March 8, 2019 -- The Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District is committed to recognizing staff members who go above and beyond to “Create a Culture of Excellence” in our schools.
The district is once again honoring a Teacher of the Year and Helping Hand of the Year at each of its schools. These honorees were chosen by their school colleagues for demonstrating excellence in their efforts to educate and support our community’s students.
2018-2019 Teachers of the Year:Boulevard Elementary - Joi Mahoney-Curry, Title 1 Lead Teacher
Canterbury Elementary - Judith Khalfoun, 4th Grade Teacher
Fairfax Elementary - Stephanie Petty, 4th Grade Teacher
Gearity Elementary - Heather Higham, School Counselor
Noble Elementary - Karlene Sa'ad, Instructional Coach
Oxford Elementary - Alexia Boyles, 3rd Grade Teacher
Roxboro Elementary - Sheri Fried, Art Teacher
Monticello at Heights Middle School - Felicita Sanchez, Science Teacher
Roxboro at Heights Middle School - Amy Statler, Technology/PLTW Teacher
Heights High School - Olivia Fatica, Spanish Teacher
Delisle Options Center - Denise Thompson, English Teacher
Board of Education - Fred Thomas, Instructional Specialist - Math
The late Fred Thomas is being recognized posthumously as the central office’s Teacher of the Year for his work in our district over the course of his career in education. The district will give special recognition to Mr. Thomas at the awards banquet.
2018-2019 Helping Hands of the Year:
Boulevard Elementary - Cynthia Foster, Special Education Aide/Food Services
Canterbury Elementary - Melanee Anderson, Special Education Aide
Fairfax Elementary - Melissa Wymer, General Office - Attendance
Gearity Elementary - Anthony McNeal Jr., ALC Ancillary
Noble Elementary - Carol Holmes, Food Services - Assistant Cook
Oxford Elementary - Quinzetta Ellis, Kindergarten Aide
Roxboro Elementary - Linda Steffancin, Administrative Assistant
Monticello at Heights Middle School - Angela Cerne, Special Education Aide
Roxboro at Heights Middle School - Deborah McCollum, Administrative Assistant
Heights High School - LaJuana Smith, Administrative Assistant - CTE
Delisle Options Center - Miles Arnold, Head Custodian
Board of Education - Vivian Gatta, Staff Assistant - Communications
The honorees were selected by colleagues at their respective buildings. CH-UH staff will vote to determine the four finalists for District Teacher of the Year and the four finalists for District Helping Hand of the Year. These finalists will then move on to a panel interview.
The honorees will be recognized at the second annual CH-UH Staff Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 30. The overall District Teacher of the Year, Helping Hand of the Year, and Administrator of the Year will be announced at the awards banquet. CH-UH will also honor retirees and hand out Tiger Nation Awards to staff who presented at state or national conferences this past school year.