The mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders that empowers success in our global society.
Vision
The vision of the Educational Empowerment Group is to elevate the experience for students and stakeholders by positively changing the landscape of charter school education.
A Message from the CEO
January was a grueling stretch for us all. Between the frigid temperatures and the unpredictable snow days, inclement weather was a like a thief, stealing away precious instructional hours and disrupting the steady rhythm of our classrooms.
Let us reclaim that lost time with renewed energy and intentionality.
While we cannot control the weather, we can control our response to it. Now is the moment to transition from weathering the storm to sharpening the saw. I am calling on each of you to lead with a sense of urgency and purpose, as we move into the second half of the school year.
Our focus for the coming weeks is simple but vital:
Identify the core concepts that were interrupted and bridge those gaps with high-impact, focused instruction.
Move beyond merely catching up. Challenge our students to refine their critical thinking skills and master the standards that will carry them to the finish line.
Re-establish the classroom routines that provide our students with the stability they need to thrive.
Let’s show our students that no amount of lost time can impede their growth and academic success. Thank you for your tireless work and your unwavering commitment to our greatest investment, our students.
Wendy Rydarowicz
EEG Founder
Making Waves in Myrtle Beach
We are thrilled to announce that The Educational Empowerment Group has officially expanded into Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! With two brand-new schools opening their doors in August 2026, we are bringing a heartbeat of innovation, community and career-readiness to the Palmetto State.
Meet Our New Schools
South Carolina Construction Academy is a high school that stays true to its name. It will empower students through hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE), providing clear pathways into the high-demand construction industry.
Morning Star Academy will serve grades K-8. This school will ignite young minds through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and project-based learning.
Leadership in Action
Our dynamic South Carolina leadership team, Principal Danielle Scarpelli (MSA), Principal Jacqueline Love Anderson (SCCA), and Jean Tate are not just waiting for the ribbon-cutting; they are already promoting the schools in the Myrtle Beach community. From baking fresh brownies for visitors to building a foundation of family for our future students, their energy is contagious. Here’s how they have been making an impact:
Spreading the word at the local charter information session at Coastal High School.
Joining the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and showcasing their visions at the January Business to Business Expo.
Engaging with the Myrtle Beach Fire and Police Departments at the community stakeholders meeting.
Securing a small business grant with The Post and Courier to help supercharge local marketing.
Partnering with the American Legion for inaugural flag donations and a future guest speaker series.
The Excitement is Building
Believe it or not, families are already enrolling, even though our doors don’t open until August 2026. We are so impressed by the South Carolina team’s dedication and can’t wait to see the heart of EEG in the South. Take a look at the news story.
The High School Hub
January was another month filled with impressive accomplishments for our high schools. We aspire to be the difference students need to succeed, and we are on the journey to achieve this goal. Take a look at a few success stories below:
Leading with Heart
CASTLE High School, East Campus – At the heart of every thriving school is a leader who truly makes a difference. Families look for more than just a place to learn; they seek a leader they can trust. This is someone who listens and provides a genuine voice for the community. Principal Alexandra Kolb has built an incredible bond with our East Cleveland families, and that dedication is being noticed. By fostering a culture where every student is celebrated and valued, her impact continues to grow. We invite you to read a heartfelt message recently shared by one of our parents.
Top Community School
Ohio Construction Academy –We are proud to share that Ohio Construction Academy has reached a remarkable new milestone. Education Insider has officially recognized OCA as the Top Community School for 2026! This prestigious honor reflects the school’s stellar reputation and the deep trust built with families and industry partners. After a rigorous evaluation by editorial experts and industry leaders, OCA stood out for its excellence and impact. A huge congratulations to Director Matt Demosky, Principal Katina Evans-Blakley and the OCA team for cultivating a school culture that truly puts students first and delivers exceptional results.
Outstanding Community Impact
Stark High School – We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Stark High School is stepping into the spotlight! Goodwill has selected the school as a premier award recipient for their upcoming Celebrate Excellence Community Breakfast. This honor celebrates the very best participants and partners across Goodwill’s southern territory, and Stark High School is leading the pack. Because of the school’s deep-rooted partnership and tireless work within the community, Stark has been officially named the 2026 Collaborative Partner of the Year!We are so proud of the outstanding work our students and staff do every day to make this partnership a roaring success. Congratulations, Principal Carly Hart and the Stark team!
The K-8 Chronicles
Our K–8 students are proving that a little hard work goes a long way. They are working to trailblaze their own unique paths to success. Take a look at the highlights below:
Double the Momentum
Beacon Academy – Congratulations to Beacon Academy for officially earning the prestigious Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for the second year in a row! Winning this award once is an incredible feat, but securing it back-to-back proves that Beacon Academy is a powerhouse of student growth and academic excellence.
Unlike awards that only look at final test scores, the Momentum Award celebrates progress. It shines a spotlight on schools that are moving on a positive trajectory, proving that our students are learning and growing academically.
This award is the ultimate value-added seal of approval. It serves as a testament to our hardworking teachers, our dedicated students and a school culture that refuses to settle for anything less than greatness. At Beacon Academy, it doesn’t matter where a student starts; what matters is how far they go.
Congratulations to Principal Kelly Brodzenski, the staff, students and families of Beacon Academy for keeping the momentum going.
Architectural Integrity Meets School Spirit
Empowered by the Arts Academy – A recent House meeting transformed into a high-stakes STEAM laboratory as students took on a massive engineering feat. EAA students participated in a structured engineering challenge designed to reinforce mathematical and structural concepts. Working within their respective Houses, students competed to design and construct the tallest standing cup structure, focusing on stability and architectural integrity. Ultimately, the event did more than just build towers; it strengthened the bonds of teamwork and school spirit within each House.
A Beneficial Collaboration
Middlebury Academy – Middlebury is proud to continue its wonderful partnership with Archbishop Hoban High School. Each week, Hoban students visit the campus to provide invaluable support to our younger learners. Whether working in small groups or providing one-on-one tutoring, these dedicated mentors offer the extra attention and encouragement that help our little ones thrive. We are grateful for the positive impact these high school role models have on our school community.
Real Food, Winter Vitality and Health Headlines
As we enter the final stretch of winter, it is easy to let our health goals drift into hibernation mode. This month, we are doing the exact opposite. February’s edition is all about momentum and modernization. This edition of Live Well, Work Well is breaking down a revolutionary shift in dietary philosophy, providing you with a roadmap for winter vitality, and catching you up on the headlines shaping the future of medicine.
Volume 41 | February 2026 EEG News & UpdatesMissionThe mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders…
