The annual Grant-In-Aid scholarships from the Geauga County Retired Teachers Association (GCRTA) for $1,500 were recently awarded to three deserving college students.
Julia Lombardo graduated from Newbury High School and attends the University of Mount Union where she is majoring in Early Childhood Education with grades 4 and 5 endorsement. She currently has a 4.0 GPA. She always wanted to be a teacher and is thrilled her dream is coming true. Her dedication, work ethic, and initiative should make her a significant contributor in the field of education.
Abigail Roessler graduated from Chardon High School and attends Cedarville University where she is majoring in Middle Education with concentrations in Math and Science. She has been on the Dean’s List for the past 4 years. Abigail says teaching is all about the students and she determines individual teaching methods for each one to encourage them to do the best they can. It shows them they can do anything they set their minds to.
Matthew Utz graduated from Cardinal High School and attends Kent State University, majoring in Middle Childhood Education. He has been on the Dean’s List and the President’s List. Matt’s father passed away in April, 2018 making it necessary for him to work part time to help pay for his schooling. Matt hopes to have a profound impact on the students he encounters and says that if he can achieve that, his lifelong goal will be accomplished.
The annual GCRTA Teacher Grants were awarded to 13 teachers in the public schools in Geauga County. The $250 grants are intended to be used to support, in part or in whole, an innovative educational project that would otherwise not be possible because of a lack of school funds. The list of school districts and recipients follows. Information on each project can be found on the GCRTA website.
Berkshire Schools: Harry Hoover, High School Math Teacher; Meghan Hull, Grade 7-12 Technology Integration Specialist; Jim Lester, High School Math Teacher.
Cardinal Schools: Junior High Reading Teacher, Gregg Sadler
Chardon Schools: Kindergarten Teacher Sarah Cudo; High School Teachers Daniel Dinko and Sharon Zdesar; Third Grade Teachers Kelly Moran and Alexandra Wells; First Grade Teacher Candace Remington; Second Grade Teacher Brenda Sobodosh; Primary Elementary Art Teacher Beth Stickley. Kenston Schools: First Grade Teacher Kristine Edwards. Newbury Schools: Elementary Music Teacher Alissa Bodner.
The East Geauga Kiwanis and the Huntsburg Grange are financial sponsors of the programs, and funds for scholarships and grants are raised at every chapter meeting through a 50/50 raffle.
Applicants must be enrolled in the college of education, be student teaching in the current academic year and must have resided in Geauga County or be a graduate of a Geauga County high school. If you are an educational professional with an interest in joining GCRTA, contact Jean Paine, 440-286-4992.
Colleen Lockhart is a lifelong resident of Geauga County. She retired from Geauga County Commissioners, serves on the Department on Aging Executive Board, Geauga Safety Council, Middlefield Chamber of Commerce, Huntsburg Historical Society, Huntsburg Grange #2541 and is a member of Huntsburg Congregational Church.