoletti ‘12 Marius and Simona Pavel Ms. Michelle M. Raugh Ann Paxton ‘05 Archit Rede ‘14 Laura Paxton Brett Reynolds Ann Peckham James and Barbara Ridel Roger and Marisol Peckham Kathryn Ridgley Roger M. Peckham ‘14 Mona ( Raj ‘90 ) and Tony Rinaldi Jacqueline Pelsey ‘07 Frank Roberts and Mary Jamieson Marguerite Fryburg Perfetti ‘72 Julie Roberts Jimmy and Roberta Pettit Rachel Roberts ‘83 Sherry and Don Esch Karen and Robert Pfahl Kevin and Anita ( Shin ‘90 ) Robertson Carolyn Pfeil ‘07 Bob and Melanie Robertson Richard Pfeil ‘05 Kristy and Michael Rodriguez Nicholas Sekreta Chris Phelps Michael Romanello Nicholas and Elaine Sekreta Sue Ann Philippbar Angelo and Jaime Rosado Julia Bilz Sertich ‘01 Baron Pineda and Gina Perez Steve and Fran Ross Jennifer Shaw Sofia Pineda Dustin and Leigh Roth Victoria Shehan Fred and Marion Plecha Mark and Nutan ( Khosla ‘92 ) Ruegsegger Halle Shilling ‘89 Mark and Amy Podulka Anonymous Staff Member Terry S. Shilling Josiah and Elizabeth Poore Paul and Jennifer Ruggles Dana Taylor and Carolyn R. Simmelink ‘73 Spencer Poore ‘14 Jane Saddler ‘82 and Bruce Farwell Shawn and Susan Simpson Regan Pore David Teal and Sally Saddler ‘73 Erin Sims Mark and Leslie Psenicka Jillian and Matthew Scarvelli Fraser and Robin Sims Kate Ptacek Justin and Michele Schafer Andrew Smith Steven and Jane ( Mercer ‘70 ) Ramsay Ken and Sara Schneider Jason Smith ‘02 Robert and Carol ( Bell ‘86 ) Randall John Scofield and Deborah Mills-Scofield Patrick Smith

Golf Outing Lake Ridge Academy held its annual Golf for the Endowment outing on June 2, 2014 which had the best attendance in school history with 132 players. The outing took place at Westwood Country Club where Bob Fairchild, Chair greeted every player. Lake Ridge Academy would like to thank Biff Baker ’86 and Bill Baker of Winfield Associates for their title sponsorship!

27 Honor Roll of Donors

Todd and Molly Sommer Craig and Cynthia Tellerd Julia Waldock ‘14 Ricardo and Terri Soto Junfei Teng ‘14 Lisa Waltz Taylor Soto ‘14 Lauren Thome Michael and Justine Weiss Barrie Spang ‘90 Cathy Thompson ‘70 - Alumni Kyndall Wellons ‘13 John Spellman ‘14 William ‘76 and Margaret ( Hastings ‘76 ) Timms Jeffrey and Maryse West William and Karen Spiegelberg Chris and Lisa George Whittaker Mitchell and Kristie Spike Dustin Trabert ‘06 Jeff and Sue Wilgor Katharine Spore Neil and Jennifer ( Moore ‘84 ) Tramer Adrian and Laurie Williams Molly Spore Adela Tremp Keith and Sonya Williams David Stone Justin and Monica Trivisonno James Wojtal ‘14 John Strausser Timothy and Erin Unger Andrew and Carol Wright Matthew Streepy ‘14 Brian and Melanie Urban Lia Victoria G. Yoo ‘14 Richard and Bonnie Sweebe Sarah Vandevender ‘05 Joseph and Karen Yost Zachary Sweebe ‘08 John and Mary Ann Vargo Joe and Andrea Zepernick Mark and Edie Sweeterman Mike and Suzanne Varney Stori Zinkhann and Andrew Edgar Gudrun Swoboda Jay and Cindy Viskocil Kori Zurawski ‘04 Jutta Swoboda Steven and Dinah Volk Wade and Janice Zwingler Kean Heng and Mei-Ling Tan Lloyd and Deborah Wakefield

Legacy Society and Tribute Gifts

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Some members will benefit their own heirs with their gifts in addition to supporting the school. Others have made gifts that allow them to receive a fixed life income while naming the school as the beneficiary of the remainder of their gift. Their generous spirit will benefit generations of students in the future, and we sincerely thank them.

Richard and Kathy Ader Herbert Kaatz* Dale and Brenda Alexander Mildred Kaatz* Have you included Lake Ridge John Brown* Donald ‘70 and Linda Kaatz Academy in your estate plans? If so, Peter and Dana Corogin Lawrence and April McCormack thank you! Please let us know so that we may recognize you as well. Scribner and Ann Fauver Gary and Angela Rasoletti Ralph A. Fisher and Barbara A. Fisher Chauncey Smythe* Contact: Michelle Robertson, William* and Lucille Hassler Kenneth and Joyce* Sommer Senior Director of Development, Patricia Hemmer Kent ‘72 and Gail Sommer at 440-387-5408 or [email protected] James and Christine Heusinger Marilyn Wasem* Lee and Jo Ann Howley H. Robert and Hope Wismar Sally Hudnutt * deceased

28 Alumni News

Alumni Spotlight Michael Sertich ‘01

Bread starts baking before sunrise. Vegetables are chopped fresh every morning. Gourmet sandwiches are made “freaky fast,” and if you live or work close by, they can even be delivered to your door. An Elyria property that once housed a vacant 80-year-old building and overgrown brush is now home to Jimmy John’s – one of the fastest growing restaurant franchises in the country. And it’s owned and operated by Michael Sertich ‘01.

As a small business owner who also marketing department. Michael’s work in operates a restaurant, Michael wears agency and corporate environments many hats. The fact that he successfully confirmed that the hospitality industry was manages staff, works with customers, the right place for him, and he wanted to keeps the store operating daily, and learn more. handles anything else that comes along, is no surprise to any Lake Ridge Academy In early 2010, Michael was accepted to alumnus. “The rigors of a Lake Ridge Cornell University’s School of Hotel meet with management at Jimmy John’s education gave me the discipline and the Administration. “I stumbled upon an area corporate headquarters. When he confidence to pursue anything that I’ve that interested me; I knew I wanted a discovered that Northeast Ohio had ever wanted to tackle. Being challenged career in hospitality, and pursuing a opportunity for growth, the couple at a young age gives you perspective on master’s degree was a way to round out decided it was a good time to move back the situations that you may encounter in the knowledge I had gained on the job. I home and enter the world of restaurant the future.” liked that Cornell offered a business ownership. “I love being an owner- degree but had the focus that my operator of my own business in the place Running a restaurant franchise was not bachelor’s degree did not have.” That where I grew up. I am able to contribute always on Michael’s radar; nor was spring, he and his wife, Julia Bilz Sertich locally and be a part of the community in returning to Northeast Ohio. After ‘01, relocated to Ithaca, NY for Cornell’s which I was raised.” spending 13 years at Lake Ridge prestigious Masters of Management in Academy, Michael headed to American Hospitality program. During his 13 months Michael and Julia live in North Ridgeville University in Washington, DC where he on campus, Michael focused primarily on with their cat, Oliver, and are minutes developed an interest in marketing and operations. Interested in franchise from Jimmy John’s and Lake Ridge graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. concepts from a young age, Michael Academy. The restaurant’s location on the in Business Administration. Michael decided to enroll in franchise courses as corner of East Broad and Abbe makes it landed a job at E-site Marketing, an well. After graduation [and moving back easy for Michael to quickly be at work and agency providing marketing services to Florida], Michael decided to more Julia can be on campus where she serves exclusively to hospitality clients, which seriously consider the possibility of a as Alumni Council chair. In addition to spurred his interest in the hospitality franchise business. living close to both sets of their parents— industry. After spending nearly 3 years in including Julia’s mom, Rachelle Bilz (LRA E-site’s agency environment, he moved to Having become a loyal Jimmy John’s Librarian, 1989-2008)—Michael and Julia Central Florida in order to work in-house customer as a graduate student, Michael have enjoyed reconnecting with fellow for Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s made a trip to Champaign, Illinois, to alumni in the area. 29 Alumni News Engagement Congratulations to 1970 2001 Katrina Escuro ’03 Sam Maczuzak ‘05

1998 Meghan Flannery Satya Patel and her Hayes along with husband, Sunjay, Chris Weiss Pfeil, Jane Mercer Ramsay, husband, Greg, and were married on Cathy Weiss Thompson, and Todd son, Aidan, welcomed August 30, 2014 in Thompson gathered at the Thompson little sister, Sarah Westlake, OH. They home in Winchester, VA in early September Margaret Hayes on are currently residing to renew friendships and celebrate August 7, 2014. The in New Jersey. Many birthdays. entire Flannery family Lake Ridge Academy made it to State alumni attended the College, Pennsylvania, wedding. 1987 for Sarah’s baptism over Labor Day weekend, and Sarah should be making her 2002 first trip to Ohio later this fall. Eugenia Chahda and her husband, Michael Celi, were married on 2000 July 19, 2014. The wedding was held outdoors at the Shoreby Club in Bratenahl, OH, Lydia McMahon and her family recently overlooking Lake opened the Garrison Cafe in Garrison, NY. Erie. Fellow Lake Please stop by if you are in the area! Ridge Academy alumnus Bryant Bitar ’01 and his wife, Krystina, 1990 attended the wedding. Ryan Flannery married Peggy Hannon on May 3 2003 in Sonoma, CA. In attendance were several Lake Ridge Academy alumni including Meghan Flannery Hayes ‘98, Connor Flannery ‘02, Dan Latham married Meghan Schenek on Court Flannery ‘04, June 6 in Naples, FL in the park at 8th Ken Moore ‘00, and Max Kilbane ‘00. Avenue South overlooking the beach in an T.J. Bittel and Stacy Klein wed on July 5, intimate ceremony attended mostly by 2014 in Sundance, UT. Classmates Alison immediate family members. Bilz ‘03, Megan Gardner ‘03, Phillip Paoletta 30 ‘03 and Shaud Tavakoli ‘03 joined the couple shortly after their wedding for dinner 2012 Samantha and a mini reunion in New York City. Potoczak is a double major in Lake Ridge Academy 2007 international affairs and film & Alumni Council media studies at Lafayette University. This year, Sam interned on “The Billboard Project,” which is a film based on the true Julia Bilz Sertich ’01, Chair story of a radio contest during which people Ian Anderson ’04, Vice Chair vied for a new mobile home by camping on David Ader ’02 a billboard in Pennsylvania. Sam was in Franz Bauer ‘88 charge of casting and got the opportunity to Bryant Bitar ‘01 go to New York City and Philadelphia to Thomas Butchko ‘04 help run the auditions. Ashley Yu married Megan Gardner ‘03 Samuel Han this past Meghan Flannery Hayes ‘98 June in a small Hadden Klima ‘11 California villa 2013 Rachael Hsu is Dan Latham ‘90 outside San Diego. studying electrical Fallon McNally ‘07 Ashley, a graduate and computer Ken Moore ‘00 from Ohio Wesleyan, engineering at the Chris Pfeil ‘70 is pursuing an art University of career while Samuel is in his 5th year of Kristin Kemper Roshkowski ‘84 Rochester. This past General Surgery Residency at the University summer she was an of California San Diego. The bridal party The Lake Ridge Academy Alumni intern with NASA included fellow alumnae Kristy Yu ‘09, Katie Council is comprised of 14 members working on a Domain Decomposition of Gardner ‘07 and Ayushi Shah ‘07. The from all eras of many geographic Large Scale Parallel Simulation for couple currently resides in San Diego, CA. locations. In recent years, the group Combustion project. She worked on formalized its structure, defined its National Combustion Code (NCC) for 2008 NASA, which researchers use to run purpose, and has encouraged growth numerous combustion simulations. of the Alumni Association and Lake Matt Nahorn Rachael’s job was to optimize the code so Ridge Academy. The Alumni Council was asked by Jeff that it could run efficiently and still yield meets four times annually, and Sigsworth, of the accurate results. completes work in these in these North Ridgeville Historical subcommittees: Nominating/ Society, to give a Recruitment, Networking, Social half hour to Events, Communications and forty-five minute In Memoriam: Young Alumni. program on the Brian H. Smith ‘70, history of Lake passed away on The Alumni Council invites Ridge Academy. On October 15, Matt November 30, 2013 in nominations of new members and Blacksburg, VA. Brian proudly presented “Academy of the Ridges: can accommodate time commitment studied at the A brief historical overview of L.R.A.” Matt’s limitations and geographical barriers. talk centered around the School’s founding University of and demonstrated campus growth over Colorado before Contact the Alumni Relations Office time, which has allowed for additional settling in Blacksburg, Virginia where today to learn more about how you course offerings and expanded educational he was a financial advisor with Edward opportunities. It was noted that the school Jones for 24 years. can support the school and alumni has stayed true to its core founding goal body at [email protected] of providing a west-side, independent, Marian Gardner or calling 440-387-5381. college-preparatory school. Matt was able Stafford passed to add a personal touch to the presentation away on October 15, as he founded the school’s archives in 2006 2014 in Cuyahoga with the help of Mr. Michael Shaulis. The Falls, OH. Marian new Kaatz historical display space in the was a 4th grade library and Lake Ridge’s recent celebration teacher at Lake Ridge of 50 years of educating youth were also Academy and a grandparent of alumni. prominently featured in the talk.

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