December 22, 2022

On Dec. 6, Fairview High School science teacher Colleen Sliwinski was recognized by civic leaders in Northeast Ohio for her leadership and advocacy.

Sliwinski was recognized with the 2022 Diversity Education & Citizenship Leadership Award at the 68th annual Humanitarian Award Celebration hosted by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. 

For over 15 years, Sliwinski has served as an advisor and advocate for several FHS student groups, including the Mosaic Club, Fairview Pride GSA, and, most recently, leading the district’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Council.

“The whole focus of Mosaic Club was to recognize and celebrate diversity but also to build relationships,” Sliwinski expressed. “We wanted to make sure we had a culture of inclusion and respect here at Fairview High School and the district.”

According to Sliwinski, the focus for Mosaic Club members has shifted to support the action steps created by the JEDI Task Force. The task force consists of school administrators, staff, students, and Fairview Park community members who are committed to understanding students' experiences and how the school can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Last year, the task force worked with the DCNEO to facilitate a climate survey in the school. The qualitative and quantitative data collected continue to help the group make more informed and impactful decisions and set goals.

“We looked at what kids were saying, their needs, and their concerns,” Sliwinski said. “The themes that came up in the survey was what we focused on. Each Friday, we had a steady group of kids that came back and were engaged. It was a safe space to talk. It was some really valuable data to get a feel where kids are coming from and to get an idea of their actual experiences.”

Some of the actions that came from those goals included the development of peer mentoring programs, the creation of the Civics in Action class at FHS, and the hosting of the Effective Leadership Academy and the student-centered program Lead with an IDEA.

“We are building upon what we learned in the two years of the task force,” Sliwinski said of Lead with an IDEA. “We’re at that point where we talk about what’s working well or what’s great about Fairview Park City Schools and Fairview High School so that we can build on that. Also, what things do we really need to work on, especially in areas of inclusion or diversity? What inequities exist that we need to focus on, and then what do we do about it?”

Sliwinski noted that the award ceremony on Dec. 6 was not about her successes. Instead, she wanted to ensure that the students in attendance, including students from FHS, had the opportunity to receive recognition and network with local civic leaders committed to change.

“It is because of my students that I can create a space for these conversations,” Sliwinski said in her speech on Dec. 6. “They are the leaders, and they are the movement. They are brave changemakers who are ready for this challenge. They are engaged and committed to creating a community where differences are accepted, valued, and celebrated - where all students can feel safe, respected, confident, and connected to their school community.”