Students from Willoughby-Eastlake Schools reflect on 12 years of memories while preparing to say farewell to their alma mater

Getty Images 947295034
More than 550 students from Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools’ North and South High Schools will parade down the aisles at the Connor Palace downtown at Playhouse Square.

By Mimi Vanderhaven

When our high school seniors move the tassel’s on their caps from the left to the right in a few days, they’ll be looking back on 13 years of memories.

More than 550 students from Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools’ North and South High Schools will parade down the aisles at the Connor Palace downtown at Playhouse Square. The full houses will be packed with parents, family and friends who may get a little choked up with the wistful ending of an era. Anyone who couldn’t get a seat can live stream the events, set for Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. (South), and Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. (North). Follow the link on the WESchools.org to view.

Mimi caught up with the top-ranked students to recall their favorite memories.

Nathan Foulkrod


Nathan Foulkrod from South: “A lot of my favorite memories from high school have come from the band program. I have been a member and leader within the program all throughout high school and it has taught me so much. There have not been many feelings as good as when we got Superior I ratings at the state contest for marching band. This culmination of all of our hard work throughout the season is incredibly rewarding.” Nathan will attend Ohio Wesleyan University to study business and Spanish.

Cecilia Hunt


Cecilia Hunt from North: “My favorite classes were Mr. Boyd’s biology and Mr. Bozic’s history. I am also proud of being a member of the Academic Decathlon.” She will attend The Ohio State University in the fall and plans to major in environment, economy, development and sustainability.

The other top 10 ranked students from North include: Alexander Vitello, Brian Wilson, Jr., Cole Phares, Hannah Wayts, Taylor Bard, Tyler Burgham, Amanda Dobida, Joseph Giordano and Cindy Hoang. From South, the remaining top 10 are: Joris Boeman, Sadie Nawrocki, Layla Stanek, Isabella Andow, Allyson Leskiewicz, Calla Booher, Andrea Brunecz, Audrey Supanick, Grady Munson, Abby Shazivari and Dylan Wienhold.

Congrats to all the seniors…the world is your oyster!

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. Find out more at WESchools.org.