District Newsletter: 10/01/2026

BHS Future Health Professionals Club to Hold Breast Cancer Awareness Walk This Saturday

Join members of Bexley High School’s Future Health Professionals Club this Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. for a community walk around Jeffrey Mansion and Commonwealth Park. The event is in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and the club is accepting optional donations to support breast cancer research.

The students have partnered with the City of Bexley to hold community walks to support health initiatives. The next community walking event is Saturday, Nov. 7.

Fall Choir Concert Is This Sunday Afternoon

Enjoy an afternoon of great music and support of Bexley’s fantastic musicians when the Bexley Choral Department presents its Fall Concert this Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. in the Schottenstein Theater. Students in grades 8-12 will perform a variety of music and combine at the end for a song. Admission is free.

Annual DARN Winter Coat Drive Going on Now

Bexley Schools are supporting DARN’s annual winter coat drive, going on now through Oct. 23. Youth and adult coats of all sizes may be donated for distribution to members of the Bexley community!

There is a collection box in each school lobby for donations of new or gently used coats.

DARN is a Bexley-based charitable organization (and recognized 501c3), which has assisted local families in need since 2003. To learn more about their work or to make a donation, visit bexleydarn.org.

Latest News from the Bexley Education Foundation

Get the latest news from the Bexley Education Foundation in its latest newsletter. Learn how to donate to the Foundation’s annual fund that supports students and staff and learn about the two high school interns now assisting – and learning from – the staff. Get the latest online.

A Q&A with Shawn Komara

It’s National Principals Month and we are eager to celebrate the hard-working leaders of our schools! Follow along this month as we spotlight one Bexley principal each Thursday, in a fun Q&A. 

We begin with Shawn Komara, who is in his first year as principal of Maryland Elementary School.

What Is Your Hometown or Where Did You Spend Most of Your Childhood?

I grew up in Poland, Ohio, just outside of Youngstown, and spent my entire childhood there.

What Is Your Favorite Part of Your Job?

My favorite part of my job is the people. I love getting to know our students, celebrating who they are, and creating a school where they feel known, supported, and excited to be each day. I also really value the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated staff and connect with our families and community. There is something pretty special about watching all of those pieces come together to create a place where kids can learn, grow, and experience joy.

What Did You Want to Be When You Were a Child?

I wanted to be an orthodontist. I had braces twice growing up, so I spent a lot of time at the orthodontist’s office and became fascinated with the work they did.

Who Was Your Favorite Teacher? Explain Why and How This Teacher Impacted You.

My favorite teacher was Maureen Kandray, my photography teacher at Cardinal Mooney High School. I was lucky enough to have her for three different photography classes. She saw creativity in me that I hadn’t yet seen or explored in myself and always made her classroom a place that was fun, exciting, and welcoming. Several of my photography pieces were selected to be displayed at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, and she showed up with genuine excitement each time. She even came to my high school graduation party! To this day, whenever my parents see her, she still asks how I’m doing. She is truly a special educator and human being who showed me how much of an impact a teacher can have simply by seeing something in a student and helping them see it in themselves.

What Is Your Personal Motto or Mantra?

My personal mantra is to remain calm and trust that things will fall into place. Even when things don’t go according to plan, I believe there is value in taking things as they come and trusting that, eventually, you’ll find yourself right where you’re meant to be.

What Was Your Favorite or Easiest Subject in School?

My favorite subject in school was anything that involved writing! I especially loved it when teachers assigned multi-page reports that required research. While those assignments may not have been everyone’s favorite, I was always all in. I loved researching a topic, organizing my thoughts, and bringing everything together through writing.

What Was Your Least Favorite or Hardest Subject in School?

Math was always the subject I struggled with most. It didn’t always come easily to me, so I had to work a little harder at it, which gave me a real appreciation for the importance of patience and support when learning something challenging.

What Activities Were You Involved in During High School? (i.e., Sports, Music, Clubs, Class/Club Officer.)

Bowling was a big part of my high school experience. I grew up bowling, so I was excited to try out for the team when I entered high school. 

Beginning my sophomore year, I earned a spot on the varsity bowling team and remained a varsity member for three years through my senior year.

During my senior year, I also participated in a year-long community service course that gave me the opportunity to volunteer weekly in local schools, nursing homes, and community organizations. We returned to the same places each week, which allowed us to build genuine relationships with the people we were serving and, just as importantly, learn from them. We journaled about our experiences and regularly reflected with our classmates about what we were seeing, learning, and taking away from our time in the community. It was an experience that made a lasting impression on me.

What Else Do You Want Your Students to Know about You?

I hope my students know that I am always in their corner. I want them to know that they can come to me to celebrate something great, talk through something difficult, share an idea, or simply say hello. More than anything, I want every student to know that they belong, they matter, and there will always be someone at school cheering them on.

What Is the Best (or Worst) Piece of Advice You Received When You First Started Teaching?

During my very first year of teaching, my classroom assistant became an incredible mentor to me. She was a retired teacher from the same school who reminded me that education is about relationships above everything else. She taught me that when you take the time to build genuine relationships with students, families, and colleagues, so much of everything else will fall into place. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I approach my work today.

What Is a Hidden Talent You Have that Nobody at School Knows About?

I’d like to think I have a pretty good singing voice! I’ve been told it’s pretty decent, so I’m not the only one who thinks so! I’ll confidently claim that as my hidden talent.

If You Could Instantly Wake up with a Brand New Skill, What Would You Choose?

I would love to wake up and suddenly be able to dance like Tate McRae! I have absolutely no idea what I would do with that skill, but I’d love to have it.

Your Favorites?

Book: Autobiographies and memoirs. I love learning about the lives and experiences of others.

Song: Anything by Luther Vandross. I could never choose just one!

Movie: There are too many that I love to choose just one!

TV Show: Dateline

Which Three Apps on Your Smartphone Would You Keep if You Were Forced to Delete All the Rest?

Apple Music, Instagram, and Google Maps. I need my music, I enjoy keeping up with people, and without Google Maps, there’s a very real chance I may never make it to my destination!

Bexley senior Asher Crilly was excited about the opportunity to work alongside a few hundred other high school young men who participated in Buckeye Boys State, held in June at Miami University.

Tasked with creating a state government model during the week-long event, many of the 2026 attendees campaigned for elected office at the local and state levels.

“I initially ran to be sheriff for our county, but after not being elected for this position, I was able to secure a spot as the chief of police for my city,” Asher explained. “I had the responsibility of ensuring the safety of my city during the day and making sure everyone knew what their jobs were. It enabled me to lead the group and provide insight for the mayor as to what to improve safety wise inside our city.”