Chagrin Falls High School senior Eveleen Malley has been named the Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month for November, recognized for her exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and extensive community service.
Described by staff as driven, compassionate, and studious, Malley has distinguished herself both in the classroom and throughout the community, embodying the mission of Chagrin Falls Schools.
Malley has challenged herself with an impressive array of rigorous coursework throughout high school, including AP World History, AP US History, AP Seminar, AP US Government, AP Physics 1 and 2, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Chemistry, AP Research, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, CCP College Composition 1 and 2, and CCP Intro to Shakespeare.
Her academic achievements have earned her numerous honors, including Outstanding Achievement in Composition for her CCP courses, Science Student of the Month for AP Physics 2, the AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Distinction, and the Governor's Merit Scholarship.
Malley credits her involvement in Engineering Club with helping her discover her passion for engineering. Through challenging courses including AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Chemistry, she developed what she calls "a new way of thinking – a deeper understanding of why things work the way they do."
"I love doing things with my hands, experimenting, and problem solving," Malley said. "I am drawn to the discipline of engineering because of the deep thinking, collaborative nature, and ability to help others."
Her academic journey hasn't been without challenges. Reflecting on her progress, she noted that her "first semester junior year self, struggling through kinematics" would be proud to see her now excelling in AP Physics 2 and AP Chemistry.
Malley particularly values how her STEM courses complement one another. "I find it very interesting how each of the classes, although seemingly very different, are fluid between each other and whenever I am confused in one I can refer to another for an explanation," she said.
Beyond STEM courses, Malley found inspiration in College Credit Plus composition courses and AP Research, where she pursued her passion for music by analyzing songs and creating ethical frameworks.
Malley's dedication to community service is extensive. As philanthropy chair of the Student Board of the Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation all four years, she organized the school's largest fundraiser, a pancake breakfast that raised nearly $5,000 for educational grants. These funds have supported initiatives ranging from professional development for teachers to foreign exchange opportunities for students.
One of her most meaningful experiences has been volunteering at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, where she provides after-school tutoring.
"The sense of belonging at the center is the strongest I have felt anywhere," Malley said. "The kids at the park immediately included me in their circle of trust, and although I was tutoring them, we became friends and they helped me too."
Through Student Council, Malley has helped organize annual blood drives that have saved over 200 lives in the past three years and designed Springfest, a celebration marking the senior class's last day of school. As a member of Interact Club, she coordinates volunteer opportunities and leads the Sponsor-a-Family Program for the Geauga County Jobs and Family Service Center.
Malley credits her family's Catholic values and her mother's Jesuit education for instilling the principle of being "a person for others." Her mother teaches first grade at Gurney Elementary, while her father has taught her to "always look out for others and the qualities of a good leader."
"I have formed so many connections with people in my community I never would have if I didn't reach out and get involved," Malley said. "My experiences learning from others and growing together has been so much fun, and I want to help other people find their joy in helping others too."
After graduation, Malley plans to major in engineering and continue her research pursuits. She also hopes to play club hockey and remain involved in service on her college campus.
"My goal is to combine sophisticated engineering knowledge with a human touch to find a way to enrich the world," she said.