Independence High School Alumni

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2026 Educator of Excellence Recognition Program

March 9th, 2026, at 11:30 AM
in the High School Media Center

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!

A complete list of the Alumni Educators Award Recipients

Katherine Boerwinkle

Educator of Excellence Award Recipient 2026

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.

A complete list of the Alumni Educators Award Recipients

Gretchen Vencl Obrovac

Educator of Excellence Award Recipient 2026

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!

A complete list of the Alumni Educators Award Recipients

Quarterly Meeting

Independence High School Media Center showing Alumni Meeting Participants November 2025

Independence High School Alumni Meeting Participants, November 2025

Monday, November 10, 7:00 p.m.
Our quarterly meeting was held Monday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m., at Independence High School.  Twenty-three attendees met at Independence High School.
 
Meeting Agenda
  • IHS principal Mike Janatovich provides an update on the current school year
  • Judy Krysciak Okress Class of ’64 shares her 50 state bucket list!
  • Discussion about this year’s Alumni gift to the High School
  • The Alumni business meeting
IHS principal Mike Janatovich provides an update on the current school year

IHS principal Mike Janatovich provides an update on the current school year

Light refreshments were provided.

Judy’s Bucket List

A highlight of the November, 2025, meeting will be hearing the adventures of Judy Krysciak Okress, Class of ’64, bucket list goal of golfing in each of our 50 States. Her accomplishments leave just one State remaining! Which one is it? Judy will tell us when she started and why she decided to make this her goal. We have questions, like which was the most difficult, the most beautiful and the most fun golf course? Judy will share special memories including the special people she golfed with, the worst weather, where she would never golf again and when she will achieve her milestone goal of the 50th golf course.

Judy grew up in Independence, is well known throughout the City and various alumni groups. She has many family connections in the community including Eileen Krysciak Kearns (’66), Tom Kearns (’61), Carol Krysciak Tyburski (’59), James Tyburski (’57), Riley Wilson (2020), Hanna Wilson (2020) and Haley Wilson (2026).

Please join us for a great time listening to Judy’s story.

IHS Boys Basketball & Cleveland Cavaliers

Monday, January 26
Cheer on the Independence Varsity Boys Basketball Team as they take the court at Rocket Arena in a special pre-game matchup against Normandy. After the game, the arena will close, giving you time to enjoy dinner on your own at a nearby restaurant (reservations recommended). The arena will reopen at 5:30 PM, when you’ll return to settle in for the main event as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Orlando Magic.

Registration begins November 12. Registration deadline December 26. Independence residents & residents’ guests are eligible:

  • Upper-Level Sideline (Section 211): $54
  • Mezzanine Baseline (Section M111): $89
  • Pay on Your Own for Dinner
  • Bus Departs: 2 PM
  • Varsity Boys Game Begins: 3 PM
  • Cavs Game Begins: 7:30 PM
  • Approximate Return: 11 PM