Lorain County, Ohio
Last week, local high schools celebrated the announcement of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.
Locally, each high school within the Sun Sentinel’s coverage area is represented.
Avon High School has two seniors: Alexandria Balthaser and Nha Tien Le.
At Avon Lake High School, senior Andrew Cline is a semifinalist.
North Ridgeville High School also has a semifinalist, senior Ethan Stanulet.
Stanulet attends North Ridgeville High School and participates in band, tennis, Academic Challenge, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Key Club. Looking ahead, he plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in finance.
Semifinalists are chosen based on their junior SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) scores. More than 1.3 million students took the test, with only 16,000 nationwide chosen as semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
To advance to the finalist level, students must submit a detailed scholarship application, receive a recommendation from a high school administrator, and obtain a SAT or ACT score that demonstrates qualifying performance. The finalists will be announced in February.
AVON
Historic home tours: In addition to the coffee hour tours of the historic Wilbur Cahoon House Museum, 2940 Stoney Ridge Road, which take place from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday now through November 26, the house is now open for tours from 1 to 3 p.m. on September 21, October 5, October 19, November 2 and November 16 (hours are subject to change). The tours are free.
To register for a coffee tour, visit avonrec.activityreg.com or call 440-937-4461.
Arbor Day: On October 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the city will hold its annual free Arbor Day celebration at Every Child’s Playground, 36265 Detroit Road (across from the Avon Aquatic Facility).
The event includes tree planting, children’s activities, a petting zoo, and live music. Food and beverages will be available to purchase.
Wellness facility opens; dog grooming to follow: Dr!p recently opened in Nagel Crossing at 33420 Just Imagine Drive, Suite 408.
The facility provides a Finnish sauna, a cold plunge, and red light therapy. There are seven private rooms equipped with saunas and ice baths. One room is dedicated to red light therapy.
R7 Motors representatives recently presented plans to the city’s Planning Commission for General Development for a new Mercedes Benz and Porsche dealership to be located on the southwest corner of Chester and Jaycox roads.
The Avon High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee will celebrate the legacy of athletic excellence at its upcoming Hall of Fame Night on September 20 at 6 p.m. in the school’s Performing Arts Center.
This year’s inductees include Denise Wearsch Lahoski (Class of 1991), a four-sport All-Ohio athlete.
Jim Baylee (Class of 1954) was known for his numerous athletic accomplishments as well as his service in the Army.
Ryan O’Rourke, football player, alongside Mari Gundersen Ramos and Dessa Dzubak (Class of 1989), who made significant contributions in basketball, softball, and beyond.
The 2008 Philadelphia Eagles football team will also be honored.
Mike Moran, the long-time ‘Voice of the Eagles,’ will receive the 2025 Frankie Smitek Award, which recognizes his contributions to the Avon sports community.
Congratulations to the Avon High School Mighty Eagle Marching Band for winning the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Grand Champion title at the recent competition at Cloverleaf High School.
The band finished first in Class AA and visuals, and with a Superior rating, they qualified for the State finals early.
AVON LAKE
Avon Lake High School (ALHS) will host its Homecoming football game against Elyria at 7 p.m. on September 26.
The annual Avon Lake Homecoming Parade, co-sponsored by the school district and the City of Avon Lake, will begin at 10:30 a.m. on September 27 in the north lot of ALHS, 175 Avon Belden Road.
Community groups can participate by completing a form on the city’s website. The deadline is Friday.
The 17th annual North Coast Rotary Great Pizza Bake Off will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on September 25 at ALHS, kicking off Homecoming weekend.
Tickets to the ‘All you can sample’ event cost $12 for adults and $6 for children.
(ages 6-12) and are available at the door on the event day.
Brokerage firm opens: Civitas Real Estate Group, 375 Lear Road, was founded this year by Principal Broker Jonathan Wright and now provides consulting and marketing services for residential and commercial sales.
The Avon Lake Democrats Club will meet at 7 p.m. on September 23 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.
Nicole Curet, senior engagement strategist for the ACLU of Ohio, will be the meeting’s guest speaker.
Halloween: Trick-or-treating is scheduled for October 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
North Ridgeville
St. Peter Catholic Church continues its 150th Jubilee celebration with a carnival on September 26.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with Mass in the gym, followed by carnival fun including games, prizes, food, and other activities.
Stop by the Blue Barn Shops Fall Market, 33094 Center Ridge Road, on September 27. Outside hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can shop from over 40 vendors inside.
Vendors will sell handmade items, antiques, and seasonal/holiday merchandise.
North Ridgeville High School will celebrate Homecoming with a football game against Berea-Midpark High School on October 3.
The dance is on October 4, and the theme is ‘Night in Rio.’
