Up to the minute articles touting our latest accomplishments.
August 11, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Diane Xander, Executive Director of Innovation & Career Development at Polaris Career Center, has been named an Outstanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Administrator of the Year for 2022-2023. She is one of only 11 high school administrators from across the United States to be honored this year. This award recognizes outstanding administrators who exhibit exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact in a PLTW school or district. As a recipient of this award, she is now eligible to be honored as the 2022-2023 National PLTW Administrator of the Year, which will be announced in the coming weeks. Project Lead the Way provides innovative learning experiences for PreK-12 students and teachers by creating an engaging, hands-on classroom environment that empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills. Nationwide, PLTW creates pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science that engage students in hands-on activities, projects and problems; empower them to solve real-world challenges; and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves. Polaris Career Center PLTW satellite programs serve middle and high school students in the Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville City School Districts. Programs include PLTW Gateway in the middle schools and Biomedical Science and Engineering in the high schools. To be considered for this award, nominees must demonstrate their commitment to reaching more students and teachers and creating a notable impact on their lives through Project Lead the Way programs that align with the following criteria:
For the past eight years, Xander has led the development and expansion of Polaris’s satellite programs. She has implemented programming in every middle and high school Polaris serves. Under her leadership, these programs have expanded to provide STEM education to nearly 4,000 students. For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440 891-7609. ###
July 27, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – A recent Polaris financial audit has returned a clean audit report from the Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber. As a result, Polaris Career Center has earned the Ohio Auditor of State Award for the seventh year in a row. The Auditor of State’s office presents awards to public entities that meet specific criteria during their financial audit. Eligible organizations that receive the award must meet the following benchmarks of a “clean” audit report:
Residents and taxpayers are invited to visit www.polaris.edu/financials to access the most up-to-date Polaris fiscal information. For additional details, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440) 891-7609. ###
July 26, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Each year, the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) honors outstanding educators from across the state who excel in their areas of expertise. Ohio ACTE’s mission is to advocate for career-technical and adult education (CTE) in Ohio and offer educators key information, representation and resources they need to provide outstanding educational opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. This week, Jamie Bollinger, Polaris Career Center College & Career Coordinator, was officially named the 2022 recipient of the Ohio ACTE Career Guidance Award. She was recognized at the Annual Ohio ACTE Innovation & Impact Conference in Columbus and was honored for going above and beyond to ensure Polaris students are on the right path to capitalize on their Polaris experience. From navigating the complex world of college credits to helping students complete the college application process, Bollinger takes an individualized approach to help students succeed. Visit http://www.ohioacte.org/awards to view Bollinger’s award submission and the other statewide award winners. For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or call (440 891-7609. ###
July 5, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Now more than ever, job seekers need the right skills to stay ahead of the competition. Polaris Career Center’s 14 Adult Job & Career Training Programs help get students on the fast track to exciting new careers. High school seniors, recent graduates and adults who are exploring job training and career opportunities are invited to attend the Polaris Adult Job and Career Training Program Open House at Polaris on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. During this event, attendees can explore adult job and career training program opportunities and learn more about financial aid options, the tuition payment plan and federal student loans that are available to qualified applicants. Visitors are encouraged to tour the newly renovated labs and classrooms and participate in program demonstrations. In addition, Polaris instructors will be available to answer specific program and career related questions. Featured programs will include the following:
Many popular programs fill up quickly so interested students are encouraged to attend the open house to begin the enrollment process. Admission is FREE. For additional details or to arrange a personal tour, call Theresa at 440-891-7697, email tliska@polaris.edu or visit www.polaris.edu/openhouse. All attendees must park in the side parking lot and enter through the atrium. Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights. ###
June 10, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – The Polaris Career Center Adult Police Academy, established in 2002, has a long history of excellence. Since its founding, the academy has trained and placed hundreds of graduates into countless police departments and law enforcement agencies throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. Recognized for its commitment to quality training and instruction, the academy has been awarded the Ohio Attorney General STAR Academy designation. Created in 2021, this award recognizes Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)-approved police academies that go above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure that cadets receive the best possible training. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will formally present the Polaris Police Academy with this award next Tuesday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Polaris Career Center commons. “We’re proud to receive this award. The STAR Academy designation is an endorsement of the excellent training and instruction our teachers provide. We’re committed to raising the bar to ensure our cadets are well-prepared for the law enforcement field,” says Polaris Police Academy Commander, Mr. Ernie Oergel. “We’re honored to be recognized by Attorney General Dave Yost,” he adds. The OPOTC approves training academies throughout Ohio and requires 737 total hours of instruction and training. The Polaris program is 800 hours. Academies recognized by the STAR program are required to meet at least 13 specific criteria. Some of those measures include the following:
These measures help ensure officers are better prepared and ready to serve and protect their communities. As part of the application process, the Polaris Police Academy conducted a comprehensive review of its policies and methods to ensure they met and exceeded Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy standards. Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights. For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or call (440 891-7609. ###
May 31, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – The Polaris Career Center Satellite Marketing & Entrepreneurship and Broadcasting & Video Production programs, located at Berea-Midpark High School, placed third in the Impact Teen Drivers “Just Drive” Social Media Campaign. This national program is intended to eliminate reckless and distracted driving, the number one killer of young people in America. Their entry, “You Can’t Rewind Your Life,” was recognized for its concept and creativity, execution and effectiveness of message. The students worked hard to create a week-long campaign highlighting the dangers of distracted driving. They developed the concept, plan, infographics, social media posts, PSA videos and posters. The winning campaign was implemented in April. As the third-place winners, the programs were awarded a $2,500 educational grant. The following students created the project under the direction of Polaris instructors, Melissa Burchett and Katie Street: Omar Alhalabi, freshman, Broadcasting & Video Production Malakai Crespo, freshman, Broadcasting & Video Production Shawn Elias-Eville, freshman, Broadcasting & Video Production Kristian McDevitt, freshman, Broadcasting & Video Production Mason Sheets, junior, Broadcasting & Video Production Madison Rodgers, senior, Broadcasting & Video Production Elizabeth Dorner, senior (student helper – not enrolled in either program) Collin Pannunzio, senior, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Cameron Cupach, senior, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Halle Dacek, senior, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Alexis Rump, senior, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Samantha Schwab, senior, Marketing & Entrepreneurship For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or call (440) 891-7609. ###
May 31, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Polaris Career Center middle and high school satellite STEM programs have been designated as Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools and were honored for offering innovative educational opportunities for students. This is the sixth time Polaris has received this honor. Polaris satellite programs currently serve over 3,000 students in each of its partner school districts including Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville. The Polaris middle school programs at Brooklyn, Mayer (Fairview), Olmsted Falls and Strongsville Middle Schools were recognized for increasing student access, engagement and achievement. This is a special honor as only 134 middle school sites across the U.S. received this designation. To be eligible, each school had to meet the following criteria:
Polaris currently offers high school Project Lead the Way classes in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering. These innovative and engaging programs prepare students for college and exciting STEM-related career opportunities. “We are honored to recognize Polaris Career Center for their unwavering commitment to provide students with an excellent educational experience despite the last two years having been some of the most challenging in recent history for students and educators across the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. David Dimmett, Interim President and CEO of PLTW. “Polaris should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom no matter what career path they choose.” About Project Lead the Way Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories offer 15,000 PLTW programs. For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440) 891-7609. ###
May 13, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Four Polaris Broadcasting & Video Production seniors from Berea-Midpark High School recently competed at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas. BPA is a national student organization for young people who are pursuing careers in finance, management, information technology (IT) and computer applications and other related career fields. Nationwide, BPA has more than 45,000 student members in over 1,800 chapters spread across 25 states and Puerto Rico. These competitions give students the opportunity to showcase their technical skills while performing in a high-pressure setting, preparing them for good paying jobs after graduation. Thousands of student delegates took part in this year’s national competition. The Polaris team, consisting of Ryan Brezovar, Aiden Coon, Nick Conroy and Lexi Reyes, placed fourth in the country in the virtual multimedia and promotion team competition. During this event, they created a two-and-a-half-minute video on how to network through social media and presented their project to a panel of judges. These students then had a unique opportunity to compete for best-in-show awards during the 2022 National Showcase. The group created a booth highlighting their project including displays and computers, which showcased their project. During the showcase, the team presented to the judges and conference attendees and were ultimately recognized on stage as the fourth-place winners during the Grand Awards Session. Broadcasting & Video Production is one of four Polaris satellite programs housed at Berea-Midpark High School. For more information, contact Doug Miller at (440) 891-7609 or email dmiller@polaris.edu. ###
May 12, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Ten Polaris students recently competed in the SkillsUSA state competition in Columbus. SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to display their skills in specific career-technical training areas. This year, hundreds of students from around Ohio competed in dozens of different events. Three Polaris students took home first place honors and qualified to compete at nationals in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 20-25, 2022. Logan Smith, Precision CNC Machining, Berea-Midpark High School, finished first in CNC Milling. During this challenge, he was judged on his ability to write CNC milling programs, interpret prints and measure parts. Carleigh Horwath, Berea-Midpark High School, and Anthony Trapletti, North Olmsted High School, took first in the EMT event. In this competition, they were evaluated on their ability to perform as Emergency Medical Technicians under the auspices of the National Registry Patient Assessment Technical Scope of Practice Standards (TSOPS), the most current American Heart Association CPR/ECC guidelines and the AAOS Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured. The following is a summary of the 10 Polaris students and where they placed:
For additional information, contact Doug Miller at (440) 891-7609 or dmiller@polaris.edu. ###
May 12, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH -- Polaris Baking & Pastry Arts juniors recently competed in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state culinary competition in Columbus. This year, hundreds of students from around Ohio took part in state events. FCCLA sponsors competitions at the regional, state, and national levels for students enrolled in family and consumer sciences programs. These competitions give students the opportunity to showcase their career-technical talents and skills in a hands-on setting. Polaris took home three medals this year. Emani Howell, Berea-Midpark High School, captured a silver medal in product development. In this event, she had to prepare a fruit smoothy that included both yogurt and milk. Azylea King, Fairview High School, earned a silver medal in food innovation. In this challenge, she had to create a “HelloFresh” type meal prep kit with a focus on packaging and marketing. Davyne Flanagan, Strongsville High School, grabbed a bronze in bakery and pastry. In this event, she had to prepare an eclair topped with chocolate ganache and a bacon cheddar scone. For more information, contact Doug Miller at (440) 891-7609 or email dmiller@polaris.edu. ###
May 4, 2002 Middleburg Heights, OH – The Polaris Marketing & Entrepreneurship satellite program at Berea-Midpark High School is hosting a May Market event on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Berea-Midpark High School. The event will feature hand crafted items produced by 29 young entrepreneurs from throughout the high school providing them with a platform to run their own small business and sell their wares. Some of the items for sale will include the following: baked goods, crocheted items, beach glass jewelry, boba tea, buttons/pins, digital art, glitter tumblers, greeting cards, homemade dog treats, jewelry, pepperoni rolls, plants, resin keychains, smoothies, stickers, student art, tote bags and much more! The first 75 guests will receive a FREE tote bag. Berea-Midpark High School is located at 165 East Bagley Road in Berea. For additional information, call 216.898.8900 ext. 5307, email MBurchett@polaris.edu or follow the event on Instagram at @polarissignpro. ###
April 27, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – After a five-year hiatus, Polaris Career Center is bringing back Camp Discovery. Camp Discovery gives students entering grades six through eight a chance to experience what Polaris is all about in a fun, hands-on setting. This year, classes will run June 13-16 from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Each session costs $60 per student and includes all supplies and a FREE t-shirt. Popular classes fill up quickly so interested parents are encouraged to enroll their children as soon as possible at www.polaris.edu/campdiscovery.
2022 Camp Discovery classes, many of which are affiliated with existing Polaris programs, include: Backyard Gaming, Culinary Creations, Junior Police Academy, Machining Madness, Mini Makeover, Start Your Engines, Taking Care of Business and Young Broadcasters. Camp Discovery will also featuring an exciting “STEP into STEAM” (science, technology, engineering, art and math) lineup which includes: Bio-Medical Mania, Crime Scene Investigators, DNA – What’s the BIG Deal?, ESTEAM Creations and Robotics & Drone Technology. Camp Discovery is only open to students who reside in the following school districts: Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville. Registration is available online at www.polaris.edu/campdiscovery. The deadline to register is Friday, June 3, 2022. For additional details, call the information line at 440.891.7666 or email dshaft@polaris.edu. ###
April 25, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Now more than ever, job seekers need the right skills to stay ahead of the competition. Polaris Career Center’s 14 Adult Job & Career Training Programs help get students on the fast track to exciting new careers. High school seniors, recent graduates and adults who are exploring job training and career opportunities are invited to attend the Polaris Adult Job and Career Training Program Open House at Polaris on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. During this event, attendees can explore adult job and career training program opportunities and learn more about financial aid options, the tuition payment plan and federal student loans that are available to qualified applicants. Visitors are encouraged to tour the newly renovated labs and classrooms and participate in program demonstrations. In addition, Polaris instructors will be available to answer specific program and career related questions. Featured programs will include the following:
April 13, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Polaris Career Center honored its best and brightest students during the First Annual Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner last night. Delaney Condosta, Medical Professions, Olmsted Falls High School, and Ian Taylor, Engineering, Berea-Midpark High School, were named the Outstanding Senior Students of the Year for the Polaris Class of 2022. In addition, Connor White, a Construction Trades senior from Strongsville High School, was named Student Employee of the Year. All three are high achievers who plan to make the most of their Polaris experience. Each have been awarded $1,000 scholarships from the Polaris Educational Foundation. The following are bios for the award-winning students: Delaney Condosta’s path to Polaris started in 2017 when she participated in Camp Discovery, Polaris’s summer camp program. She has been a model student ever since. She has maintained a 4.1 overall GPA while also participating in TWO Polaris programs – Medical Professions and Biomedical Science, a Polaris satellite program located at Olmsted Falls High School. Delaney is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and National Honor Society, was recognized as a Southwest Conference Scholar-Athlete on the bowling team, was named outstanding senior program student in both Medical Professions and Biomedical Science and is a Polaris student ambassador for both programs. She holds a number of industry credentials – she is a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), is certified in CPR and has completed the OSHA 10 course. In addition to her achievements in the classroom, Delaney is very involved in many school and community activities. She volunteers with The Rescue Inn, works as a youth group leader at Harvest Christian Church in Elyria and is an active member of Key Club, Helping Hands and Glamour Girls. She continues to juggle a very busy schedule while also providing childcare for a local special needs child. Delaney’s Medical Professions instructor, Eva Simmons, sings her praises. “Delaney gives 100 percent every day. Her character and integrity are outstanding. She continuously looks for ways to improve herself and help others. Because of her maturity level, determination and hard work, she will reach her goals ahead of her peers.” Delaney has set a clear career path which builds on her Polaris experience. This fall, she will attend Cuyahoga Community College to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing. She plans to further her education at a four-year school and will be on-track to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in three years. Her immediate goal is to start her career as a nurse but plans to return to school to someday become a nurse practitioner. Ian Taylor has built an impressive resume during his four years in the Polaris Engineering satellite program located at Berea-Midpark High School. He maintained a 4.3 overall GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Chinese National Honor Society and has been recognized as the outstanding senior program student in Engineering. Throughout his high school career, he has been recognized with countless awards and honors – he is an Eagle Scout, participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, earned summa cum laude academic honors multiple times, placed third in the Rite Aid Cool Tech Challenge, holds varsity letters in cross country, track and wrestling and received Southwest Conference honorable mention recognition in cross country. His school and extracurricular activities are unmatched. In addition to athletics, he is in the Boy Scouts, a member of the Student Athletic Leadership Team, was on the sophomore and senior executive board, was active in Model UN, was senior captain of the cross country team, a member and leader of LINK Crew, participated in the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar in 2021, volunteered at the Eliza Jennings Nursing Home and supported many other community outreach initiatives. In his “free” time, Ian works summers as an umpire for the Berea Baseball and Suburban Umpire Associations. His Engineering instructor, Dr. Ryan McElyea, speaks highly of Ian as both a student and leader. “Ian may be one of the finest young men that I have encountered in my 15 years as a teacher. He shows tremendous dedication and focus to achieve his goals. He’s a hard worker; he has certainly shown a desire to have a thorough understanding of the material in the classroom. I am glad to see him reach his goal of attending a service academy.” Ian will continue his studies this fall at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, where he will study engineering and run track and cross country. After college, he plans to work in the maritime industry as a marine engineer where he will focus on clean energy technologies. Ultimately, he hopes to someday give back to the industry as a teacher. When a student is placed with a local company, the employer evaluates the student’s skills and provides feedback on their progress in the workplace. There is no better indicator of success than to hear from employers that Polaris students are meeting and exceeding their expectations. Based on positive employer feedback and overall performance in the workplace and in the classroom, Connor White has been selected as the 2022 Polaris Student Employee of the Year. Connor currently works as an intern at Allied Electric Co., Inc. in Cleveland where he has accumulated nearly 800 hours of work experience which will be applied toward the 8,000 hours needed to become a certified electrician in the State of Ohio. At the age of 10, Connor knew exactly what he wanted to become after he helped his father and a friend wire a new addition to their home. Years later, he enrolled in Polaris and hasn’t looked back since. He has maintained 3.9 overall GPA and a 4.0 GPA in Construction Trades while continuing to give back as a Polaris Student Ambassador. He is a four-year recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award at Strongsville High School and is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. White’s Construction Trades Instructor, Jeff Busser, believes he has a bright future. “Connor is a talented, grounded, humble and goal-oriented individual with a strong desire to build a career and life where there are no limits.” Connor has a full four-year ride from the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. Upon graduation, Connor plans to continue working at Allied Electric Co. to pursue a career as an electrician. Thirty-five Polaris seniors enrolled in on-campus and satellite programs were also named outstanding students in their career-technical programs. This distinction is determined by academic achievement, citizenship, service and extra-curricular activities. Those students, their programs and high schools are listed below: Polaris On-Campus Students:
For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or call (440 891-7609. ###
April 8, 2022 Middleburg Heights, OH – Polaris Career Center recently inducted 96 students into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). NTHS is America's highest award for excellence in career and technical education. NTHS’s mission is to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for the organization’s members. Fewer than two percent of America's secondary students are nominated for membership into this prestigious organization. Nominees are evaluated based on scholarship, service, leadership and character. To be eligible, Polaris students must meet the following requirements:
For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440) 891-7609. ###