Education is one of the pillars of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ community efforts and as part of that, the organization recognizes exemplary teachers and students throughout Northeast Ohio. Each month during the season, the Cavs will select one teacher and one student to receive the team’s Head of the Class and All-Star Kids awards, respectively. All-Star Kids is presented by the University of Akron, Ohio’s Polytechnic University.
Head of the Class recognizes teachers in Northeast Ohio that make a difference in their students’ lives both inside and outside of the classroom. The winner for February was James Markino, a kindergarten teacher at Schreiber Elementary School in Canton. He dedicates himself to his students, colleagues and community and is a positive role model. Mr. Markino is a member of the building leadership team and runs an after-school program for students. In addition to his work at Schreiber, he also volunteers at a local church and coaches high school boys soccer.
Mr. Markino and his class enjoyed a visit from Cavs in-arena host Ahmaad and the team’s mascot, Moondog, who presented him with a $500.00 donation to use for his classroom. Mr. Markino also received tickets to the February 24th game against Charlotte, where he was honored on-court.
All-Star Kids, presented by the University of Akron, Ohio’s Polytechnic University, February’s winner was Staysha Olds, an honor roll student at Miles Park in Cleveland. Staysha has a great attitude, is genuinely kind and is always willing to assist her teachers and fellow classmates.
Ahmaad and Moondog surprised Staysha at school to present her with tickets to the February 6th game against New Orleans and a pizza party for her whole class. Staysha was honored at center court before the start of the game against the Pelicans.
Complete information on Head of the Class, All-Star Kids and the rest of the Cavs community programs can be found online at cavs.com/community.
