The Grapevine
Thorin Chappel, Independence High School class of 2020, graduated with highest distinction from Duke University on May 12. He will be pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy at The University of Hong Kong on full scholarship.
On May 11, Gracie Mousty graduated summa cum laude from University of Akron with a degree in chemical engineering and minors in business and chemistry. She received many honors, including Top 10 Senior for the university and the honors college, as well as the A-Key Blue Award.
In April, Mousty made the UA Sales Competition Team and participated in the National Shore Sales Challenge where she took first place in Speed Selling Competition and first place overall in the role-play competition. She also met the owner of Perdue Chicken himself. After being very active on campus, Mousty will begin her career at Palmer Holland in Westlake where she will work in chemical sales. She is a 2019 graduate of Independence High School.
Erica Massey, of Independence, has been named to Ohio Dominican University’s 2024 spring dean’s list.
Independence native Kaleigh Hurchanik has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s winter 2024 president’s list.
Arabella Zambito of Independence graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in criminology and a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in psychology from West Virginia University.
Aidan Zambito of Independence was named to the dean’s list at Bowling Green State University for the spring 2024 semester.
Independence resident Elek G. McDonald graduated cum laude from DeSales University in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
The 2024 Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards took place in May, celebrating the onstage and offstage work of students. Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to apply to be a Dazzle Awards student reporter, technical apprentice or musical apprentice. Through these programs, students can learn from the best in the business including the Dazzle Awards director/choreographer, music director, musicians, stage managers, lighting and sound designers and local reporters.Lucy Spencer, of Independence High School, was chosen to be a student reporter based on an application process and letters of recommendation.
Josh Belitz, an accounting major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with Distinction for the spring 2024 semester. Belitz is a 2021 graduate of Independence High School and is the son of Donna and John Belitz from Independence.
The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester at the University of Mount Union: Natalie Mischak and Hannah Morrow, both of Independence.
Brian Hunter Vollman, of Independence, has been named to the president’s list at West Virginia University for the spring 2024 semester. Brian is a 2021 graduate of Independence High School and the son of Brian and Jessica Vollman.
The city of Independence Mind Challenge Team took second place in the 2024 Mind Challenge Tournament held on May 22 at the Beachwood Community Center. The Mind Challenge is a statewide trivia competition for seniors launched in 2019. As the second place team, Independence earned $1,500. This was the city’s first year in the competition. ∞