June 23, 2022 -- CH-UH students and educators were honored at the
2022 Juneteenth Awards Celebration presented by the Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators. Winners from local school districts were formally recognized and celebrated during the event ceremony which took place at the Cultural Gardens. Congresswoman Shontel Brown delivered the keynote speech.
Read below to see the CH-UH winners in each category and the testimonies submitted with the nominations.
Cast Down Your Bucket Award WinnerThe Cast Down Your Bucket award goes to students who excel in their chosen trade.
Criteria: Demonstrate high skill abilities in trade skill.
Mosijah Roye, 11th GraderThis scholar has demonstrated exceptional abilities in the art of photography and is currently working on an independent photography project.
Drum Major for Justice WinnerThe Drum Major for Justice award recognizes social justice and community involvement.
Criteria: Demonstrate great acts of service and/or social change in their community.
Taylor Evans, 11th Grader
Taylor Evans is the epitome of an excellent high school student! She makes academics a priority, and she is involved in the following: National Honor Society, AVID, MSAN, Gospel Choir, East Asian Club, and the cheerleading team. Taylor has served on many District-level committees to represent students and is often invited to serve as the student speaker during Board meetings and community events.
Talented Tenth Award Winners
The Talented Tenth award is given to students with high achievement in academics.
Criteria: 3.8 or above GPA and 90% attendance.
Jerry Cisse’, 12th Grader
Jerry is goal driven, focused and displays a positive demeanor every day. In all four years of high school, I have observed that he is always on time and present. He advocates for himself and he has created a reputation of resiliency in his quest for learning.
Nadiah Culp, 11th Grader
Nadiah is a kind student with a 4.473 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Ahmya Diggins, 11th Grader
Despite being affected by obstacles of COVID, this student has persevered and persisted in academic achievement earning high academic honors.
Alahna Gainer, 10th Grader
Alahna Gainer is a straight A student! She is talented, caring, dedicated, and focused in her pursuits. She is an active participant in MSAN, AVID, and the National Honor Society. She has a keen interest in and talent for inquiry and social justice. Her cheerful nature and openness to feedback means she's always learning and growing as a learner, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well in college and beyond.
Cameron Goines, 11th Grader
Cameron currently has a 4.575 GPA and ranks as number 8 in his class of 380 students. He is an active member of the National Honor Society and is an all around great student and awesome young man.
Jordan Glover-Williams, 11th Grader
Jordan has achieved high academic honors, has a 4.333 GPA, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Logan Yvonne Williams, 11th Grader
Logan is a great student, has a 4.055 GPA, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Black Men Teach in CLE Award Winners
The Black Men Teach in CLE award recognizes African American, male educators.
Criteria: (a) promote students’ voices; (b) is helpful to and takes a personal interest in students; (c) uses creative or innovative instructional techniques; (d) is receptive to students’ viewpoints and ideas; (e) relates his field to other disciplines; (f) knowledge and use of effective, active, and engaging pedagogy.
Nathan Williams, Social Studies Teacher and MSAN Advisor
Nate goes over and beyond in and outside the classroom. Nate is accessible, enthusiastic and caring. He is the only Black male core teacher at Heights High and we have to turn students away from his classes that always exceed capacity. In his African-American History classes, he teaches identity, culture, oppression, and cultural competency in the most creative ways. In his Government classes, he equips students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become informed. He leads the MSAN organization, and goes above and beyond to help students and staff.
Desi Stewart, Dean of Students
Mr. Stewart has taught for 15 years in the CH-UH school district. He presently serves as the Dean of Students at Monticello Middle School and teaches two leadership classes daily. Mr. Stewart was named the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. He takes interest in all students and interacts with special needs students in such a way that they feel seen and important. He coaches track at Heights High and makes time for his family and himself. He is a great role model.
Michael Murray, Guidance Counselor and Ski Club Advisor
Mike has a combination of leadership traits that make him an effective counselor. He listens and offers empathy to students in order to build relationships. He also performs assessments, leads parent meetings, and coordinates educational activities and efforts consistently. The students trust him and know that he wants the best for them.
