News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
![[Exclusive Video] Highlights of 2017 LHS Graduation](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017-graduation-feature-w-lines-100x65.jpg)
On June 3, the 2017 Loveland High School Class celebrated their commencement during a ceremony at Xavier University’s Cintas Center at 1 PM. Loveland Magazine was the only area media to cover the event.
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you will see a highlight reel of the ceremony.
Loveland, Ohio – Steve and Connie Mitchell are former residents of the Loveland School District, and the parents of Capt. David “Seth” Mitchell, who died serving the country during a mission he volunteered for while in Afghanistan. Seth was the president of his graduating class at Loveland High School in 1997.
The Mitchells were at Loveland High School on May 17 for the Senior Scholarship Awards Night. May 17 is Seth’s birthday.
Steve Mitchell attended the event to announce the winners of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship and the Let us Never Forget Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship. He called six LHS Seniors to front stage and presented them with the awards.
This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is exclusive coverage of the ceremony.
Loveland, Ohio – In a unanimous vote, board members today approved Dr. Amy Crouse as interim superintendent. Crouse is the first woman to ever lead the District.
In a press release from the District today, Board of Education President Dave Blumberg said:
“In Loveland, we understand that because of our dedicated approach to the complete student experience we are a destination school district for families – we also know the strength of the program we offer at its core is a focus on excellent academic opportunities for the students we serve; we simply can’t rush this important decision,” said Board of Education President Dave Blumberg. “As such, Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA), the agency our Board has contracted to conduct our executive search, advised us we will have the ability to best recruit by waiting until the first of the year. Until that happens, the Board of Education is confident Dr. Crouse is the right leader to ensure we continue to focus our efforts on academic advancement for our students. In the selection of Dr. Crouse as interim superintendent, the Board confirms we are committed to advance the strides Superintendent Hilliker made in focusing on our three big goals of Tiger academic growth, Tiger innovation and Tiger care – without missing a beat.”
Crouse joined the District as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in August of 2014; she came to the District with 21 years of service to students on her resume. She earned her bachelor degree from Indiana University in elementary education in 1990, her master’s in education administration from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in 1997, and her doctorate of education from UC in 2012, where she served as an adjunct professor in educational leadership in 1998, 2000, and 2010-2014. She began serving students as a teacher in 1993 at schools in Illinois, then North Carolina, before taking an administrative role as an assistant principal for West Clermont Local Schools in Cincinnati (1997) and then principal for that same district (1999). She moved to the Princeton City School District to serve as curriculum coordinator (2004), director of curriculum and instruction (2008) and served that district as associate superintendent (2012-2014).
“My focus in the role of interim superintendent is to continue to move this district forward in our three key areas of focus: academic growth, innovation and care,” said Crouse. “I want to be a champion for our teachers and staff who work tirelessly each and every day to put the promises we make in those goals into practice. I want the Tiger community to know we are focused and we are ready to continue Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today.”
District superintendent Chad Hilliker submitted his resignation on May 18 to take a position with the Hamilton County Educational Services Center as their assistant superintendent. Hilliker has been superintendent of the Loveland City School District since May 1, 2013.
![[Video] Loveland High School’s Top 10 Academic Graduates](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/qtq80-PYG60Z-100x65.jpeg)
Loveland, Ohio – Each year, Loveland High School has an academic and scholarship awards ceremony. This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is when the top ten graduates of the Class of 2017 were brought to center stage and honored for their academic achievement.
Principal, Peggy Johnson introduced each student.
![[Exclusive Video] Ten Loveland students commit to continuing their education in the arts](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/maxresdefault-31-100x65.jpg)
(Top row L to R) Maya Earl, Margaret Eilert, Garrett Fasig, Moss Nash, Claudia Bow; (Bottom row L to R) Alex Gilbert, Bethann Hughes, Spencer Johnson, Mackenzie Talbott; (Not pictured) Alli Hains
LHS hosts second annual Fine Arts Signing
Loveland, Ohio – Ten Loveland High School students participated in the second annual Fine Arts Signing Day on Monday, May 22.
“We are excited to take the time to acknowledge our students who are continuing to pursue their passion in fine arts at the next level, it has been an absolute privilege to watch these students during their time at Loveland,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson.
The students who signed included:
This is exclusive LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video of the event.
After enjoying a day out, stop by and relax with your favorite desert in our picnic area
“An incredible team building exercise,” said Tracy Burge
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School (LHS) students have earned the title of a national winner of the 10th annual Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge, a program designed to help educate students about the importance of recycling.
“The Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge is not only an engaging way to teach the importance of recycling, but it also serves as an incredible team building exercise,” said Tracy Burge, LHS environmental science teacher. “Our students worked together and with the community to recycle as much plastic as possible, and we are so thrilled that they demonstrated such strong leadership in this effort to save the planet!”
To capture this year’s top honors, LHS students recycled more than 950 pounds of polyethylene plastic. In recognition of their outstanding efforts, Trex Company, presented the students with a new Trex bench for use at their school, as well as a picture frame made from Trex composite materials to showcase their winner certificate.
“We want the Tiger Family to know that now and in the following years we will recycle all flat plastic in room 283 at the high school,” said Burge. “Next year we will have bins outside at the schools. This contest goes on every year, and our goal is to repeat this success.”
The Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge pits K-12 schools across the country against one another in a fun, friendly competition to collect and recycle the most plastic bags and other types of polyethylene materials for the chance to win Trex products for their schools. Instead of going into landfills, that plastic waste will be converted into beautiful Trex composite decking.
“Offering a rewarding, hands-on school project, the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge provides students with a better understanding and appreciation for sustainable practices,” said Stephanie Hicks, material resource coordinator for Trex. “After a decade, the program is still growing – with a record number of schools competing this year – and continues to educate tens of thousands of students about environmental responsibility.”
One of the largest recyclers of plastic in the U.S., Trex uses more than 1.5 billion plastic bags to make its eco-friendly, wood-alternative outdoor living products each year. A standard 16-foot Trex board contains recycled material from approximately 2,250 plastic bags. In addition to plastic grocery and retail bags, Trex reuses polyethylene plastic from a variety of common household items – such as case overwraps, bread bags, bubble wrap, newspaper sleeves and dry cleaning bags – to create composite products that offer a superior alternative to wood and an environmentally responsible choice to consumers.
For more information about the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge, visit Trex.com/Recycling.
LHS students being recognized by PSR-C include Katie McElveen, Olivia Piziali, Ben Cummins, Nick Griffiths, Sam Schwantes, Andy Schwantes, Jonah Smith, and (not pictured) Lauren Kahrs.
Loveland, Ohio – Eight Loveland High School (LHS) students were recently selected by the Public Service Recognition-Cincinnati (PSR-C) Committee for their volunteer efforts. LHS student Katie McElveen was honored for her work with the Ronald McDonald House, and Olivia Piziali, Ben Cummins, Nick Griffiths, Sam Schwantes, Andy Schwantes, Jonah Smith, and Lauren Kahrs, for their work with Loveland’s NEST program. The students were presented with their 2017 Student Public Service Award on Fountain Square in Cincinnati Thursday, May 11.
[quote_right]Recognizing Quality Public Service in the Greater Cincinnati Area Uniting All Levels and Areas of Government in One Celebration![/quote_right]“Student service is something we intentionally integrate into the student experience at Loveland High School, and we are extremely proud of these dedicated individuals for taking the initiative to give back to the community in this way,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson.
According to PSR-C, the students are being recognized during Public Service Recognition Week – a time set aside to pay tribute to the profession of public service and to recognize those individuals who have done an outstanding job during the year. The May 11 event will be PSR-C’s 29th recognition event.
Throughout the country, mayors, governors, agency leaders, communities and public service organizations participate in PSRW by issuing proclamations; hosting award ceremonies and special tribute events; and delivering messages about the value of public service. We encourage government leaders and public servants from all backgrounds to participate by showing appreciation to their employees and colleagues and by sharing stories of excellence in public service.
Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, June 3rd, Loveland High School spring sports came to an end with track athletes competing at State.
Loveland came in first in the ECC for baseball, with an 11-3 conference win/loss and a record of 21-8 overall. The team narrowly bested their nearest conference rival, Anderson, by one win. “The season went great. It was really good to win the ECC, and I had a pretty good year. It was really fun just being around all the guys all year,” baseball player and graduate, Luke Wadell explained.
Loveland Womens Lacrosse also won the conference with a strong 5-0 season, besting Turpin by one win. The team had an objectively successful overall 15-2 season. “The top two obvious standout players were Katie McElveen and Taylor Fox. They both broke records–I know Taylor broke her own record of saves […] The other player that was kind of an underdog was Morgan Naber. She came out and really just killed it this season and started taking the draw. She did incredibly well and will do exceptionally well next year, and I think will be one of the leaders of the team next season,” graduate and Womens Lacrosse player, Karlin Holley said.
Perhaps Loveland’s biggest success this season was the mens and womens track, with individuals finding considerable success, with three State-competing athletes.
Loveland mens track won the ECC regional competition. For Men’s track, Zion Wynn ended at #2 in the 100-meter dash, #1 in the 200-meter dash, #1 in the 400-meter dash, #2 in the long jump. Vaughn Richter held #5 in the 100-meter dash and #8 in the 200-meter dash; Brett Kluge came in #4 in the 400-meter dash and #7 in the 800-meter dash. Caleb Davis held #3 in the 800-meter dash, #4 in the 1600-meter run, #2 in the 3200. Jacob Korniak ended at #9 in the 800 and #6 in the 1600; Greg Ballman came in #10 in the 1600, #8 in the 3200 and Juliano Aquilino holds #5 the 110 meter hurdles. Nate Webster came in #5 in the 300-meter hurdles and #9 in the long jump.
In shotput, Colin Flanagan is in #2; Quinn James is at #7 and Graham Martin is at #8. In Discus, Graham Martin is at #2 and Colin Flanagan is at #3. Quinn James is in #9 and Josh Elfers at #10. Drew Kluender is at #2 in the high jump and Cade Smeller is at #6; Cooper Smeller is at #2 in pole vault and Joe Carver is at #4.
“State went well. It didn’t go as planned, but just to make it there was a blessing. Being a runner-up is still a great achievement– it’s just sad it was my last time going [to Columbus] to race,” explained Mens track athlete Zion Wynn. Wynn consistently ranked top in races throughout the spring season. Zion Wynn came in first in the 100m dash at regionals, first in the 400m and first for the 200m. Wynn came in first place in all three of his regional races.
For Womens track, Jordan Morrison ended in #7 for the 100 and #5 in the 200. Kayla Hartzler came in #6 for the 3200; Aiden Dial sits at #4 in the 100 meter high hurdles. Skyler Fallon ended the season at #7 and Carson Sarver at #10. In shotput, Kennedy Bontrager holds #1 and #2 in discus; Maddie Craft is at #4 in discus and #9 in shotput. Ally Kluender came in #1 for discus. In the long jump, Lauren Williams ended at #7 and Caroline Wagner is at #10. Kendall Ewert is at #1 in the high jump, Sarah Klenke is at #3 in high jump and Riley Massey is at #3; In the pole vault, Hailey Florence held #3 and Rachel Crum #5.
On June 3rd, Zion Wynn, Ally Kleunder and Kennedy Bontrager represented Loveland at State. Wynn came in 3rd place in the 200m and 2nd in the 400m. Kennedy Bontrager came in 13th for Shotput. Ally Kluender placed 7th in discus.
We are so PROUD of our Kennedy Bontrager placing 13th overall here in the DI Girls STATE Shot Put. Thank You…Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/UWk5k1jy3L
— LovelandAthletics (@LovTigers_AD) June 3, 2017
Wynn and Kluender were unable to attend graduation, as they were competing at state. Both receieved their diploma on the podium at the state competition.
Cool way to wear your Cap and Gown. Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/pxwCe71Vno
— LovelandAthletics (@LovTigers_AD) June 3, 2017
In the DI girls' discus @Renner_AD Ally Kluender places 7th w/ a throw of 126-09 @mlaughman @ECC_Sports pic.twitter.com/2TyjOVztwg
— Snodgrass (@JSnodsEnq) June 3, 2017
“The season was good. It took a while to get the pieces together, but we finally did which helped us win the ECC. With the team being young, I believe we can win it again next year,” Zion Wynn claimed.
Mens lacrosse ended tied for first in the conference with Kings and Milford. All three had a 4-1 record for the conference season. Overall, Loveland ended with 13-6 win/loss for the season.
Mens tennis also saw success, tying with Walnut Hills for second in the ECC. Both ended with a 4-2 record.
Other athletes saw considerable success this season, too. Softball player, Maggie Bailey broke the school home-run record early in the season and continued to excel.
“I felt that my season went well, especially returning from an injury. I did break the record for career home runs and home runs in a single season, as well as some others last year, like batting and slugging percentage for a season. I had a goal to bat above .400 and to contribute to my team both at and behind the plate and I believed I achieved both of those,” Maggie Bailey explained.
Loveland softball came in 5th in the ECC, with 5 wins and 9 losses. Overall, Loveland ended with 10 wins and 12 losses.
“We did alright. We had a really young team so there were areas that needed some improvement, but I’m very confident that the underclassmen will continue to grow like I watched them do throughout the season,” Bailey finished.
LHS students Anna Eskender, Avery Lawrence and Anneliese Deal worked together to set up a sleeping area under the bleachers near the high school for the Tigers in Service Shantytown event.
Experience used to better understand the plight of the homeless
Loveland, Ohio – – The Loveland High School (LHS) Tigers in Service Club set up makeshift tents under the stadium bleachers and spent the night April 22-23 so 30 students could experience a “Shantytown” event.
“The students were seeking to raise awareness about homelessness by offering their peers at LHS the chance to experience life as a homeless person for one night,” said LHS Teacher and Tigers in Service Sponsor Rachel Bierkan.
“After participating in Shantytown, my eyes were truly opened to many of the harsh realities of homelessness,” said LHS Senior Lydia Powell. “Homelessness is a major issue in today’s world and we wanted to do Shantytown to bring some attention to this problem and break some of the stereotypes that are often associated with it. It is amazing how much we take for granted in our daily lives. Shantytown helped to remind us of how fortunate we really are.”
During the 18-hour event students listened to speakers and participated in activities to further their education on homelessness. Most inspiring was the narrative shared by a woman who had experienced homelessness herself.
“It was a great way for us to realize how fortunate we are,” said LHS Senior Anna Eskender. “Most of us are privileged in many ways and it’s easy to lose sight of this as we go about our adolescence. This event truly took us out of our comfort zone and helped us understand what really counts and what really matters in life.”
“I thought it was an amazing learning experience for all participants and helped everyone to understand the realities of homelessness,” said LHS Senior Nicole Goret.
“This event was organized by some of our senior students,” said Bierkan. “They are passionate about understanding what they can do to help. It was a successful learning experience.”
25 students honored during varsity basketball game as part of the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ kindness campaign
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District salutes 25 students selected by each school for helping to create a culture of kindness. Superintendent Chad Hilliker formally recognized the students during the Loveland High School Tiger varsity basketball game by presenting each student with a certificate and shirt.
The My Voice, My Choice campaign is focused on creating a positive school climate for all students, calling on our students to stand up for their peers through their words and actions. The students recognized during the ceremony included:
Loveland Early Childhood Center
Eli Stagg
William Buringrud
Lilly Gutekunst
Esha Srivastava
Loveland Primary School
Joel Berres
Jackson Cocco
Adrianna Bzhikyan
Jonah Schmidt
Loveland Elementary School
Matthew King
Camelia Catan
Sydney Mertes
Alexa DelloStritto
Loveland Intermediate School
Molly Fritsch
AJ Dahlquist
Olivia Huff
Brady Steiner
Riley Loomis
Loveland Middle School
Jose’ Santin-Abarca
Vanessa Rivera
Matthew Copfer
Allie Fogel
Loveland High School
Tarah Wagner
Grace Fjelstul
Joey Hickey
Erica Perl
