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Jason C. Edwards
A talented musician and performer, he will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, and unique sense of humor.
Jason grew up in Independence, Ohio, where he graduated from Independence High School in 2021. He was active in marching band, concert band, vocal ensemble, and drama club. Jason performed in Independence community theater and enjoyed serving as a band camp counselor.
Jason will be remembered for his ability to connect with crowds and individuals alike, whether friends, family, or strangers. Above all, his powerful and distinctive voice, immense kindness, intelligence, unique sense of humor, and big, beautiful heart will be missed.
Family and friends may gather for a Celebration of Life visitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Vodrazka Golubski Deliberato Funeral Care, 6505 Brecksville Rd., Independence, from 4 – 8 p.m. Funeral service Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at St. Michael Church, 6912 Chestnut Rd., Independence, Ohio at 12 p.m
On May 15, 2026, Independence High School honored the class of 2026 with various scholarships and awards. Alumni President Dale Veverka participated in the event honoring seniors Kayla Newcomer and Hayley Wilson with $1000 awards. Here is the program in its entirety: Independence_High_School_2026SeniorAwardsProgram
Please join us on Monday, March 9th, in the Independence High School Media Center for the annual Educator of Excellence Award presentation.
The doors will open at 11:30 AM for pizza and social time.
The award ceremony will start at 12:00 PM.
This year, two educators will be recognized – one taught in the late 50’s through the ’60’s, and one is a current teacher.
Katherine Boerwinkle was born in 1906 in Sandusky. Katherine, her husband John, and their three kids: Jay (IHS 1957), Katharine (IHS 1959), and their youngest, Tom, born in 1945, who graduated from an out of state military school. While her children were in school, Mrs. Boerwinkle was occasionally, a substitute teacher of kindergarten though high school. However, she is most remembered and revered for her full-time teaching from 1959-1969 as an English, Math and Latin teacher, but even more so as the beloved sponsor of the Latin Club.
Mrs. Boerwinkle’s daughter, Kaye Boerwinkle Kessler, (IHS 1959), and now 84-years old, will join us Monday. How special is that! To learn more about Mrs. Boerwinkle’s seven foot, one inch, super star Chicago Bulls NBA son, look up Tom Boerwinkle on the internet and
read about his 4,570 points scored, 5,745 rebounds, and 2,007 assists. He remains a franchise record holder for the most assists, 47 in a single game.
The second recipient is Gretchen Vencl Obrovac, (IHS 2000). Gretchen was a very active IHS Honors student. She loved music and participated in Vocal, Band, Bio Society, Prom Committee, Spectator and Musicals. The Class yearbook says her ten year goal was to be married and be a music teacher. How lucky we are that she achieved her goal and is a music teacher, but even more so that she is our exceptional IHS & MS Music & Vocal Director.
Perhaps the beauty of Monday’s ceremony is the “continuity of excellence” and the lifetime impact our incredible teachers have had on each of us, whether they be young or old, and whether we are young or old.
We proudly and gratefully thank all of our teachers, past and present.
Please join us, donations welcome!
