AHS Top 10%

Alliance High School recognized the top ten percent of the 2022 graduating class on May 4 during the annual celebration hosted at the University of Mount Union.

\r\n

A total of 23 students were recognized for their academic achievements along with their honored educator, a teacher or staff member that has made a significant impact on the student during their time at Alliance City Schools. 

\r\n

Each 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 Scott Rowley. 

\r\n

Rowley graduated from AHS in 2002 and went on to earn his Bachelors of Arts degrees in Biology and Spanish from Capital University in Columbus in 2006. He earned his Master of Science degree in 2009 and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2021 from The Ohio State University. 

\r\n

Since 2010, Rowley has worked as a nurse practitioner at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State. Rowley recently became the Advanced Practice Provider Manager at the James Cancer Hospital. He leads a team of 45 nurse practitioners and physician assistants as they care for and treat cancer patients.

\r\n

Rowley lives in Columbus with his husband, Nathan, and their fur baby, Cholula. They are preparing for the adoption of their first child.

\r\n

During the speech, Rowley told the students that who they are is important to being able to succeed in life.

\r\n

“My sense of identity is singularly the most ground breaking discovery I have made in my life,” Rowley said.

\r\n

He encouraged the students to leave their comfort zone because that was when he learned the most about himself. Leaving for college and being away from his hometown gave him a clean slate and allowed him to be independent and learn more about who he is and who he wanted to be. The discomfort of leaving one's comfort zone can be painful, but it often leads to the most growth.

\r\n

“You’re about to embark on a journey,” Rowley said. “Many people think of high school graduation as a culminating event –as the end of something– and in the sense it is. Please take the time to relish in your success, be proud of your accomplishments, and celebrate with your loved ones. But, please try to remember it’s much less the end of something than the beginning. The word commencement, after all, does mean beginning.”

\r\n

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\n

Shannon Bowman will attend the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar where she plans to major in graphic design. Her honored educator is Julie Krichbaum, a retired Spanish teacher.

\r\n

Patrick Burse will attend the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music where he plans to study music education with a concentration in percussive studies. His honored educator is Carrie Chunat, choir director at AHS.

\r\n

Thomas Butt will attend the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar where he plans to major in exercise science. His honored educator is Shaun Fontaine, the assistant principal at AHS.

\r\n

Jane Cook will attend Otterbein University where she plans to major in creative writing. Her honored educator is Liz Davis, a Spanish teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Alivia Corke plans to pursue an apprenticeship program to be an electrician following graduation. Her honored educator is Chris Shively, a social studies teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Caroline Denny plans to pursue a major in evolutionary biology at an undecided college. Her honored educator is Amy Miller, a science teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Samantha Gotter plans to attend Kent State University to study speech language pathology. Her honored educator is Liz Davis, a Spanish teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Blake Hood plans to attend Walsh University where he will pursue a degree in engineering while playing on the golf team. His honored educator is Joe Richardson, the strength and conditioning teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Jordan Kress plans to attend Coastal Carolina University where she will major in psychology. Her honored educator is Samantha Podlogar, a science teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Hanna Mazzei plans to attend college to major in psychology. Her honored educator is Steve Cabassa, an art teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Misty McMasters will be working full time following graduation. Her honored educator is Kim Woodruff, the premedical professions teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Kiera Miles will be attending Stark State to earn an associates degree before transferring to Kent State University to pursue a degree in fashion design. Her honored educator is Rob Quicci, the interactive media teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Jane Miller will be attending college to pursue a degree in theology/religious studies. Her honored educator is Josh Winner, a science teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Celine Monastra will be attending the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to pursue a major in history. Her honored educator is Skyler McCully, a science teacher at Alliance Middle School.

\r\n

Phoenix Motry plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study environmental science. Their honored educator is Billy Sheak, a music/band teacher at AHS and AMS.

\r\n

Emilee Richmond plans to attend The Ohio State University to study communication design. Her honored educator is Robb Quicci, the interactive media teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Alyssa Risley plans to attend Baldwin Wallace University to major in music industry. Her honored educator is Joss Bowling, the band director.

\r\n

Keagan Serrano plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in criminology. Her honored educator is Brianna Boehlke, a social studies teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Madeline Summers plans to attend the Aultman College of Nursing following graduation. Her honored educator is Steve Cabassa, an art teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Henry Wang will attend The Ohio State University to major in exercise science. His honored educator is Skyler McCully, a science teacher at AMS.

\r\n

Nathaniel Woerther will attend the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar to pursue a degree in physical therapy. His honored educator is Stephanie McKnight, the sports medicine teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Shyanne Yeager plans to attend the University of Akron to study biomedical sciences. Her honored educator is Madeline McClellan, an English teacher at AHS.

\r\n

Cecilia Zucchero will attend the University of Mount Union as an Investment Alliance Scholar. Her honored educator is Chris Schillig, an English teacher at AHS.

\r\n

The top ten percent event is organized each year by the Alliance Academic Recognition Committee and the John and Roene A. Klusch Foundation.