Students Engage in Entrepreneurial Competition
On Feb. 1, Chagrin Falls High School students had the opportunity to create and pitch their own ideas for a unique consumer product in the second annual “Realize U Idea Challenge.” The challenge was held by the Chagrin Falls High School Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative and was supported by the Veale Foundation/Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum.
The Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum aims to enable high school students to recognize their potential by experiencing all areas of entrepreneurship. The forum is a growing network of Northeast Ohio schools that was founded in 2012. It now reaches 7,000 students annually and equips students with essential entrepreneurial skills. Students who participate in the forum gain the ability to recognize business opportunities, think creatively, solve problems, take initiative, persist through failure and communicate effectively. The Forum sponsors annual business and pitch competitions and offers internships and entrepreneurship camps.
The final round of the “Realize U Idea Challenge” was held in the Chagrin Falls Schools’ Innovation Center. Each of the finalists presented his/her idea to a panel of judges for five minutes and took three minutes of questions following the presentations.
”All six final ideas where well thought out and created a tough decision for the four panel of judges,” said Jay Schach, member of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative at Chagrin Falls High School.
Piper Magyaros came in third place with the idea of a golf ball and tee accessory. Second place was Benjamin Winovich with the idea of a power breakfast bar. The first place winner was Mikala Izzo with the idea of luck dog bandanas. Each winner received a cash prize to move their product idea forward.
8th-Graders Inspired by Holocaust Survivor
After completing a unit in literature on the Holocaust, Chagrin Falls Middle School eighth-graders attended a face-to-face program on Feb. 15 at Congregation Shaarey Tikvah in Beachwood. Students were taught about Judaism, tolerance and the Holocaust.
They heard from Holocaust survivor Stanley Bernath, who gave an engaging and powerful personal testimony. Bernath was only 17 years old when he was taken from his home in Romania. He discussed his struggles in the hands of the Nazis in the concentration camp. He was liberated on May 6, 1945.
Bernath’s message to students was clear and relevant. He left students with three things to remember: Believe in yourself; Never ever give up no matter how hard things get; and Nobody is better than you, and you are not better than anyone else. Just different.
“Students found Mr. Bernath’s story to be engaging and memorable,” said teacher Marissa Ausperk. “He truly helped students understand why tolerance is so important in the world.”
“Mr. Bernath inspired students to value one another and taught that what we do or choose not to do matters,”said Principal Laila Discenza.
February Students of the Month
The mission of the Chagrin Falls Middle School Students of the Month is to acknowledge and reward students for exemplary performance. The students depict Tiger techniques: Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort and Responsibility.
Each month, the seventh- and eighth-grade teams collaborate and choose a male and female “Tiger of the Month” and the students receive a special treat from the PTO to take home and share with their family. February’s students of the month are: Maya Sutte, Andrew Nachtwey, Ella Angel and Ethan Baker.
Maya Sutte is a seventh-grader whose positive qualities shine every day. She has an insatiable curiosity and makes outstanding connections with her learning. She is willing to take risks and can notice patterns quickly. She works well in group projects and writes thoughtful written responses. Maya works hard and is a helpful friend to everyone.
Andrew Nachtwey is a seventh-grader with outstanding academic qualities that will serve him well as he grows older. He is not afraid to volunteer in class and is an independent thinker. He speaks his mind and does not shy away from difficult questions. Andrew is always prepared for class and works hard. In the classroom, he is a leader and has helped classmates understand difficult concepts. Outside of the classroom, he is a cellist in the seventh-grade orchestra and comes to rehearsals prepared and with a positive attitude.
Eighth-grader Ella Angel is a conscientious student. She takes her work seriously and always gives her best effort. She is a friendly and respectful student. Ella works hard and is a team player. She constantly works towards a standard of excellence.
Eighth-grader Ethan Baker is a strong student academically and is consistently attentive in class. He is unafraid to tackle tough material. He has been an asset to the class as he is always willing to participate and works in settings for the good of the entire class.
Speech and Debate Showcase
Being a member of the speech and debate team is a valuable asset for any high school student’s college application. But the art of speech and debate can be overlooked as it is not an activity that can often be viewed first hand, especially by parents. Chagrin Falls High School is changing that by offering a night for the community to witness performances by some of the most successful speech and debate team members.
This community night is called “The Showcase,” where the speech and debate team will present some of the year’s best and most entertaining public speaking, debate and oral interpretation pieces. It takes place on March 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chagrin Falls High School Performing Arts Center. The reception and raffle starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the showcase from 7-9 pm.
Tickets are sold at the door, $10 for adults and $5 (suggested) for students. All donations are tax deductible.