Garfield Heights High honors summa cum laude students at Roses for Teachers ceremony

At an evening Roses for Teachers ceremony at Garfield Heights High School, school officials and counselors honored graduating students who earned summa cum laude distinction and other academic awards.

The event, which school staff said continues a tradition begun by Marlene Remish, recognized students for perfect grade-point averages, scholarship awards and career-education participation. A school official opened the program by thanking parents and noting that “at the center of everything we do are students,” and pointed to the ceremony’s focus on both academic achievement and the teachers who supported the students.

Counselors introduced each recipient and summarized their academic honors, extracurricular activities and post–high school plans. Among the students recognized were Aiden Dukes, who will attend Penn State and earned multiple scholarships including the Kent State Academic Achievement Award and the Governor’s Merit Scholarship; Jessica Giddings, a Cleveland State University scholarship recipient and CVCC sports medicine student who will obtain a NASM certified personal trainer credential; and Brianna Robinson, a recipient of multiple Arizona State University scholarships who will enter an aviation program to train as a pilot. Several students were noted as attending or taking classes at CVCC (the career center) and enrolling in CCP (College Credit Plus) courses to earn college credit while in high school.

Students who presented roses to teachers spoke about the influence of particular educators. One student thanked a math teacher who “was willing to work for you and give you guidance,” while others credited teachers with creating welcoming classroom environments and encouraging leadership and confidence. Counselors and students repeatedly emphasized leadership, work ethic and participation in programs such as National Honor Society, Key Club and vocational programs at CVCC.

The ceremony also listed specific scholarships and awards as stated by presenters: an Empre Bridal Presidential Scholarship of $19,000, a Woman of Excellence scholarship of $5,000 for four years at Arizona State University, a New American University Dean scholarship of $6,700, and a Polytechnic scholarship of about $1,500, among others. Several students were described as graduating with honors diplomas or technical honors diplomas; exact counts of recipients were not specified at the ceremony.

The program concluded with a request to take photographs and with staff and students expressing appreciation for teachers and families. No formal board action or policy decision was part of the event; it was a school recognition ceremony.