CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013 Tassels were turned and cameras flashed as the GlenOak boy and girl scholar-athlete from within the Federal League. High School Class of 2013 embarked on the next phase of Winkler carried a 4.0 plus grade point average and compet- their life following the commencement ceremony on Sunday, ed in both cross-country and track. Thirty-seven GlenOak May 26. students overall were recognized as Federal League scholar- Twentyfive students whose cumulative grade point average athletes. were 4.0 or above lined the front of the Civic Center adorned Commencement speaker Michaela Cooley urged her class- with a gold honor cord. Recognized for being top of her class mates to find and share their talents. and the recipient of the GlenOak Academic Excellence Award, “Just because you may not be good at math, writing, Michaela Cooley was among the top 25 students first to or art does not mean that you don’t have a talent,” said receive their diploma. Cooley’s ranking as top student earned Cooley. “I believe that everyone is born with a gift. This gift her the honor of addressing the class of 2013. may not reveal itself until later on in life, but it is present. In addition to earning nearly $6.5 million in scholarship There will always be something that we are just a little bit monies, the Class of 2013 also earned more than its fair better at than our other interests and abilities.” share of other awards and honors. Among the group of 467 She also spoke of each individual’s ability to change and graduates were 103 students who received diploma with become the best he or she can be. She urged everyone to honors. Those receiving the distinction had to complete the choose a path in life that will bring happiness, to overcome college preparatory curriculum at GlenOak and meet eight fears and take risks that will make each a better person in of the nine criteria designated by the state. Among the the long run. “If you do not like who you are at this moment honor students, Ryan Fockler was chosen by his peers to in time, you have the ability to change,” said Cooley. “All you deliver a speech capturing the journey students take to get have to do is find the willpower, that I know is in every single them to the point where they cross the stage and receive one of you, to become just like the people who you admire.” their diploma. Superintendent Brent May stepped down from the stage Thirty-one students received a fine arts specialization to personally address the class of 2013. May spoke to stu- along with their diploma; GlenOak is the only high school in dents about their journey after leaving high school, relating Stark County to offer a specialization in the arts. Megan it to running a marathon and the idea that each mile marker Bodenschatz was recognized for her work on the Canton Re- is a destination. “Be 100% committed to everything,” said pository Teen Board and both Madison Evans and Nadina May. “Each experience, opportunity, and relationship may lead Haiduc were honored as Repository Teens of the Month. to bigger and better things in the future. Show compassion, Several athletes were honored for their work both on empathy, respect, and humility in everything that you do. and off the field.Lauren Winkler received the Sam DiBlasi Control your attitude. Make each day your best and continue commissioner’s award, which is given to the outstanding to learn and grow after you leave high school.” The top 25 students occupied the front of GlenOak High School’s graduation ceremony. The entire list of this year’s graduates can be found on page 10 and 11. Educators Named Teacher, Rookie Of The Year Congratulations to Beth years in Plain Local Schools, tions. She believes that one GlenOak High School. Her School District. He is the Waseity for being named she has taught 8th grade of her greatest gifts as oldest son, Max Esposito, video production teacher Plain Local’s Teacher of The science and Problem Based a teacher is to prove her is a junior at GlenOak and at GlenOak High School. Year for the 2013 school Learning to her students. students are smarter than her youngest son, Branch previously served year and to Josh Branch She is currently the head they think they are and to Brennan Esposito, is an as the lead videographer for being named Plain Local’s coach for Oakwood Girls inspire them to excellence. eighth grader at The Goodyear Tire and Rookie of The Year for the Cross Country and Girls She believes that when stu- at Oakwood. Rubber Company and with 2013 school year. The pair Track and Field. She has dents realize they can excel, This is Josh Mosher Media in Akron. He was recognized at the Stark also coached the Science they are hooked on learning Branch’s first and his wife Kim have three County Educators banquet Olympiad team. Waseity is forever. Waseity’s husband year in the boys Canaan, Gideon and held at R.G. Drage Career a member of the Science, Tom coaches basketball at Plain Local Titus. Center. Technology, Engineering, and Beth Waseity Mathematics (STEM) team, is a teacher assists the high school at Oakwood cross country parent group Middle School. and is the makeup artist for During her 13 the district drama produc- Sign Up For School Closing Alerts, Updates The Plain Local School District’s website www.plainlocal.org is the most convenient way to learn if a school is closed, or has a change of schedule, due to the weather or any other problem. Sign up to receive an instant alert by clicking on the “Join our mailing McKean Stark County Counselor Of The Year list” anywhere on the site. You can also request to receive The Stark County Counsel- lies. He spends his day in impact during their times of information, news and updates from the district as well as or’s Association and Sylvan a multitude of roles as he personal crisis. His kindness your individual student’s schools. Please be sure to sign up Learning Center of Stark supports students indi- and sense of humor perme- to receive information from your student’s new school. County selected Plain Local vidually and in small groups, ates everything he does. School’s Tim McKean as the helping them make wise McKean’s respect for oth- Counselor of the Year for his choices and become Kids of ers and compassion makes dedication to students and Character. He leads the KTO him an amazing role model school counseling. (Kid Teacher Organization) for students. In addition, he McKean was recognized and the many community is active in the community, and honored at a luncheon projects they support each recently facilitating classes at Kent State Univer- year. As leader of both KTO for young men titled Boy-olo- sity - Stark Campus. He and Safety Patrol, McKean gy at Aultman Hospital. This is a valued member of the guides students to become course provides a compre- team at both Barr and responsible leaders in their hensive overview of the bodily Frazer Elementary and is school community. McKean changes and emotional ups loved and respected by is well known by families for and downs that accompany students, staff and fami- his compassion and positive early adolescence. Nickerson Receives National Recognition PlainPlain Middlebranch Elementary of her husband Brad, the work on Pinterest,” Kimberly School 3rd grade teacher, building principal, Michael Borzyn OEA Representative Amanda Nickerson, received Milford, the Plain Local ad- said amid applause from staff PaperTM a surprise visit from the ministration team, and the and students. “But it’s also Paper National Education Associa- local association president, a token for your dedication Plain Paper is published by Plain Local Schools. It is distributed tion located in Washington David Frederick, Nickerson to your students, and for the free of charge to community residents, businesses and Plain Local staff. The purpose of Plain Paper is to provide our readers informa- DC. Nickerson was one of only was unaware that she was sharing of these great ideas tion about life and learning in the Greater Plain Township commu- five teachers in the nation the selected educator from with all of your colleagues.” nity. It is not intended to be a public forum. recognized during teacher ap- Ohio. Among those items were Editor: Karen Vrabec, Plain Local Communications Coordinator preciation day for her excel- “On behalf of the NEA and books and silly string for her Plain Paper ~ Plain Local Schools 901 44th Street NW, Canton, Ohio 44709 lent practices in education. OEA, we are presenting you classroom and even a watch Office: 330-492-3500 • Fax: 330-493-5542 NEA leveraged the Pinter- with this token of appre- and necklace that Nickerson Questions or comments regarding Plain Paper can be emailed to est phenomenon to create ciation for your outstanding had admired online. 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