The Garfield Heights City School district certainly has a proud tradition of being an integral part of the community. One prominant example of this is the incredible number of GHCS graduates who come back to work in our schools. There are more than 65 alumni currently working as teachers and staff throughout the district!  We have a range of distinguished alumni from the class of 1961 to as recent as the class of 2004.

According to our alumni, while much has changed over the past 40-plus years, many things have stayed the same. They shared their thoughts with us, and we welcome you to share your thoughts and stories as well!

According to our alumni, one thing about the Garfield Heights City Schools district hasn’t changed:  it remains a great place to live and work.  “I have a lot of great memories of going to school in Garfield Heights,” said Charles Keshock, Elmwood Elementary music teacher, class of 1983. “I came back here to teach because I love the area. The district has done an impressive job improving the schools,” Keshock added. Keshock further shared that it was the impression made upon him by his music teachers, Mr. Shively and Mr. Jones, that inspired him to pursue music education as a career.

Certain things were different for Keshock and other district-employed alumni. Take, for instance, the dress code and style trends. Joan Chamberlin, Assistant Superintendent for the district, class of 1973, recalls the style when she was in high school. “Boys wore a lot of sweater vests and hair to their collars. Girls wore striped bell bottoms and had big eyeglasses…the bigger the better!” she said.

The dress code in the district was more regimented. “I remember being sent home for wearing a sweatshirt to school one day,” said Tracy Simon, class of 1969. Beverly Hastings, class of 1973, remembers the difference too. “When I went to Garfield schools, girls had to wear skirts!” she said.

Dress codes and styles aren’t the only things that have changed. Jim DiMarco remembers the technology, or lack thereof, when he was a student. “Today there are copy machines in all the offices. We used to have use a mimeograph to make copies!” he explained. “We had the Dewey Decimal system and students today have the World Wide Web.” DiMarco further shared that there were nearly 2100 students in grades 10-12 alone when he graduated!

Despite the differences, Garfield Heights City School district remains a tight-knit community. “The best part of my Garfield Heights experience as a student was the teachers who cared about kids and Bulldog spirit that held everyone together as a team and family,” said Chamberlin. “I believe in the importance of giving students and parents the same types of positive help and support I received when I went to school here.”

Nancy Isakovic shared a very interesting fact about her relationship with the school district: “Excluding three years of college, I attended a school in Garfield Heights since I was a five-year-old!” Isakovic states. Bob Atkinson shared that he graduated one month before Armstrong landed on the moon. No doubt the space shuttle program and the Mars Rover were far-off ideas for his graduating class!

Tracy Simon, class of 1969, shared interesting facts and reminisced about her time in the district. Her mom also graduated from Garfield High in the class of 1944. The current middle school was the high school, built in 1964. She has seen the district build two high schools to accommodate students. In elementary school, she had 45 kids in her class! And, in high school, her entire class went to breakfast on the last day of school and showed up late for classes. The administration threatened to cancel graduation!

Are you an Alumni of Garfield Heights City Schools? Do you have an interesting story to tell? Tell us your story by filling out a quick form on the next page. Click here to Tell Your Story.

Sabrina (Class of 1988) wrote, "I came to Garfield Hts in the 4th grade. I attended Roosevelt Elementary School. I also see that many of the students from that graduating year still stay in the area. Now, I have 3 children in the system. One is at the High School and the other two attend William Foster. I have been having a positive experience communicating with my childrens teachers. You always could count on the teacher to keep in touch with the parents even in my day."

Rebecca (Class of 1975) wrote, "I was lucky enough to attend all Garfield Heights City schools.  I am very proud to say that both of my children attended GH schools, and now my grandson is attending GH schools.  Obviously the school board, and the city for that matter, must be doing something right if we keep repeating the same great memories."

Andrea (Class of 1991) wrote, "I attended William Foster Elementary, the Middle School and High School.  During my high school years, I was on Dance Line all 4 years and was under the direction of Mr. Shively who is a positive role model for our students.  My daughter Erika has also attended all the same schools and will graduate as Senior Class President in 2008. She too has been a member of the Dance Line for all 4 of her high school years.  What can I say, like-mother, like daughter.  I am proud to be a graduate of Garfield Heights High School and also proud to say my daughter will also become a graduate of Garfield Heights High School."

Rosalind (Class of 1987) wrote, "I started in the Garfield Heights School System in 4th grade at Roosevelt Elementary School.  It was walking distance from my house.  I made my journey from middle school to GHHS.  Entering GHHS was a venture, with my click of friends Angie and Vanessa (We had good times at GHHS).  We entered GHHS together playing Volleyball with Ms. Buckley (SET SET) and playing Basketball with Ms. Borgio (HUSTLE HUSTLE).  My experience at GHHS was good.   GHHS had opportunities that other schools districts did not offer such as Cuyahoga Valley Joint Vocational School.   GHHS help build my educational foundation.  I'm an MBA grad.   I'm happy to say it was a great educational venture at GHHS.    I hope all current students take advantage of education and extracurricular activities GHHS has to offer.  GO BULLDOGS!!!!!!!!!!"

David (Class of 1946) wrote, "I attended Garfield Heights Elementary School starting in 1932.  I went into the navy in 1944.  I came back to school and graduated in 1946.  Miss Kerr was the principal.  I moved to Florida in 1968 and have been living in Memphis, Tennessee the last two.  I still think of my old classmates and the good times we had."

Lateisha (at Elmwood 1997-1999) wrote, "I attended this school around 1997-1999.  This was a very great school, it taught me lots of things I know now.  When I went there, I had my first favorite teacher, and she still is my favorite.  Ms. Klutarich taught me home training and manners.  Even though I was only in the second grade, I still understood, because she made me feel like I was much older and mature.  My niece now attends Elmwood Elementary School, and I am very happy knowing that she goes to that school, because it is very positive.  If I could, I would go back to the times when I went to that school, and to this day I urge to go up there to see who is still there."

Jo-Ann Mosier (Class of 1958) wrote, "I am currently in the process of planning our 50th reunion. It has been a long and interesting process. There are 13 members on the committee. I am also on the naming committee for the School Cultural Center.  I have just retired from Marymount Hospital last December lst. "

Tahsiyn (Class of 2009) wrote, "I've been going to Garfield my entire life and it's been really fun. Even though I'm graduating next year, I had fun making friends While keeping the ones that I already have. Being in Garfield has had it harsh times but i enjoyed it. Like being in marching band and being able to march in Florida. I've been in marching band since 5th grade. But i had to let it go because i attend CVCC now. It kinda stinks because this is Mr. Shively's last year and unfortunately, I won't be there to tell him good-bye."

Steve (Class of 2004) wrote, "What to say about the great four years of my life.  I learned so much and wish that it would not have gone by so fast.  Thanks to all the teachers that helped me to be the very best I could.  In a blink of an eye you go in for your first day then you are on the grand stage receiving your diploma.  Every year was better than the one before. Meeting new people and just having a good time learning and making a legacy as the class of 2004-the Best of the Best.  Best advice to all classes--listen and you might learn something.  Never know when it may come in handy.  Go Bulldogs!!!

Frank Lamoreaux (Teacher/Coach 1980-1982) wrote, "My first job was a middle school English instructor at the junior high. Rich Eden and I were fresh out of college and new teachers in the system. I also coached football and basketball with Mike Remesch and Pete Geiser. Due to a reduction in force, I was released and found another job in Seneca County and have been here since. I often wonder about my former students and people that I enjoyed teaching with as a staff. Many pleasant memories for me come from my days at Garfield Heights."

Jan (Class of 1997) wrote, "All you 1997 crew out there! Come see some of us on myspace! We are looking for everyone from 1997!!"  http://www.myspace.com/ladyshortone069

Ashley (Class of 2008) wrote, "I am currently going to the Garfield Heights High School.  I can't believe when everyone said that this year would fly by and that you truly get to know the people you hang out with...meaning some can be bad and some can be good friends.  I am proud to say that I am graduating from Garfield in June!" 

Lisa (Class of 1988) wrote, "GHHS gave me open opportunities in life that I was not aware of until now. Ms. Wrona helped my artistic abilities in life to be creative in all that I do. And Mr. Wise... the things I learned a lot from him in his class (wood working). I learned how to fix up my own home and help others with theirs. Most importantly it lead me to a military carrier in fire fighting and carpentry/masonry in the the Army and I love it. I was not able to attend my reunion because I had to go on a tour with the military. I hope I could make it to the next one!"