April 24, 2007
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS , OH – For the third straight year, the CH-UH City School District will have a representative at the Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted hosted by Ohio State University. Cleveland Heights High School junior in the Mosaic Experience Small School Sarah Dion was honored this year for acceptance into the August program.

The competitive application process considers gifted, Ohio eleventh-grade students who demonstrate high levels of leadership, intellectual curiosity, academic and/or artistic ability, and commitment to social responsibility. The school is limited to no more than 70 participants.

“This is an exceptional honor for Sarah and showcases our focus on providing students with a rigorous and meaningful curriculum,” Heights High Administrative Principal Darcel Williams said. “The fact that we are being represented for the third straight year at such an esteemed program acknowledges the effectiveness of our enrichment opportunities.”

Heights High Gifted/Enrichment Program Specialist Joel Gulko is excited about the recognition.

“What a testament to our students and their commitment to exploring their talents, and engaging with others from across the state,” Gulko said.

This is the District’s third year in a row to boast a selected student. In 2006 Taylor Bernard, a student in the P.R.I.D.E. School, was selected and in 2005 Mark Wright was selected.

In 2005, the CH-UH District was the only recipient in Ohio to receive the Promising Practice School District Award from the Ohio Association for Gifted Children. CH-UH is one of the only districts in the State of Ohio to provide gifted specialists in each building, including a counselor at the high school to assist with post secondary enrollment options and college placements.