Independence High School Alumni

Latest News from the Alumni...

In Memorium Raymond E Matejka, IHS Alumni ’54

Raymond E Matejka

Raymond E Matejka, age 88, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. Cherished husband of the late Marsha Matejka for 55 years; dear father of Raymond Matejka (Carrie), Randall Matejka, and Melanie Prestage (Jim); brother of Norma Macuski (the late Mike), and Glenn Matejka (Judy); grandfather of Melissa Hendrix (Tim), Kayla Pashovich (David), and Jacob, the late Justin, and Emily Prestage. Great grandfather of Jameson, Finn,
Sawyer, Dani, Silas, and Judah.

Ray was a proud lifetime resident of Independence and was the kind of person who made an impression on everyone he met.
He served his country in the United States Army at Ft. Knox and retired as an electrician from The Illuminating Co. Ray could be described as kind, loving, faithful, and cheerful.

Friends may call at Vodrazka Funeral home, 6505 Brecksville rd., Independence on Friday, April 12, from 4-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be observed at St. Michael Catholic Church, Independence on Saturday, April 13, at 12:30 pm. Ray will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation at www.myasthenia.org

 

In Memorium Lucy Sobieraj, IHS Alumni ’75

Lucy Sobierj

Lucinda “Lucy” Sobieraj Champa, 66, passed away March 17, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Mirko; Loving mother of Andrew Champa (Caroline) and Zack Champa (Kelsey); Cherished grandmother of Livy Champa;

Dear sister of Ted Soberay (Barb), Ron Soberay, Linda Sobieraj, and Laura Hurst (Eric); Life partner of Bob Beastrom; Beloved aunt of John, Mark, Ryan and Adam Soberay, Xandra Hurst and Nicholas Randlett.

Preceded in death by her parents Ted and Angie Sobieraj. Lucy was an accomplished entrepreneur, most recently the owner of Zero Zest in Parma and previously Cone Zone. She was the glue that held her family together, and was always the catalyst for fun and memorable parties. Lucy will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on through the memories she created with her loved ones. Rest in peace, dear Lucy. Family will receive friends on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Fortuna Funeral Home in Independence. Prayers at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Church at 12:00 p.m. Interment Maple Shade Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association in her memory.

Solar Eclipse Happy Hour

Hosted by the Alumni Association

All graduates and their significant others are welcome to our Solar Eclipse Happy Hour kicking off the weekend before the Solar Eclipse on Friday, April 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Alumni Association is sponsoring a BYOB, (beer or wine,) Happy Hour at the Independence Civic Center. Yes, beer and wine are permitted on the campus for this event! This “Bring Your Own Spirits,” is one of three pilot events allowing alcohol on the premises and approved by the Independence Civic Center. You may also bring soft drinks and we encourage guests to bring an appetizer or snack to share. You must be 21 years or older to consume alcoholic beverages on the premises. There is no cost for this event, but a donation to the Independence High School Alumni Association would be appreciated.

For more information, please contact one of these IHS Alumni:
Dale @ 216-407-8657
Kelly @ 216-410-6151
Joanie @ 216-233-1885

William Taylor & Mike Foor To Be Honored as Educators of Excellence

The IHS Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2024, Educator of Excellence Awardees! This year we have selected two esteemed faculty members, William Taylor, biology teacher and Mike Foor, industrial technology teacher. Both will be recognized at a luncheon on March 11, at 11:30 a.m., in the Media Center at the High School. Please consider attending this celebration and share a memory about either of these instructors!

Mike Foor receives the Educator of Excellence Award from Dale Veverka

Dan Konfal, Geraldine Kaftan and Joe O’brien enjoying the Educator’s of Excellence award luncheon.

View a photo gallery from the luncheon

Educator of Excellence Nomination Form

PURPOSE: To recognize a former Independence Local School District faculty member/administrator who exemplified the true meaning of an educator through their dedication and devotion to the students of our school district.

GUIDELINES: Nominees selected must be able to attend, or send a representative to attend, all induction activities to be held at the Independence Alumni Association’s March meeting. This person must have been an Independence educator/administrator for at least 5 years.

AWARDS FOR 2024: The IHS Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2024, winners of the Educator of Excellence Awardees! This year we have selected two esteemed faculty members, William Taylor, biology teacher and Mike Foor, industrial technology teacher. Both will be recognized at a luncheon on March 11, at 11:30 a.m., in the Media Center at the High School. Please consider attending this celebration and share a memory about either of these instructors!

Please feel free to submit a candidate for future consideration as an Educator of Excellence!

Educator of Excellence Nomination Form

Here is the list of past recipients

Class of 1964 Reunion

The I.H.S. Class of 1964 is planning a milestone 60-year reunion for the summer of 2024. The dates are Friday, June 28 through Sunday, June 30.

  • Friday, June 28 will be a welcome reception at the Bramley House in Independence.
  • Saturday, June 29 will be a very special “Christmas in June” event at Castle Noel in Medina, the largest indoor year-round Christmas-themed destination in America. The evening will include a museum tour followed by dinner and reception at the Castle’s new indoor/outdoor event facility.
  • Sunday, June 30 will be a farewell breakfast at a venue (TBD) in Independence.

Reunion events are being planned with the specific object of providing informal opportunities to reconnect and catch up with old friends. The Reunion Committee will be distributing information on an on-going basis as specific details are finalized, but classmates are encouraged to contact Reunion Committee members with questions and suggestions:

Varsity Soccer District Champs!

The Independence High School varsity soccer team had an outstanding soccer season, and finished as the District Champions! What is even more awesome though, is of the 19 students on the varsity soccer team, 9 of them have a parent who graduated from Independence High School! Even more amazing, of the 11 seniors on the team, 4 of those seniors who will be part of the IHS Class of 2024 have parents who graduated together as part of the IHS Class of 1985!!

Alumni Parent with Varsity Soccer District Champs 2024 Alumni.

Back row (l to r) are the Class of 1985 IHS alumni Chuck Niedbalson, Kelli (Orack) Bernstein, Mike Wisniewski & Tom Walchanowicz. Front row future Class of 2024 IHS alumni Alec Niedbalson, Nathan Bernstein, Matthew Wisniewski & Joseph Walchanowicz.