In a celebration of academic excellence, Chagrin Falls High School inducted 23 students from the Class of 2025 into the prestigious Cum Laude Society during a ceremony held on April 16.
The event featured 2010 Chagrin Falls alumnus Chris Trinetti as the keynote speaker. Trinetti, who has built a remarkable career at the intersection of capital, policy, and economic development, shared insights from his journey since graduating..
Principal Amanda Rassi welcomed attendees to the ceremony, while Cum Laude Society Advisor Lisa Salyers provided context about the organization's history and motto. Following the keynote address, Rassi formally introduced and inducted the 23 honorees.
The 2025 inductees represent approximately the top 20 percent of their graduating class, continuing the tradition of academic excellence at Chagrin Falls. The newly inducted members include Fraya Brattebo, Nathaniel Bruce, Addilyn Brudno, Abigail Coy, Claire Guddy, Audrey Holmes, Molly Johnson, Delaney Joyce, Benjamin Lewis, Cameron Mateyo, Renner Matta, Sean McKee, Grace Mossad, Nathan Nguyen, Brix Niethammer, Lilla O'Brien, Bella Radomsky, Eire Ratcliffe, Gracie Ryan, Mia Sluder, William Stinson, Emma Thatcher, and Lauren Vasko.
Trinetti's presence at the ceremony gave students a powerful example of post-graduation success. Chris shared “60 Things He’s Learned Since High School” in a thoughtful and engaging way. His stories were both entertaining and incredibly meaningful, offering students practical life lessons mixed with humor and honesty. It was a memorable talk that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. "Having alumni like Chris return to inspire our current students creates a meaningful connection between past and present at Chagrin Falls," said Principal Rassi. "His accomplishments demonstrate the heights our graduates can reach when they combine their education with passion and purpose."
The Cum Laude Society, founded in 1906, is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the undergraduate collegiate honor society, Cum Laude recognizes academic excellence and superior scholarship among graduating high school students.