The Fairview Advantage Podcast

This episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast highlights the Fairview High School football team’s historic 2025 season and the culture behind its success. Featuring student-athletes, head coach Sean Ranc, and athletic director Jon Adams, the conversation explores how leadership, accountability, and steady program growth led to milestones like a conference championship and the program’s first playoff win. Players reflect on their development both on and off the field, emphasizing teamwork, maturity, and strong relationships built through shared experiences. Looking ahead, the group discusses goals for continued success and building on a culture that extends beyond football. Featuring FHS athletes LaMarcus C. and Cal R.

As part of World Languages Week at Fairview High School, this episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast spotlights the district’s French program through reflections on a student trip to Quebec. French instructor Meghann Peters joins students Kwaw Y. and Isabella L. to discuss how the immersive experience brought classroom learning to life through language, culture, and real-world interaction. The conversation highlights student engagement with French in Montreal and Quebec City, cultural contrasts between the two cities, and memorable experiences ranging from historic landmarks to Indigenous history and local cuisine. Students share how navigating conversations in French challenged and motivated them, deepened their appreciation for global cultures, and influenced their plans to continue studying world languages beyond high school. 

This episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast spotlights the record-setting 2025 Fairview High School girls soccer team - Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division champions, Division IV district champions, and regional semifinalists.The episode reviews the team's journey to conference and district championships and a deep postseason run. The discussion explores the team’s resilience through injuries, the leadership and chemistry that fueled their success, and how lessons from the field translate into confidence and collaboration across all areas of student life.Guests include head coach Scott Underwood, Athletic Director Jon Adams, senior Alexa C., and junior Bella P.

In this episode of The Fairview Advantage Podcast, listeners hear from members of Fairview High School’s Stagecrafters as they discuss the upcoming fall play, A Penny for Your Thoughts. The conversation highlights the play’s unique concept and the creative and technical challenges of portraying invisible “egos.” The episode also explores how participation in theater fosters confidence, collaboration, and creativity among students as they prepare for opening night at the Frank W. Barr Auditorium.Guests include senior Ella D., sophomore Gia A., and director Craig Cohan.

In this episode of The Fairview Advantage Podcast, Superintendent Keith Ahearn reflects on the start of the 2025–2026 school year and his “Start, Stop, Continue” listening sessions with staff. He discusses themes of communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement - emphasizing the importance of authentic feedback, emotional honesty, and strengthening relationships across the Fairview Park City School District. 

Join us for this episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast: our special Senior Spotlight on the Class of 2025!Hear reflections from FHS seniors Spencer B. and Kelly A. on their favorite memories, lessons learned, and hopes for the future—plus insights from Principal Chris Vicha on the resilience, leadership, and impact of this standout graduating class.

In this episode of The Fairview Advantage Podcast, we sit down with students and staff involved in Fairview High School’s 2025 spring musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Cast and crew members Aubrey W. (10th grade), Lillian C. (11th grade), and Emma C. (8th grade) join Director Mrs. Jessica Atwood to share behind-the-scenes insights and reflections on this year’s production. From innovative set designs to the challenges of dancing while singing iconic songs, students discuss how the show has pushed them creatively and technically. The episode also highlights the unique bonds formed between middle and high school students, the leadership growth among cast and crew, and the passion that drives the entire Stagecrafters team. With nearly 90 students involved, The Little Mermaid exemplifies collaboration, resilience, and community. The production runs March 28–30 at Fairview High School’s Frank W. Barr Auditorium. Tickets are available at fairviewparkschools.org/boxoffice.

In this episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast, we explore the many opportunities provided to students in World Language classes at Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School. This episode delves into the impact of world language education at Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School. Guests share insights into the academic, personal, and professional benefits of learning a new language. Topics include cultural immersion through hands-on experiences like cooking classes and museum visits, exploring global perspectives, and the ways language study enhances communication skills and confidence. Students reflect on how learning a language has broadened their understanding of diverse cultures, inspired aspirations to study abroad, and opened doors for future opportunities. The discussion highlights the lasting value of language education in building connections and expanding horizons.Guests include French teacher Madame Meghann Peters and students Spencer B., who studies French, along with Carina C. and Annaliese M., who are both Spanish students. 

In this episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast, we take a closer look at the Fairview High School Stagecrafters 2024 fall production of "Murder Runs in the Family."Find out more about this production, what students learned from the production, and the importance of family in Stagecrafters. Featuring the play's director, Craig Cohan, and seniors Cory C., Annaliese M. and Isabel K.“Murder Runs in the Family,” a satirical comedy and murder mystery, features students from Stagecrafters and International Thespian Troupe 8671. Performances will be on Nov. 15 & 16 at 7 PM and Nov. 17 at 2 PM.

In this episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast, we kick off the 2024-2025 school year by spotlighting the Key Club Care Closet at Fairview High School. The episode explores the development and launch of the Key Club Care Closet, a new resource designed to provide students with essential items such as personal hygiene products and other supplies. This important addition aims to support students who may need these basic necessities, creating a positive and supportive environment within the school.Listeners will gain insights into how the Key Club identified the need for the Care Closet, their challenges in setting it up, and how donations are being gathered from the school and community. The episode also highlights other service projects the Key Club is involved in, such as teaching technological literacy to seniors and organizing donation drives. It’s a powerful conversation about student leadership, community service, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Class of 2024 before they walk across the stage for their commencement on May 21, 2024. We discuss some of the unique challenges faced by the Class of 2024, including their transition to high school that was cut short by the pandemic. We also discuss what makes Fairview High School and the Fairview Park City School District unique for these students, who their favorite teachers are, and advice for underclassmen. Tune in to find out more about the Class of 2024 and why they have so much #WarriorPride in the school and the community they call home.Guests include Fairview High School campus principal Chris Vicha and students Kathleen B. and Sammy R.

The Warrior Athletic Council (WAC) started during the 2023-2024 school year and is supported by the Fairview Athletic Department. The WAC represents all 23 varsity sports, fostering leadership, communication, and community within Fairview High's athletic program. Its objectives include empowering student-athletes through input on educational programs, developing leadership skills applicable in various contexts, enhancing communication between administration and athletes, and bolstering the school's athletic culture. Additionally, WAC oversees the organization of events like the Scarlet and Graymies to further engage and unify the student-athlete body.Guests include Fairview High School & Mayer Middle School Athletic Director Jon Adams and students Lacey M. and Ben S.

2023-2024 was a historic season for the Fairview High School boys basketball team. During their first year in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division, the Warriors earned a conference championship, their fourth in the last six seasons (in three different conferences.)On Friday, March 8, 2024, the team beat sixth-seeded Cuyahoga Heights by a 49-46 margin in the District Final of the 2024 OHSAA Tournament inside Wooster High School to advance to Fairview’s first-ever Sweet 16 Regional Semifinal. The District championship was the first in the school's history. They finished this historic season with a 19-7 overall record. The team also featured several All-Division players on its roster.Guests for this episode include boys basketball coach Ryan Barry, along with seniors Owen M. and Collin L.

Join us as we take a closer look at Fairview High School's upcoming production of "Mamma Mia!" The musical will be performed on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at 7:00 PM and Sunday, March 24, at 2:00 PM.According to Music Theatre International, the musical tells "the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit for any theatre."Guests include Director of Stagecrafters Mrs. Jessica Atwood and seniors Molly A. and Graycen R.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Crossing Guard booths that students at Fairview High School recently completed as part of a community art project. The Crossing Guard Booths project was a collaborative effort between Fairview High School and the city of Fairview Park, and each booth was created to highlight certain aspects of the city. Nearly 30 students from FHS participated in the project. We also discuss what future community projects are in the works for art students and the city.Our guests include Fairview High School art teacher Ryan Graff and seniors Rebecca C. and Addison L.

In this episode, we examine the critical time for students as they transition from fifth to sixth grade at Lewis F. Mayer Middle School. We talk about what parents can expect during the second semester of the school year to prepare their families and students for this significant move.Some of the areas discussed include:Educational options for students when they reach the middle schoolHow information is communicated to parents about this transitionHow parents can have their questions answered by staffWhat documents and resources are available for parents and students regarding the transitionTimelines leading up to the start of the school year and how parents and students can prepareGuests include Fairview High School & Mayer Middle School campus principal Chris Vicha and Mayer Middle School Associate Principal Heather Kaminski.

In this episode, we talk with members of the cast and crew of Fairview High School's production of "Dracula." The play will be performed in the Frank W. Barr Auditorium at Fairview High School on Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 PM. There will be a 2:00 PM matinee performance on Sunday, November 12, 2023.Join us as we discuss what makes this version of the classic horror story different than other versions you might have seen. We also discuss what challenges the cast and crew of "Dracula" faced to bring the story to the stage and how much fun they had preparing for the show.Guests include director Craig Cohan, along with seniors Scarlett L. and Andrew H.

October is National Farm to School Month, and in this episode, we discuss the National Farm to School movement in the United States, in Ohio, and Fairview Park.Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites. Over 67,000 schools participate in Farm to School, with over 42 million students engaged in programming.Guests include Fairview Park City School District Food Services Coordinator Diana Hill and Alison Guzik, Farm to School coordinator with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. 

In this episode, we examine the critical role of a counselor at the elementary school level in the Fairview Park City School District. We talk about the many programs and initiatives that help students learn and grow at Gilles-Sweet Elementary School and the Parkview Early Education Center.Guests include Fairview Park City School District counselors Meredith Schulte and Robin Schlesinger.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Class of 2023 before they walk across the stage for their commencement ceremony on May 23. From their time in elementary school through the challenges of learning during a worldwide pandemic, the Class of 2023 has excelled in many ways. Tune in to discover why this class has so much #WarriorPride for their school and the community they call home.Guests include Fairview High School principal Chris Vicha and seniors Tessa K. and Eva K., both class officers with the Class of 2023.

Join us as we take a closer look at Fairview High School's upcoming musical production of "Xanadu: The Musical." The musical will be performed at the Frank W. Barr Auditorium at Fairview High School on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, at 7:00 PM and Sunday, April 2, beginning at 2:00 PM.According to Music Theatre International,  Xanadu "follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first ROLLER DISCO! (Hey, it's 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds."Guests include Director of Stagecrafters Jess Atwood, junior Andrew H., the stage manager for the production, and Cadence R., a senior, who plays one of the leads.

In this episode, we take a closer look at Career Night and the Junior Experience, two programs that help students think about their future after high school. Career Night, held this year on March 9 in the FHS gymnasium, is an informal open house-style event where local businesses and community members chat with students about their careers. In addition, the Junior Experience is held each year in the spring, providing 11th-grade students with time and the resources to learn more about college, career, or military service.Guests include Fairview High School Associate Principal Chris Honeck, FHS senior Xavier D. and Howard Hanna realtor Tom Shuerger.

In this episode, we tour the Innovation Center at Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School with teachers Ryan Graff and Chris Kaminski. The Innovation Center features unique facilities and state-of-the-art equipment that help students excel in the fine arts, their regular classes, or with extracurricular clubs and activities. We also talk with FHS student Bailey B., a senior who uses the Innovation Center for various projects and to advance her experiences in visual and digital communications.

In this episode, Fairview Park City School District Superintendent Keith Ahearn talks with John Tanner, the founder of bravEd. BravEd focuses on benefits-based accountability for school districts and helps school leaders rethink the definition of school performance and accountability. Starting in September 2021, a cohort of educational leaders from Fairview Park, Maple Heights, and Olmsted Falls began professional learning on how to develop a comprehensive accountability system based on the following seven pillars: Student Learning; Student Readiness; Student Engagement & Well-Roundedness; Student Well-Being; Effective Adults; Community Connections and Effective Systems.For more information about bravEd and John Tanner, please visit www.brave-ed.com.

In this episode, Dan Crandall from the Fairview Park Athletic Club talks about the upcoming Warrior Wellness Summit and what students and parents can expect. The inaugural summit will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023. 

About this episode:Gilles-Sweet Elementary Principal Matt Krivak and Associate Principal Shanna Kovi talk about the school's Family Game Night in December. Learn how events like Family Game Night support educational outcomes for students and promotes better home-school communication with parents and families. 

The Fairview Advantage Podcast highlights the students, staff, and programs that make up the Fairview Park City School District in Fairview Park, Ohio.About this episode:This episode examines Issue 7, the operating levy renewal appearing on the November 8, 2022 general election ballot. Guests include Fairview Park City School District Superintendent Keith Ahearn and Treasurer Rob Showalter.