Winter finally came to Ohio in January, but these students and teachers didn’t let cold weather slow them down! Check out our January Partners in Education Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month.
Our first Academic All Star is
Clayten Blair. Clayten is in the second grade at Hamilton Elementary School. He is described as “a respectful, caring young man”. Mrs. Gibson, who nominated Clayten, notes that he is always considerate of other students and staff. She says, “He has the best manners of any second-grade student I’ve had. His respectful attitude wears off on those around him making our classroom a better place to be every day!”
Our next Academic All Star is
Sam Early. Sam is a Junior at East Palestine High School. He is described as a “great young man who committed to the arts and his academics”. Sam is a merit roll student with good attendance and behavior. He is very involved in East Palestine High School’s drama department as well as the Youngstown Playhouse Theatre and Pierce Opera House.
Katelyn Thomas is our next Academic All Star. Katelyn is in the seventh grade at Edison Middle School. Nominator, Mrs. Blend, says, “Katelyn demonstrates excellent academic habits in the classroom.” She is described as a positive role model and hard worker. Katelyn is a member of student council, the volleyball team, and the ski club. She is also very active in her community; she volunteers to serve dinners to those in need.
Our next Academic All Star is
Austin Haacke. Austin is in the eleventh grade at Langsford Learning Center. He is described as respectful and a role model for the younger students. Teachers say, “We are proud of all he has accomplished and […] we encourage him to keep setting goals and working hard to achieve them.”
Kaitlyn Holop is our fifth Academic All Star. Kaitlyn is in the eleventh grade at Brunswick High School. She is very active in her school and community. She is a member of the varsity tennis team, the high school choir, and a hip-hop dance group. She is a tutor and volunteers at the library. Kaitlyn is a leader on the tennis team and is very committed to her sport.

Our first Teacher of the Month is
Deborah Madsen. Ms. Madsen teaches tenth grade English along with ACT Prep for all grades at East Palestine High School. In the evenings, Ms. Madsen also teaches a college course at Kent State University. Fellow teachers say this about Ms. Madsen: “Her dedication to supporting students is commendable. She gives her time freely to assist students with their academics and future goals. Ms. Madsen enjoys helping all students find their strengths to better themselves.”
Our second Teacher of the Month is
Rebecca Telischak. Mrs. Telischak teaches twelfth grade English at Mentor High School. Mr. Adam Dudziak nominated Mrs. Telischak “because she exemplifies what it means to advocate for students at all times”. She is very actively involved inside and outside of the classroom, and she is described as an effective and outstanding teacher. Mr. Dudziak says, “I know for a fact she is changing the lives of every student she encounters, and our students regularly confirm this.”
Jamie Windle is our next Teacher of the Month. Ms. Windle teaches third grade at Hamilton Elementary School. She is described as a team player and an asset to her school. Fellow third grade teacher, Mrs. Starkey, says, “She is always on board to do what is best for the students. She is positive and helps create a warm and friendly culture in our building. She is huge part of the Special Events committee and gives her time without ever needing recognition.”

Our next Teacher of the Month is
Joseph Yuska. Mr. Yuska teaches Biology for grades 9-12 at Strongsville High School. Mr. Yuska is a Science teacher, but Ms. Ann Walz says that he “is willing to step in and help all the students; he has helped with Math, English, and Social Studies”. Mr. Yuska is described as “invaluable” to students and other teachers. “The students don’t hesitate to ask Mr. Yuska for help.”
Congratulations to all of our January Partners in Education recipients! Keep up the amazing work!
You can nominate an outstanding student or teacher for Academic All Star and Teacher of the Month by
Clicking Here. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on the 10
th of every month.