There was a lot to be thankful for in November. Something we are always thankful for is Ohio’s incredible students and teachers. Keep reading for our Partners in Education November Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month.

Our first November Academic All Star is
Ariyka Ball. Aryika is a Senior at Roy C. Start High School. She plays multiple instruments and is involved in Drama Club where she assists with stage set up, painting, lighting, cameras and makeup. Andre Baker, Aryika’s step-father, nominated her and describes her as “independent, socially diverse, and emotionally and mentally strong.”
Tiffany Comberger is our next Academic All Star. Tiffany is a Senior at Eastern High School where she has a 3.9 GPA. She also attends UC Clermont for the CCP Program where she is on the Dean’s List. Tiffany is described as a go-getter. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Senior Class. Tiffany is also known for always lending a helping hand.
Michaela Creager is our next Academic All Star. Michaela is in the fifth grade at Midvale Elementary School. She is described as hardworking, kind, compassionate, respectful, responsible, and inspiring. Teachers admire her “excitement for challenges and how she pushes through even the most difficult concepts without quitting.” Principal Ryan Wells nominated Michaela and said, “She manifests character that inspires others in a positive way; she makes a difference.”

Our next Academic All Star is
Nolan Gast. Nolan is a Senior at Perkins High School. He is described as “an extremely driven student”; he is involved in multiple organizations and sports, works throughout the year, and maintains excellent grades in all of his classes. He plans to pursue a degree in Food Sciences next year. Ashlie Gowitzka is one of Nolan’s teachers and his nominator. She notes that he has taken the most rigorous courses Perkins High School has to offer and takes part in the academic experience program, which affords him the opportunity to get intern/work experience in his field of interest.
Jeremy Jonozzo is a Junior at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School and a November Academic All Star. Jeremy is a straight-A student in Honors and AP classes and a multi-sport athlete. He is a letter winner in both varsity football and basketball, and as a Sophomore he was Honorable Mention All-District in basketball. For years he has volunteered at St. Basil PSR programs as a student teacher helper, Habitat for Humanity, a special needs basketball program called Hoopin Stars, and a community kitchen to help feed the hungry. He also volunteers his time as a football and basketball coach. Laura Jonozzo nominated Jeremy and said, “He remains steadfast and committed to his goal of playing college sports.”
Jocelyn Summer is our next Academic All Star. Jocelyn is in the sixth-grade at Milton Union Middle School. She is known for being responsible, having a great attitude, and being a leader inside and out of the classroom. McKenna Kotwica nominated Jocelyn and said, “Jocelyn is honest and encouraging to her peers. She always turns in her work on time and performs to the best of her ability. She is a pleasure!”

Our last November Academic All Star is
Mackenzie Upp. Mackenzie is a seventh grader at Edison Middle School where, along with her work in the classroom, she is involved in Choir, Band, Junior Model United Nations, Bible Club and Drama Club. She is described as “a model student in every sense of the word.” Meagan Patron nominated Mackenzie and said, “Her focus on being conscientious leads to her success in and out of the classroom. Mackenzie loves to help in any way needed and is the first to volunteer to tutor others or run errands for her teachers. She models good character with her positive attitude and drive to persevere in the face of any challenge.”
Our first November Teacher of the Month is
Jessica Arnold. Jessica teaches Skills for the seventh grade at West Clermont Middle School. Racheal Ritter has a daughter in Jessica’s class and nominated her for Teacher of the Month. Rachael said, “Miss Arnold has gone above and beyond to help my child succeed this year. She has helped advocate for my daughter. She has been, by far, the best teacher my daughter has had in the last 9 years!”
Laurie Dean is our next Teacher of the Month. Laurie teaches eleventh and twelfth grade Cosmetology at Madison Comprehensive High School. She is described as very thoughtful and helpful. Sarah Sesco is one of Laurie’s students and her nominator. Sarah said, “She’s very motherly […] and when one of us students is having a bad day, she talks to us about it and how we can’t let it control us when we’re working.”
Elizabeth Fink is our next Teacher of the Month. Elizabeth teaches seventh and eighth grade Science at East Palestine Middle School. She is known for her tremendous care and compassion for her students and being supportive to staff. Elizabeth provides academic support for at-risk students and supports the school’s Science Club, Builder’s Club, Science Fair, and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports programs. She is also a counselor for EPMS’s YMCA Camp Konokwee and Camp Frederick and coaches the school’s Power of the Pen team.
Diana Jones is our final November Teacher of the Month. Diana teaches Kindergarten at Charles A. Mooney School and she is described as “an amazing Kindergarten teacher who is able to transform her students in nine short months.” Susan Meitin is one of Diana’s coworkers and said, “She models how to welcome and include everyone focusing on how [students] are alike rather than how they are different. Diana is also very supportive of her fellow teachers. She remembers and recognizes people’s accomplishments and special moments.”
Congratulations to all of our November Partners in Education winners! Keep up the amazing work.
You can nominate an outstanding student or teacher for Academic All Star and Teacher of the Month online by
Clicking Here. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on the 10
th of every month.