Awards, accolades and authors set the stage for celebration at Summit Academy Community School – Painesville. There, teachers, staff, students and families took time out to reflect on student achievements at the school’s first-ever Town Hall meeting on February 13.

Student-scholars named to the schools’ Distinguished Honor Roll (all As), Honor Roll (two or fewer Bs and the remainder, As) and Merit Roll (two or fewer Cs and the remainder, As and Bs) were recognized. In addition, 20 students received Principal’s Pride Awards for demonstrating academic improvement and effort.

The student honors highlighted the event, which also earmarked successes related to school’s effective implementation of the Positive Behavior Intervention System. A key program at the school, PBIS rewards students for their positive behaviors. Pupils earn opportunities to attend special events and other perks.

During the program, kudos also went to student authors Kaleigh Howell, Lauren Wiegand and Lily Speck. The students wrote 100-word mini sagas published in the book, Crazy Creatures – Tales from Ohio. School Intervention Specialist Jane Frye submitted the tales, each about a “crazy creature” created by its young author, for consideration for publication by Young Writers. The small family-business encourages youngsters to read, write and enjoy creative writing and poetry.

Complete with pizza for all, the Town Hall gathering followed Summit Academy Community School -Painesville’s Freaky Friday Dress Down Day. The celebration marked the school’s 100th day this academic year.

School Principal Frank Cheraso says the inaugural Town Hall event will be the first of many for his school.

“We’re a community. As we celebrate successes, we want to do it together,” he says.