Senior Reagan Sturgill and eighth grader Anthony Grissman are Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ recipients of the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio’s Humanitarian Award.
Sturgill, a Cuyahoga Heights High School senior, was nominated by several teachers at Cuyahoga Heights High School. According to one teacher, Sturgill is one of the most caring students that they have ever taught. She goes out of her way to think about her fellow classmates. As an example of her caring nature, one teacher noted an incident in which Sturgill saw a student sitting alone at a school dance. She invited the student to join her in a photo booth to take pictures. She then spent additional time with the student at the dance. “This is one of the many examples of Reagan’s caring personality,” said the teacher.
“Reagan continually has a smile on her face and is always helping those around her,” added Principal Mike Janatovich. “Whether it is in the classroom, during her study halls, or on the athletic field, she looks to serve others and is a humanitarian in every sense of the word.” Sturgill has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She is the daughter of Brian and Sandi Sturgill of Brooklyn Heights.
A Cuyahoga Heights Middle School eighth grader, Grissman is characterized as “one of those students who always does the right thing.” One of Anthony’s teachers says it would be hard to pinpoint one example since he is always respectful and kind to everyone he encounters at school. “Anthony is truly a role model for all, and who exemplifies what it means to be a caring person,” says the teacher. Grissman is the son of Dena and Ronald Grissman, Jr. of Valley View.
Humanitarian Award recipients were nominated by their respective school administrators for demonstrating leadership, performing community service, and exhibiting strength of character during the 2021-2022 school year. One student from each middle and high school in the Cuyahoga Heights, Independence, and Richmond Heights’ Local Schools are selected each school year. Recipients receive a cash award as well as a personalized plaque, starfish pin, and starfish bookmark. The starfish is symbolized in a story that demonstrates the impact one person can make in life.
Pictured: Anthony Grissman with ESC Board President Dr. Christine Krol.