Alliance High School (AHS) recognized the top ten percent of the 2023 graduating class on Wednesday, May 3 during the annual celebration hosted at the University of Mount Union.
\r\nA total of 22 students were recognized for their academic achievements along with their honored educator, a teacher or staff member who has made a significant impact on the student during their time in school.
\r\nMount Union President, Greg King, welcomed the students and families to campus and congratulated them on their academic achievements.
\r\nEach year, a guest speaker is recognized during the celebration and offers the soon-to-be graduates advice and shares their story of success. This year’s speaker was David Zadigian.
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Zadigian graduated from AHS in 2007 and went on to earn his Bachelors degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 2011.
\r\nHe began his engineering career at Dow Corning as a start-up engineer. Two years later, he began working at Phillips 66 as an operations process engineer and in production planning. In 2022, Zadigian began working for Dow Chemical as an improvement manager.
\r\nHe has served his community in several roles: as a mentor for the Tulane chapter of Engineers without borders, as a church youth group leader and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
\r\nServing others is one of Zadigian’s passions and something he encourages all students to do.
\r\n“The most valuable thing you can do in your life is to serve and help others,” Zadigian said. “That can show itself in many ways. As you choose your career, pick something that will help others and the community.”
Kristy Woodford, principal of AHS, acted as the master of ceremonies for the evening. She introduced each scholar and asked them to read a statement they had prepared about their honored educator.
\r\nJulia Aldea will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study nursing. Her honored educator is Samantha Podlogar, a science teacher at AHS.
\r\nMason Armstead will be attending Kent State University to pursue an architectural major. His honored educator is Chris Shively, a history teacher at AHS.
\r\nOliva Bertolini will be attending The Ohio State University to study nursing. Her honored educator is Samantha Podlogar, a science teacher at AHS.
\r\nKaitlyn Bondoni will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study mechanical engineering. Her honored educator is Amy Latsch, a math teacher at AHS.
\r\nHaely Ellsworth will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study criminal justice. Her honored educator is Steve Cabassa, an art teacher at AHS and girls tennis coach.
\r\nIsabella Guappone will be attending The Ohio State University to study actuarial science. Her honored educator is Allison Morrison, a school counselor at AHS.
\r\nMegan Hippely will be attending Hiram College to study elementary education and play softball. Her honored educator is Troy Grisez, a teacher and softball coach at AHS.
\r\nRylee Horning will be attending Cedarville University to study early childhood education. Her honored educator is Allison Morrison, a school counselor at AHS.
\r\nTamra Jackson will be attending the University of Akron to study psychology. Her honored educator is Chris Schillig, an English teacher at AHS.
\r\nZachary Kinser will be attending Walsh University to study visual communication design and participate in the Walsh band. His honored educator is Robb Quicci, the interactive media teacher at AHS.
\r\nMacKenzie Kuntzman will be attending the University of Mount Union as Investment Alliance Scholar to study psychology. Her honored educator is Allison Morrison, a school counselor at AHS.
\r\nPayten Mathes will be attending school following graduation to pursue a degree in nursing. Her honored educator is Chris Schillig, an English teacher at AHS.
\r\nCameryn Mullaly will be attending Mercyhurst University to study forensic science and play softball. Her honored educator is Susan Bucheit.
\r\nTabbie Poindexter will be attending Cedarville University to study political science. Her honored educator is Amber Patti, a school counselor at AHS.
\r\nEmma Reese will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study exercise science and play softball. Her honored educator is Stephanie McKnight, the sports medicine teacher at AHS.
\r\nRamsey Reith will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study sports business and integrated media. His honored educator is Robb Quicci, the interactive media teacher at AHS.
\r\nBridgette Runion will be attending Kent State University to study early childhood education. Her honored educator is Karlin Morgan, a kindergarten teacher at Alliance Early Learning School.
\r\nJordan Schwartz will be attending Harvard University to study political science. His honored educator is Bob Duncan, his speech and debate coach and a teacher at Alliance Elementary School.
\r\nAbiegail Thomas will be attending the University of Mount Union as an investment Alliance Scholar to study biochemistry. Her honored educator is Kim Woodruff, the premedical professions teacher at AHS.
\r\nKelly Wang will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study nursing. Her honored educator is Steve Cabassa, an art teacher and girls tennis coach at AHS.
\r\nGracie Weaver will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to study Spanish. Her honored educator is Billy Sheak, a band and music teacher at Alliance City Schools.
\r\nBrianna Yoder was unfortunately unable to attend the celebration.
\r\nThe top ten percent event is organized each year by the Alliance Academic Recognition Committee and the John and Roene A. Klusch Foundation.