Orange High School to host learning differences symposium and college fair

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio — Catherine Wharton, an expert on mental health and learning disabilities, will be the guest speaker at the Northeast Ohio Unique Learning Differences Symposium and College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (April 12) in the auditorium at Orange High School, 32000 Chagrin Blvd.

The free event is open to students and families from all communities.

Wharton is director of the Diagnostic Center for Educational Assessment and an ADA specialist overseeing student accessibility services at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla.

Her talk will be followed by a panel discussion for large group questions. Afterward, students and families are encouraged to join the college representatives at their tables to connect with them, ask more specific questions and get more information.

According to a news release from Orange City Schools, there are very few college fairs in the area this spring, and this is a unique opportunity for students and their families to connect with and learn about 12 colleges and their programs for students who have learning differences.

Attendees can park in either the west lot near the gym or the stadium lot on the east side of the building.

Due to construction, the front entrance to the high school is closed, so attendees are asked to enter through either the gymnasium entrance or the courtyard entrance.

Face masks are optional.

This event is sponsored by the Orange Parent Education Network (O.P.E.N.), a community of parents in the Orange City School District that seeks to empower and bring academic and life success to students who have learning differences and special education needs.

Kiwanis Student of the Month

Orange High School’s Allie Yuan has been named the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle Senior of the Month for April.

Allie is president of the Asian Culture Club, in which she works to spread an appreciation for Asian cultures. The Dartmouth Book Award winner placed second in the high school’s American Mathematics Competition 12 and has been on the Highest Honor Roll throughout her high school career.

Allie is secretary of the National Honor Society and a Student Government representative, having previously served as Student Government secretary. As a Book Buddies room leader, she mentored preschool students in literacy.

She also has served as a peer tutor and a Moreland Mentor, and as a volunteer at her church and the Aurora Memorial Library in the summer reading program. Previously, she was involved in “Lunch Bunch,” offering elementary students a safe space to interact with peers and high school mentors during the pandemic.

Allie has competed in multiple math competitions, was a finalist in the Google Play Change and Game Design Challenge, and placed third in the Ohio State Hackathon, where teams of students are presented with a challenge and must come up with a solution.

She is also involved in the USACO Coding Club and the OHS girls tennis team. She babysits and is a Mathnasium instructor.

Every school year, the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle recognizes six seniors for their leadership, integrity and academic achievements.

Student groups collaborate

As part of a collaborative project between the Orange High School Male Minority Leadership Group, under the direction of advisers Ship Collins and Ashen Ward, and the Gentlemen of John Hay High School in Cleveland, advised by John Adams, students had the opportunity to shadow one another at each school.

Tuesday (April 5) at OHS, the two groups — along with OHS students from other classrooms — had an opportunity to meet with and hear from guest speaker Jimma McWilson, founder and co-director of the AAAchievement Matters Campaign, Family Empowerment Student Achievement Institute, Parent Student Union, Academic Olympian Society and African Education Party.

The collaboration brings together minority boys and men who share a common goal to inspire and strive to uplift others regardless of social or economic status and identifies the commonalities shared within our communities.

Orange students, staff ‘Strike It Big’

Orange Schools were well represented at the Milestones Autism Resources’ Strike It Big Your Way bowling fundraiser Sunday (April 3) at Spins Bowl in Independence.

According to Milestones Autism Resources, the organization improves the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum by educating, coaching and connecting the community with evidence-based information.

OHS students from the Israel Culture Club, GSA, African American Club, Sister to Sister, varsity softball, Unity in Diversity and others joined staff members Carla Nazelli, Robin Bonner and Edie Ungar-Shafron for a day of bowling, volunteering and being together.

Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun.