LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — High schools from around the area celebrated the announcement of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists last week.
Locally, each high school in the Sun Sentinel’s coverage area is represented.
Avon High School boasts two semifinalists — seniors Alexandria Balthaser and Nha Tien Le.
At Avon Lake High School, senior Andrew Cline is a semifinalist.
North Ridgeville High School also has one semifinalist, senior Ethan Stanulet.
Semifinalists are chosen based on their Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) as juniors.
More than 1.3 million students took the test, with only 16,000 nationwide being selected as semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
To advance to the finalist level, students must submit a detailed scholarship application, receive a recommendation from a high school administrator and earn an SAT or ACT score that confirms their qualifying performance.
Finalists will be announced in February.
AVON
Historic home tours: In addition to the coffee hour tours of the historic Wilbur Cahoon House Museum at 2940 Stoney Ridge Road — which take place from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday through Nov. 26 — the house is now open for tours from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2 and Nov. 16 (hours are subject to change).
The tours are free.
To register for a coffee tour, visit avonrec.activityreg.com or call 440-937-4461.
Arbor Day: The city’s annual free Arbor Day celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Every Child’s Playground, 36265 Detroit Road (across from the Avon Aquatic Facility).
The event includes tree planting, kid-friendly activities, a petting zoo and live music.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Wellness facility opens; dog grooming coming: Dr!p recently opened in Nagel Crossing, 33420 Just Imagine Drive, Suite 408.
The facility offers a Finnish sauna, cold plunge and red light therapy. There are seven private rooms with saunas and ice baths.
One room is dedicated to red light therapy.
For more information, go to dripbytherm.com.
Also opening soon in the plaza is Sparkle, a dog-grooming facility. For more information, visit sparkledogcare.com/ohio/avon/avon.
Car dealership coming: R7 Motors representatives recently presented plans to the city’s Planning Commission for a new Mercedes Benz and Porsche automotive dealership.
It is planned for the southwest corner of Chester and Jaycox roads.
Hall of Fame: The Avon High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is set to celebrate the school’s legacy of athletic excellence.
Its upcoming Hall of Fame Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at the school’s Performing Arts Center.
This year’s class of inductees includes:
• Denise Wearsch Lahoski (Class of 1991), a four-sport All-Ohio standout
• Jim Baylee (Class of 1954), noted for his multiple sport achievements and his service in the Army
• Ryan O’Rourke, football player, alongside Mari Gundersen Ramos and Dessa Dzubak, (Class of 1989), who made notable contributions in basketball, softball and beyond.
The 2008 Eagles football team will also be honored.
Long-time “Voice of the Eagles,” Mike Moran, will receive the 2025 Frankie Smitek Award, highlighting his contribution to the Avon sports community.
Shout-out: Congratulations to the Avon High School Mighty Eagle Marching Band for earning the Ohio Music Education Association’s Grand Champion honors at a recent competition at Cloverleaf High School.
The band secured first place in Class AA and visuals and a Superior rating — qualifying early for the state finals.
AVON LAKE
Homecoming, pizza bake-off: Avon Lake High School will host its Homecoming football game against Elyria at 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
The school district and the City of Avon Lake are co-sponsoring the annual Avon Lake Homecoming parade, which will step off from the high school’s north parking lot, 175 Avon Belden Road, at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 27.
Community groups can participate by filling out a form on the city’s website. The deadline is Friday.
To register, go to avonlake.org/how-do-i/homecoming-parade-application.
Kick off Homecoming weekend with the 17th annual North Coast Rotary Great Pizza Bake Off from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the high school.
Tickets for the “all you can sample” event are $12 for adults and $6 for children (ages 6-12). They will be available at the door on the day of the event.
Brokerage firm opens: Founded by Principal Broker Jonathan Wright this year, Civitas Real Estate Group, 375 Lear Road, recently opened.
It is offering consulting and marketing services for residential and commercial sales.
For more information, go to civitasrealestategroup.com.
Democratic club: The Avon Lake Democrats Club will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.
The meeting features guest speaker Nicole Curet, senior engagement strategist for the ACLU of Ohio.
For more information, go to avonlakedemocrats.com.
Halloween: Trick-or-treat is currently scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Church carnival: St. Peter Catholic Church continues its 150th Jubilee celebration with a carnival on Sept. 26.
The evening will begin with Mass in the gym at 5 p.m., followed by carnival fun with games, prizes, food and other activities.
Fall market: Stop by the Blue Barn Shops Fall Market, 33094 Center Ridge Road, on Sept. 27. Outside hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shop more than 40 vendors inside from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vendors will be offering handmade items and antiques, as well as seasonal/holiday merchandise.
Homecoming: North Ridgeville High School will celebrate Homecoming with a football game vs. Berea-Midpark High School Oct. 3.
The dance is Oct. 4 and the theme is “Night in Rio.”
Halloween: Trick-or-treat is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Follow me on Twitter @jshortavon.
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