Strongsville Teacher, Student Win Awards

STRONGSVILLE, OH — A Strongsville teacher recently won a prestigious award for his work aiding students who need extra support. Mike Rodak won the 2016-2017 Gold Star Coordinator Award from the Ohio Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (OACTE). Rodak leads the Career Based Intervention (Connections) program at Strongsville High School.

Connections helps Strongsville High students that may be in need of a little extra support to reach their full potential. Rodak has led the group since 1997 and has helped Connections get support from Strongsville rotary and the Strongsville Optimist Club.

During the OACTE conference, Camerynn Bloom, a student at Strongsville High, was given a $1,000 scholarship. She plans to pursue a teaching degree. She is one of Rodak's students.

"I have the privilege of working in a District that values all students, and supports programs designed to meet the variety of needs in our schools," said Rodak in a statement. “The teachers at Strongsville High School are the key piece behind the scenes. They strategically design and implement plans for our students to find success in their classrooms. Connections, Strongsville's Career Based Intervention program, is different than other districts because of the overwhelming support we receive from the District and the community.”

Rodak also sang Bloom's praises.

“I am extremely proud of Camerynn and her perseverance and resiliency. She has been through some challenging situations in her life at a young age," he said. "But she has never felt sorry for herself or used it as an excuse. To her, it's the cards she's been dealt and she's going to persevere and be successful by making a difference in someone else's life."