Mrs. Melissa Holtz, Principal of Solon Intermediate School, received the Optimist Achievement in Education Award. Mrs. Holtz gave the initial go ahead to start the Optimists’ Alpha Club program (for 4th and 5th grade students) and has been a huge support in our growth of the Alpha Club.

“This is such a great experience for our students,” said Holtz. “We really wanted to offer our students a chance for leadership and also to support their community. The Alpha Club is a great opportunity for both!”

Alpha Club leader Sami McAtee said, “This year will be our third year implementing the Alpha Club for students at SIS. We have 25 returning members and will have around 75 students involved this year, total. We look forward to continue serving the community and teaching students effective and meaningful leadership! We will be raising funds and non-perishable items for the Solon food pantry, partnering with the Solon Care Center, and will host out third annual bingo night, raising money for a chosen cause! We are so ready to see where this year takes our students!”

Alpha Club members were eager to share their thoughts on Mrs. Holtz and her award.

Luke Clark, a 5th Grader, said, “Mrs. Holtz always helps students when they are feeling down, and is always caring, and wants us to be the best people we can be!”

Kamryn Deike, a 5th Grader, said, “(She) Deserves the reward because she gets things done and is a very cooperative person.”

And Ava LaRoche, also a 5th Grader, said, “I am so happy for Mrs. Holtz, but I am not surprised that she won this educator award because she is very nice and understanding.”