(Middlefield, OH) - On the afternoon of May 19th, then junior, Andrew Baker was called down to meet with former high school principals Mr. Gerycz and Mr. George, along with the district’s Student Service Support Sarah Drenik, and intervention specialist Nicole Nicholas in the High School cafeteria. Little did Baker know that he would be presented with an award for his exceptional efforts in and out of the classroom, and also for the progress that he had made throughout high school. Baker would be presented with the Raymond A. Horn Award, a recognition for students who are celebrated for their tremendous growth and success in education.
Sarah Drenik once described Baker as “shy and uncertain.” She believes his transition from middle school to high school has led to impressive changes.
“Having transitioned from a shy and uncertain middle school student, his educational team has had the privilege of witnessing Andrew persevere through academic and social challenges with dignity and self-control,” said Drenik. “He has developed a quiet confidence and intentionality with his studies, setting a remarkable example for his classmates facing adversities. Over the past three years, despite initial apprehensions and personal difficulties, Andrew has broadened his engagement to include being a percussionist in the various bands offered and confidently leading school-wide announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance. Despite challenges encountered, Andrew continues to flourish and evolve, making his positive attributes and contributions at Cardinal High School remarkable.”
Andrew has stood out in many different band classes throughout his time at Cardinal Local Schools. From beginner’s band in Fifth Grade to participating in the Jazz Band, and now being a major part of the drumline for the Cardinal Huskies Marching Band. Andrew has found a special place at home with the band. He is on the snare drum for the third year in a row. His teachers and directors have also seen this growth, especially when he volunteered to work the car wash fundraiser for Music Boosters and also participated in community service opportunities.
“Andrew has grown not only as a musician and marcher, but also as a leader and role model as well. I have seen him making an effort and helping our younger members, and I always hear calling out the moves during rehearsal,” said first-year Band Director, Sarah LaMantia.
Pupil service director, Andy Cardinal, has also enjoyed watching Baker’s transition from Middle to High School. Mr. Cardinal served as his principal.
“It is incredible to see how much Andrew has grown as a student and as a person since I first met him when he was in Middle School. It has always been inside of him, but to watch him develop his many interests and talents over the years has been fun to watch. Andrew has an amazing future ahead of him,” said Cardinal.
Baker now reflects on the advice that he wants to pass along to others.
“If I were to advise others, I would offer these three things:
Never back down—you never know how close you are to finding peace and closure.
Don’t let the opinions of those who don’t understand you define your worth. You are so much more than their limited perspective.
If you have ambition or the drive to do something, take action. You may never get the opportunity again.”
He is proud of the strong finish he had last semester, where he passed all of his classes with a B+ average or higher. Some other things he was proud of included his improvement in public speaking and communication skills, while also improving every week in band.
For Andrew, this award is more than just a certificate — it’s a meaningful reminder of the hard work, dedication, and growth they’ve shown throughout their time at Cardinal High School.
“Andrew has distinguished himself as an exceptional student within the Cardinal High School community. He exudes reliability, trustworthiness, gratitude, curiosity, humility, and moral standards, while continuing to actively seek opportunities to further develop his character both in and out of the classroom. His dedication to living with integrity includes his work ethic and respecting rules, and with thoughtful consideration for the perspectives of others,” said Drenik.
“This award evokes a sense of accomplishment and achievement in my successes over the years, and it brings me joy to know that I am smarter than I think I am,” says Baker.
Andrew was recognized at the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities ceremony in June, where the committee presented Baker’s award.
“The first time I heard about this award, I was shocked and dumbfounded,” said Baker. “I was extremely grateful for it.”
As Andrew gets set to start his senior year, he is excited to continue to grow in many areas of education and his personal life. Despite not knowing his exact plans for after high school, he is interested in a career in science or history. He also credits his amazing family for all of their support through the good and the bad times.
“As of right now, I’m still thinking about what I want to do, but I do know it’s something either involving science or history, but I need more time to consider my possibilities,” he said. “For now, after I graduate, I plan on continuing to work at my family's stores and seeing where life takes me. I would also say that this award inspires me to continue to pursue what I love and to continue working hard throughout my life.”
We are incredibly proud of Andrew and can’t wait to see what’s next in his journey. Keep up the amazing work, and thank you for representing Cardinal with pride!
“I want to make a loud mention to my dad and stepmom, Jeannie, for their support in keeping me on track and guiding me through some of my toughest moments. I also would like to express my gratitude to my teachers for their contribution to making school fun, exhilarating, and entertaining,” he shared.