PSL Alumni
Since the 2005-06 school year, over 500 students participated in the Perry Service Learning (PSL) program. If you are a graduate of Perry High School who participated in the PSL program, we'd like to hear from you. Please complete this form and we'll share your news on this web page. Let us know how you've continued to serve others and work for justice since your days as a Pirate. You can also submit news about exciting events in your life (graduating from college, promotions, job changes, weddings, and births).
Class of 2006
Rachael Cleavenger Long, '06 is working as a School and Youth Telerecruiter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of San Diego, California She recently wrote to us saying, "As a high school student it's hard to see past yourself a lot of the time. PSL gave me the opportunity to go beyond my own needs as a teenager and see how much bigger the world was and people who were in greater need than myself." As a student in the 1st PSL class, Rachael volunteered at Broadmoor and participated in the Su Casa plunge. Today, Rachael brings service learning projects to students all over San Diego County by conducting school assemblies to let kids know how big of a difference they can make in other people's lives and the importance of doing so. (published January 2013)
As a student in the very first PSL class, Bridget Sulzer participated in the Cincinnati Urban Plunge and volunteered at Project Hope. She continued to volunteer at Project Hope after graduation and was hired as a Residential Specialist in 2007. She has served Project Hope for 14 years. She is responsible for the oversight and supervision of the shelter at least 1-2 times every week for a 12 hour shift. Bridget oversees her colleagues, performs goal plants, and makes referrals for guests, implements rises intervention when someone is having a mental health crisis or medical emergency. She helps keep the shelter secure, shows great compassion, displays tough love as needed, holds guests accountable, and is always willing to lend a hand. She is not only reliable as a substitute on site, but she serves in various events as need. According to Judy Burr, the Director of Project Hope, “Bridget is an extremely selfless person - probably one of the most selfless persons I have ever known.” In recognition of her efforts, Bridget received the PSL Spirit of Service Award in 2021. (published May 2021)
Class of 2007
Antonia (Orosz) Gaskill, PSL Class of 2007, served as the Logistics Coordinator of Cleveland State Univesity's Viking Expeditions during her freshmen year of college. This program included service-learning experiences in Cleveland and hurricane relief efforts in New Orleans. She has been happily married for 8 years and has two children. She graduated from Savannah Technical College in Georgia while her husband proudly served in the Army and moved back to Ohio with her family in 2012. Antonia is a Resource Scheduler at Lincoln Electric and is the current President of the Machine Division Diversity Council which raised $15,000 for the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and $2,000 for the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center. She coordinates programs to address diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace and plans monthly trips for her co-workers to serve at the Cleveland Foodbank. She is also a member of class of 2017 LEADDiversity program through the Diversity Center of Northeast. (published Dec. 2016)
Antonia (Orosz) Gaskill, PSL Class of 2007, served as the Logistics Coordinator of Cleveland State Univesity's Viking Expeditions during her freshmen year of college. This program included service-learning experiences in Cleveland and hurricane relief efforts in New Orleans. She has been happily married for 8 years and has two children. She graduated from Savannah Technical College in Georgia while her husband proudly served in the Army and moved back to Ohio with her family in 2012. Antonia is a Resource Scheduler at Lincoln Electric and is the current President of the Machine Division Diversity Council which raised $15,000 for the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and $2,000 for the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center. She coordinates programs to address diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace and plans monthly trips for her co-workers to serve at the Cleveland Foodbank. She is also a member of class of 2017 LEADDiversity program through the Diversity Center of Northeast. (published Dec. 2016)
Class of 2008
Chelsea Naughton, '08 served as a mentor for the student who coordinated PSL's philanthropic efforts. With Chelsea’s guidance, PSL doubled the number of donors to the annual fund and established a monthly e-newsletter reaching over 700 subscribers. She has worked at KUER, NPR Utah since 2015 where she serves as the public radio station’s digital editor. She earned a regional Edward R. Murrow award in 2018 and has received multiple awards from the Society for Professional Journalism. Prior to her work in public media, Chelsea worked in abuse prevention at multiple nonprofits. She graduated from Miami University in 2013. During her time in PSL, she volunteered with the Salvation Army’s Red Shield program and participated in urban plunges to Cincinnati and Camden, NJ. In recognition of her efforts, Chelsea received the PSL Spirit of Service Award in 2021. (published May 2021)
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Class of 2009
Lauren Hess, '09 is serving as an AmeriCorps member at the Martha O'Bryan Center in Nashville, Tennessee. As a student in PSL, Lauren volunteered at Perry Elementary School and the Salvation Army homeless intervention program. Today Lauren teaches adult education classes in reading and writing for people working to earn their GED. She also runs an art class and book club at the center. Lauren returned to Perry High School on February 21st to share her experiences with current PSL students and answer questions about the AmeriCorps program. Click here to learn more about becoming an AmeriCorps volunteer. (published February 2014)
Drew Thomas, '09 is working as the Stay Well Intern at the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. His duties include improving opportunities for food insecure clients to access health care and prevention strategies through direct service and targeted education at local food pantries. In 2013, Drew led a group of 10 Baldwin Wallace College students on an alternative spring break to Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida, to serve children who are facing life threatening illnesses. As a student in the PSL program, Drew volunteered at Boradmoor serving kids with special needs. (published December 2013)
Caitlyn Klesta, '09, earned her degree in Middle Childhood Education from Heidelberg University. As a PSL volunteer she served students in several Perry Middle School classrooms and at the Fun Club. In college she continued to serve as a tutor, softball coach, and volunteer for senior citizens in need of light housekeeping. Now she teaches math and science to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Lincoln Park Academy in Cleveland. On October 24, 2013, she hosted a group of current PSL students in her classroom to help them learn more about charter schools during our unit on education reform. (published November 2013)
Marissa Collins, '09 was recently hired as a School Resource Officer (SRO) by the Perry Village Police Department to serve the Perry Local Schools. This past year, Marissa completed her training at Lakeland Police Academy and received her Ohio Peace Officer Training Council certification. As a member of PSL, Marissa served at Elm Street Elementary School and participated in the Harvey-Perry-NDCL plunge. Now she's serving her alma mater by developing positive relationships with students and building a safe school environment. (published October 2013)
Samantha Walker, ’09 completed her degree from Ohio University and has been accepted to spend the next year as a full time missionary in South Asia through Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). There are currently millions of women and children in South Asia who are victims of sex trafficking and in need of healing and basic needs. Through Cru’s ministry in South Asia, Samantha will be personally helping women and children who have been victims of sex trafficking and other abuses by providing basic needs and services and spreading the gospel. Please consider supporting Samantha’s trip by donating at www.give.cru.org and typing in her staff number 0677340. (published June 2013)
Class of 2010
Taylor Nyman, '10 was named the Operations Coordinator for the Teach for America (TFA) Atlanta Institute for the summer of 2013. Her responsibilities include supporting the organizations efforts to manage a summer training for new teachers and developing publications to communicate with corp members. She will return to Miami University in the Fall to complete her degree in Mass Communications, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. After graduation she hopes to return to TFA as a corp teacher to serve students growing up in poverty. (published May 2013)
Rachael Greuber, 10 started a chapter of STAND at John Carroll University. STAND is a nationwide student-led movement to raise awareness about genocide and put an end to modern day atrocities. This past semester Rachael organized One Million Bones at JCU during which STAND members covered the quad with bones and signs that offered facts about genocide. The demonstration was meant to be a symbolic mass burial for victims of genocide and raise awareness regarding modern genocides. Rachael also lead an event at JCU called Take Back the Night. This event included a march around campus to raise awareness about sexual violence, and it was followed by a speak out, where different people shared their stories. Rachael credits PSL with sparking her passion for service and inspiring her to advocate for political reform to end injustice around the world. (published May 2013)
She is one of six graduating seniors at John Carroll University nominated for the 2014 Beaudry Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, academic achievement, commitment to Christian values, and service. At JCU, Rachael served the We, the People program since she was a freshman, tutoring 4th and 5th graders in inner city Cleveland every week. She organized Take Back the Night, an organization that is dedicated to speaking out against sexual violence. Rachael also went on an immersion trip to El Salvador in 2012 and spent this past spring break on the STLF service trip. To read more about her accomplishments, please click here. (published March 2014) |
Class of 2011
Jared Champion, '11 is biking over 4,000 miles from Baltimore, MD. to Portland, Oregon in the summer of 2013 to raise money and awareness about cancer. While participating in the PSL program, Jared trained for and planned his second Pan Ohio Hope Ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati. Jared recently completed his sophomore year at The Ohio State University. He is joining forces with 27 cyclists on this 70 day 4K for Cancer. His goal is to raise $10,000. To learn more and to donate, please click here. (published May 2013)
Brianna Luszcak, 11 learned that Troy, the Pilot Dog she raised as a PSL student, graduated his training and went on to become a guide dog for a woman in Jerusalem, Israel. Brianna is in the nursing program at Gannon University. She is also involved with several campus organizations that are dedicated to community service. As president of Alpha Tau Delta, nursing fraternity, she will travel to Newport Beach, California this summer to learn about fundraising strategies and service activities that will benefit both the organization and the community it serves. As a member of Tri Sigma, Brianna completed over 100 hours of service in Erie, Pennsylvania this past year.
Alex Nichols, '11 accepted a position under the guidance of an Electrical Engineering professor at the University of Toledo, who just received a National Science Foundation Grant on the subject of Enhancing Radio Spectrum Access. The project aims to simplify the concept of Spectrum Sensing and Sharing in order to excite minority high school students to innovate new solutions to bandwidth crowding and inspire minority students to pursue science. Alex is majoring in Bioengineering at the University of Toledo, with minors in Chemistry and Entrepreneurship, Family, and Small Business. During the school year, Alex is a Peer Leader for the Department of Chemistry, where she guides small groups of students through problem solving techniques, and a Peer Leader/Mentor for Bioengineering, where she orients first-year students to college life and majoring in Bioengineering. (published May 2013)
Class of 2012
Lauren Pugh, '12 learned in April 2013 that Maci, the chocolate Labrador Retriever that she raised as a vounteer for Pilot Dogs, successfully completed her guide dog training and graduated. Maci was placed with a man named Robert who resides in California. Lauren recently completed her freshman year at The Ohio State University and is majoring in Chemical Engineering. (published April 2013)
Lauren Hirko, PSL class of 2012, is on pace to graduate from Kent State University next year with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She will also earn an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) certificate in teaching and learning. IBPYP is a unique way for preschoolers to learn that encourages students to be inquisitive and think outside of the box. Lauren developed a passion for teaching young people as a Perry Preschool volunteer through the PSL program. She still references her PSL service experience in her applications for student teaching and college papers. (published March 2017)
Shanon Romano, PSL class of 2012, graduated from the University of Findlay in 2016 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. UPon graduation, she accepted a position as the lead preschool teacher at Puentes Early Learning Institute in the Dominican Republic. She will be returning for the 2017-2018 school year as the lead English teacher. Shanon volunteered at Broadmoor through the PSL program. (published May 2017)
Mitchell VanDeweel graduated from Perry High School in 2012. As a PSL student, he served children with special needs at Re-Education Services. After completing the Moderate/Intensive Intervention Specialist program at Cleveland State University in 2016 he returned to Re-Education Services as an Intervention Specialist. Since 2020, he has served as the CEO/Owner of Spark Specialized Services in Lake County to assist adults with disabilities to become as independent as possible and maximize their potential. In 2021 he participated in PSL’s “A Walk in Their Shoes” where he shared information about Spark Specialized Service’s mission to provide positive and safe supports that promote self-advocacy, genuine happiness, and independence. In recognition of his efforts, he received the PSL Spirit of Service Award in 2021. (published May 2021)
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Class of 2013
While her studies may have taken her to the Pacific coast, Tayler Sbrocco '13 did not leave her passion for serving others in Northeast Ohio. Tayler is currently a graduate student at the USC Davis School of Gerontology, and she makes an intentional choice to balance her rigorous studies with a variety of service work in the Los Angeles area and beyond.
In the summer of 2018, Tayler traveled to Lourdes, France on a service pilgrimage with a group of students, faculty, alumni from the University of Southern California. This extended trip provided her with the opportunity to serve those visiting the area, especially those with accessibility issues, and gave her the chance to connect closely with pilgrims from around the world. Tayler reflected that, "being able to aid individuals... filled my heart with joy." (published September 2018)
In the summer of 2018, Tayler traveled to Lourdes, France on a service pilgrimage with a group of students, faculty, alumni from the University of Southern California. This extended trip provided her with the opportunity to serve those visiting the area, especially those with accessibility issues, and gave her the chance to connect closely with pilgrims from around the world. Tayler reflected that, "being able to aid individuals... filled my heart with joy." (published September 2018)
Megan Reid, PSL class of 2013, will graduate early from The University of North Carolina Wilmington this Spring with a Bachelors in Recreation Therapy and a minor in psychology. She credits her PSL volunteer experience at Broadmoor with helping her find her career path. This summer she hopes to secure an internship in a rehabilitation setting. (published February 2016)
As a student in PSL, Kendra Lutes ’13 was instrumental in developing the Student Philanthropy Program. She worked closely with the instructors and local non-profit agencies, as well as the Magnified Giving program, to educate, inspire, and engage students in the art of philanthropy. Kendra’s desire to make a difference in the world has continued during her freshman year at Ohio University. She became active in various campus organizations, and continued to find opportunities to connect with non-profits. Because of her hard work and leadership skills, Kendra has been awarded an internship with the Magnified Giving program, where she will continue to help students find ways to share their time, talent and treasure. She has also been elected Vice President of the Student Alumni Board at Ohio University. Kendra also co-facilitated this summer's Teens Leading Change (TLC) Program along with Mr. Soeder and Mrs. Trentanelli. (published June 2014)
Tori Wisnieski, PSL class of '13, teamed up with her roommate at The Ohio State University to form a new student group called "Breaking the Campus Bubble." This new service-learning organization pairs students with service opportunities and holds regular reflection discussions. The purpose of this organization is to arrive at a deeper understanding of the Columbus community and how people just outside of campus live. In its inaugural year, the club already has 50 members and plans to serve at a homeless shelter, food pantry, and after school program.
Class of 2014
Renee Redenshek, PSL class of 2014, is majoring in Child and Family Studies at Ohio University. In 2016, she volunteered with Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. She recently began a practicum with St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa, Florida in order to become a Child Life Specialist. Renee reports that her PSL service experiences at Su Casa and the Perry preschool were talking points in her practicum interview. She plans to graduate from OU in 2018. (published April 2017)
Class of 2015
Kylee Kramer, class of '15, worked with other chemical and environmental engineering students at the University of Toledo to construct a water purification unit. The unit uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the contaminated water. The result is 300 gallons of purified water per hour. Kylee plans to travel to El Salvador to install this water purification system and satisfy the needs of 3,600 people per day.
Elle Bonnema, '15 organized a group at the University of Akron called the Akron Brass Carolers. Last Christmas the group performed at Stow Glen Nursing Home; Rockynol Nursing Home; The Merriman Nursing Home; Brookdale Nursing Home; and the Haven of Rest shelter. They also baked cookies to share during each performance. Plans are already underway to repeat this service project in 2017. (published December 2017)
Class of 2018
Mikayla Habina graduated from Perry High School in 2018. She received the Myka Grey “Change You Wish to See” PSL award and the Kayleigh O’Brien Bound Angel Scholarship during her senior year. During her time in PSL, she volunteered at St. James’ Soup Kitchen, and went on the Cincinnati Urban plunge as well as the Chicago plunge. She continues to strive to “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and is extremely passionate about social work, activism, equality, and equity. She took a study abroad program to London in 2020 and will continue her master’s degree education there in art conservation, as well as helping to serve the communities in need eventually after she graduates. In 2021, as a junior at Lake Erie College, she won a Dawn Powell Prize in Creative Writing for a short story about LGBTQA+ activism and stories. She now works at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and continues to learn about all of the amazing communities that she loves to serve. Mikayla has no doubt that her time in the PSL program had shaped her to be able to make better decisions and better articulate her activism through actions in the community. (published May 2021)
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Class of 2019
As a student in PSL, Mandi Schueren volunteered in a classroom for students with special needs and served residents at an assisted living facility. While attending a service learning workshop in Cincinnati she was inspired to start a music therapy outreach program consisting of students from multiple high schools who performed for senior citizens in nursing homes. Mandi is combining her love of music with her passion for serving people in need by studying music therapy at Mercyhurst University. In 2020 she served as the advisor of PSL’s Band of the Pirates. The mission of this student-led program is to provide entertainment, engagement, and enrichment for seniors at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Mandi was responsible for directing weekly practices, scheduling performances, and mentoring the members of the band. In recognition of her efforts, Mandi received the PSL Spirit of Service Award in 2021. (published May 2021)