Donations to the Beachwood School Foundation

Donate a book to fill the book vending machine at Bryden Elementary School. Donated by the Beachwood School Foundation, the vending machine uses tokens to dispense a book to a student. The books are age- and grade- appropriate to foster a life-time love of reading. 

This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior of Beachwood High School and the son or daughter of a graduate of Beachwood High School. The applicant must have demonstrated leadership ability; contributed to help improve the school and/or community; be a hard working student; and have demonstrated that s/he is a caring human being. It was established in 1999 by The Beachwood High School Alumni Association Fund.

This scholarship was established in 2010 by Sidney Arlen to honor his wife’s memory and to acknowledge her special qualities as an individual. This scholarship is awarded annually to a female Beachwood High School graduating senior who exhibits leadership, humanity and a generous spirit in a humble manner. The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a qualified female Beachwood senior who has been outstanding in one or more of the following: • Being a giving person • Exhibiting care for others • Concerned about her community • Demonstrated leadership

The Abby Bendis Scholarship, established in 2022 to remember Abby Bendis, a high school student that sadly passed away in during her junior year in 2017. Abby was a good student and an active member of several athletic and clubs. She made a positive impact on her family, friends, and the BHS community through simple but powerful interactions with others. 

The scholarship will be awarded to a BHS graduating senior that has shown how laughter, silliness, kindness, and a dedication to helping others be their best has made a positive impact on their classmates and/or the community.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified senior who has shown a strong commitment to Beachwood athletics through being a player, equipment person, or team manager. The applicant must have participated with the same sports team for at least two years and shown strong sportsmanship. This scholarship was established in 2004 by the children of Dave and Janice Bloom in honor of their commitment in attending sporting events of their children and grandchildren.

The Beachwood Boosters Athletic Achievement Award is awarded to two graduating seniors (one qualified male and one qualified female, as determined by the Boosters’ scholarship committee) who personifies ideals consistent with the Boosters mission of “Promoting the growth and success of the Beachwood City Schools Athletics while encouraging school and community spirit.” The application should include a typed letter indicating why you deserve this scholarship and what Beachwood athletics has meant to you during your years at Beachwood. How have you made a difference for the Athletic Department? Explain the impact you have made on teammates, coaches and community. Qualifications: • At least one athletic letter (verified by the athletic director) • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

The Donna Bickoff Cohen Scholarship was established in 2011 by contributions from the community in memory of Donna who was active in nearly everything Beachwood, particularly the schools. The scholarship honors a student with a “can do” attitude who embodies the spirit of the Beachwood Schools and pride in the Beachwood community. The scholarship will be awarded to a qualified Beachwood senior who has been outstanding in one or more of the following: • Involvement in school activities, preferably in a leadership role • Volunteerism • Exhibiting pride in the Beachwood community • Displaying a “can do” attitude.

This scholarship, established in 2017, is awarded annually to an African American student who has demonstrated a commitment in one or more of the following areas: helping others, involvement in the community, school spirit, participation in athletics, and/ or leadership. The scholarship was created in memory of Fred & Carla Crosby, both committed members of the community and supporters of The Beachwood Schools, as well as education in general. Fred, a lifelong Beachwood resident, was a spirited athlete and graduate of BHS. He became a lawyer and returned to the community to practice, defending all walks of life, helping every one of his clients to fair legal representation. For his dedication, he earned a spot in The Gallery of Success. Carla, a consummate mother, was involved with the schools as a dedicated volunteer. Together they raised their daughter, Monique, with a strong sense of self, accomplishment and giving back.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has been successfully employed in a Beachwood business or industry and who intends to pursue a career in business or a business selected vocation. It was established in 1999 by the Chamber of Commerce. Criteria may include (but not be limited to): • Character and citizenship • Successful employment in a Beachwood business • Demonstration of interest in business activities, i.e. Senior Project, Junior Achievement, and/or entrepreneurial activities.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior of the Beachwood High School consortium Culinary Arts Program who has been accepted to and will attend a post-secondary educational program in the field of either culinary arts or restaurant management. This scholarship was established to honor Harlan Diamond and the Culinary Arts Program. Priority will be given to a student who has studied in the Culinary Arts Program at Beachwood; worked in a Beachwood area restaurant, hotel or catering facility; and has shown an aptitude for restaurant management or being a chef. The student should be attending, upon graduation, an accredited program at a recognized college, university, community college or technical school to pursue a career in culinary arts. The scholarship is open to any graduating senior from Beachwood High School who meets the aforementioned criteria or a graduating senior from one of the other high schools who participated in the Culinary Arts Program at Beachwood High School.

This scholarship established in 2002 by the Dobrin Family is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior whose love of children and concern for their welfare has motivated her/him to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education or a related field working with young children. Jill Dobrin Menachem was a 1972 graduate of Beachwood High School. She went on to receive a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. Following her graduation, she backpacked through Europe and returned to Israel, a country she had visited several times and to which she felt a deep attachment. It was Jill’s love of children combined with her educational training that led her to become a preschool teacher in Israel. In 1984, at the age of 30, Jill was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite 6 years of illness to which she finally succumbed, Jill faced each day with courage, optimism, humor, dignity, and a zest for life. It is in memory of Jill, whose life celebrated the joys of family, friends, and especially young children, who the recipient of this award will be designated a Jill Dobrin Menachem scholar. She/he should embody the inspiring qualities so characteristic of Jill: an appreciation of life, and the beauty found in art, music, nature, and particularly human relationships. While academic excellence will be considered, the scholarship will be awarded based on ones character and motivation to teach young children sensitivity, caring and commitment. Experience or a special interest in art, music therapy, and/or child development will add to the candidate’s versatility. While academic excellence will be considered, the scholarship will be awarded based on one’s character and motivation to teach young children sensitivity, caring and commitment. Experience or a special interest in art, music therapy, and/or child development will add to the candidate’s versatility.

This award is given annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has demonstrated significant leadership during his or her high school career. It was founded by Harvey and Shirley Friedman and their family in 1998. Harvey Friedman was affiliated with the government of Beachwood for 40 years. He served as a councilman for 20 years, as president of the council for 6 years and as mayor for 14 years. His life-long achievements include developing zoning laws that created a separation of the commercial/ industrial and housing developments. He noted that “his thesis was to build a tax duplicate to build schools of the highest order.” Harvey Friedman also served as president of the Jewish National Fund for 8 years, president of the Northern Ohio Electric League, owner and manager of Midland Electric Company, and chairman of the Beachwood zoning board. His wife, Shirley, has been active in community service. All three of their sons are Beachwood high School graduates.

This scholarship was created in 2011 to recognize a Beachwood student who has been an athlete that promotes leadership during and outside the athletic competition, and has been a team player who puts others before self. The family lived in Beachwood for 50 years, and their children are BHS alums. Their grandson, Matt Levine, is also a BHS alum and was a model for this scholarship, lettering in 2 sports for 4 years. And in 2016, Matt's father, Steve, suddenly passed away. He was a staunch supporter at each and every soccer and baseball game. The scholarship will be awarded to a qualified Beachwood senior who has been outstanding in one or more of the following: demonstrating leadership during/outside athletic competition, being a team player, being unselfish.

This award, established by friends of Pam and Dan in 2001, recognizes their contributions to the Beachwood Schools. It is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School student who will be participating in the graduation ceremony, and experiences challenges over and above the trials and tribulations facing today’s young adults. The applicant must have strength and support while confronting struggles with passion and perseverance. He or she must have plans to continue in a program that enhances their future. The Pam and Dan Johnston Scholarship was established in 2001 in honor of Pam and Dan Johnston who throughout their collective teaching careers have endeavored to challenge and empower all students. Their vision, encouragement, and support paved the way for all students to participate in an academic environment with respect to their individual learning styles. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who will be participating in the Beachwood High School graduation ceremony and who experiences challenges on a daily basis and continues to persevere. The applicant m

This award established in his memory in 1999, is given annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has shown outstanding leadership within Student Council. This scholarship was established in memory of Robert D. Kates who served on the Beachwood City School Board for 12 years and on the Beachwood City Council. He was instrumental in developing the library and indoor swimming pool. The scholarship will be awarded to a qualified Beachwood senior who has been outstanding in one or more of the following: • Community Service • Participation in Co-curricular activities • Academic Achievement • Student Leadership

This scholarship established in 2007 by Dr. and Mrs. Liao is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has been outstanding in mathematics or natural sciences, will attend a four year college or university and who indicates a desire to pursue a career in the area of Natural Sciences, Engineering or Mathematics. This student must also have a 4.0 in core subjects.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has been outstanding in one or more of the following, and who indicates an intention to pursue a career in the area of: 1) Political Science 2) Government 3) Public Service. It was established in 2000 by her family. Joan was a native New Yorker who made Beachwood her home. She was an aspiring journalist who became a home-maker and helped her husband build a very successful computer company. She devoted her spare time to helping others and learning. Her relentless interest in the political process and news of the day should serve as an inspiration to all of us who believe that knowledge is the key in the quest to make the world a better place. Joan was eternally optimistic that the right person doing the right job could make a difference. It is in keeping with this spirit that this scholarship is awarded to a Beachwood High School senior who has been outstanding in the areas of political science, leadership and genuine public service.

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Shlachter established this scholarship in memory of their son in 1998. The award is given annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has demonstrated an appreciation and talent in the area of fine arts and intends to pursue a career in that area. The award is given in memory of Jay Shlacter, who throughout his career strived to foster integrity, responsibility, honesty, self-direction, and intellectual curiosity.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who indicates an intention to pursue a career in television writing and/or film. It was established in 1999 by his parents Bernard and Florence Wasserman in honor of his creativity and ingenuity as a writer and producer for television and motion pictures. Steven Mark Wasserman will long be remembered for Beverly Hills 90210. He drew many of the episodes and characters from his memories at Beachwood High School. In fact, he stated, “The friendship between these television characters, that’s something that goes back to my school experiences in Beachwood and the relationships I formed there.”

This award, established by family and friends in 2001 in his honor, is given annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior with an extremely kind heart, who, because of his or her spirit, succeeds against all odds and uses their experience to help others. The Dakota “Cody” Weiner Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 by Cody’s friends and family, to honor a little boy who had the soul of a wise old man, and also to honor the community that stood by him – our community, Beachwood, and its wonderful school system. Cody had dreams of attending Beachwood High School and beyond, but he was never given the opportunity. While in remission from brain cancer, he succumbed to head injuries sustained in a tragic accident. In his short eleven years, he had to endure much more than most. Cody faced the hardships of his illness with an indomitable spirit. There was nothing he could not achieve. Cody’s most enduring quality was his gentle kindness toward others, not only to help those who struggled, but also to befriend them. He did this willingly and without applause – just because someone needed him. Cody loved Beachwood and Beachwood Schools. He always touted this to anyone who would listen. He once said he was going to be the Mayor of Beachwood. We believe he might very well have been. Criteria for selection may include (but not be limited to): leadership qualities, helping others, determination to achieve, willingness to donate time for charitable deeds above and beyond the required community service hours, displays exceptional compassion toward others.

Established by Aaron and Whitney Weisenberg in 2008, this scholarship is awarded annually to a senior who exhibits passion and commitment to the arts and will continue to explore the arts beyond high school. A film, CD, or recording demonstrating an example of his/her artistic talent may be submitted in addition to his/her application. Qualifications: • Exhibits passion and commitment to the arts • Intends to explore the arts after high school

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior, who throughout his/her school years has demonstrated, and participated in charity, volunteer, and community service activities, substantially greater than those required for graduation. It was established in 2002 in his memory by family. Norman M. Weiss throughout his life continuously strived to help others. In his association with The Owatonna Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, he represented their ideals of charity, friendship and benevolence. Though faced with his own medical challenges, he used his strength to volunteer and raise funds for those who needed and could benefit from them.

The White and Gold Scholarship was established in 1999 by the Beachwood Schools Foundation to foster recognition and investment of Beachwood students. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School Senior who has demonstrated exceptional Bison Pride both in and out of Beachwood High School. Candidates should reflect the Beachwood School’s mission statement as one who strives “To develop intellectual entrepreneurs with a social conscience.” The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a qualified senior who has been outstanding in the following: • Demonstrating Bison Pride by presenting a positive view of Beachwood High School through actions of character and integrity at all times. • Being an active member in the school community or community at large such as community service, fundraising, volunteering. The following criteria will be considered: • 3 activities (job, club, etc.), OR currently play 2 sports • A minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 2.0 and no Fs • 55 community service hours earned • Passed all state mandated exams.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding capabilities in one or more of the following areas: 1) visionary thinking 2) entrepreneurial spirit 3) dedication to life-long learning. It was established in 2004 by Kate and Paul Williams. Paul Williams served as Superintendent of the Beachwood School District from 1994 to 2004. Under Dr. Williams’ leadership, the District developed and organized the SMART (Science and Mathematics Achievement for Tomorrow) Consortium of 30 Ohio school districts. Under his guidance, Beachwood developed a nationally recognized educational technology program, and earned US Department of Education blue ribbons at the Middle and High Schools, and received the highest rating of excellence on the State of Ohio Report Card. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has exemplified the spirit of the Beachwood School District mission statement: To develop intellectual entrepreneurs with a social conscience. The Paul and Kate Williams Scholar demonstrates the following characteristics: creative, knowledgeseeking, visionary, risk-taking, responsible global leader of tomorrow, commitment to lifelong learning.

Established in memory of their parents in 1999 by the Wolkoff children, this award is given annually to a Beachwood High School graduating senior who has exceeded the requirements for community service work, has participated in two or more Beachwood School extra-curricular activities, and has achieved a 2.75 GPA in high school. The Dr. Jerry S. and Gail R. Wolkoff Memorial Scholarship Award is dedicated in loving memory of our parents, who instilled their beliefs, values and ideals on their family, friends, school, and community. Dr. Jerry Wolkoff was an active participant and past-president of the Beachwood Civic League, and Gail Wolkoff was a band parent, Beachwood Booster, and PTA member. Both of them were strong supporters of the community and school system. Criteria may include (but not be limited to): • Character and citizenship • Community service • Extra-curricular participation