Eighth grader Abram (Bram Podoll) and senior Lucianna (Luci) Ross are Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ recipients of this year’s Humanitarian Awards from the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio. Recipients are nominated by their respective school administrators for demonstrating leadership, performing community service, and exhibiting strength of character.
“Bram Podoll is a compassionate and thoughtful student, truly a young humanitarian in every sense of the word. His quiet leadership and sincere compassion have had a lasting impact on our school community,” wrote Cuyahoga Heights High School/Middle School Principal Scott DeTray in nominating Podoll for this year’s award. DeTray noted that Podoll consistently demonstrates kindness, patience, and empathy in his interactions with others. “Whether offering a word of encouragement, assisting a peer without being asked, or simply showing up with a smile, Bram makes others feel seen, supported, and valued.”
DeTray acknowledged Podoll’s ability to recognize when someone needs a friend or a helping hand, often stepping in before anyone else even notices. “His actions are never about recognition; they are rooted in a genuine desire to make life better for those around him. His kindness is consistent and contagious, inspiring others to follow his example,” he noted. Podoll was presented his award at Cuyahoga Heights Middle School’s Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony on June 5.
Regarding graduating senior Luci Ross, she was singled out for consistently demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of those around her, regularly placing the needs of others before her own. She frequently goes out of her way to show genuine kindness and compassion – not just to her peers, but to her teachers as well. According to her social studies teacher Martin Kosovich, “Luci has been my go-to student to help develop new talent in Model United Nations two years in a row. She has done it with grace and maturity helping underclassmen thrive at the conference, all while her friends were in other groups.”
DeTray attested to Ross’s thoughtful nature and quiet leadership. “Luci's empathy and willingness to uplift others reflect a deeply rooted sense of humanity. Her actions throughout her time at Cuyahoga Heights embody the values of respect, humility, and service.” Ross was presented her award at Senior Awards Night on May 27
The Humanitarian Award is presented to one student from each middle and high school in the Cuyahoga Heights, Independence, and Richmond Heights Local Schools. Recipients receive a personalized plaque, and a starfish pin, bookmark to symbolize the impact one person can make in life. In addition, Podell was awarded $500 and Ross was awarded $1,000.
Photo: Dr. Christine Krol, president of the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio Governing Board, presents the Humanitarian Award to Bram Podoll (left) and Luci Ross (right).