our history
honoring those who have
impacted shta
The Shaker Heights Teachers' Association has a long and proud history of dedicated educators, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to our students, schools, and community. This page honors the individuals who have helped shape SHTA and continues to inspire and lead our work today.
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presidents service award
Each year, the Shaker Heights Teachers' Association presents the President's Service Award to a deserving member of the Shaker Heights Teachers' Association. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to SHTA through their service, leadership, and unwavering support of public education.
2026
Dr. Angela Goodrum
Gwendolyn “Wendy” Lewis
2025
Anastacio T. (Tito) Vazquez, Jr.
2024
Selena Boyer
2023
Donita Townsend-Al Amin
Paula Klausner
Margaret “Peg” Rimedio
2022
Monica Triozzi
Bonnie Gordon
2021
Lisa Hardiman
2020
James Schmidt
2019
Aisha M. Fraser
Jackie Conway-Scanlon
2018
Chante Thomas
2017
Michael Sears
2016
Darlene Garrison
Eileen Sweeney
2015
Matthew Zucca
2014
Lena Paskewitz
Addie Tobey
Andrew Glasier
2013
William Scanlon
2012
Susan Mears
2011
John L. Morris
2010
Dollye P. Finney
2009
George Harley
2008
Mike Kobilis
2007
Donna Brittain
2006
Jane Ulrich
2005
Bill Scherer
2004
Darcel Arrington
2003
Stacy Elgart
2002
Rebecca Thomas
2001
Linda Pagel
2000
Delette Walker
1999
Rod MacLeod
1998
Gary Raymont
1997
Paula Freiberg
1996
Steven Fox
1995
Jim Mallin
1994
Pat Baird
1993
Mary Underwood
lifetime service award
Established in 2011, the SHTA Lifetime Service Award recognizes an Association member, past or present, who has provided many years of service in a variety of roles. Unlike the President’s Service Award, it is not presented annually.
It is reserved as a special recognition for devoted service to the Association.
2019
SAL FABRIZIO
Sal Fabrizio played a major role in shaping the modern SHTA. During his leadership, the Association moved beyond its earlier social focus and became more involved in contracts, collective bargaining, and advocacy.
He also helped lead SHTA’s independence from OEA/NEA and played a key role in developing the first Master Agreement between SHTA and the Shaker Board of Education. Sal Fabrizio taught Social Studies & Economics at Woodbury Junior High and Shaker Heights High School.
2017
TOM PATRICK
Lifetime Award Winner Tom Patrick taught High School Mathematics for thirty-six years and one year as a retiree. Tom also served as treasurer for the SHTA for 32 years.
During his tenure, he helped establish the Association’s investment committee, financial structure, budget, and long-term financial goals, such as having a million dollars in our general fund.
It is Tom's financial vision that has given the SHTA the stability that it has today.
2016
DONNA BRITTAIN
Donna Brittain began her SHTA service as a Building Representative early in her career. She later served on the Executive Board as Legal Aid Chair and Policy Committee Chair. As Policy Chair, she helped organize a revision of the SHTA Constitution and By-Laws. Donna then served as SHTA Secretary for more than ten years, continuing in that role until her retirement in 2009. Throughout her 35 years in the Shaker Heights schools, she also mentored other educators and Association leaders. Her long record of service reflects a deep commitment to SHTA and its members.
2015
DONNEY FINNEY
Dollye Finney came to work in the Shaker Height City Schools in 1986. She has worked in Moreland, Ludlow, Fernway, Sussex, Lomond, Boulevard and SHHS as a speech and language pathologist.
She joined the union upon employ. She became actively involved in SHTA as a member of the Executive Board under the leadership of her SHTA mentor William Scherer as the Legislative Chair in 1997. After two terms on the Executive Board, she was elected Vice President and served in this office for seven terms.
2014
GARY P. RAYMONT
Gary P. Raymont spent 34 years teaching in the Shaker Heights City Schools.
During his SHTA service, he held roles including Head Representative, Vice President, Professional Rights and Responsibilities Chair, and Negotiations Team member for five contracts.
His work supporting medical benefits and his commitment to the Association were especially valued by his colleagues.
2013
William J. Scherer
Bill Scherer retired from the Shaker schools in 2005; he passed away in 2010.
He was a dominant figure in the Association for more than 25 years serving on many committees and in leadership positions, most notably as president.
He was the longest standing president of the union. Bill was an advocate for teachers' rights and an outspoken proponent of collective bargaining.
2013
DR. MARK FREEMAN
Dr. Mark Freeman served as superintendent for 25 years and played an important role in the early years of SHTA.
He served as SHTA Grievance Chair and as a member of the Negotiating Team.
He also helped shape the contract that continues to guide the Association’s work and was a strong advocate for professionalism in teaching and public education.
2011
DR. REBECCA L. THOMAS
Dr. Rebecca L. Thomas served as an elementary school librarian from 1976 until her retirement in 2011.
She was SHTA President from 2005 until her retirement and also served as Chairperson of the Salary-Tenure Committee and the Teacher Education Committee.
She worked closely with newly hired and nontenured teachers throughout her years of service.
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