The Cuyahoga Heights Board of Education's first regular meeting of the year provided an occasion to recognize students of the Month for January 2026. These include two students in one grade level from Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School (CHES), three students from Cuyahoga Heights Middle School (CHMS), and four students from Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS). Board members presented each student with a certificate.
Recognized from CHES were the following:
Deklon Metzgar – Grade 3
Deklon’s gentle kindness and steady work ethic shine quietly but powerfully,” remarked one of his teachers. “Though he is reserved and prefers to go with the flow, his actions speak volumes. He is consistently respectful, helpful, and dependable. In both his academics and his interactions with others, he embodies the CHES motto: Caring, Honest, Engaged, and Safe. His calm presence, thoughtful choices, and commitment to doing his best make him a truly deserving Student of the Month recipient.
Clara Sheppard – Grade 3
Clara is an amazing third-grade Wolf Pup who embodies the CHES motto: Caring, Honest, Engaged, and Safe. She is hardworking and extremely diligent in her work. She is not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. She is a friend to all and makes sure that every student feels heard. Clara is also an advocate for those who haven't quite learned to use their voice.
Recognized from CHMS were the following:
Cataleya Taylor -- Gade 6
Cataleya is always prepared for class and demonstrates respect daily. Her desire for academic excellence is evident in how she prepares and in the strong work ethic she displays in all of her classes. “We are very proud of all she has accomplished thus far and look forward to her future achievements,” remarked one of her teachers.
Kevin Gamble – Grade 7
Kevin shows resilience every day through his consistent hard work and determination. He always completes his homework, treats peers and staff with kindness and respect, and maintains a positive attitude. He quietly does what is expected of him and continually leads by example. His steady commitment and strong character make him a wonderful role model for others.
Eloise Streitman – Grade 8
Eloise is an exceptional 8th grader with a hardworking attitude and a positive spirit. She consistently approaches every task with determination and care, always striving to do her best. Her cooperative nature makes her a wonderful classmate, as she works easily with others and contributes thoughtfully to group activities. Friendly and pleasant, Eloise brightens the classroom with her kindness, and she is always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Her dedication and supportive attitude make her a valued member of the CHMS school community.
Recognized from CHHS were the following:
Abram Podoll – Grade 9
Abram (Bram) is the ideal candidate for the student of the month. He is hard-working, bright, multi-talented, and a team player. “In class he is attentive, studious and often participates in class with thoughtful and deep insights into the material,” remarked one of his teachers. Additionally, Bram participates in Mock Trial and has already tried out the attorney role and has now stepped into the witness role to best support his team. He is also well-rounded (sports, music, academics), a great conversationalist, and an engaged, enthusiastic learner.
Avram Friedt – Grade 10
Avram (Avi) is an outstanding student and classmate. He is often positive, affable, and always willing to help out his peers. He is an academic all-star in Advanced Placement (AP) history classes. Additionally, he is fully committed to the extra-curriculars he is
part of, including in Model United Nations and in Mock Trial, where he has already put in considerable work this season.
Breanna Dougan – Grade 11
A kind and affable individual, Breanna (Bre) is also driven and hard-working in class and will help out her peers. In addition, she shines in competitions and recently achieved her first Outstanding Witness Award at the Kent State University Mock Trial’s Black Squirrel invitational earlier this school year.
Anthony Kondash – Grade 12
Anthony has the charisma and charm to light up a room as well as the drive and
intelligence to succeed in whatever path he chooses. “I was fortunate to have had him in class two years in a row in Honors World History and AP European History courses, where he excelled,” said one of his teachers. “It has been great to see him grow from a freshman to a confident student in the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center’s HVAC program.”