Student leaders highlight achievements in BPA, STEM Club, and Mock Trial programs
Chagrin Falls High School students and Assistant Principal Jessica Ross presented an impressive overview of the school's thriving extracurricular programs at the April 23, 2025, Board of Education meeting. The presentation spotlighted three exemplary student organizations that embody the District's strategic plan through high-quality learning experiences, student wellness opportunities, and effective resource implementation.
"While all of the buildings in our District offer enrichment clubs and activities, the high school has structured these in an age-appropriate manner that allows a great deal of student choice and voice, truly personalizing students' high school experiences," Ross explained to Board members, faculty, and community attendees. She noted that the high school currently offers 38 different clubs and enrichment activities, with the number fluctuating yearly based on student interest and leadership.
Ross highlighted the school's entrepreneurial approach to club formation, describing how students can initiate new organizations by finding a faculty advisor, recruiting at least five committed participants, and establishing a mission with guidelines. New clubs undergo administrative approval and a probationary period to demonstrate sustainability.
Business Professionals of America (BPA) representatives Xander Burnight, Charlie Pollock, and Jack Medhurst shared the club's remarkable progress in just its third year. "We have gone from very few members participating in competitions to now having a team of four of our members placing top three in the state and qualifying for the national competition for the first time ever," they reported.
The BPA team, which competed in the Small Business Team Management category presenting e-commerce solutions for brick-and-mortar stores, has been actively fundraising through bake sales and dodgeball tournaments. They proudly mentioned a recent event where Chagrin administrators faced off against teachers.
STEM Club founder and leader Jennah Hamdan explained her motivation for establishing the organization in May 2024: "to expand education into immersive learning, create peer relationships, and demonstrate a serious interest in STEM." Hamdan described her process of finding an advisor who would support student-driven exploration and her multifaceted approach to promoting club membership through posters, Google Classroom announcements, GroupMe, Instagram posts, and school announcements.
The STEM Club has hosted speakers from prominent institutions including University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, The Ohio State University, and Stir Studio Kitchen, in addition to conducting experiments and collaborating with other school clubs.
Mock Trial team representatives Zack Flaiz, president and founder, and Fraya Brattebo were recognized for their achievements, including three Outstanding Attorney Awards each. Ross noted that Brattebo also qualified for Nationals for World Schools Debate. The Mock Trial program exemplifies how student passion can evolve into opportunity with proper support and investment.
"Together, these clubs show the full spectrum of what education can offer—rigor, well-being, and growth," Ross concluded, thanking the board for their continued support of these thriving programs.
Ross also mentioned upcoming events, including an International Food Festival on May 13 at 6 p.m., a collaboration between the school's International Club and Baking Club.
The presentation demonstrated how Chagrin Falls High School's extracurricular programs align with educational goals while providing students with leadership opportunities, real-world experience, and community engagement.