✈ Maria (Sams) McDermitt ✈
Position: School Counselor
School: Alliance High School
Graduation Year: 2018
Years at ACS: 4

Favorite Memory:
"My favorite memories from attending ACS are from my time on the AHS girls tennis team. Whether it be early morning practices, tournament days, or team meals, we always had fun!"

Influential Staff Member:
"One teacher who really made an impact on me was Angela Mann, my AP Psychology teacher. She was always kind, made class fun, and always treated everyone with respect. You could tell she truly cared about her students and loved what she taught. Her positivity and the way she made learning enjoyable stuck with me and made her class one of my favorites."

Choosing to work for ACS:
"I came back to Alliance City Schools because I believe in what this district stands for, supporting every student and helping them reach their potential. I wanted to be part of that mission and make a difference in students’ lives the way my teachers and counselors once did for me."

Importance of giving back:
"I believe it’s important to serve the school and community I was raised in because this is the place that helped shape who I am. Giving back allows me to support students in the same way I was supported. It’s my way of showing gratitude and investing in the community that gave me so much."

Mrs. McDermitt is paying forward the guidance she once received, making a difference for today’s Aviators just as others made a difference for her. 🩵❤️ #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Maria McDermitt
Kris Bugara, City Council At-Large member for Alliance, visited Candace Worrell’s government class recently to talk about local government. Learning how local decisions are made helps students understand how their community works and how they can make a difference.

A big thank you to Councilman Bugara for stopping by! #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Councilman Bugara talking to the students
Councilman Bugara talking to the students
🧤💅 Mittens for Manicures 💅🧤

Donate new winter accessories to the AHS Cosmetology program and earn a free manicure coupon! All items collected will help keep students warm this winter. Let’s spread warmth and kindness this season! ✈ #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
A flyer titled “Mittens for Manicures,” presented by Alliance Senior Cosmetology. At the top is a photo of colorful winter gloves and mittens hanging on a clothesline with clothespins.  The flyer invites people to bring in new gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves to the Cosmetology room in exchange for a free manicure coupon.  Additional details:  Items will be collected throughout the winter months.  Limit: One free manicure per person (not valid at Spa-a-thon or Hair-a-thon).  Mittens will also be available in the lobby for any student who needs them.
❄ Be prepared for the winter weather coming soon! ❄

Check out the link below to find out when a calamity day is called, how you will be notified and more.

🔗 https://www.alliancecityschools.org/page/calamity-day-information

#RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Click the link to learn more about when & how ACS will call a calamity day!
✈ Piper Kirkpatrick ✈

“I'm thankful for the community I've built within the school and the memories I've made with both teachers and students.” ❤️ #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Piper Kirkpatrick
✈ Joey Keleman ✈

“I’m truly thankful to work where I do because of the people, the students, and the culture that make this place special. The staff I work alongside are supportive, hardworking, and genuinely care about one another. The students bring energy, personality, and purpose to every day, and they’re the reason it’s so rewarding to come to work. In addition, the culture within the district fosters teamwork, positivity, and growth, making it feel less like a job and more like a community.” ❤️ #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Joey Keleman
✈ Brinley Mann ✈

“I'm thankful to be an aviator because of the amazing music program at alliance. I am part of choir and band (Jazz, Concert, Marching) and I have so much fun. At Alliance, I feel like I'm part of a community, and that I'm respected and accepted for who I am. I would never not want to be an aviator.” 🩵 #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Brinley Mann
The sophomores had the opportunity last Thursday to tour all the Career Tech programs offered at Alliance High School and Marlington High School! Students interested in joining an CTE program next year should fill out the application as soon as possible. The application can be found on ParentSquare. #RepthatA
about 1 month ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Students touring construction trades
Students touring Auto Tech
Students touring video productions
students touring Culinary Arts
✈ Daniel Priest ✈

"I'm thankful to go to a school with such great staff members and coaches, and such supportive academic programs for those who need academic help. I'm thankful because if I need help, I can count on getting it." 🩵 #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Daniel Priest
✈ Lorraine (West) Shonk ✈
Position: Custodian
School: Alliance High School
Graduation Year: 1982
Years at ACS: 25

Favorite Memory:
"A favorite memory is watching the boys basketball regionals playoffs in 1982."

Influential Staff Member:
"An influential staff member was Virginia Mindy. She loved teaching us, and I enjoyed her class."

Choosing to work for ACS:
"My mother-in-law, Jan, said they needed subs in the cafeteria, so I applied and loved it."

Importance of giving back:
"It is loyalty and community. I love Alliance City Schools."

Her loyalty to ACS and her pride in the community she calls home make Mrs. Shonk a true Aviator at heart. 🩵❤️ #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Lorraine Shonk
Congratulations to Zellie Barnes for committing to play soccer and continue her academic career at Northern Kentucky University! ⚽ We know she will do great things at NKU! #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Zellie signing the document.
Zellie with her parents and siblings
Zellie with her coaches
Zellie with her parents and coaches
Join us in congratulating Bo Davis for officially committing to Youngstown State University to play baseball and continue his academic career! ⚾ We can't wait to see all he will accomplish as a Youngstown State Penguin! 🥳 #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Bo davis with his coaches
Bo davis with his family and coaches
Bo davis signing his letter of intent
Bo Davis with his family
✈ Pam Dentler ✈

"I’m thankful to be an Aviator because this chapter has given me the chance to lead with authenticity, share my strengths, and grow alongside a team that truly values me. I’ve found my home here in Alliance...a place that proves every day that it all was worth the wait and that purpose runs deep. I’m grateful to help shape a culture that every Aviator is proud to rep." 🩵 #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Pam Dentler
The students in the Premedical Professions Career Tech Program helped out at the Blood Drive on Friday! What a great experience for these future medical professionals. #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
students helping at the registration table
Students at the snack table
Students helping
picture of blood drive sign
Honors Biology students from Alliance High School presented to Akron Zoo employees, donors, and other community stakeholders on Friday, Nov. 7. Each group researched a current threat to the health of the Great Lakes and explored ways to mitigate that threat and promote conservation.

Way to go, Aviators! ✈ #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Students presenting at the Akron Zoo
Students presenting at the Akron Zoo
Students presenting at the Akron Zoo
Students presenting at the Akron Zoo
🥫🫘 Food Drive! 🫘🥫

The National Honor Society (NHS) at Alliance High School and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at Alliance Middle School are each hosting a Food Drive from Monday, Nov. 17 through Friday, Nov. 21!

📍 Donation Drop-Off Locations:
• AHS Security Office: 7 am – 2:20 pm
• AMS Main Office: 7:35 am – 2:20 pm

All donations will go directly to the Alliance Community Pantry to support local families. Let’s show how much Aviators care! ✈ #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
food drive
Technical Sergeant Avery Hale of the U.S. Air Force spoke to students and staff at Alliance High School on Friday during the Veterans Day assembly. Technical Sergeant Hale shared about her decision to join the Air Force, the opportunities it provided her, and the positive impact it has had on her life.

At the end of her presentation, Technical Sergeant Hale was presented with a gift created by a couple of senior welders. One of the students who worked on and presented the gift was Collin Mason, who recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He will begin serving his country after graduation this spring. Congratulations, Collin! 🇺🇸

Please join us in thanking Technical Sergeant Hale for her service to our great country, along with all Veterans who have served! ❤️🤍💙 #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Technical Sergeant Hale standing with Senior Collin Mason
Technical Sergeant Hale holding the gift from the welders
Technical Sergeant Hale presenting to the audience
Alliance City Schools recently held the 3rd Annual Futures Fest! ✈ The event is an evening full of career exploration that supports the district’s vision of preparing all Aviators for Life, College, and Careers.

The event featured a job fair with more than 70 vendors, including employers, colleges, and branches of the military. Students, families, and community members were able to stop by to talk with vendors and gather information about future careers, schooling, and opportunities. The evening also included a career fashion show featuring middle school students.

Futures Fest offers activities each year for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. This year, elementary students read about possible careers and filled out activity sheets about what they want to be when they grow up. #RepthatA
about 2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Students talking to an army reserve recruiter
A family talking to the YMCA table
A parent helping her daughter fill out the form about what she wants to be when she grows up
A parent and her son talking a a representative from Mount Union
The November #LikeAGirl meeting is coming up on Nov. 19! 🩷

If your daughter will be attending, please sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/FG2SvcjM63x5XnRY9

#RepthatA
2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
A flyer for the #LikeAGirl program at Alliance High School. The title “#LikeAGirl” is bold at the top with silhouettes of confident young women on each side.  The left section explains that this free program connects elementary and middle school girls with high school female mentors who are leaders in sports, clubs, and academics at Alliance High School (AHS). The goal is to empower younger girls to recognize their potential and build life skills.  The center section lists event details: Date: November 19, 2025 Time: 6–7 p.m. Location: Alliance High School, Room 235 A QR code is included for registration or more information.  The right section describes the evening’s activity: Mr. Quicci will teach participants photography skills, encouraging girls to capture the world through their own eyes. The text reads, “The girls aren’t just in the photos anymore — they’re the ones creating them.”  Contact information for Mrs. McKnight is provided: mcknightst@alliancecityschools.org . The design uses black text on a white background with light pink graphic accents.
The Jetsetters wowed the crowd last night at their sneak peek concert! Help us wish them luck as they head to Ada tomorrow to dance in their first competition of the year! 💃🕺 #RepthatA
2 months ago, Cheyanne Gonzales
Jetsetters dancing on stage
Jetsetters dancing on stage
Jetsetters dancing on stage
Jetsetters dancing on stage