As the school year drew to a close, the Cuyahoga Heights Schools (CHS) bid farewell to three long-standing staff members: Angelo Bertolone, Jerry Kollis, and Christine Mudra. They will be hard to replace!

Angelo Bertolone, Elementary Music Teacher

Angelo Bertolone retires after 31 years in education. During his tenure, he served four years as grades 5-12 Band Director, four years as Marching/Jazz Band Director, and 27 years as Elementary Music Teacher. He also served as Student Council Advisor and Drama Club Director. Bertolone said he has so many fond memories at CHS that it’s difficult to choose just one, but that meeting his future wife, Denise, was near the top. What he will miss most is interacting with the students. “I love watching students discover the world of music (such as) playing an instrument for the first time, a successful performance on stage with their classmates, and discovering a potential they didn't realize they had. Those are all moments that are magical in a child's life and I am going to miss the front row seat I had every day to those wonderful experiences.” He will also miss the many friendships he has cultivated . “I have built so many nice relationships throughout the years and I cherish each and every one! Not having the daily interactions (and laughs) with my colleagues will leave a big hole in my heart.” What he’ll miss the least? My windowless classroom, especially when the air conditioning was broke!" Bertolone offered this advice for his replacement: “Come to work every day with a smile on your face and make it your mission to put a smile on someone else's face. Have fun! You get to teach music to kids! And don't take yourself too seriously!” In retirement Bertolone plans to be outdoors as much as possible and enjoy  biking, hiking, kayaking and spending time with his wife, who is also retiring. 

Gerald (Jerry) Kolis, Bus Driver

Jerry Kolis is retiring after 18 years, including 17 years as a bus driver with CHS. “I can't believe I'm saying this but I will miss 99% of the kids and their parents,” said Kollis. “The kids made me laugh a lot and their parents were really kind to me. Kolis says his fondest memory is going to the (Ohio State University) Horseshoe Championship Game. “I was never there before and I probably will never go again,” he exclaimed. He plans to spend his retirement “going where I want for as long as I want and not having to be awakened each morning by an alarm clock.” Kolis offered the best of luck to his replacement. “I wasn't the strictest bus driver so it might take the kids a while for them to follow all the rules. I was about safety," hes said, reflecting on its importance to driving students to and from school and events.

Christine Mudra, Administrative Assistant, Counseling Office

Christine Mudra retires after 35 years in education. She leaves CHS after 28 years, including three years as Middle School/High School Secretary and 25 years as Administrative Assistant in the Counseling Office. Her fondest memory is of the Senior Parade. “It makes me happy and sometimes a little tearful, to see the seniors walk through the halls so excited.” She said what she will miss the most are “all the wonderful people I have worked with over the years.” Her least fondest memory? Senior Awards Night (which was singularly her responsibility). As for advice to her replacement, she said the most important part of the job is student confidentiality and she stressed making this a priority. Mudra plans to spend her retirement camping and boating aboard her family’s brand new boat, “and anything else I feel like doing.” She also wants to set aside more time for her hobby, photography, and cooking foods that she previously didn't have the time to make. “If I get bored, maybe I’ll see about getting a job at the Medina Antique Mall for a couple of days during the week,” she concluded.