Chagrin Falls High School senior Harper Stewart has been named the Rotary Student of the Month for September, recognizing her academic achievement, leadership, service and involvement throughout her high school career.
Stewart has maintained a 4.3 GPA while balancing advanced coursework, athletics, extracurricular activities, community service and a job at Crumb & Spigot for the past two years. She said maintaining a GPA above 4.0 while remaining actively involved is among her proudest high school accomplishments.
Her academic honors include being named AP Biology Student of the Month in August 2025, earning AP Scholar with Honor recognition, being selected as a Cleveland Technical Societies Council Honor Junior and earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Among her favorite courses have been Anatomy and Physiology and AP Biology.
Stewart also has taken on numerous leadership roles at CFHS. She has participated in soccer all four years, including three years on varsity, and serves as a captain this year. She also has played softball for four years, including three years on varsity and has served as captain on the team. In addition, she has been involved in Link Crew and Student Council throughout high school, advancing from freshman representative to treasurer during her sophomore and junior years and executive vice president as a senior. She also serves as vice president of Connect Club and is a Zookeeper.
“I most value reliability, encouragement and leading by example,” said Stewart. “I feel I have demonstrated these traits both on and off the field, and I attempt to live by them as much as possible.”
Her athletic accomplishments also include recognition as an Ohio High School Softball Coaches Association Scholar Athlete during her junior year. Stewart said athletics have taught her time management, leadership and perseverance while helping her become a more balanced student and person.
Service has been another important part of Stewart’s high school experience. She has volunteered extensively with the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, helping with Kids Day during Blossom Time, the Blossom Time Run, Chili Brew-Off and Easter Egg Hunt. She also has volunteered at athletic camps, fundraisers and community events and completed more than 200 volunteer hours with Gates Mills Nature Camp.
“Giving back to the community has impacted my perspective because it allows me to actively better my surroundings,” said Stewart. “I take pride in being from Chagrin Falls, and being capable of adding something to my community is a wonderful feeling.”
Stewart credits her parents, particularly her father, with helping develop her commitment to service. A longtime Jaycees member and board member, her father introduced her to the organization at a young age and provided opportunities for her to see firsthand the role community service can play.
After graduation, Stewart plans to attend college and major in nursing. Her interest grew through courses including Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, CCP Sociology and psychology, as well as shadowing nurses at University Hospitals. She also participated in the Perry Outreach Program, which introduced high school students to orthopedic surgery and engineering-related careers.
Stewart hopes to study abroad during college, inspired in part by a school trip to Spain this past spring.
Whether in the classroom, on the field or serving her community, Stewart said the experiences of the past four years have helped prepare her for what comes next while giving her opportunities to contribute to the Chagrin Falls community.