Dec. 15, 2017 -- On Wednesday, December 6, Reaching Heights held its Annual Meeting and recognized caring community members and local businesses for extraordinary service to the CH-UH Schools.

Geizel Canady-Ashford is 2017 recipient of a Friend of Public Education award. She is the parent of a 2017 Heights High graduate, an active school volunteer and a member of the custodial staff at Heights High.

 

 

 

She has served as a tutor to many students, was a PTA member at Noble Elementary and Monticello Middle, and PTA Vice–President at Heights High.

 

She has been an active volunteer and Heights High Tour Chaperone with the Band and Orchestra Parents Organization (BOPO) and the Vocal Arts Parents Organization (VAPO). And last year she was named "Team Mom" by the Heights High Lady Tigers Tennis Team. Mrs. Canady-Ashford attended every practice and all home and away matches with snacks, blankets, and encouraging words for the past 4 years.

“It was clear from the comments shared by former Heights High Tennis Coach, Nicole Miller and her acceptance speech that Mrs. Canady Ashford is a humble and optimistic person who is a lifelong learner and teacher,” said Reaching Heights Executive Director Krista Hawthorne. “Helping others is a natural part of each of her days.”

Chuck Lamb, Product Specialist at Motorcars Honda in Cleveland Heights, was also named a Reaching Heights Friend of Public Education.

 

 

 

He served as an unpaid Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach for the Heights High Men's Basketball Team from 1979 to 2017 -- 38 years! 

 

He also supported CH-UH Schools' Operating Levies by assisting the Heights basketball players canvass neighborhoods with levy literature.  His employer, Motorcars Honda, provided vans to transport the athletes and Chuck Lamb helped the young men discuss the Heights Schools with homeowners. Coach Lamb was proud to say that both levies that he and his players supported were successful.

The Motorcars Group owner, Chuck Gile, accepted the award for Reaching Heights Outstanding Community Partner.  Motorcars was recognized for employing Heights students and graduates and for encouraging employees to volunteer time and resources to support Heights sports teams and levy campaigns. The Motorcars Group made a large donation to rebuilding the Lady Tigers Softball Field in 2013 and regularly donates to many student groups with sponsorship ads in event programs and raffle prizes for fundraisers.

The meeting began with Ms. Hawthorne’s  presentation about Reaching Heights accomplishments in 2017. Board Treasurer, Darrin Gamble, was thanked for serving for 3 years as a “financial guru” for Reaching Heights.

Next, the Reaching Heights Board of Directors voted to accept board candidates Ditte Wolin, Tiera Briggs, Lance Godard, and Kim Skillern-Samuels as new board members.

“We thank our Friends of Public Education and our Outstanding Community Partner for their contributions to embracing our shared responsibility for the successful education of all students attending our public schools,” said Ms. Hawthorne.

The event was held in the Platinum Lounge of Motorcars Honda in Cleveland Heights.

Each year the Reaching Heights Annual Meeting welcomes members and the community to hear a review of the year’s highlights, to thank outgoing board members, to welcome new board members, and to recognize Friends of Public Education.

Reaching Heights is a local, non-profit that connects the community to the Heights public schools with information, programs, and events that enrich students and support teachers. Connect, support, or volunteer by contacting Reaching Heights at reachingheights.org, 216-932-5110 or writing to Reaching Heights via email to [email protected] or 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118.