Apr. 21, 2023 -- 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. A new award, Rookie of the Year, has also been added. The Rookie of the Year is an employee who is new to their building and/or role and is already making a great impact.
These honorees were chosen by their school colleagues for demonstrating excellence in their efforts to educate and support our community’s students.
2022-2023 Teachers of the Year:
Boulevard Elementary - Karla Morson, Third Grade Teacher
Canterbury Elementary - Lisa Stewart, Kindergarten Teacher
Fairfax Elementary - Dana Bogus, First Grade Teacher
Gearity Elementary - Angela Hoang, Second Grade Teacher
Noble Elementary - Patricia Smith, Intervention Specialist
Oxford Elementary - Rebecca McCalligan, Intervention Specialist
Roxboro Elementary - Jennifer Thomas, Fifth Grade Teacher
Monticello Middle - Dr. Sally Mascia, Sixth Grade Math Teacher
Roxboro Middle - Rachel Kelly, Eighth Grade ELA Teacher
Heights High School - Karen Hansen, Dean of Students
Delisle Options Center - David Nobles, Physical Education/Health Teacher
Board of Education - Karen Heinsbergen, Instructional Specialist
2022-2023 Helping Hands of the Year:
Boulevard Elementary - Tamelita Williams-Harris, Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Canterbury Elementary - Brenda Gadowski, Administrative Assistant
Fairfax Elementary - Keiarra Nelson, Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Gearity Elementary - Sandra Grooms, Special Education Paraprofessional
Noble Elementary - Freddie Crawford, Head Custodian
Oxford Elementary - Quinzetta Ellis, Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Roxboro Elementary - Kimberly Bryant-Woods, ALC Ancillary
Monticello Middle - Lakesha Taylor, Special Education Paraprofessional
Roxboro Middle - Taylor Myers, Administrative Assistant
Heights High School - Kim Sudduth, CTE Administrative Assistant
Delisle Options Center - Edward Stair, Assistant Custodian
Board of Education - Yvonne Brown, Cleaner
2022-2023 Rookies of the Year:
Boulevard Elementary - Kate Regas, Intervention Specialist
Canterbury Elementary - Carly Zelko, First Grade Teacher
Fairfax Elementary - Lauren Houk, ELA/Math Support
Gearity Elementary - Jacob Mostyn, Fifth Grade Teacher
Noble Elementary - Pamela Ohlinger, School Counselor
Oxford Elementary - Caitlyn Klesta, Fourth Grade Teacher
Roxboro Elementary - Theresa Butler-Loney, General Office
Monticello Middle - Megan Osborne, School Social Worker
Roxboro Middle - Joseph Milton, Building Substitute
Heights High School - Tory Wenson, English Teacher
Delisle Options Center - Taylor Smith, Information Technology Administrative Assistant
Board of Education (tie) - Dr. LaShonda Abdussatar, Director of SEL and Academic Supports
Board of Education (tie) - Mary Pigott, Information Technology Application Specialist
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, the four finalists for District Helping Hand of the Year, and the four finalists for District Rookie of the Year. These finalists will then move on to a panel interview.
The overall District Teacher of the Year, Helping Hand of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Administrator of the Year will be announced at the Staff Awards Ceremony on June 1. CH-UH will also honor retirees, tenured teachers, and staff who presented at state or national conferences this past school year.
Congratulations to the awardees!