A proud Graham graduate, Michelle began her career at Graham Junior High School in 1993 as a special education teacher, helping launch the district's first co-teaching model. Throughout her career, she served students at both Graham Junior High and Graham Middle School before spending the final 16 years of her career in the Multiple Disabilities Unit. In addition to her work in the classroom, Michelle coached high school volleyball, girls basketball, and track, while also serving in numerous leadership and committee roles that helped shape and strengthen our district.
When reflecting on her time at Graham, Michelle shared that one of her most meaningful memories was her first day in the Multiple Disabilities classroom. What initially felt unfamiliar quickly became one of the most rewarding chapters of her career. She credits her students, families, classroom aides, colleagues, and administrators for helping make those years so special.
As she begins retirement, Michelle looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, working in her yard, traveling, and remaining connected to the Graham community in new ways.
Michelle also extends her heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Paul, and her children, Owen and Arden, for their unwavering love, patience, and support throughout her career.
From Graham student to Graham educator, Michelle's impact on our schools, students, and staff will be felt for years to come. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and service to Graham Local Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
During her time at Graham, Julie taught both first and fourth grade, creating lasting memories for countless students. Some of her favorite moments include reading Magic Tree House books with her first graders, celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday and the 100th Day of School, and participating in Trout in the Classroom and the Good Program with her fourth-grade students.
Beyond the classroom, Julie treasures the relationships she built throughout her career, sharing that many parents and coworkers have become lifelong friends.
In retirement, Julie is looking forward to coffee dates, baking sourdough, traveling, and spending more time with family and friends.
Julie also shared how grateful and proud she is to have begun her educational journey as a Graham Falcon in kindergarten and to conclude her career as one as well.
Thank you, Julie, for the dedication, kindness, and impact you have shared with generations of Graham students. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
Throughout her career, Sharla has served in many roles, including grade-level clerical aide, one-on-one aide, library aide, computer lab aide, high school inclusion and study hall aide, middle school study hall aide, transportation office worker, and van driver. Her willingness to step in wherever needed has positively impacted countless students, staff members, and families over the years.
When reflecting on her time at Graham, Sharla shared that there are simply too many great memories to choose just one. Having worked alongside so many wonderful students and colleagues, she describes her career as both rewarding and fulfilling.
As she begins this next chapter, Sharla looks forward to spending more time with family, taking vacations, and enjoying camping adventures.
Thank you, Sharla, for your years of service, dedication, and commitment to the Graham community. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
Your hard work, dedication, and determination truly paid off, and we could not be more proud of your accomplishment. Keep striving for excellence and showing what it means to be a Falcon! ❤️🖤
*Track results will be updated soon!
Apply online today! https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/ohiohipoint
Community Health & Wellness Partners is available all summer long with convenient healthcare close to home.
MAY 19, 2026 BOARD MEETING RECAP
The Graham Local Schools Board of Education recognized student accomplishments, celebrated the Class of 2026, and received updates on student programs and district initiatives during Monday night’s meeting.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Board President Leslie Maurice. Board members congratulated graduating seniors and their families and expressed appreciation to all Graham staff members during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Month.
Curriculum reports included a presentation from The Dancing Band from Falconland. Ms. Buell, Band Director, opened the presentation by discussing the band’s mentorship program and recent trip to Myrtle Beach. She shared that GHS 11th grader Kady Thornton, a student in the makerspace class, designed and created shirts for every student and parent who attended the trip.
Michele Slone, Band Parent Organization Vice President, also spoke about the Myrtle Beach experience. Ms Slone expressed how proud she was of the students and shared her appreciation for Lauren’s leadership during the trip, stating, “Watching Lauren shine was so amazing. I am so grateful and thankful to be a part of this trip and a member of this community.”
Students Kady Thornton and George Slone shared their experiences from the trip and about how serving as mentors in this program has helped them grow in leadership roles and build connections within the group. This year, the program helped welcome 16 new eighth-grade and freshman members into the band.
Lauren concluded the presentation by stating, “I am very proud and honored to serve as the band director. We truly are a family here, and the support and respect for our group means everything.”
Superintendent Chad Lensman recognized numerous student and staff achievements across the district, including FFA state honors, DECA and State Science Fair accomplishments, choir and music achievements, scholarship recipients, service learning activities, Special Olympics-style CBC Cup participation, and successful fundraising efforts such as the Graham Middle School Color Run. He also congratulated the Class of 2026, scholarship recipients, valedictorians, and the salutatorian.
Mr. Lensman shared that the district has received more than $97,000 in donations this year, supporting student programs, athletics, the Military Wall of Honor, lunch assistance, school fees, FFA Land Lab, and other initiatives. Nine additional volunteers were approved, bringing the yearly total to nearly 190 volunteers serving Graham students.
He thanked Mary Rutan Hospital for their continued partnership and for again providing free sports physicals to students, the Band Parents Organization, and music staff for another successful Ice Cream Social and end-of-year concerts. Appreciation was also extended to high school staff for organizing Service Learning Day and senior events, including Signing Day, Honors Night, Baccalaureate, Senior Fest, and Graduation. Special recognition was given to Mrs. Bechtel, Mrs. Randall, Mr. Overla, Mr. Vasil, and the high school staff for another successful graduation ceremony.
Additional highlights included recognition of Brooke Martinez, parent and community member, for creating the Graham Elementary Lunch Buddy program, Holly Kramer, Gifted IS, for leading Battle of the Books teams that earned first and second place finishes, and Mr. Bruns, GHS Science teacher, for receiving a $4,651 OEA Foundation Innovation Grant to support STEM learning in his classroom.
Additional business included approval of the Middle School Student Handbook, a District Address update, and 2026/2027 breakfast and lunch prices.
During board comments, members discussed the recent Garmann Miller facilities planning meeting and ways to better communicate future meetings with the community.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 5:57 PM to enter executive session.
The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is June 16 @ 5:30 PM in the Graham High School Media Center.
Seniors are to report to GHS at noon.
If you can't make it in person, tune in live here 👇
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/oh/st-paris/organization/20840/graham-high-school/watch?ib=4035632
