The Weekly Update #4
April 30th, 2025
A Farewell Message from the Principal
Every morning, when the sun rises over our practice fields and spills golden light into the windows of Cedar Cliff High School, I’m reminded of the deep roots and proud legacy that live within these walls. The familiar sound of students filling the halls, the laughter, the rhythm of learning all beats in time with the heart of a school that has meant so much to so many.
For the past sixteen years, I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of serving as your principal. And in that time, I’ve watched this place become more than just a school. It has become a sanctuary for growth, a forge for character, and a home for countless stories of resilience, compassion, excellence, and hope. We have faced challenges together, but through every trial, our collective spirit held fast…always guided by the light of what’s right, always striving to do better, to be better.
There is a line from our Alma Mater that has never failed to stir something in me… “May its noble sons and daughters, cherish thine honor dear.” These aren’t just poetic words…they are a call to action. A reminder of who we are and what we represent…nobility, honor, humility, excellence, and truth. I’ve seen our sons and daughters live those values. In classrooms and on athletic fields, on stages and in service projects, in whispered encouragements and loud celebrations…they have cherished Cedar Cliff’s honor, and have made her proud.
Less often heard, but equally stirring, are the words of our Alma Mater’s second verse found quietly etched outside our gymnasium… “May her children fail her never; true to her beacon flame.” This, to me, is the essence of legacy…not perfection, but unwavering faithfulness. And to the students, staff, parents, and alumni reading this…you have been faithful. You have stayed true to the flame that was passed to you and that now you pass on to others. Cedar Cliff’s light burns brighter because of you.
As I step away from this role, I do so not with sadness, but with deep, abiding gratitude. I have been forever changed by the spirit of this place and the people who make it extraordinary. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story. Thank you for the trust, the laughter, the tears, the lessons…but most of all, the love.
To the next generation of Colts…carry on the torch. Protect this school’s spirit. Lead with honor. Be brave. Be kind. And never forget that your story here matters.
I leave you with a full heart.
With enduring gratitude and thankfulness,
Kevin Fillgrove
Principal (2009–2025)
Once a Colt, Always a Colt
Cedar Cliff - National Academic WorldQuest Champions!
On April 28, 2025, Cedar Cliff High School’s regional award-winning Academic WorldQuest team advanced to the national level to represent The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania! Top student teams from across our country, including teams from Alaska and Hawaii, met in Washington D.C. to compete in the National Academic WorldQuest Competition.
Under the direction of Mrs. Angela Kamps, Cedar Cliff High School Gifted Support Teacher and Advisor, our Cedar Cliff team prepared for many months reading curated articles focused on world affairs. Sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America, the competition tests students on their knowledge in 10 different global categories, this year involving: Critical Minerals in Africa, Music and Globalization, Borders and Boundaries, Current Events, and Space and National Security, to name a few.
While in Washington D.C. for the competition, students met with U.S. Department of State Officials, the Ambassador of Mexico, the Global Education Editor of the Financial Times, and NATO representatives.
After 10 rounds of very close competition involving 33 teams and 132 students, our Cedar Cliff High School Team was announced as the National Academic WorldQuest Champion!
Congratulations to Rory Gannon, Rayna Johnson, Jackson Kane, and Timothy Valentine! Their first-place prize includes round trip tickets to Turkey plus a companion ticket for each, compliments of Turkish Airlines. Mrs. Kamps and our student winners are pictured below with representatives from Turkish Airlines and the World Affairs Councils of America.
We are very proud of the team’s hard work, collaboration, and dedication to learning more about issues that impact our world.
If interested in watching the competition, click on the livestream link. The exciting awards are announced at approximately 3:40:00. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_B-RFo3V1s
It was an amazing experience to see our students victorious as National Winners! Go Colts!
Pennsylvania Financial Literacy Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Cedar Cliff High School senior student Rory Gannon who placed second in PA in the Annual Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition! Pennsylvania students in grades 9-12 were encouraged to submit a short essay, video, or poem about financial literacy, answering the question: What does financial literacy mean to me? As a project for Mrs. Kamps’s class, Rory submitted a video by writing, filming, and editing an original video submission. Winners were selected from a panel of judges and announced at an awards ceremony held at the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda on April 25th for Financial Literacy month. Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor and representatives from Members 1st Credit Union and Harrisburg University presented Rory with her scholarship prize of $1,500.00. The 12th anniversary of the competition was launched in January of 2025. “Understanding how money works empowers you to track your finances, manage your spending, and hold government accountable for how it spends taxpayer dollars,” stated Auditor General DeFoor. Congratulations to Rory for showcasing her financial literacy and placing second in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania!
National Sojourners Essay Contest Winners
Congratulations to Cedar Cliff students Julia Shenck- 9th grade and Eloise Billus- 12th grade, winners of the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Sojourners Essay contest!
Students in grades 9-12 were invited to write a 500-750 word essay addressing the prompt: Describe how the “Preamble” of the Declaration of Independence is still relevant today. Both Julia and Eloise chose to work on their essays in Mrs. Kamps’s class.
Student winners were celebrated recently at an awards ceremony held on April 10th.
Congratulations to Eloise who won 2nd place and a $500 award and to Julia who won 3rd place and a $300 award! We commend them for their dedication to examining the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence and in crafting creative, thoughtful, and well-researched essays!
Service Dog in Training
After Easter Break, a new four-legged “student” arrived at Cedar Cliff High School, after spending the last 6 months being trained by prisoners involved in the R.U.F.F. Program. Decker is a 1-year-old, Service Dog in training from United Disabilities Services (UDS), located in Lancaster.
United Disabilities Service Dogs are trained from puppyhood to the age of at least two years old by a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals. Then the dogs are partnered with individuals who have a mobility disability, autism, or Veterans with PTSD to help them with their daily lives and activities. Additionally, UDS trains dogs to work in schools with their Pups in the Classroom Program. Decker is one of several UDS dogs in the district.
Decker will be training with Mrs. Frey (his handler) by coming to school every day and going everywhere Mrs. Frey goes. For the next 6 months, Decker will also go to his training classes every Monday and one Saturday a month to practice his real-world commands. In October, he will move onto his last phase of training to get ready for his test. We want Decker to officially become a Service Dog because someone is currently waiting for his help.
https://udservices.org/services/personal-care-independence/service-dogs/
Good Things Happening in Our Weight Training Class
Our weight training class is making great progress! Students are showing improved strength, mastering proper lifting techniques, and consistently pushing themselves to new personal bests. There's a strong sense of teamwork, with classmates encouraging and supporting one another. Many are noticing physical changes like increased muscle tone and better endurance, along with boosts in confidence and energy. The positive atmosphere and commitment to growth are making our class a great place to learn, train, and succeed!
Environmental Science Class Trip
Mrs. Klemune’s class took a field trip to the Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewer Plant. Learning many useful things, it was a great educational trip. We learned about all the steps, one of them being the water rushing to the filters by gravity. The water also needs a lot of treatment to be ready for our community. Chlorine is one of the treatments they use to kill bacteria. We got to see the clarifiers, which filter the particles from the water. We got to see all of the water being stored, waiting for filtering.
At the sewer plant, we got to see more of the process. Gravity pulling waste through the pipes, using many chemicals to filter the water. The waste becomes dirt-like and gets sent to a landfill. But some of the water comes to the top as clearwater.
Article written by M. Jarman, student.
Senior Athlete Award Nominees
The Class of 2025 has certainly left their mark on Cedar Cliff Athletics. The athletic department would like to recognize four outstanding student-athletes. These four student-athletes are recognized as being the best of the best scholar athletes in Central Pennsylvania.
John Travers Award Nominees:
Madi Bogovic- Madi starred on the Girls Volleyball team here at Cedar Cliff. She was named All-State and the Commonwealth Player of the Year, leading the Colts to a deep District Playoff run her senior season. Madi also excelled at the bowling alley, making the State Tournament two years running, placing 4th in all of PA her senior year.
Drae Crawford- Drae was a force to be reckoned with on the soccer pitch and track. Drae helped bring respectability to our soccer program as they competed in a very tough Commonwealth Division. His speed and vision on the field provided offensive punch. Drae really excelled on the track. He was a specialist in the 400 and 800 and a key member of our relay teams. Drae has earned the right to compete at the PIAA State Championships and Adidas Nationals. He looks forward to returning to the PIAA Championships seeking a medal later this month.
West Shore Chapter of PA Sports Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Nominees:
Eloise Billus- Eloise is a true multiple sport athlete. She has been a part of Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Girls Basketball and Track and Field earning 11 Varsity Letters. She was also captain for three of these teams and is proof that one can compete at a high level in multiple sports. Eloise loves to run and has a drive and dedication that is unparalleled. One top of that Elosie embodies what it means to compete with pride and integrity. She is the definition of a Cedar Cliff Colt.
Cole Korch- Cole is yet another one of our multiple sport athletes who excels not only on the athletic field but in the classroom as well. Cole is able to balance his commitment to his teams along with being at the top of his class academically. Cole was a valued member of the boys' soccer (Coaches' MVP) and track and field teams. He is recognized for his sportsmanship and being a leader in the way he competes and conducts himself of the field.
These four senior scholar-athletes are great ambassadors for Cedar Cliff. It is with pride that they were nominated for these recognitions which are well deserved.
Senior End of Year Events
MAY
- 1 - Mandatory Senior Meetings
- 28 - Last Full Day
- 29 - Senior Finals (AM)
- 30 - Senior Finals (AM)
JUNE
- 2 - Senior Final Makeups
- 3 - Cap and Gown Distributions/Chromebook Return, 8:30-11:30 AM
- 4 - Cap and Gown Distributions/Chromebook Return, 8:30-11:30 AM
- 4 - Elementary Walk
- 5 - Graduation Practice -- Farm Show, 1:00 PM
- 6 - Graduation -- Farm Show, 6:30 PM (5:30 for seniors)
Flowers for Graduation
The Commencement Group would like to offer it services if you would like to order flowers for your graduate. In order to facilitate safer & quicker transactions, they strongly encourage pre-ordering (link below). They will also be selling flowers be at the Farm Show Complex prior to graduation.
