Solon High School

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Solon High School
SolonCometsLogo.jpg
Solon High School Comets Logo
Address
33600 Inwood Road

Solon
,
(Cuyahoga County)
,
Ohio
44139

United States
Coordinates41°22′39″N 81°26′26″W / 41.37750°N 81.44056°W / 41.37750; -81.44056Coordinates: 41°22′39″N 81°26′26″W / 41.37750°N 81.44056°W / 41.37750; -81.44056
Information
TypePublic high school
Established1898
School districtSolon City School District
SuperintendentFred Bolden[1]
PrincipalErin Short[2]
Teaching staff85.45 (FTE)[3]
Grades9-12
Enrollment1,638 (2019–20)[3]
Student to teacher ratio19.17[3]
Color(s)  Navy Blue
  White
  Gold (trim)[2]
Athletics conferenceGreater Cleveland Conference
MascotComet
Team nameComets[2]
RivalTwinsburg High School
Newspapertheshscourier.com
Fight SongAcross the Field
Athletic DirectorJim McQuaide[4]
Websitewww.solonschools.org/shs

Solon High School, founded in 1898, is a public high school located in Solon, Ohio, a southeastern suburb of Cleveland in the Northeast Ohio Region, the 15th largest Combined Statistical Area in the United States.

It comprises grades 9 through 12, and is the only high school in the Solon City School District, which also includes Solon and Orchard Middle Schools, and four elementary schools: Arthur Road, Lewis, Parkside and Roxbury. Solon High School's student body is approximately 1,700 students while the faculty roster includes approximately 200 teachers, administrators, and staff.[5] Erin Short currently serves as principal.[6]

Academics[]

Solon High School

Solon High School and the entire Solon City School District consistently rank among the best schools in Ohio.[7] In 2013, Solon High School was listed as #107 on Newsweek's annual list of America's Best High Schools.[8] The school was given a Gold Ranking and listed #264 by U.S. News & World Report, #11 in Ohio, and #100 nationally in STEM.[9]

Solon High School is one of few schools to have received Blue Ribbon awards twice, both in 1991 and 2009.[10][11]

In 2013, Solon High School was awarded the prestigious Red Quill Award from the ACT organization for the sixth consecutive year, and the Red Quill Legacy Award for the second consecutive year, for excellent overall student scores on the ACT (Test).[5] Solon was the only Ohio school to receive the award and one of 21 in the Midwest.[12]

Solon High School students are perennially recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. In 2013, 30 Solon High School students were named National Merit Semifinalists, a new record for the State of Ohio.[13] Solon High School has also had 6 Presidential Scholars and many more Presidential Scholar candidates in its history.[5][14]

Students are also often recognized for their performance on Advanced Placement Exams. Solon has over a 90% pass rate,[5] and currently offers 27 AP courses.[15] The school has had many students recognized for number of exams taken and high average scores as AP Scholars[16] and others for being members of the less than 0.005% that have received perfect scores on their exams.[17][18]

Athletics[]

The Solon Comets' athletic programs compete in the Northeast Ohio Conference (NOC) against other local area high schools.[19] Solon's high school sports rivals include Twinsburg High School, Hudson High School, Mentor High School, and Mayfield High School.

Solon's mascot is the comet and colors are blue and white.[2] The school's fight song is Ohio State's "Fight the Team Across the Field."

Ohio High School Athletic Association State Championships[]

Academic teams[]

Solon High School has many academic teams, including Science Olympiad, Academic Challenge, Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, Model United Nations, and Future Problem Solvers. Many of these teams have previously placed in tournaments at the state and national level.

Academic Challenge[]

The Solon High School Academic Challenge team has competed in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School National Championship for eight straight years, earning a fifth-place finish in 2015.[22] The team won the 2010 Ohio Academic Competition state championship as well as a 17th finish at the NAQT High School National Championship.[23][24]

Science Olympiad[]

In 1998, Solon Science Olympiad earned its first National Championship, and has consistently placed in the regional, state, and national level. Solon Science Olympiad placed second in both 2003 and 2008, and then placed first at the 2011, 2012, and 2013 National Tournaments, tying them with Troy High School[25] from Fullerton, California for the most consecutive wins (3). They attended the White House Science Fair two times and received commendations from the Ohio State Legislature as a result of these accomplishments. At the 2019 National Tournament, Solon High School placed second at the National Tournament[26] behind Troy High School.

Speech and Debate[]

The Solon High School Speech and Debate team is one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind in the state of Ohio. The team placed second at the Ohio Speech and Debate Association State Tournament in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2021[27] and has produced 8 individual state champions since the team's inception.[28] The team has also qualified numerous members to the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament, including a national finalist in 2017 who ultimately placed 6th in the country.[29] Solon also had a world champion at the 2019 National Speech and Debate Tournament in the World Schools Debate event, representing the North Coast (OH) district.[30]

Musical groups[]

Bands[]

Solon High School has wind ensemble, orchestral, and choral programs. Some of the funds that these programs receive come from the school-associated non-profit organization the Solon Music Parents.[31]

The school maintains a large band program with over 300 students.[32]

During the summer and fall, all students enrolled in the school's band course perform with the full marching band. The group hosts a "Band Bash" every year,[33] during which local marching bands perform. The band has performed during halftime shows for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns, as well as performed the National Anthem for the Cleveland Indians pregame.[32][34][35] There is a voluntary pep band that plays at school rallies and athletic events.

In the winter and spring, the band transitions to three concert bands, Wind Ensemble, Blue Symphonic Band, and White Symphonic Band. All students must audition for the directors of the band. The Wind Ensemble is made up of the top players and then the rest of the students are evenly split by talent between the Blue and the White Symphonic bands. It is mandatory for all members to participate in Marching and Concert Band.

Solon currently has two jazz bands for students to perform in, Jazz I and Jazz II, available by audition only. The Jazz band has traveled to New Orleans twice to learn about Jazz and the history of Jazz, and performed with jazz stars including Wayne Bergeron and Eddie Daniels.[36][37][38]

The orchestra has approximately 180 students and is split into two orchestras. Sinfonia and concert orchestra. Students interested in playing in Sinfonia must audition. Often, a handful of band members will play with the chamber orchestra at concerts. Concert Orchestra is the larger orchestra.

Choirs[]

There are five main choruses that comprise the Choral Program including: 9th Grade Women's (SSAA), 9th grade Men's Chorus (TTBB), Concert Choir (SATB), a cappella Choir (SATB), and Music in Motion (SATB). There are also extra-curricular ensembles such as "The Madrigals", and various female and male barbershop quartets formed by students.[39]

Music in Motion is the Solon High School show choir. The group has won numerous Grand Championships in several Midwest competitions, and had an undefeated season in 2012.[40][41] Solon transitioned in recent years from hosting a non-competition Festival to a full Show Choir Invitational.[42]

Media[]

The Solon Courier is the school newspaper which is written and edited by students.[43]

Solon Education Television (SETV) is a local public access television station that is broadcast from the school. The Solon High School Club, Comet Productions, staffs all the events aired. The station currently airs original programming such as SHS graduation, sports, Solon Board meetings, band, choir, and orchestra concerts, the annual Honor Society talent show, and drama club productions.

Comet Productions is open to all students with an interest in video production, for sports, concerts, and musicals.[44]

Solon Community Television was a local public-access television station that aired original programming and was broadcast from Solon High School SCTV Studio 1. Now, SCTV Studio 1 has been converted into a classroom for a communications course; the last broadcast from Studio 1 was in 2009.[45]

Scandals[]

Sexting scandal[]

In 2014, Solon High School experienced allegations of sexting amongst students and perhaps even faculty.[46] The school administrators however denied that these allegations were true, despite evidence being brought to light regarding students trading nude photos within a specific mobile app.[47]

Ed Kline sexual abuse[]

As of August 2021, former district band director Ed Kline has been charged with 19 counts of gross sexual imposition, allegedly having sexually abused students as young as 12 for years.[48] Kline resigned in June 2018.[49]

The offenses took place from August 2003 until June 2014, according to the indictment, and the grand jury labeled Kline a sexually violent predator. The indictment said Kline "touched the breasts or buttocks of some victims", labeled Jane Doe #1 through Jane Doe #7, and "compelled others to touch his genitals".[50]

On Jan. 12, Kline pleaded guilty to 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony. He also pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor. Seven counts were nolled, meaning they will not be prosecuted, according to a plea arrangement with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.[51]

Notable alumni[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Bolden earns 3-year contract to serve as superintendent of Solon Schools". Cleveland.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b c d "Ohio High School Athletic Association member directory". Ohio High School Athletic Association. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c "Solon High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  4. ^ Schools, Solon. "Head Coaches". Solon Schools.
  5. ^ a b c d "Solon High School College Profile" (PDF). Solon City Schools. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  6. ^ "Program of Studies 2014–2015" (PDF). Solon City Schools. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  7. ^ "Final State Report Card Release Confirms Solon Earns Northeast Ohio's #1 Report Card grade and Excellent with Distinction rating". Solon City Schools. February 28, 2013. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  8. ^ "America's Best High Schools". Newsweek. 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  9. ^ "Solon High School Overview". U.S. News & World Report. 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  10. ^ Pace, Pattie (September 25, 2008). "Solon High gets A Blue Ribbon". The Plain Dealer Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  11. ^ "National Blue Ribbon Schools Program Schools Recognized 1982 Through 2013" (PDF). United States Department of Education. 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  12. ^ Price, Kyla (February 7, 2013). "Solon only high school in Ohio to receive Red Quill Legacy Award". The Plain Dealer Cleveland.com. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  13. ^ Mazollini, Chris (September 12, 2012). "Solon High Has 30 National Merit Semi-Finalists, The Most Ever". Patch Media. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  14. ^ "11 Solon High School Students Named US Presidential Scholars". Solon, OH Patch. 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
  15. ^ "Solon High School Profile" (PDF). Retrieved 6 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ^ Price, Kyla (September 25, 2012). "Current and former Solon High School students honored as top AP scholars". The Plain Dealer Cleveland.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  17. ^ Price, Kyla (January 24, 2013). "Two Solon students among only 88 globally to land perfect scores on AP exams". The Plain Dealer Cleveland.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  18. ^ "Solon Board of Education Meeting Report – 24 October 2016" (PDF). Solon Schools.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ "Member Schools". NOC. 2009. Archived from the original on 16 April 2010. Retrieved 20 September 2009.
  20. ^ "Ohio High School Athletic Association Website". Ohio High School Athletic Association. Retrieved December 31, 2006.
  21. ^ "State Championship Listing". Yappi Sports Wrestling. Retrieved February 12, 2007.
  22. ^ "2015 HSNCT Results". National Academic Quiz Tournaments. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  23. ^ "Solon High School Tournament Results". National Academic Quiz Tournaments. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  24. ^ "OAC Past State Champions". . Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  25. ^ "Science Olympiad Student Center". scioly.org.
  26. ^ "Solon High School Science Olympiad". Science Olympiad scioly.org. 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2013.
  27. ^ "Solon Speech & Debate". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
  28. ^ "OSDA (OHSSL) Event Champions". Google Docs. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
  29. ^ Debate, Speech & (2017-06-23). "6th place in United States Extemp goes to Vishal Sundaram from Solon HS in OH! #Nats17". @speechanddebate. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
  30. ^ "Solon Student Wins World Championship In Speech & Debate". Solon, OH Patch. July 1, 2019.
  31. ^ "Solon Music Parents". Solon City Schools. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  32. ^ a b "About Us". Solon Band. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  33. ^ Mazzolini, Chris (September 8, 2011). "Solon High Hosts Band Bash Saturday". Patch Media. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  34. ^ "Solon Marching Band Performs at Cavaliers Halftime". Youtube.com. August 9, 2008. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  35. ^ Reichard, Doug (October 11, 2010). "Solon Band Browns Halftime". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  36. ^ "Solon Parent Teacher Association Newsletter" (PDF). Solon City Schools. January 1, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  37. ^ "Wayne Bergeron Concert Information". Solon Music Parents. 2008. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  38. ^ "Meeting Minutes 2009". Solon Music Parents. 2009. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  39. ^ Lewis, Gary (August 27, 2009). "Solon High School Choral Activities" (PDF). Solon City Schools. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  40. ^ "Music in Motion 2012". ShowChoir.com. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  41. ^ Price, Kyla (January 31, 2013). "Solon High School's Music in Motion choir tops in nation". The Plain Dealer Cleveland.com. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  42. ^ Deininger, Maggie (March 14, 2011). "Solon Show Choir Festival Transforms into Competition Next Year". Patch Media. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  43. ^ "Solon Courier". Twitter. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  44. ^ Reid, Sue (July 4, 2013). "City committee learns education TV details". Chagrin Valley Today. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  45. ^ "Solon Community Television". Solon City Schools. 1998. Archived from the original on November 27, 2001. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  46. ^ Ridel, Kaitlyn; Group, Northeast Ohio Media (2014-03-08). "Solon consumed by sexting allegations". cleveland. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  47. ^ Johnston, Laura; clevel; .com (2014-03-07). "Solon High School principal said school found no evidence of inappropriate photos, in wake of sexting rumors". cleveland. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  48. ^ jkaufman@cjn.org, JANE KAUFMAN | STAFF REPORTER. "Former Solon band director arraigned on more charges". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  49. ^ Anderson, Chris; Forward, Kendall. "Victim in court says former Solon Middle School band teacher inappropriately touched her when she was 12". www.cleveland19.com. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  50. ^ jkaufman@cjn.org, JANE KAUFMAN | STAFF REPORTER. "Former Solon band director indicted on 18 counts of sexual offenses". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  51. ^ jkaufman@cjn.org, JANE KAUFMAN | STAFF REPORTER. "Former Solon band director pleads guilty to 12 charges". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  52. ^ "Parker Revolutionizes Machine I/O with Release of New PCH Network Portal". . Retrieved December 13, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

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