Fuchs Mizrachi Senior Wins BBB Top Scholarship

For Immediate Release – 12/9/2015 - Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland presented its Students of Integrity Awards today to three Greater Cleveland high school students who personify integrity through their leadership, community service, academics, and strong character ethics.

Rachael Kaufman, a Fuchs Mizrachi High School senior, was awarded a $2900 scholarship. Along with her academic accomplishments, Kaufman works in her community by organizing self-defense classes for women, providing no-cost babysitting for families in financial need, as well as mentoring students (primarily from single family homes) in her neighborhood. At Fuchs Mizrachi, she is captain of the volleyball team and head of the a capella group that performs for the community as well as hospital patients. Her guidance counselor said, “Rachael embodies integrity, leadership, and compassion… [She] never hesitates to stand up for people’s rights and feelings...She is not just a talker, though -- she is a doer.”

A total of 48 public and private high schools within the BBB’s five county service area participated by selecting their own Student of Integrity who in turn, submitted an essay to the BBB.

“The Students of Integrity Awards program is one of several BBB initiatives that emphasize the importance of continually enhancing and focusing on character-building in all aspects of one’s life…whether you are a high school student or a business leader,” said Sue McConnell, president of BBB.

Two other students were awarded scholarships:

Joseph “Jack” Grespin, St. Edward High School

Tori Roberts, St. Joseph Academy

BBB also recognized 13 area students as Honorees:

Madeline Bals (Mentor), Cornerstone Christian Academy

Cyan Blackwell (Maple Heights), Maple Heights High School

Katherine Bondy (University Heights), Beaumont High School

Rachel Cannata (Chesterland), West Geauga High School

David Gale (Grafton), Keystone High School

Christina Hansen (Mentor), Lake Catholic High School

Steven Mentzer (Oberlin), Oberlin High School

Elena Paparizos (Independence), Independence High School

Anthony Price (Cleveland Heights), Shaw High School

Ashley Sindelar (Mentor), Mentor High School

Elliott Spirakus (North Royalton), North Royalton High School

Emily Wilson (Newbury), Newbury High School

Alyssa Wood (Columbia Station), Columbia High School

The Students of Integrity Awards competition is sponsored by The Boler School of Business at John Carroll University and Dominion East Ohio, with valuable support from Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, Easton Telecom Services L.L.C., & Sheakley.