'We work hard': Elementary schools in New Franklin, Cuyahoga Falls earn statewide honors

The Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators has named two local elementary schools as 2024 Hall of Fame Schools.

In the Cuyahoga Falls City School District, Richardson Elementary on 23rd Street was recognized by the state association. Richardson's principal is Julie Hall.

In the Manchester Local School District, Nolley Elementary on Renninger Road in New Franklin was chosen. Christi Pappas is principal at Nolley.

According to the association's website, the recognition program "celebrates elementary and/or middle level schools that provide truly outstanding educational opportunities to their students through effective programming and instruction. These schools are characterized by an atmosphere of growth, achievement, pride, and a dedication to excellence on the part of staff and students."

Celebration and goodbye at Nolley Elementary in New Franklin

Pappas said in a phone interview Thursday that the school was preparing to celebrate the Hall of Fame award on Friday as it prepares to move next year to its new home at the refurbished Manchester High School.

"This is kind of goodbye to our building, but also a celebration," Pappas said.

The district is building a new high school, and the current Nolley Elementary building is scheduled to be razed and become the site of the district's new baseball field.

Pappas said the school filled out a 30-page application to be considered for the OAESA recognition.

Mark Jones, associate executive director of OAESA, attended a Manchester school board meeting in April, Pappas said. Jones talked about what made the school an OAESA Hall of Fame institution.

"He said there's a sense of pride in the New Franklin community that's unmistakable," she said.

Movie premiere, red carpet at Richardson Elementary

Richardson Elementary held a celebration May 8 with a movie about the Hall of Fame designation, said Hall. The celebration was structured like a movie premiere, with a red carpet set up outside the gym for students and staff.

"[We] called it the Hall of Fame walk of fame," Hall said. "All of our staff and students had stars outside on our walk of fame."

Hall said the rigorous application for the OAESA designation helped Richardson staff see the school in a new light.

"We work hard not only to educate our students but to take care of our staff and bring together families and the community," she said.

The OAESA is comprised of principals, assistant principals and other school administrators and became an independent organization in 1973. It offers professional development programs, personal and government advocacy, access to professional information and professional recognition.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him ataashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.