Alumni association honors Russell Fortlage with Diploma of Distinction

by Dan Holland

The Independence High School Alumni Association held its annual “Diploma of Distinction” award ceremony on June 10, with this year’s award going to the late Russell Fortlage, a lifelong resident of the city who passed away in May at the age of 82.

The award was presented to Fortlage’s wife of 52 years, Carol.

According to alumni association President Dale Veverka, Fortlage was a member of the first-ever kindergarten class held in Historic Hall and graduated from Independence High School in 1959. He served on the Independence Board of Education for 36 years, including 14 years as president, and served on the Independence Recreation Board for 23 years.

“His impact on the school system was huge as a school board member for so many years, and as a board member at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center [since 2018],” Veverka said. “He was a very active member of Independence United Methodist Church, serving on the finance committee with me and other church members. His background in banking was very useful for us as we did things for the church.”

Fortlage was recruited by a fellow Independence resident to join Union Commerce Bank, now Huntington Bank, where he worked for four decades in a variety of positions, including vice president.

“He just had the right, positive attitude and didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone,” Veverka said. “He was very kind, and just an exemplary person. He will very much be missed at our church and as a neighbor and dedicated member of the community.”

Independence Finance Director Vern Blaze spoke in memory of Fortlage. “Russ Fortlage was Independence’s rock, with many of us having stood on his shoulders, and we will continue to do so going forward,” he said. “Russell, thank you for all you did not only for the school district, but for this community. We’re all better off for your being here as part of our lives and our community.”

Veverka said whether Fortlage was a member of the school board or not, he was an unofficial sounding board for superintendents in the district. In addition, he could be seen supporting student athletes at their games in all weather.

“Russell was such a student advocate and such an advocate of learning,” said Dick McDermott, former district curriculum director. “He cared about every student in the district, whether it was a student in AP courses, or whether it was pre-school special education – he just cared about everyone.”

“He just really loved his time on the CVCC board and the opportunities he had to support education here in Independence as a member of the school board,” said Carol Fortlage. “He was dedicated and loved it. On his behalf, I thank you for supporting and honoring him.”

During the ceremony, two recent IHS graduates – Molly McGreal and Nathan Bernstein – each received a $1,000 scholarship from the association. McGreal will attend Mercyhurst University in the fall to major in nursing. Bernstein will attend The University of Mount Union in the fall as a double major in accounting and finance.

“Receiving this award means so much to me,” said McGreal. “I know so many faces at this meeting, and showing how much they’ve done for this community and how much they’re able to give back to me just means a lot. While at Independence High School, I was loved and cared for by every staff member, and I’ve seen so many faces that really love and care for all of the students.”

“I’m beyond grateful to have received this scholarship from this organization,” said Bernstein. “It really means a lot to me, and I’ll hopefully be able to apply my degree one day right back here in Independence following college.” ∞

Russell Fortlage. Photo from ScrypType archives.

Photo (main/above): Scholarship winners Nathan Bernstein (l) and Molly McGreal stand with Independence Alumni Association President Dale I01 Russell Veverka. Photo by Dan Holland.