Cuyahoga Falls Board honors Top Tigers and staff Shining Star; intervention specialist Diane Clements recognized

The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education used part of its Jan. 22 meeting to recognize students and staff, honoring top student achievers and naming Richardson Elementary intervention specialist Diane Clements as the district—amily's January Staff Shining Star.

The Top Tiger program selects a student from each building monthly; students receive certificates and community-sponsored perks, and the district foundation supports related activities. Superintendent Dr. Selico explained the award in front of families and students: "The Top Tiger is an award given by our Board of Education, who you just heard so much about, to students from each building each month," she said.

Diane Clements, a 23-year educator in Cuyahoga Falls, was recognized for two decades of service and leadership as an intervention specialist and mentor. In brief remarks she said, "I've been an educator here in Cuyah Falls for 23 years... I'm very proud to be a Black Tiger and, proud to live in this community of Cuyah Falls." Colleagues cited her individualized instruction, mentorship and work on building and district leadership teams.

Why it matters: The recognitions are an annual part of board meetings that showcase classroom work, community partnerships and volunteer support. The Cuyahoga Falls Schools Foundation and local sponsors provide scholarships and event support, the foundation's vice president said; the group reported awarding more than $150,000 in scholarships annually over its history.

Next steps: The board said it will present a second round of appreciation items at the next meeting when students who were out for inclement weather are available to participate.