Celebrating Generations

of Shaker

As we celebrate special milestones for the Shaker Schools Foundation we are telling the stories of families whose love for Shaker spans multiple generations. Share your Shaker Story at shakeralumni@shaker.org.

Jones Family

The Jones family has had 18 students attend the Shaker schools since 1967, with the first enrolled at Byron Junior High! Shown here from left to right are: Ryan Charles Jones ’06, Leah Danielle Jones ’10, Peter Lawson Jones ’71, Lisa Payne Jones ’76, and Evan Cooke Jones ’18.
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools:
“Singularly diverse and intellectually challenging!”

Freiberg Family

The Freiberg family spans three generations in the Shaker schools, which includes 12 students since 1937! Their clan includes 12 Shaker students over 3 generations who attended Moreland, Sussex, and Fernway Elementary Schools.

Why do they love Shaker?

As Glen Freiberg, ’70 says: “Shaker prepared us for college!” Glen’s immediate family includes several Shaker grads, including his father Elmer, ’48; brother Ian, ’73; and daughter Morissa, ’04. Ian’s late wife, Paula, ’70, also taught at Fernway Elementary for 30 years.

Krasnoff/
Stein/
Kopf/
Shuler Family

So much love for Shaker from this three-generation family, with 7 students over the years! They have a special love for Moreland and Lomond, as well as the music and theatre departments. Their first student graduated in 1940, and their most recent in 1995.
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools:
Betsey Stein Kenyon, 1966: Excellence, Diversity, Idyllic, Uplifting and Familial
Laurie Stein Marsh, 1970: Celebrated, Magical, Progressive, Idyllic and Inspirational
Andrew A. Kopf, 1995: Enlightening, Quality, Picturesque, Motivational and Transformational

Jordan Family Offspring

This Shaker family includes 8 Shaker students over 3 generations who attended Ludlow, Onaway, and Fernway Elementary Schools! The first family member graduated in 1969 and the youngest will graduate from Shaker in 2029!
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools:
“Exciting…Challenging…Fun…Exceptional…Prideful”

The Holmes Family Legacy

Celebrating two generations (maybe one day three!) of the Holmes Family!
 
Their family includes 4 Shaker students over 2 generations starting their journey at Ludlow. The first family member graduated in 1966 and the most recent in 2012.
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools:
“Inclusive and family-oriented environment.”

Stout Family

Celebrating three generations of the Stout Family!

 

Their family includes 13 Shaker students over 3 generations who attended Boulevard and Sussex Elementary Schools. The first family member graduated in 1973 and the youngest will graduate from Shaker in 2032.
 
How do they describe Shaker in 5 words?
“It’s a family tradition!”

Warren/
Libman/
Brodsky
Family

This Shaker family has enjoyed the Shaker schools for 4 generations, including 6 Raider students and 2 Raider teachers!
 
The first family member, Grace Warren, began as a kindergartner in 1925. The youngest family member, Shayna Brodsky, will be a member of the Class of 2036.
 
The family has enjoyed Sussex, Lomond, Ludlow, Mercer, Onaway, Woodbury (as a high school and as an upper elementary), Byron, Shaker Middle School, and Shaker High School.

Weitzner/
Wasman Family

Celebrating three generations of the Weitzner/Wasman: Raiders since 1981!
 
Their family includes 6 Shaker students over 2 generations who attended Boulevard, Lomond, Malvern and Mercer Elementary Schools and 1 Shaker Schools science and health teacher! The first family member graduated in 1981 and the most recent in 2017.
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools
As shared by Wendy Weitzner Wasman, Class of 1981: Diverse; Challenging; Uniting; High-quality education; Lifelong connections.
 
Interesting to share that Wendy’s mom, Harriett Allen, was featured in a recent issue of Shaker Life magazine for her efforts to gather her neighbors for weekly dinners on Fridays at Gridley Park.

Buis/
Gardner
Family

Celebrating three generations of the Buis/Gardner Family: Raiders Since 1987!
 
Their family includes 6 Shaker graduates over 2 generations who attended Moreland, Mercer and Boulevard Elementary Schools, 1 student currently at Onaway and another to start her Shaker Schools soon! The family most recently celebrated a Shaker graduation in 2021!
 
Five words that describe Shaker:
As shared by Nicole Gardner, Class of 1990 and a current Shaker Schools employee, her five words that describe Shaker Schools: Unique, diverse, cultured, well rounded, and family-oriented.

Heinlen/
Strang/
Uth Family

Celebrating the Heinlen / Strang / Uth Families: Raiders Since 1951
 
Shaker longevity! These interrelated families have 3 generations and soon a 4th generation student that includes:
– 8 Shaker students that attended Fernway, Lomond, Onaway, and Sussex Elementary Schools and graduated from Shaker High School between 1964 and 2006. The family is thrilled that there is a 4th generation Shaker student who will be part of the Class of 2039!
 
– 7 Shaker Schools employees (past & present) at Shaker High School, Shaker Middle School, Mercer, and Moreland Elementary Schools.
 
It all started with Fred Heinlen who taught and coached at Shaker HS from 1946-1980, winning two state baseball championships and authoring the definitive book on baseball coaching.

Klein/
Behrens/
Whay
Family

Celebrating four generations of the Klein/Behrens/Whay Families: Raiders since 1929!
 
Their family includes 17 Shaker graduates over 4 generations who attended Fernway, Lomond and Moreland Elementary Schools and 2 students are currently in the Shaker Schools. The family most recently celebrated a Shaker graduation in 2021!
 
As shared by Dustin Klein, Class of 1987, his grandmother 103-year-old Ruth Behrens Klein, Class of 1936, tells many Shaker stories.
 
One special memory is her teacher who would tell the class, “Please don’t be like little milk jugs, where we fill it up and you pour it right back out. Instead, learn to think.” For four generations, this continues to be wise advice and the Shaker way.

Tillman/
Paci/
Lowery Family

Celebrating 3 generations of the Tillman/Paci/Lowery Families: Raiders Since 1963!

This Shaker family attended Moreland and Boulevard Elementary Schools. They most recently celebrated a Shaker graduation in 2021 and the next student will graduate in 2026!

Five words that describe Shaker:
As shared by Ramona Paci Lowery, Class of 1989 and member of the Shaker Schools Foundation Board of Trustees, Shaker Schools to her and the family are:
“innovative, diverse, opportunities, community and caring”. 

Johnson/
Williams/
Garrison
Family

Celebrating 2 generations of the Johnson/Williams/Garrison Families: Raiders Since 1966 

Eight members of this Shaker family attended Moreland, Mercer and Onaway Elementary Schools. They most recently celebrated a Shaker graduation in 2018 with upcoming Shaker graduations in 2022 and 2025!

Five Words that Describe Shaker:
As shared by Darlene Garrison, Class of 1988 and Woodbury 6th Grade teacher, Shaker Schools are:
“Tight-knit community, educational excellence, life-long relationships, diverse school district, warm and welcoming.”

Dyer/
Wilkinson
Family

Celebrating 2 Generations of the Dyer/Wilkinson Family: Raiders Since 1962!
 
Seven members of this Shaker Family have enjoyed deep ties with Boulevard Elementary School calling it the “foundation” of their education and a fabulous way to grow up. They have fond memories of walking to Boulevard, kickball with friends and teachers who showed them so much care. The Wilkinsons most recently celebrated a Shaker graduation in 2015 and another student will graduate in 2022!

 

Five words that describe Shaker:
On behalf of the family, Mary Wilkinson shared that Shaker Schools are: smart, fun, inclusive, diverse, and textured.

Kelley/
McWilliams
Family

Celebrating 3 Generations of the Kelley/McWilliams Family: Raiders Since 1961!
 
Seven members of this Shaker Family have enjoyed deep ties in Shaker attending Moreland, Boulevard, Mercer, and Lomond Elementary Schools. Don Kelley, Class of 1975, shared that in 1961 he was one of the first African American families to participate in Shaker’s Integration program.
 
For his family, Shaker has provided an outstanding education in a multicultural and exciting environment. The youngest members of the family will graduate from Shaker in 2022 and 2023!

Chin/
Gendreau
Family

Celebrating 3 Generations of the Chin/Gendreau Family: Raiders Since 1962!
 
Ten members of this 3 Generation Shaker Family have enjoyed Shaker Schools attending Moreland, Sussex, Lomond, Onaway and Boulevard Elementary Schools! As shared by Jimmy Chin, Class of 1968, their family is proud of Shaker Schools and thrilled that the next family member will graduate from Shaker in 2031!

Horowitz/
Ratner/
Weisberger
Family

Celebrating 3 Generations of the Horowitz/Ratner/Weisberger Family: Raiders Since 1955!
 
Thirteen members of this 3 generation Shaker family have grown up in Shaker Schools attending Lomond, Malvern and Onaway Elementary Schools! Four brothers, two spouses, five children and one grandchild have enjoyed Shaker Schools! They are thrilled that the next family member will graduate from Shaker in 2024!
 
5 words that describe Shaker schools:
As shared by Ilana Horowitz Ratner, Class of 1968, Shaker Schools provide: Excellence, diversity, fun, nurturing relationships and leadership opportunities.

Taylor
Family

Celebrating 4 Generations of the Taylor Family: Raiders Since 1918!
 
his Shaker story begins in 1918 with Jim Taylor who was the first Shaker student in his 4 Generation family. All 8 Taylor men attended Boulevard and the 3 great-grandchildren are Onaway students! William Taylor, the second generation of this family, graduated in 1966 and has worked as an aide at Boulevard since 2006. His Uncle Tom, who graduated in 1950, is the only surviving brother of the original four and still gets together yearly with his Shaker High School classmates!
 
5 words that describe Shaker Schools:
As shared by the three youngest Taylors, Shaker Schools are: Diverse, intriguing, awesome, amazing, and phenomenal!
 
The next family member will graduate in 2029 and the 2031 grad will graduate 100 years after her great-grandfather’s Shaker graduation!
 

Polster Family

Celebrating two generations of the Polster Family: Raiders Since 1956!
 
This Shaker story begins in 1953 when Lewis and Elinor Polster moved their young family to the Ludlow area. They joined with a number of other white and black families to create the Ludlow Community Association. Their dedication led to Ludlow becoming the first successfully integrated community in Cleveland. The youngest family member started Ludlow Elementary School in 1956 with a total of 9 members of the Polster family graduating from Shaker Schools. The most recent family member graduated in 2011.
 
Five words that describe Shaker:
As shared by Judge Polster, Class of 1969, Shaker Schools provide excellence; diversity; challenge; friendships; and a stimulating environment.

Schwartz/
Mayers/
Hollander
Family

Celebrating 4 Generations of the Schwartz/ Mayers/ Hollander Family: Raiders Since 1933!
 

This Shaker family has deep roots! The story begins in 1933 when Jack Schwartz, Class of 1941, entered Boulevard Elementary School. This 4 generation family is proud to have 11 Shaker graduates spanning nine decades with two future Shaker students! As shared by Ruth Schwartz Mayers, Class of 1970, Shaker Schools are: Foundational, excellent, diverse, innovative, and exemplify strength. The family looks forward to celebrating the next Shaker graduation in 2022!

The flag-raising picture captures a beautiful occasion at Mercer Elementary in 2007 with then kindergarten student Maya Hollander, Class of 2020, her mother, Debra Mayers Hollander, Class of 1992, grandmother Ruth Schwartz Mayers and great-grandfather Jack Schwartz, OBM. In fact, except for the patriarch of the family, everyone has attended Mercer Elementary School.

Freedman/
Wyman/
Luzar
Family
Celebrating 3 Generations of the Wyman Luzar Family: Raiders Since 1957!
 
This Shaker story begins in 1957 at Woodbury Jr. High with the Wyman Family and continues in the early 1970s at Lomond Elementary and later at Mercer Elementary with the Luzar Family. Today there are grandchildren at Fernway! The most recent Luzar family member graduated in 2019 with the next graduation to take place in 2023. To date, there are 16 family members who have enjoyed Shaker Schools!
 
Five words that describe Shaker:
As shared by Amy Wyman Luzar, Class of 1988, Shaker Schools are: Forward-thinking full of great people, values the arts, has a social conscience, and is unique in its architectural and natural beauty.

Green Family

Celebrating 2 Generations of the Green Family: Raiders Since 1965!
 
The Green family’s story begins in 1965 and includes 6 family members over 2 generations starting their journey at Lomond Elementary and continuing at Onaway and Fernway. The most recent family members graduated in 2020 with the next to graduate in 2023!
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools:
As shared by brothers and Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame members, Derek, ‘81, Ernie, ‘83, and Zachary, ‘74, Shaker Schools are: affirming, empowering, aspirational, community, timeless
Battle /
Claytor
Family
Celebrating 3 Generations of the Battle/Claytor Family: Raiders Since 1962!
 
The 3 generation Battle/Claytor family story begins in 1962 and includes 16 family members and 1 Fernway teacher! The family started their journey at Ludlow Elementary and continued at Onaway and Boulevard Elementary Schools. The most recent family member graduated in 2018!
 
Five words that describe Shaker Schools:
As shared by Ifeolu A.C. Claytor, Class of 2013, Shaker Schools are: diverse, challenging, creative, inspiring and home.
 
 

Markt Family

Celebrating 4 Generations of the Markt Family: Raiders Since 1938!

 

The Markt family story begins in 1938 and includes 9 family members (one more to enter Shaker soon) over 4 generations starting their journey at Onaway Elementary and many footsteps in Malvern, Mercer, Sussex, Lomond, and Fernway! Two family members have even taught at Shaker Schools! The most recent family member graduated in 2001 and a future graduate will celebrate in 2034!
 
As shared by John Markt, Class of 1973, Shaker Heights Schools are an education unlike any other!
Cohen/
Pollack
Family
 
Celebrating 3 Generations of the Cohen/Pollack Family: Raiders Since 1937!
 

The Cohen/Pollack’s have 18 family members that span over 3 generations. They started their journey at Fernway Elementary and continued at Sussex and Mercer. The most recent family member graduated in 2018 with the next to graduate in 2027! 

Five words that describe Shaker Schools:

As shared by siblings Stuart Cohen, Class of 1979, Beth Cohen Pollack, Class of 1981, and Leslie Cohen, Class of 1985, Shaker Schools are: enlightened, diverse, intellectual, welcoming and a place of excellence

Joyce/
Hobbs
Family

Celebrating 2 Generations of the Joyce/Hobbs Family: Raiders Since 1963!

For the Hobbs’ family, Shaker teachers had an extraordinary impact on their lives. SHHS Art Department Chair, Keaf Holliday, is how Justin, 2014, discovered he had talent in the visual arts. He graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art and is enjoying a career as an Industrial Designer today. Scott Sumerack and Christine McBurney helped further Class of 2016, Lauryn’s love of musical theater, Shakespeare and playwriting. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Lauryn has performed alongside many Broadway performers and now lives in New York, continuing to pursue a career in the performing arts. Finally, for Brinson, 2018, Emily Shrestha’s “Anatomy of Writing” class was one of the toughest classes he ever had, but really boosted his writing skills and helped him during his time at Cuyahoga Community College as he pursued his Associate’s degree in Business.

Five words that describe Shaker Schools:

As shared by Gina Hobbs, Class of 1981, Shaker Schools are: trailblazer, academically rigorous, amazing arts and culture, invigorating and welcoming. 

 

 

 
 
Curtain/
Clemons-Huie
Family
 
Celebrating 4 Generations of the Curtain Clemons-Huie Family: Raiders Since 1957
 
The Curtain Clemons-Huie Family story begins in 1957 spanning over 4 generations including 36 blood family members! Family members attended Moreland, Lomond, Ludlow, Fernway, Mercer, and Onaway Elementary Schools. Today, there are family members attending Boulevard! Just amazing.
 
Five Words that Describe Shaker:
As shared by high school sweethearts, Tyler Curtain, 2012, and Tai Gomez-Curtain, 2012, Shaker Schools showcase Diversity, college preparation, progressive, inclusive and multifaceted.
 
Tyler is currently the Varsity Defensive Coordinator for High School Football, a paraprofessional in Special Education at the High School and a facility manager for the Athletic Department. It must be noted that Tyler and Tai received the Class of 2012 superlative of “Cutest Couple” and Tyler’s parents, Terry Curtain Sr., 1972, and Linda Clemons-Curtain, 1972, also found love in high school! The next family member will graduate from Shaker in 2030.