Students, parents turn out to support choir teacher

STRONGSVILLEMore than 30 Strongsville High School students and several parents attended last Thursday's school board meeting to support a choir teacher who is on the list to be cut from next season.

SHS Choir Director Vickie Eicher, who has taught a variety of music programs at the high school for more than 30 years, is one of 74 teachers scheduled to lose their jobs as of June 17. The job cuts are coming from the board that says it is necessary because of a significant budget deficit due to limited funding coming from the state, the city and declining property taxes.

Several students and parents spoke before the board opposing Eicher's elimination.

"I know that one teacher may not seem like a big deal, however, this is one teacher who does so much for the high school and one teacher who has most certainly impacted my life," sophomore Scott Miesse said.

Miesse, who is a member of the high school's Show Choir and Cantorum, said being involved in the music programs has provided him with many special memories and opportunities such as singing the National Anthem at the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game.

"I don't believe Mrs. Eicher is given credit for all she does out of school because she does so much," Miesse said.

Without Eicher's leadership in the music program, Miesse said the two choirs he performs in as well as Women's Chorale, Concert Choir and Freshman Choir would be lost.

Mallory King, also a sophomore who performs in Eicher's Women's Choral and Show Choir, held back tears as she told the board how important the choir director is to her and to those in the music program.

"We are very concerned," King said. "Mrs. Eicher is one of the most dedicated teachers and she is a role model for all of us."...