Cuyahoga Height High School (CHHS) senior Emilee Sanicky has been named the 2025 Outstanding Student of the Year for the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC). Sanicky was named this year’s recipient at the Senior Recognition program on May 8.
Sanicky recently completed the CVCC’s Health Careers Certified Nursing Assistant Program under the direction of teacher Mike Zana. “She exemplified what it means to be a well-rounded student,” said Zana. “Academically, she has consistently demonstrated excellence, maintaining straight A’s while challenging herself with rigorous coursework.”
Beyond the classroom, Sanicky actively contributed to HOSA, (formerly Health Occupations Students of America), an organization dedicated to advancing the needs of students pursuing professions in the healthcare fields. She was also Class President, a member of the CVCC’s National Technical Honor Society, and CHHS’s National Honor Society and Spanish Club. “She has spearheaded initiatives at both CVCC and CHHS, which have left a lasting impression on both peers and faculty. Her kindness, integrity, and ability to inspire others sets her apart as a true role model,” Zana added.
Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ Superintendent Matt Young noted Sanicky’s exceptional academic achievements, leadership capabilities, and dedication toward making a positive impact within the school community. “Emilee's ability to inspire others while demonstrating kindness and integrity makes her truly deserving of this prestigious recognition,” he stated.
Sanicky recently emerged as a state qualifier to compete at the national HOSA Future Health Professionals Conference June 18-21 in Nashville, Tennessee. The state contest was a rigorous process that included a written exam focusing on the body and its systems as well as patient care and safety. This included nursing assistant roles and responsibilities, anatomy and physiology, infection control and safety, providing and documenting care, and dealing with disabilities and disorders. This was followed by a skills-based competition in which Sanicky had to be ready to perform a variety of essential nursing assisting skills: taking vital signs, making an unoccupied bed, transferring a patient with a disability, providing ostomy care, washing hands, making an occupied bed, admitting a patient, and donning and doffing a full set of PPE (Personalized Protective Equipment).
“It's kind of surreal to know that I am the top high school nursing assistant student in the state,” said Sanicky about her accomplishment. “It's not something that I ever saw myself achieving. Without the support from those around me I really wouldn't have been able to achieve this.”
Sanicky is looking forward to competing in Nashville and is excited at the prospect of meeting new people who share her passion to provide quality healthcare. “Going into a national competition is nerve wracking but I know that if I show what I know and prepare for what is to come, I will give it my best shot.” After graduation she will study nursing at the University of Cincinnati.
