The Lake Academy — an alternative school in Willoughby — is celebrating its 15th anniversary next week. More details from a news release:
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In the fall of 1997, the Governing Board of the Lake County Educational Service Center developed an innovative new program in an attempt to satisfy the growing need for alternative schooling within our county.  According to William Kermavner, Director, “Through extensive study and planning The Lake Academy was created as a dynamic alternative for individual students.”  It is the goal of The Lake Academy to provide specialized programs offering opportunities unavailable in the mainstream educational curriculum.

On December 10, 1997, fifteen years ago, The Lake Academy began to offer a personalized educational setting, life-skills training/experiences, and direct interaction with a variety of therapeutic and social services individualized to the particular needs of each student. “At the heart of The Lake Academy’s philosophy is a strong and continually evolving cooperative effort between schools and the local social service agencies,” stated Mr. Kermavner.  Successful transition from the traditional school setting to the world of work and community living is difficult for all students, but especially difficult –if not, at times, impossible – for the population of students who cannot complete a traditional education.

The Lake Academy currently has fifty students from nine districts within Lake County, and from Chardon, in Geauga County.   The Lake Academy’s mission is “to provide students with positive social and academic life skills.”  The mission is accomplished through: on-site work experience, goal setting, small classroom setting, career exploration, individualized instruction and project-based learning activities.

Located in Willoughby, The Lake Academy provides services for “at risk” students in the 2012-2013 school year.  Many seniors would not have been in school if they were not enrolled in The Lake Academy.  In the past fourteen years, 684 other students have returned to their home schools and are “on track” in pursuing their studies.

At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 14^th former students will give testimony of their successes.  Edward Cary, Holly Frankos, Bill Snyder and Joseph Frato will speak to The Lake Academy students in the Student Center.  At 11:30 a.m. everyone will enjoy a luncheon together with community members and support staff from the school districts.

I got a note last week from Chad VanArnhem, principal at McKinley Elementary School, which after 90 years will be closing its doors for good in June. The school has planned a "Farewell Celebration" for 4:30 p.m. May 18. He writes:

All current and former staff and students are invited to attend. The local historical societies will be present to display memorabilia. There will be a video providing a look into our school's past and present. We will have a balloon release for each year the building was open. There will be inflatables and a DJ. A photo booth will be present with the picture of the school in the background. Food, drink and handouts will be available. We will have visits from local mascots. The night will conclude with the current students signing the McKinley song that was created by our children this year. I estimate that we will have around 500 people show up for this event.
I believe that this will be a very fun and emotional night for many.

Sounds like it will be a good event for anyone who attended McKinley or who had friends or family at the school.

McKinley Elementary School is at 1200 Lost Nation Road.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl