Ohio’s Independence Independence held a convocation for all of its teachers, staff, administrators, and board members to kick off the new school year.
Additionally, the high school was celebrating as students received national acclaim for their Advanced Placement exam results from the College Board.
In her speech to the staff, Superintendent Kelli Cogan focused on preserving the district’s history while welcoming the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
We’re still working on building our legacy this year,” Cogan remarked. Our focus on students—getting to know them, identifying their capabilities, and creating stimulating, demanding, and inspiring learning experiences—lays the foundation for everything we do.
She emphasized the work that would be done in the upcoming bond issue to reconstruct the city’s schools and stated that the middle and primary schools are in dire need of modern learning spaces because they are no longer functional.
According to Cogan, I was reminded that President Eisenhower was in office when our elementary school was constructed. This fact alone demonstrates the necessity for spaces that are up to date and tailored to the way kids study now rather than how they did fifty years ago.
“We have fantastic staff, students, and families in our district,” Cogan added. One lesson learned, one victory, and one success story at a time, we will continue to build a legacy of excellence together.
Kim Campbell, a nationally renowned educator and speaker, gave an inspiring keynote talk to close out the convocation. Although academic rigor is vital, Campbell stressed that excellent institutions are still mostly about connections.
We have always understood that the cornerstone of any classroom is establishing solid, constructive relationships with our pupils, she said. The importance of relationships has never been greater. We are also aware that our pupils’ achievement is impacted by the closer bonds we have with one another as coworkers.
33 students were recognized as AP Scholars, including 14 AP Scholars, 5 AP Scholars with Honor, and 14 AP Scholars with Distinction, indicating the high school’s accomplishment with the Class of 2025’s AP exam scores.
The honor follows a record-breaking year for Independence High School’s AP results. Compared to 73 percent in 2024 and 50 percent in 2023, 91 percent of AP students received a three or above on their tests in 2025.
Principal Mike Janatovich stated, “We are immensely proud of our students for pushing themselves to achieve these high levels of academic achievement.” Their diligence, their families’ support, and our teachers’ commitment are all reflected in the progress we’ve witnessed over the last three years. Independence High School keeps proving that our pupils are capable of incredible feats.
Joanna Alrabady, Samuel Bernhardt, Owen C. Jenks, Lindsey M. Lieu, Nathan A. Lu, Tate A. McGovern, Justin Mintz, Madelyn C. Mudra, Matthew A. Shamblen, Mae E. Sheehan, Ella C. Sliwinski, Giada Z. Spisak, Marissa C. Taylor, and Dyanne Wang were all named AP Scholars, which is given to students who receive a score of three or higher on three or more AP exams.
Landon I. Eichler, Nina C. Funk, Addison G. Kolar, Tatiana Randjelovic, and Angelo J. Rodriguez were named AP Scholars with Honor for achieving an average score of at least 3.25 on all examinations and scores of three or higher on four or more tests.
Students Ian N. Babb, Jacob P. Butcher, Jonathan Chen, Benjamin M. Cober, Anthony J. Freeman, Jenna M. Frustaci, Sabrina P. George, Joseph D. Graham, James K. Kitagawa, Thomas R. Ksiazka, Matthew J. Liepert, John K. Ottaviano, James O. Panichi, and Sam M. Pascarella were among the AP Scholars with Distinction, which is given to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all exams and three or higher on five or more exams.
