Two students and a teacher from the Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools were among those who received the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio’s 46th Annual Excellence in Education Awards on May 16. The awards celebrate students with special needs, their peers, and educators who go the extra mile. The event, which is planned by the State Support Team Region 3, was held this year at Corporate College East in Warrensville Heights.
Outstanding Educator Achievement Award
Cuyahoga Heights Schools Intervention Specialist Beth Pavic received the Outstanding Educator Achievement Award. This award honors educators who are the exemplars in designing instructional strategies and programs
“For the past 10 years, Beth Pavic has been a pillar of excellence in education at Cuyahoga Heights Schools,” said Assistant Superintendent George Burich. He described Pavic as a dedicated teacher and department chair who has ensured a 100% graduation rate for students with disabilities and provided relentless support beyond the classroom. Her compassion, high expectations, and problem-solving mindset have created lasting impacts on students, families, and colleagues alike. Through meaningful relationships, creative programming, and a commitment to inclusive education, Pavic has eliminated barriers and paved pathways to success for countless students. “As she retires this year, her legacy of advocacy, excellence, and student-centered teaching will leave a lasting imprint on the entire school community,” Burich remarked.
Outstanding Student Achievement Award
Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) senior Salvatore Grissman received the Outstanding Student Achievement Award. This award acknowledges achievements of school-age children and youth with special needs in Northeast Ohio. Grissman was acknowledged for his efforts to radiate positivity and joy while inspiring everyone he encounters. Throughout his academic career at CHHS, he has built meaningful connections across the community, evidenced by countless warm greetings in the hallways. His remarkable kindness, observation skills, and willingness to help others are complemented by his achievements as an athlete on the football and basketball teams. “What truly distinguishes Sal is his unwavering positive approach to life, a powerful reminder that optimism and perseverance can overcome any challenge,” Burich noted “As he prepares for graduation, Sal leaves a legacy of genuine compassion, athletic dedication, and infectious joy that has transformed the school culture and touched countless lives.”
Outstanding Peer Achievement Award
Third grader Angela Al Hachach is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Peer Award. This award recognizes students without exceptionalities who have established positive relationships with students with exceptionalities, assisted them, and otherwise served as exemplary role models for them. Al Hachach demonstrates extraordinary empathy and initiative in creating inclusive environments for all of her peers. When she identified that a classmate with an exceptionality struggled with communication on the bus, Al Hachach independently sought sign language resources from the library and became an advocate for her peer's needs. ”Her actions demonstrate remarkable awareness, problem-solving skills, and compassion beyond her years. Angela's leadership inspires students and educators, showing how young people can transform challenges into opportunities for connection and growth,” Burich noted. “Her consistent pattern of kindness and advocacy, noted by multiple educators, makes her deserving of recognition.”
Picture #1: Intervention Specialist Beth Pavic
Picture #2: Left to right: George Burich, Assistant Superintendent, Sal's mother Dena Grissman, Sal, his father, Robert Grisman, and Superintendent Matt Young.
Picture #3: Angela with her parents Mira Jreije and Wajih Al Hachach flanked by Superintendent Matt Young (left), Principal Joel Melvin (center) and George Burich, Assistant Superintendent (right).
