MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio — Polaris Career Center proudly recognized four outstanding alumni for their professional success and community impact at its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 14th.
This year’s inductees — Steven Bartczak Sr., Frank Fabrizi Jr., Chuck Grospitch, and Melanie Murphy Miller —exemplify the leadership, skill, and service that define a Polaris education.
From a young age, Steven Bartczak, Sr., knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement – and Polaris Career Center provided the pathway to make that dream a reality.
Bartczak began his journey through the Polaris Peace Officer Academy and has since built an impressive career in law enforcement.
Now a lieutenant with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, he has served in multiple specialized units and earned numerous commendations for excellence and integrity.
For Frank Fabrizi, Jr., Polaris Career Center was the foundation for a lifetime of success.
As a senior in the Truck Mechanics program, he represented Polaris at the state VICA (now SkillsUSA) competition in Columbus — an early sign of the drive and dedication that would shape his future.
He is co-owner of Fabrizi GTrucking & Paving in Middleburg Heights, a company with deep community roots. Fabrizie has also served on the Polaris Board of Education and Construction Trades Advisory Council, helping to guide future workforce development.
Chuck Grospitch, an Automotive Technology alumnus, turned his passion for cars into a high-speed career.
After graduating from Olmsted Falls High School in 2009, Grospitch attended the University of Northwestern Ohio, earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive High Performance.
From there, his career path reads like a “who’s who” of professional drag racing.
Today, Grospitch serves as Top Fuel Dragster Car Chief for John Force Racing, leading a team that set a world speed record at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
He continues to mentor students and remains closely connected to Polaris.
Melanie Murphy Miller, a former Medical Assisting student and Polaris Senior Student of the Year, has charted a remarkable career that blends media, service, and public leadership.
A former Miss Ohio and television host, she now serves as state representative for Ohio’s 67th district and Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Center, where her leadership has earned statewide recognition.
The Polaris Hall of Fame celebrates alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields and communities. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current students and a testament to the lasting impact of career-technical education.
For more information, or to view past inductees, visit www.polaris.edu/halloffame.
Hakola Competition: Junior vocalists compete for the Mel and Jena Hakola Prize for Academic and Vocal Excellence at 4 p.m. Oct. 25th, at Baldwin Wallace University’s Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St.
Burrell Observatory: Annika Peter of The Ohio State University will present “Seeing the Invisible” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25th at Baldwin Wallace University’s Mainstage Theatre, Kleist Center for Art & Drama, 95 East Bagley Road (A free ticket is required).
BachSings: The Northeast Ohio high school singers join Baldwin Wallace University for a day of music, mentorship, and performance, culminating in this concert, at 7 p.m., at Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St.
Purse Bingo: Doors open at 5 p.m. on Nov. 8th at the Berea Elks Lodge, 626 North Rocky River Drive. The game begins at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $40 in advance or $50 at the door.
Price includes sideboards and raffle baskets. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://bereaelks.com/lodge-store/purse-bingo.
National Chemistry Week: The Hidden Life of Spices (for grades 2-6) — Join us at 6:30 p.m. at the Cuyahoga County Library’s Berea Branch, 7 Berea Commons, for fun, hands-on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society
Spooky Snacks: (grades 3-6). Get creepy and crafty in the kitchen! Join us at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28th at Cuyahoga County’s Berea Branch Library, 7 Berea Commons, for a frightfully fun time as we whip up some spooky treats! We provide all the ingredients and tools — just bring your imagination.
SCAN Hunger Center Pantry: 398 W. Bagley Road, Williamsport Plaza, (440) 260-7226. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and 4-7 p.m. on the fourth Friday.
Kids Café: At the Cuyahoga County Library’s Brook Park branch, 6155 Engle Road. For students 18 and younger. In collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Hours are 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through May 29, 2026.
People’s Community Church Pantry: 628 Wesley Drive, 440) 234-0609. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of the month. The next pantry is on Saturday and then on Nov. 15th.
Second Mile Outreach Pantry: 1480 Bagley Road, (440) 239-0549. It is open from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry: 8888 Prospect Road. It is open from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month and provides fresh food, staples, and toiletries. The next pantry is Saturday and then on Nov. 8th.”
Bread Ministry: Berea United Methodist Church, 170 Seminary St., (440) 234-3525. Bread and pastries only. Noon – 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Go to the church addition on the north side of the church off Seminary. The pantry is through double brown doors.
Free Community Meal: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 E. Bagley Road, serves this meal twice a month, 5-5:30 p.m., on the second and last Wednesday of the month. It is drive-up only.
Pet Food Pantry: Animal Rescue Friends, 10015 E. River Road, Columbia Station, 10 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Sundays of every month. Visit www.bereaanimalrescue.com or call (440) 234-2034 for more information or to donate.
Free Community Meals are served at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 East Bagley Road, twice a month, from 5-5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday and last Wednesday of the month.
Meals on hold: Hot meals provided by Rise in Love at St. Adalbert Church have been suspended for the time being due to supply issues
An announcement will be made once meals are ready to resume.
Little Free Pantries Are near the Berea Branch Library and People’s Community Church. The Prospect Pantry is at the corner of Prospect Street and Jacqueline Drive. St. Paul Lutheran Church has a food donation box near the side door. Please bring non-perishable items only.
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