Strongsville Students Excel at Baldwin Wallace University's Annual "Ovation" Event

Heather Biernacki, Steven Yanke, Brittany Callahan and Patrick Mahoney of Strongsville were recognized for their achievements at the 2013 Ovation ceremony at Baldwin Wallace University. Biernacki received the Amelia and Clara Harding Scholarship, Yanke received the Harold A. and Louise Cramer White Prize for Excellence in Education Prize, Callahan received the Will Richmond Prize in Photography and Mahoney received the Alan H. Blumenthal Prize.

Biernacki is a 2011 graduate of Strongsville High school and the daughter of Michael and Carol Biernacki. The Amelia and Clara Harding Scholarship, given to education or English majors planning to teach in the public schools or outstanding students who are pursuing studies in business or finance, honors Amelia '36, Charles '37, and Clara Harding. She is a sophomore English and Middle Childhood Education major.

Yanke is the son of Richard Sr. and Judy Yanke. He graduated on May 12 with a degree in Middle Childhood Education. The Harold A. and Louise Cramer White Prize for Excellence in Education, chosen by the education department faculty, is given to a junior education major, based on academic achievement, contributions to the department and potential in the field.

Callahan is a 2011 graduate of Strongsville High School and the daughter of Ed and Marina Callahan. The Will Richmond Prize in Photography, established by the family and friends of Will Richmond to honor the photographer who for more than 25 years served as college photographer, is given to the student who has demonstrated promise in photography and contributed to the college through the medium of photography. She is a sophomore studio art major and her work has appeared in the New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine.

Mahoney is a junior Political Science and International studies double major. The Alan H. Blumenthal Prize was established in memory of alumnus Alan Blumenthal, and recognizes a student who has made outstanding contributions in student government. A 2010 graduate of Padua High School, he is the son of Matthew and Marian Mahoney and will serve as the 2013-14 student body president at BW.

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 4,500 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 60 academic areas.  Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.bw.edu.