Grapevine column

Bath’s own Mark Pawuk has etched his name in racing history, clinching the 2024 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown world championship at the National Hot Rod Association Midwest Nationals. A veteran of the drag racing world, Pawuk’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by decades of dedication and determination.

With his Dodge Drag Pak, Pawuk secured the championship in a nail-biting semifinal round, ultimately defeating No. 1 qualifier Jonathan Allegrucci in the final. Starting his racing career in the 1970s and earning a Super Gas championship in 1981, Pawuk’s dream of an NHRA world championship is now a reality.

Reflecting on this unforgettable moment, Pawuk credited his late father and NHRA legend Don Schumacher with inspiring and guiding him. He also thanked his wife Bonnie and his skilled crew and longtime sponsors, including Ohio Cat and Mr. Heater, for their unwavering support throughout his career.

This milestone was made even more special as Pawuk’s children, Kassandra and Kyle, were present to witness their father’s triumph. His stellar season included wins at the Gatornationals and Midwest Nationals, as well as a runner-up finish at Summit Motorsports Park, his hometown track.

Sarah Wells of Bath has been named executive vice president of the American Cancer Society’s Northeast Region, overseeing 13 states, including Ohio. In this senior leadership role, Wells is the driving force behind the society’s mission and fundraising strategies across the northeast, engaging corporate leaders, community partners, high-level donors and volunteers in the fight against cancer. Her ability to inspire collaboration and deliver results has been the hallmark of her career.

Since joining ACS in 2000, Wells has proven to be a dynamic and visionary leader. From cancer control initiatives to major fundraising campaigns and building impactful partnerships, she has made a lasting difference at every step. Those who know her admire her not only for her incredible professional achievements but also for her unwavering dedication to the mission of ending cancer.

Sarah and her husband, Ron, are both Revere graduates, and their children, Will and Ava, are currently students in the Revere district.

The Revere Middle School eighth-grade WEB Leaders (Where Everyone Belongs), including Celia Shiban, Ezra Meneses, Violette Vukoder, Melinda Tucker, Ayden Shrestha, Nehmant Gill, Logan Blewitt, Hailey Maletich and Ryan Parmelee, made a positive impact by volunteering at an Empower Sports basketball game hosted at Revere High School. Their participation helped create an inclusive, welcoming environment for athletes of all abilities. Kelly Peel, the WEB program coordinator, guided the students, ensuring the event was successful.

Empower Sports is a nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of athletes with diverse challenges through sports and exercise, promoting kindness, character and relationships. The organization believes everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to participate in the games they love, fostering friendships and greater empathy among people of all backgrounds. For more information, visit empowersports.org.

Congratulations to the Revere High School Revere Players on their outstanding performances of Treasure Island, adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. The talented cast and crew, including seniors Evie Brackett, Norah Brownlee, O’ Bucher, Lily Dunn, Julia Earley, Michael Gallup, Ava Kovacevich, Tessa Kraynak, Eli Lee, Ethan Leigh, Kavana Lokesh, Saumya Mahajan, Kallie Raubenolt, Eugene Staiger, Annabelle Steiner, Katarina Stevanovic, Rachel Thomas, Bane Thurman and Michelle Weng brought this classic adventure to life across five public performances, captivating audiences with their energy.

Thank you for sharing your news with me this year – it’s been a pleasure highlighting our community’s accomplishments. Wishing you a wonderful end to the year, and please keep sending your updates at avukoder@gmail.com. ∞