Diploma Presenter

I cannot believe that it is the end of June. I hope that you are all having a great summer! I have been thinking a lot about the fact that my seniors (Class of 2025) are all preparing for all the great adventures ahead of them. 

I love many of the traditions that we have at WKHS and none more than the fact that Kilbourne students get to select who they would like to present them with their diploma during the graduation ceremony. I believe that this personal approach and having the person hand you your diploma be someone you know vs a stranger from central office or a school representative that you don't know well makes the ceremony much more meaningful and memorable.

This year I had 14 seniors allow me to have the honor of presenting them with their diploma. 14!!! That is CRAZY to me that I was able to share in that moment with so many different students. And here is what I can tell you, for each of these individuals, I felt pride and remembered different moments and had different feelings of excitement for them related to what they have overcome and the incredible opportunities coming up for them in the future.

Pictured above are the students who I had the honor of giving their diploma at graduation. From left to right - (Front Row): Riley Douglas, Roslymar Carrero Ramirez, Ava Casper Welty, Jimmy Alvarado Dominguez, Johnny Chan, Mason Cottle, (Back Row): Mohamed Aden, Logan Baker, Juan Bermudez, Nathan Bradley, Dmytro Chubenko, Maksym Chubenko, Brady Baringhaus, and (not pictured) Mahmoud Ahmad.

To Mohamed, Mo, Jimmy, Logan, Brady, Juan, Nathan, Rosly, Ava, Johnny, Dmytro, Maksym, Mason, and Riley - First, I am so proud of you and excited for you! Thank you for allowing me to have the honor of being a part of your graduation day. Graduation is a quick moment in time but it represents all that you have worked for over the last 18 years. You have overcome struggles (big and small), you have achieved goals (short and longer term), you have learned and grown and taught others (like me) lessons along the way. I hope that you will always know that you have made a difference in my life and that I am thankful to have been able to be a part of your high school journey. Good luck with all that is ahead of you in the future! Love, Miss Abbott

May Socratic Society

On Friday morning we honored and celebrated students who were being inducted into the Socratic Society.  Staff members are given the opportunity to recognize students for excellence in one or more of the core Socratic values of Scholarship, Integrity, Personal Effort, Compassion, or Lifelong Learning. Students are only eligible to be selected for this honor one time during their high school career.

8 of the students selected for the Socratic Society were "my" students. A huge congratulations to (alphabetically): Leen Abusalha, Mohamed-Saeed Aden, Rose Aljafari, Stella Andon, Adrian Calel-Tzoc, Carmen Cervantes Hernandez, Kaleb Colegrove, and Eric Collier. I am proud of you all!

April Students of the Month

Earlier this month we had the ceremony to recognize the April Students of the Month. Students are nominated for this recognition by Kilbourne faculty and staff for their academic achievement, good citizenship, and/or contributions to the school or community. Students can only earn this award once in their high school career.

5 of "my" students were among those recognized this month. A huge congratulations to (L to R): Crystal Acheampong, Jack Bottari and Mehmet Can. Not pictured: Jaline Asongafac and Caroline Campbell. I am proud of each of you for the contributions and impact you have at WKHS. Congratulations on being named Students of the Month!

Impressive Students

This month we had the opportunity to celebrate students at two separate ceremonies. Unfortunately, due to some other circumstances in the district, I wasn't able to attend either event, but I wanted to still give a well-deserved shout-out and recognition to my students who were recognized.

On Friday, March 7th there were 31 WKHS students inducted into the Socratic Society. The Socratic Society recognizes students for dispalying Personal Effort, Compassion, Lifelong Learning, Integrity and Scholarship. Students can only be honored once during their high school career for inclusion into the Socratic Society. During the ceremony, 7 of "my" students were among those recognized. A huge congratulations to: Leen Abusalha, Mohamed-Saeed Aden, Brady Baringhaus, Ella Beymer, Mackenzie Cain, Kaleb Colegrove, and Eric Collier. 

And then on Tuesday, March 11th, approximately 360 Sophomores and Juniors were recognized as a part of the Academic Honors Celebration with bronze and silver keys. Students earn this recognition based upon their grades. 

Bronze Keys are awarded to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the end of 3 full semesters. Congratulations to "my" students who accomplished this: John Abbott, Ibrahim Ahmed, Amani Alash, Micah Anderson, Isatta Bah, Gus Baugh, John Beachy, Colin Beckstedt, Rylee Bindel, Adriana Black, Madison Bockrath, Dihan Bouhamidi, Gavin Brown, Alex Bussard, Caroline Campbell, Jose Cano Illescas, Isabell Chen, Vivian Cowan, Michael Dolciato, and Mahmoud Eldresi.

Silver Keys are awarded to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the end of 5 full semesters. Congratulations to "my" students who earned this recognition: Charlotte Aagenas, Lacey Abbott, Callen Acheampong, Joseph Adrian, Aya Ahmed, Sydney Allwood, Esad Alpay, Ama Ampem, Jake Arens, Cameron Armstrong, Gia Aschenbrand, Finn Barker, Emily Bartlett, John Battle, Grace Beattie, Ali Becht, Gray Beckett, Rowan Beckner-Evans, Elizabeth Bennett, Callie Best, Ella Beymer, Sophia Bollentino, Julia Borchers, Safaa Bouhamidi, Akira Boyd, Kaitlyn Bradshaw, Zach Brown, Ryan Burke, Ellie Buterbaugh, Tyra Butler, Kate Campbell, Brayden Capperes, Mallory Carlin, Palmer Cavicchia, Jacob Caviness, Camille Chabannes, Nora Cheslik, Nikos Chimbidis, Sa'Kiyah Coleman, Nathan Corn, Quention Cost, Eliose Cotterman, and Grace Glaros.

I am proud of you all!

February Students of the Month

This past Friday morning was the ceremony to recognize the February Students of the Month.  Students can only receive the award of Student of the Month once in their high school career and must be nominated by WKHS faculty and staff for their academic achievement, good citizenship, and/ or service to the school and community.

4 of "my" students were among the 14 students who received this special recognition.  This included: (left to right) Evan Blanton, Cora Bystrek, Isabelle Bradley, and (not pictured) Sam Cline.  I am very proud of what each of you have accomplished and the positive way you represent yourselves and WKHS.

Students of the Month

Congratulations to the 19 students who were honored earlier this month as being WKHS Students of the Month. Kilbourne students can only be selected to receive this recognition once in their high school career.

A special congratulations to "my" students who were honored. This includes (pictured Left to Right): John Battle, Kate Campbell, Doaa Belgassam and not pictured Kiarra Blair.  I'm proud of you all!

On a totally separate note, don't forget that your window to register for your classes for next year is now OPEN! Please log into Infinite Campus and select the courses that you want to take. Remember, put in your best guess, we can always change or adjust your requests when we meet in February.

December Students of the Month

Last Friday we were able to recognize 15 students as being Kilbourne Students of the Month.  This recognition can only be earned once in a student's high school career.  Each student who is nominated is being recognized for the contributions they make in helping to make WKHS a better place.  The students honored make a difference in the classroom, athletic fields, and community and we are all stronger because of the impact of these students.

A special congratulations to "my" students who were among those recognized this month (in alphabetical order): Nathan Bradley, Sean Brennan, Aminata Bundu, Diego Cobo, and Riley Douglas.  I am proud of you! Thanks for making a positive difference at Kilbourne!

Just 1 more day of exams left!  You've got this... finish strong!

Socratic Society

On Friday morning, 25 students were inducted into the Socratic Society. Staff members are given the opportunity to recognize students for excellence in one or more of the core Socratic values of Scholarship, Integrity, Personal Effort, Compassion, or Lifelong Learning. Students are only eligible to be selected for this honor one time during their high school career.

A special congratulations to "my" students who were among those recognized this month! (Alphabetically): Mahmoud Ahmad, Ali Becht, Grayson Benjamin, Georgia Brinegar, Mackenzie Cain, Alyssa Carson, Palmer Cavicchia, Kaleb Colegrove, and Diana Contreras.

Students of the Month

Yesterday was the year's first Student of the Month Ceremony.  There were 26 Kilbourne students who were recognized for their contributions that make WKHS a better place - in the classroom and beyond.  This is an honor that students can only earn once during their high school years.

A huge congratulations to "my" 7 students who were among those honored at yesterday's ceremony.  In alphabetical order: John Alley, Jimmy Alvarado Dominguez, AJ Brockway, Sarah Carr, Sebastian Chavez Macas, Brandon Christian, and Kaleb Colegrove.  I am proud of you all and thankful for the positive impact you have at Kilbourne!

Seniors & Careers

Obviously one of the purposes of high school is to help prepare students for whatever comes next for them after high school is over.  For some students that will mean directly entering a career field.  For others it will involve going to college before pursuing a desired career.  And yet others may elect to enter the military either as their career or as a component related to their career.  But no matter the path, careers are part of your ultimate goal when you leave high school.

To support students in the exploration of future career goals Kilbourne has a range of opportunities and options that students can engage in to learn more about various jobs.  This week I was able to talk with some of my students who took full advantage of some of these opportunities.

Alex Beyke was one of the students who participated in the Worthingon Industries Workforce Experience program.  His internship lasted the entire semester with Worthington Enterprises and, on Monday, he was officially informed that they will be hiring him full time after graduation.  This is an awesome opportunity and a direct reflection of Alex's hard work and dependability this semester.

Senior project is another opportunity where seniors can spend their last month of high school completing an internship in a field of their choice with community partners serving as mentors.  I had 9 students take advantage including:

• Itzel Alarcon Escamilla: Nursing
• Yasmeen Amesh: Financial Planning
• Haley Aminaka: Police Department
• Lily Banner: Dosimetry
• Jack Bialecki: Real Estate Property Management
• JaLiyah Boatman: Nursing
• Tai Crump: HVAC
• Marissa Dolciato: Education
• Thalia Weis: Sales

One of the coolest aspects was to learn that several of these students received job offers as a result of their internship experiences.  When we talk about the positive difference that you make this outcome is certainly proof of how impressive you are and the impact you have on those around you.

Congratulations to all of my students who participated in all of the internship experiences as a component of your career exploration.  I am proud of you!

Seniors, don't forget - graduation practice is a REQUIRMENT and it is at 9am tomorrow, Friday, May 17th in the Auditorium.  You do not need to dress up or wear your cap and gown.  It will be an exciting moment to prepare for the upcoming festivities of graduation.

Congratulations

We have so much to celebrate at the end of the year...

Last Friday we had the 2nd ceremony to induct students into the Socratic Society.  Staff members are given the opportunity to recognize students for excellence in one or more of the core Socratic values of Scholarship, Integrity, Personal Effort, Compassion, or Lifelong Learning.  Students are only eligible to be selected for this honor one time during their high school career.

There were 41 students honored for their selection into the Socratic Society including "my" students: (listed alphabetically) Alliyah Ahmed, Ehab Albzour, Mayra Alcantara Tellez, Rachel Baughman, Gray Beckett, Mikaela Bevelander, Nathaniel Birtcher, JaLiyah Boatman, Isabelle Borchers, Julia Borchers, and Caroline Campbell.

I am so proud of each of you for the impact you have on WKHS as a whole and I am grateful for your impact on my life as well.

Additionally, I realized that I haven't acknowledged that our eSports team won a State Championship last month!  The Overwatch team never gave up and worked hard to bring home the championship title.  A huge congratulations to my 2 current students who are on the Overwatch Team - Ivan Chivington and Savannah Clouse.  You deserve to be celebrated for your accomplishments.  Congratulations!

April Students of the Month

Last Friday was the ceremony to honor April's Students of the Month. Students are nominated as students of the month by Kilbourne faculty and staff for their academic achievement, good citizenship, and/or contributions to the school or community. Students can only earn this recognition once in their high school career.

A huge congratulations to "my" students who were recognized during the ceremony including (L to R): Estefani Cuberos Torres, Georgia Brinegar, Hailey Brooner, Grace Glaros, Alyssa Carson, Roslymar Carrero Ramirez, Jade Bishop Stargell, and (not pictured) Summyr Abuzeide.  I am proud of you all!

State Championships

Making it to State Championships is a HUGE accomplishment for any student in any sport.  2 of my current students have done just that this season!

Lily Banner made it to States in Swimming last weekend.  And next weekend, AJ Brockway will compete in States for Bowling.

I am so proud of both of you and all of the hard work and dedication you have put into your sport.  The hours of training and relentless determination you have shown is remarkable.  Congratulations Lily and AJ!

Bye Bye Birdie

Did your class get to see the teaser for this year's musical, Bye Bye Birdie, today during 8th period?  I know that there were many students hoping their class would attend that weren't able to participate in seeing part of the show.  

Mr. Robey, Mr. Jones and the whole cast and crew of the Bye Bye Birdie have been working so hard to put together an incredible show.  I encourage you to get tickets for one of the 3 shows (1 Friday & 2 on Saturday) to support your fellow students and to see the talent on display at WKHS.

There is a large cast and crew involved with this production.  I want to send extra good luck wishes to "my" students who are part of the production including:

On stage performers:  Jamey Chimbidis and Ivan Chivington.

There are countless hours of time spent behind the scenes without the applause and recognition that the actors/ actresses will receive and so I want to acknowledge: Ethan Bevington, Alliyah Ahmed, Charlotte Andon, and Kenzo Burgher.

And last, but certainly not least.  A musical is only a musical if there is music and so I also want to recognize my students in the pit orchestra: John Battle, Claire Bentley, Maela Best, Mira Bixler, and Abby Comp.

Good luck and I can't wait to see the whole show!

Students of the Month

Last Friday morning was the ceremony to honor our February Students of the Month.  Students are only eligible to receive this recognition once during their high school years.  Students are nominated by staff in recognition for their outstanding dedication to the school and community.  

A special congratulations to my students who were among those recognized as Students of the Month (pictured from left to right): Gray Beckett, Jimmy Alvarado Dominguez, Thalia Weis and (not pictured) Jamal Addison.  I am proud of you!

Students of the Month

Congratulations to the 25 students who were honored earlier this month as being WKHS Students of the Month. Kilbourne students can only be selected to receive this recognition once in their high school career.

A special congratulations to "my" students who were honored. This includes (pictured Left to Right):Ali Becht, Mira Bixler, Tai Crump and Elizabeth Bennett.  I'm proud of you all!

On a separate note, how AMAZING was it to have a snow day yesterday and another long weekend?!? I was able to get caught up on stuff that seemed to find a permanent place on my "to do list" and it was nice to feel productive.  I hope you are enjoying the bonus day for the weekend as well.

Students of the Month

On Friday morning before school a ceremony was held to honor December's Students of the Month! Students can only earn this recognition once during their high school career.  

A special congratulations to "my" students who were honored as Students of the Month!  They included (L to R): Ivan Chivington, Morgan Boone, Mikaela Bevelander, EJ Adams, Itzel Alarcon and not pictured Joel Blake.

I am proud of you! Thank you for representing the best of Worthington Kilbourne High School.

College Athletic Commitments

Over the last week several WKHS seniors have been celebrated for signing their official commitment to participate in college sports next year.  4 of the students who have made that declaration are "my" students and I want to pause for a moment to recognize and honor each of them.

Aubrey Bally has committed to play soccer at Bellarmine University in Lousiville, Kentucky.  

Mikaela Bevelander has committed to play soccer at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio.

Morgan Boone has committed to play lacrosse at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

Marissa Dolciato has committed to play lacrosse at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I am so unbelievably proud of these 4 young women and their success not only on the athletic field, but also in the classroom and, most importantly, in how they live their lives.  As athletes, they are fierce competitors who challenge themselves to grow and improve.  As people, they care about others and strive to make others feel heard and welcomed.  Each of these students deserves the recognition and accolades they are receiving.  The accomplishments we are celebrating now as they commit to continuing their athletic competition in college is a reflection not just of 4 seasons of hard work during high school, but of countless practices, games, sweat and tears.  

Aubrey, Mikaela, Morgan and Marissa - I am so proud of you!  I applaud your hard work and your dedication.  I love your never give up spirit and I am grateful that you are role models for the rest of the WKHS students who hope to participate in sports in college.  I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in college.  Congratulations!

Socratic Society

On Friday morning 44 students were inducted into the Socratic Society. Staff members are given the opportunity to recognize students for excellence in one or more of the core Socratic values of Scholarship, Integrity, Personal Effort, Compassion, or Lifelong Learning. Students are only eligible to be selected for this honor one time during their high school career.

I was honored to be able to pin so many students as a part of the ceremony.  I had 11 students in my part of the alphabet who were honored.  A special congratulations to "my" students who were among those recognized this month! (Alphabetically): Joseph Adrian, Aya Ahmed, Addison Baird, LIly Banner, Mira Bixler, Becca Boue, Dmytro Chubenko, Maksym Chubenko, Eloise Cotterman, Mason Cottle, and Marissa Dolciato.  I am proud of each of you!

Impressive Students

The students at WKHS never cease to impress me with all of their remarkable accomplishments, areas of involvement, awards, and activities. Below are a few of my students who deserve recognition.

Libby Alderman was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar.

Maela Best was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar.

And 5 of "my" students were recognized as October Students of the Month.  Pictured from Left to Right: Haley Aminaka, Isabelle Borchers, Zach Beck, Finn Barker, and ot pictured, Jack Bialecki.

Students can only be honored as Students of the Month once in their high school career and are nominated for their making a difference in the classroom and/ or to the school and community.

Congratulations to each of you!  I am proud of you for the positive impact that you have at WKHS and beyond.  I consider myself fortunate to know and work with you.