Superintendent's Welcome
Welcome to the Solon Schools!
As superintendent of Solon City Schools, it is my privilege to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our Class of 2024 and look ahead to our continued commitment to educational excellence.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. In our case, it takes both a city and a village - the City of Solon and the Village of Glenwillow. This partnership has created an environment where excellence is not just encouraged, but expected and achieved.
Our 343 graduates of the Class of 2024 have set a high bar. With 19 National Merit Finalists, 1 National Merit Semi-Finalist, 27 National Merit Commended Scholars and 3 National African American Recognition Awards, they have demonstrated academic prowess at the highest levels. Additionally, 11 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates emerged from this class, showcasing their well-rounded excellence.
Perhaps most impressively, 79% of these graduates earned Honor or Merit Roll status, with 48% attaining an honors diploma. These numbers speak volumes about the culture of academic excellence we've cultivated together.
But numbers alone don't tell the whole story. These graduates have excelled in athletics, created inspiring works of art, led impactful community service initiatives, and developed into thoughtful, engaged citizens ready to make their mark on the world.
Their achievements have contributed to our schools' recognition on both regional and national stages. Solon High School was ranked #1 in Northeast Ohio by U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools list. For the 16th consecutive year, Cleveland Magazine named us #1 in Education. And for the 9th year running, we were honored as a Best Communities for Music Education designation.
These accolades reflect not just on our schools, but on our entire community. From the dedicated teachers in our schools to the mentors in our high school programs, from the parents who volunteer their time to the residents who consistently support our schools financially, every member of our community plays a role in these students' success.
As we celebrate the Class of 2024, we also look ahead to the 2024-25 school year with renewed dedication to our mission: Solon City Schools, a diverse learning community, will ensure all students attain the knowledge and skills to thrive and become empathetic, ethical, contributing citizens in an evolving global society through collaboration and unwavering commitment to empower every student, every day, to achieve personal excellence.
This mission comes to life through strong partnerships between students, educators and the community. In our classrooms, you'll find vibrant learning environments where students collaborate, communicate and create. Beyond academics, we foster a growth mindset culture, encouraging students to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties. Our inclusive learning environment values diversity, ensures every student has an adult ally and promotes a strong sense of belonging.
To the Class of 2024: We are immensely proud of you. Your achievements are a reflection of your hard work, determination and the supportive community that has nurtured your growth.
To our community: Your ongoing support and partnership are vital to our success. Together, we will continue to inspire, challenge and prepare the leaders of tomorrow. As we celebrate this year's graduates, let us also look forward with enthusiasm to the possibilities that lie ahead. Our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible education for all our students, combined with the strength of our community partnerships, will ensure that Solon City Schools remains a beacon of educational excellence.
As we move forward, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering every student to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to our evolving global society. The success of our graduates and the promise of our future students are testaments to what can be achieved when a community unites in support of education. Together, we will continue to build on this foundation of excellence, ensuring that every student, every day, is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone in our community for your continued support of the Solon CIty Schools.
Together, we are SC!
Fred Bolden, Superintendent, Solon City Schools