Thankful to Be an Aviator!
✈ Kristen Bates ✈
Teacher at Alliance Intermediate School
"As someone who has experienced working in a school district that isn’t Alliance, I am so grateful to be an Aviator because of the community we bring to each building. There isn’t a single person on my fourth grade team that I could not rely on. To have that sense of community within a workplace is so important to me. It is not something I take for granted."
#RepthatA
✈ Kristen Bates ✈
Teacher at Alliance Intermediate School
"As someone who has experienced working in a school district that isn’t Alliance, I am so grateful to be an Aviator because of the community we bring to each building. There isn’t a single person on my fourth grade team that I could not rely on. To have that sense of community within a workplace is so important to me. It is not something I take for granted."
#RepthatA
Alliance Middle School welcomed veterans from all branches of the military this morning for their annual recognition ceremony. 🇺🇸 This year's guest speaker was retired Sergeant First Class Robi'On Fountain, a 2010 graduate of Alliance High School. Fountain enlisted in the United States Army in 2010 and served six deployments, including four in Afghanistan, before his medical retirement in 2022.
Throughout his career, he was stationed at Fort Drum in New York, Fort Stewart in Georgia, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he served as a food service specialist. During his military career, he served in a number of leadership positions, including Flight Steward Instructor, Culinary Team Manager and Instructor, and Senior Culinary Management Noncommissioned Officer. These positions allowed him to oversee food service and flight safety operations while ensuring the highest standards for food safety and service.
Fountain takes pride in serving others and leading by example, and these values have guided him long after retiring from the Army. Currently, he is serving students as a semi-permanent substitute for Alliance City Schools while earning a degree in business management.
Fountain is an entrepreneur and the founder of the "Cold as a MUGG" food truck and catering business. This allows him to use his culinary skills to continue his passion for bringing people together through food. He has also served as the resident chef for Habitat for Humanity.
"Service for me isn't something I did, it's something I continue to do," he told the students and staff at Alliance Middle School.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to retired Sergeant First Class Fountain for coming in to share his story with AMS and for his service in the U.S. Army! We are proud to have him as an Aviator! ✈️ #RepthatA
Throughout his career, he was stationed at Fort Drum in New York, Fort Stewart in Georgia, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he served as a food service specialist. During his military career, he served in a number of leadership positions, including Flight Steward Instructor, Culinary Team Manager and Instructor, and Senior Culinary Management Noncommissioned Officer. These positions allowed him to oversee food service and flight safety operations while ensuring the highest standards for food safety and service.
Fountain takes pride in serving others and leading by example, and these values have guided him long after retiring from the Army. Currently, he is serving students as a semi-permanent substitute for Alliance City Schools while earning a degree in business management.
Fountain is an entrepreneur and the founder of the "Cold as a MUGG" food truck and catering business. This allows him to use his culinary skills to continue his passion for bringing people together through food. He has also served as the resident chef for Habitat for Humanity.
"Service for me isn't something I did, it's something I continue to do," he told the students and staff at Alliance Middle School.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to retired Sergeant First Class Fountain for coming in to share his story with AMS and for his service in the U.S. Army! We are proud to have him as an Aviator! ✈️ #RepthatA
Join us tomorrow at 7 pm in the Alliance High School auditorium for the Jetsetter preview concert! #RepthatA
Thankful to Be an Aviator!
✈ Jovanni Rainieri ✈
Student at Alliance High School
"I'm thankful to be an Aviator because I have a lot of friends that always support me, and I'm thankful that I'm doing sports broadcasting as my future college and career path!"
#RepthatA
✈ Jovanni Rainieri ✈
Student at Alliance High School
"I'm thankful to be an Aviator because I have a lot of friends that always support me, and I'm thankful that I'm doing sports broadcasting as my future college and career path!"
#RepthatA
✈ Shayla Mays ✈
Graduation Year 🎓: 2009
High School Clubs & Activities 🎺: Band, Basketball, Student Senate, Choir and Pit Orchestra
Career 🏦: College & Career Success Advising Program Coordinator with Breakthrough Central Texas
Location 📍: Austin, TX
How did AHS prepare you for your career?
“I was appropriately challenged in my schoolwork and was set up to think about legacy in a way that drives my current role as an advisor and therapist!”
Favorite Memories from High School:
“Late nights at sporting events, AHS musicals where I served on the tech crew or played in the pit and band events!”
Advice for Current AHS Students:
“Don't be the person who looks back on high school full of regret. Ask for help, get involved, make friends outside your circle and, most importantly, stay true to yourself. It may feel scary at times, but it'll be worth it later!”
Influential Staff Members:
“Mr. Fontaine, Mr. Ballor and Mr. Hampu saw things in me that I didn't always see in myself. I was often overlooked as a student, but they made me feel seen. Sometimes their belief in me carried me until I believed in myself. I strive to bring that same support, compassion and care to those I work with now.”
An Accomplishment You Are Most Proud Of:
“I'm a first-generation college graduate who graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. I now support students and families navigating fears and barriers to college access and success, drawing on my mental health background.”
📢 Submit your AHS Alumni Spotlight form here! 🔗 https://forms.gle/vACpUE2C1CTRGhHq8
#RepthatA
Graduation Year 🎓: 2009
High School Clubs & Activities 🎺: Band, Basketball, Student Senate, Choir and Pit Orchestra
Career 🏦: College & Career Success Advising Program Coordinator with Breakthrough Central Texas
Location 📍: Austin, TX
How did AHS prepare you for your career?
“I was appropriately challenged in my schoolwork and was set up to think about legacy in a way that drives my current role as an advisor and therapist!”
Favorite Memories from High School:
“Late nights at sporting events, AHS musicals where I served on the tech crew or played in the pit and band events!”
Advice for Current AHS Students:
“Don't be the person who looks back on high school full of regret. Ask for help, get involved, make friends outside your circle and, most importantly, stay true to yourself. It may feel scary at times, but it'll be worth it later!”
Influential Staff Members:
“Mr. Fontaine, Mr. Ballor and Mr. Hampu saw things in me that I didn't always see in myself. I was often overlooked as a student, but they made me feel seen. Sometimes their belief in me carried me until I believed in myself. I strive to bring that same support, compassion and care to those I work with now.”
An Accomplishment You Are Most Proud Of:
“I'm a first-generation college graduate who graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. I now support students and families navigating fears and barriers to college access and success, drawing on my mental health background.”
📢 Submit your AHS Alumni Spotlight form here! 🔗 https://forms.gle/vACpUE2C1CTRGhHq8
#RepthatA
Alliance High School student Gianna Phillips is continuing to make a difference through her involvement with the Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council! ✈️
After serving on the council last year, Gianna returned this year as an Alumni Mentor, supporting current members and bringing what she learned back to her school and community.
In recognition of School Safety Month, Gianna helped lead several kindness initiatives at AHS, including Kindness Bingo, a cafeteria Kindness Wall and Kindness Counts activities at Futures Fest! 🩵 Students and families created cards for nursing home residents and painted kindness rocks to spread positivity throughout the community.
“Leadership should be rooted in purpose. It should be about showing up, finding new ways to serve, and using the opportunities you have to make a difference,” Gianna shared.
A special thank you to everyone who helped make these activities possible, especially Chick-fil-A Alliance, Nellie Lanzer, Cooper Fontaine and the Digital Arts and Design Career Tech class!
#SchoolSafetyMonth #USK250 #RepthatA
After serving on the council last year, Gianna returned this year as an Alumni Mentor, supporting current members and bringing what she learned back to her school and community.
In recognition of School Safety Month, Gianna helped lead several kindness initiatives at AHS, including Kindness Bingo, a cafeteria Kindness Wall and Kindness Counts activities at Futures Fest! 🩵 Students and families created cards for nursing home residents and painted kindness rocks to spread positivity throughout the community.
“Leadership should be rooted in purpose. It should be about showing up, finding new ways to serve, and using the opportunities you have to make a difference,” Gianna shared.
A special thank you to everyone who helped make these activities possible, especially Chick-fil-A Alliance, Nellie Lanzer, Cooper Fontaine and the Digital Arts and Design Career Tech class!
#SchoolSafetyMonth #USK250 #RepthatA
Thankful to Be an Aviator!
✈ Kim Gang ✈
Bus Driver & Behavior Management Specialist
"I am so thankful that I work with a great group of people. We are definitely an extended family. We worry about each other and help when we can.
My students are another reason I come to work every day. They can be challenging at times, but a lot of the time they put a smile on my face."
#RepthatA
✈ Kim Gang ✈
Bus Driver & Behavior Management Specialist
"I am so thankful that I work with a great group of people. We are definitely an extended family. We worry about each other and help when we can.
My students are another reason I come to work every day. They can be challenging at times, but a lot of the time they put a smile on my face."
#RepthatA
Kelly Barthel's and Jason Dotson's class filled their jar of pom poms for good behavior, and the whole class got to pick a new and fun name for the day! 🌟 Mrs. Twinklebottom (Mrs. Barthel) and Rex (Mr. Dotson) had a lot of fun learning the new names of their students for the day! 😂
What a fun way to reward good behavior and allow students to be creative! 🎉 #RepthatA
What a fun way to reward good behavior and allow students to be creative! 🎉 #RepthatA
Madeline Powell's and Haley McCarty's 6th grade ELA classes got to read about therapy dogs and how they benefit struggling readers! 🐾 The classes then came together in the library with Crawford, the facility dog at Alliance Middle School.
What a great way to connect their reading with their new furry friend! #RepthatA
What a great way to connect their reading with their new furry friend! #RepthatA
Thankful to Be an Aviator!
✈ Gabriel Cox ✈
Student at Alliance Middle School
"Being an Aviator in Alliance City Schools is something to be truly thankful for because it means belonging to a proud, supportive community where teachers and students lift each other up, working together to push boundaries, achieve excellence, and always 'Keep Them Flying.'"
#RepthatA
✈ Gabriel Cox ✈
Student at Alliance Middle School
"Being an Aviator in Alliance City Schools is something to be truly thankful for because it means belonging to a proud, supportive community where teachers and students lift each other up, working together to push boundaries, achieve excellence, and always 'Keep Them Flying.'"
#RepthatA
Thankful to Be an Aviator!
✈ Morgan Kincaid ✈
Teacher at Alliance Elementary School
"Being an Aviator means being a part of a true family. When I did my college fieldwork here at Alliance, I fell in love with this district, the community, and the culture. Now, as a teacher here, I am reminded every single day why I wanted to work here at Alliance in the first place.
My colleagues are helpful, encouraging, and always ready to step in whenever I need support. Knowing I have a team that lifts each other up makes coming to work a joy, and that's why I'm thankful to be an Aviator!"
#RepthatA
✈ Morgan Kincaid ✈
Teacher at Alliance Elementary School
"Being an Aviator means being a part of a true family. When I did my college fieldwork here at Alliance, I fell in love with this district, the community, and the culture. Now, as a teacher here, I am reminded every single day why I wanted to work here at Alliance in the first place.
My colleagues are helpful, encouraging, and always ready to step in whenever I need support. Knowing I have a team that lifts each other up makes coming to work a joy, and that's why I'm thankful to be an Aviator!"
#RepthatA
There are so many reasons to be thankful, and being an Aviator is one of them! 🍂 As Thanksgiving approaches, we're taking time to reflect on what makes Alliance City Schools so special. We asked our students and staff to share why they're thankful to be Aviators, and we can't wait for you to hear their answers!
Follow along as we share their responses leading up to Thanksgiving!
✈ Khloe Durenda ✈
Student at Alliance High School
"I am thankful to be an Aviator because of the amount of opportunities I receive that I will never take for granted. Being an Aviator isn't just being a student who walks through the school doors every day. It means representing something bigger than myself to become the person I wanna become and being a part of our community.
At AHS, I am involved in so many things that keep me busy and involved with the school, and I am so so thankful for the AHS coaches and staff. I am very thankful for the memories and friendships I have created along the way.
Every day gives me a chance to learn something new and make someone proud. I am so thankful to leave a positive impact on people around me. Lastly, I am thankful I get to call myself an Aviator. Once an Aviator, Always an Aviator."
#RepthatA
Follow along as we share their responses leading up to Thanksgiving!
✈ Khloe Durenda ✈
Student at Alliance High School
"I am thankful to be an Aviator because of the amount of opportunities I receive that I will never take for granted. Being an Aviator isn't just being a student who walks through the school doors every day. It means representing something bigger than myself to become the person I wanna become and being a part of our community.
At AHS, I am involved in so many things that keep me busy and involved with the school, and I am so so thankful for the AHS coaches and staff. I am very thankful for the memories and friendships I have created along the way.
Every day gives me a chance to learn something new and make someone proud. I am so thankful to leave a positive impact on people around me. Lastly, I am thankful I get to call myself an Aviator. Once an Aviator, Always an Aviator."
#RepthatA
Enos Kurtz from the AHS Class of 2012 stopped by ACS to see his former principal, now Assistant Superintendent Shawn Jackson, and receive a Reppin' That A shirt!
Enos is fondly remembered as the Cowardly Lion in the 2010 production of "The Wizard of Oz." He reminisced with Mr. Jackson about the show and his time as a student at Alliance High School.
We are always proud to recognize the accomplishments of our alumni, including Enos' success as a self-employed digital artist based in Canton. He was long overdue to receive a Reppin' That A shirt, and we were excited to recognize him with this distinction!
Way to #RepthatA, Enos! ✈️
Enos is fondly remembered as the Cowardly Lion in the 2010 production of "The Wizard of Oz." He reminisced with Mr. Jackson about the show and his time as a student at Alliance High School.
We are always proud to recognize the accomplishments of our alumni, including Enos' success as a self-employed digital artist based in Canton. He was long overdue to receive a Reppin' That A shirt, and we were excited to recognize him with this distinction!
Way to #RepthatA, Enos! ✈️
The students at Alliance High School created a kindness wall in the cafeteria! Students were able to write kind messages for their peers to take when they needed a pick-me-up.
Some messages included:
❤️ "Dream Big"
🩵 "You are cherished"
❤️ "You've come so far"
🩵 "You're a work of art"
What an amazing activity to help inspire our Aviators and make them feel connected! Way to go, AHS! 😊 #RepthatA
Some messages included:
❤️ "Dream Big"
🩵 "You are cherished"
❤️ "You've come so far"
🩵 "You're a work of art"
What an amazing activity to help inspire our Aviators and make them feel connected! Way to go, AHS! 😊 #RepthatA
Did you know the Alliance City Career Tech Planning District has received Five Stars on the last four State Report Cards? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We are proud to partner with Marlington High School to offer 14 high-quality Career Tech programs for Aviators and Dukes during their junior and senior years!
These programs provide students with valuable hands-on learning experiences, industry-specific skills and opportunities to explore future careers. We are pleased to offer educational pathways that prepare our students for success in life, college and their future careers! #RepthatA
We are proud to partner with Marlington High School to offer 14 high-quality Career Tech programs for Aviators and Dukes during their junior and senior years!
These programs provide students with valuable hands-on learning experiences, industry-specific skills and opportunities to explore future careers. We are pleased to offer educational pathways that prepare our students for success in life, college and their future careers! #RepthatA
The staff at Alliance Middle School held an underground spirit day! The theme was "Anything But a Cup," and the staff got creative with their chosen water vessels! 😂 Some of the highlights included a pumpkin, an animal cracker container and a jam jar! 🎃 #RepthatA
Superintendent Rob Gress stopped by Baeli Kimble's 1st grade class to read a story! 📚 The students loved having him visit and even gave him fist bumps before he left.
Reading to young students is so important! It helps foster a love of reading and encourages curiosity and a sense of wonder. We love seeing all the guest readers who visit classrooms throughout the year! #RepthatA
Reading to young students is so important! It helps foster a love of reading and encourages curiosity and a sense of wonder. We love seeing all the guest readers who visit classrooms throughout the year! #RepthatA
Five students in Emily Adkins' 2nd grade class have been working with Anna Mae Searfoss and performed the readers' theater production "Spiderella!" 🕷️ Since they weren't acting out the story, they had to use their voices, expression and fluency to bring the characters and story to life. They did a wonderful job!
After their performance, the students shared interesting facts about spiders that they had researched. To wrap up the lesson, the class got to make their own edible spiders to enjoy. 🕷️ How fun! #RepthatA
After their performance, the students shared interesting facts about spiders that they had researched. To wrap up the lesson, the class got to make their own edible spiders to enjoy. 🕷️ How fun! #RepthatA
The students at Alliance Intermediate School took a trip to the bowling alley for their 1st quarter incentive! 🎳 They had a blast! #RepthatA
Who knew the staff at Alliance Middle School loved pie so much? 🥧 Unfortunately for them, the students prefer throwing it in their faces! 😂 Several teachers, along with Principal Tim Mosher and Assistant Principal Jason Wade, took pies to the face as part of the annual fundraiser!
The students loved cheering on their peers and booing the staff as the staff members braved the messy pies! 🥧 #RepthatA
The students loved cheering on their peers and booing the staff as the staff members braved the messy pies! 🥧 #RepthatA