The student news site of Beachwood High School.

The Beachcomber
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The student news site of Beachwood High School.

The Beachcomber
The student news site of Beachwood High School.

The Beachcomber
Grant Gravagna

Grant Gravagna, Editor-in-Chief

Grant Gravagna has been active on The Beachcomber staff for four years. As Editor-in-Chief, he oversees a staff of reporters, photographers and cartoonists. He spends his days studying the current political climate, geeking out over vintage 12-cylinder Ferraris and wishing he were more like Josh Lyman.  

All content by Grant Gravagna
Despite the changes at the helm, there’s no disruption discernible to the viewer. The cast shines, the production values soar, and the profanity-laden one-liners land as well as ever.

HBO’s ‘Veep’ Still Vibrant

Grant Gravagna, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2016
“Overall, the district has been on a steady rise,” Superintendent Bob Hardis said of Beachwood’s performance in recent years.

Beachwood City Schools Ranked Third-Highest Performing District in Ohio

Grant Gravagna, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2016
After the preschool moves to Bryden, Hardis and Walsh see the Fairmount building as a space to be shared with the community.

Beachwood Federation of Teachers Reacts to ‘Fair Share’ Supreme Court Case

Grant Gravagna, Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2016
From Plaza Suite production, spring of 2015. Photo by Bradford Douglas.

Drama Program Lacks Director, Space, Participation

Grant Gravagna, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2015
Photo from Beachcomber archives by Bradford Douglas.

District Teams With Police Department For Enhanced School Security

Grant Gravagna, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2015
“The transition process … has taken place over the last several years,” Superintendent Bob Hardis said.

Hardis Takes The Helm: New Superintendent Has Full Plate

Grant Gravagna, Editor in Chief
August 13, 2015
Superintendent Dr. Richard Markwardt addresses the community at the BHS rededication ceremony in Sept. 2013. Photo from Beachcomber Archives.

Superintendent Markwardt Steps Down After 11 Years in District

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
June 1, 2015
Photo from Beachcomber archives

Enjoy the Process and Forget the Consequences

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2015
Sophomore Claire Bruening works on construction for the BHS robotics team. Photo by Bradford Douglas.

Breaking the Glass Beaker

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2015
Greg Perry's junior achievement marketing class sold commemorative beech leaves to local businesses. Some of the leaves are on display at the Beachwood Community Center. Photo by Bradford Douglas.

Beachwood Celebrates Centennial With Leaves, Trees and More

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
April 29, 2015
The interior halls of La Place were empty on a recent Saturday evening.

Beachwood Place Owner Purchases Neighboring La Place

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
April 20, 2015
“People have the tendency to take something that’s ugly and frame it as something beautiful...But we must ask ourselves, ‘Is the N-word really worth it?’” -Senior Maya Gaines-Smith. Photo by Bradford Douglas.

MAC Scholars Ask Students to Reconsider Use of N-Word

John Li, Staff Writer
March 24, 2015
Freshman Reine Evans-Roskos offers her two cents on the "Cold Day" speculation.

BHS Tweets: The Eve of a ‘Cold Day’

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
February 25, 2015
Kyle Cohen (Class of 2014) plays a spelling bee contestant in the BHS Drama Club production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

No Auditorium? No Problem. The Show Must Go On For Drama Club

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
February 24, 2015
Beachwood voters cast their ballots on Feb. 3. Photo by Cathy Perloff.

Beachwood Voters Narrowly Defeat Term Limit Amendment

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2015
Screenshot from Youtube via Hitman films (Shot by @IsThatEarl)

City Officials React to December Fight at Beachwood Place

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
February 22, 2015
At the Bronx speech & debate tournament from Oct. 17-19 2014, Jon Shapiro ('14) took 6th in Congressional debate and Simon Perilla ('15) made semifinals. 8th grader Jared Shapiro received 13th in Humorous Interpretation. Photo courtesy of Simon Perilla.

Speech & Debate Team Wins Big in Spite of Small Numbers

John Li, Staff Writer
December 18, 2014
Image sources: Ohio Treasurer's Office, Ohio House of Representatives, and courtesy of Francine Goldberg. Photoshop by Jinle Zhu.

BHS Alumni Win Big on Election Night

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
December 17, 2014
A prototype Beech Leaf is on display in Benny's Spirit Shop. Photo by Emily Topilow.

Marketing Class Sells Beech Leaves to Celebrate Beachwood Centennial

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
December 15, 2014
Photo by Cathy Perloff

Meet Bracha Goldstein: Greeter at the Bistro

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Cheif
December 14, 2014
Beachwood Scores Highest Performance Index Ever on School Report Card

Beachwood Scores Highest Performance Index Ever on School Report Card

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
October 28, 2014
After the preschool moves to Bryden, Hardis and Walsh see the Fairmount building as a space to be shared with the community.

School Board Considers Elementary Consolidation

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2014
“I think that it’s important that we continue to teach kids how to make healthy choices,” Principal Ed Klein said.

School Nutrition Regulations Take Effect at BHS

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
October 21, 2014
Photo by Grant Gravagna.

Design & Innovation Program Launched

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief (print)
August 23, 2014
The Auditorium: Photo by Swathi Srinivasin

Renovations Planned for BHS Auditorium

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
August 21, 2014
After the preschool moves to Bryden, Hardis and Walsh see the Fairmount building as a space to be shared with the community.

District Plans to Announce New Director of Development Soon

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
August 21, 2014
According to Asst. Principal Ryan Patti, the cameras can be pulled up on any laptop at any time. The cameras, manufactured from IQeye smart camera systems, are digital and therefore more user friendly than older systems. Photo by Bradford Douglas.

Upgraded Camera System in Use at High School

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
June 3, 2014
Hedrick’s work ethic is not the only thing he brings to BHS. He is friendly with many of the employees in the school and can be seen at lunchtime giving advice, declaring his opinions, or trading jokes. Photo by Cathy Perloff.

Head Custodian Jeff Hedrick Fills Many Roles

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2014
Photo by Bradford Douglas.

Air Conditioning Repaired After Winter Breakdown

John Li, Staff Writer
June 1, 2014
Photo by Bradford Douglas.

Gail Brewster Approaches 50 Years of Teaching at BHS

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
May 30, 2014
Photo courtesy of San Diego Police Dept.

BHS Grad Named San Diego Chief of Police

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
April 25, 2014
“When you go to the tables to vote, you should ask yourself who is going to be the best for you...” Shapiro said. Photo by Bradford Douglass.

Candidate Calls to Expand Role of Student Council

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2014
Building sub Alise Stawicki works with the yearbook staff after school. Photo by Kate Opre.

Something New Every Day

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
April 23, 2014
Friends of Aliza Sherman Remain Hopeful One Year After Murder

Friends of Aliza Sherman Remain Hopeful One Year After Murder

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
March 21, 2014
How to Get into College, According to the Class of 2014

How to Get into College, According to the Class of 2014

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2014
Photo from Beachcomber archives

How Much Homework is Too Much?

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
February 22, 2014
“There are so many positive things that are happening here,” Klein said. “Our kids are engaged. Our teachers are teaching at the highest levels. We have programs that rival and exceed anywhere else." Photo by Kate Opre.

School Board Renews Principal Klein’s Contract Through July 2017

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
February 22, 2014
Backstage Politics pictured at the 2014 Rock-Off. From left: Jackson and Chandler Bogolmony, Sam Porter, Tessa Murthy and Liz Bullock. Photo courtesy of Pam Bogolmony.

Beachwood Students Win First Place in Tri-C High School Rock Off

John Li, Staff Writer
February 21, 2014
Beachcomber archives

Beachcomber Survey Reveals Stress of College Admissions Process

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief (print)
February 21, 2014
Photo by Grant Gravagna.

Exterior Improvements Complement Renovated High School Building

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
February 18, 2014
Inspire club meets on Tuesday after school.

[Photo] Inspire Club Empowers Girls

Cameron Godfrey, Editor at Large
January 23, 2014
Q&A With New Drama Director Pierre Brault

Q&A With New Drama Director Pierre Brault

John Li, Staff Writer
December 18, 2013
After the preschool moves to Bryden, Hardis and Walsh see the Fairmount building as a space to be shared with the community.

School Board Eases Out-of-School Suspension Policy

Cathy Perloff and Grant Gravagna
December 18, 2013
What Goes Into a Teacher's Course Recommendation?

What Goes Into a Teacher’s Course Recommendation?

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
December 14, 2013
Last Year's Yearbook Coming Soon

Last Year’s Yearbook Coming Soon

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
October 26, 2013
Image from Beachcomber archives

Local Candidates Appeal to Young Voters

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
October 23, 2013
Benny's Spirit Shop: Open For Business

Benny’s Spirit Shop: Open For Business

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
October 14, 2013
Construction Continues for TV Production and Culinary Arts Classes

Construction Continues for TV Production and Culinary Arts Classes

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
October 9, 2013
Sucking the Marrow Out of Summer: Making the Most of Vacation

Sucking the Marrow Out of Summer: Making the Most of Vacation

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2013
Fresh Faces Replace Retirees Beeler and Schulte

Fresh Faces Replace Retirees Beeler and Schulte

Emily Topilow, Features Editor
August 29, 2013
Image from Beachcomber archives

Beachwood Mayor Merle Gorden Scrutinized for Spending

Cathy Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2013
Ryan Patti Selected as New BHS Assistant Principal

Ryan Patti Selected as New BHS Assistant Principal

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
August 21, 2013
Students Explore Diverse Interests on Senior Search

Students Explore Diverse Interests on Senior Search

John Li, Staff Writer
June 7, 2013
Jewish Students Find Identity in Religious Youth Groups

Jewish Students Find Identity in Religious Youth Groups

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
June 6, 2013
Carolyn Beeler Reflects on Career as Guidance Counselor

Carolyn Beeler Reflects on Career as Guidance Counselor

John Li, Staff Writer
June 4, 2013
Cafeteria Renovation Forces Lunch Periods to South Gym

Cafeteria Renovation Forces Lunch Periods to South Gym

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
May 31, 2013
Beachwood Takes Part in Ohio's Energy Boom

Beachwood Takes Part in Ohio’s Energy Boom

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
May 30, 2013
Beachwood Caribou Set to Transition to Peet’s

Beachwood Caribou Set to Transition to Peet’s

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
May 24, 2013
BHS Students Square off On Israel, the Palestinians and Human Rights

BHS Students Square off On Israel, the Palestinians and Human Rights

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
April 30, 2013
Plain Dealer Columnist Mark Naymik Reflects on Life as a Journalist

Plain Dealer Columnist Mark Naymik Reflects on Life as a Journalist

John Li, Staff Writer
April 26, 2013
What Was That Awful Smell in the 100 Hallway?

What Was That Awful Smell in the 100 Hallway?

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
April 23, 2013

First Annual ‘Entrovation’ Expo Shines Through Dark Weather

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
April 22, 2013
After the preschool moves to Bryden, Hardis and Walsh see the Fairmount building as a space to be shared with the community.

Board Extends New Contracts to District Leaders; Goals Set for Next Two Years

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
April 22, 2013
Hey 8th Graders... Prepare for New State Tests in 2014-15

Hey 8th Graders… Prepare for New State Tests in 2014-15

John Li, Staff Writer
April 16, 2013
So Long Green Dream, Hello Entrovation

So Long Green Dream, Hello Entrovation

Emily Topilow, Arts and Life Editor
April 14, 2013
Excel TECC Marketing Students Place 1st and 2nd in DECA State Championship

Excel TECC Marketing Students Place 1st and 2nd in DECA State Championship

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
April 11, 2013

Freshmen Clash With Seniors for Spirit Week Dominance

John Li, Staff Writer
April 8, 2013
Robotics Team Wins Imagery Award

Robotics Team Wins Imagery Award

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
April 5, 2013
Ryan Harris struggles with his opponent at the state tournament. Photo courtesy of Debbie Harris

Meet Ryan Harris: State Champion

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
March 22, 2013
Think We're the Worst Generation Ever? Think Again

Think We’re the Worst Generation Ever? Think Again

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
March 13, 2013
It's Fun to Listen to Austin Mahone

It’s Fun to Listen to Austin Mahone

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
March 13, 2013
Bison Boys Basketball Follows Girls to District Championship and Beyond

Bison Boys Basketball Follows Girls to District Championship and Beyond

John Li, Staff Writer
March 11, 2013
Between Two Worlds: BHS Students Embody Multiculturalism

Between Two Worlds: BHS Students Embody Multiculturalism

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
February 27, 2013

Beachwood Families Celebrate Black History Month

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
February 22, 2013

Editor’s Edge: Show Some Courtesy, Put Your Phone Away

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
February 21, 2013
Some Academic Extracurriculars Costly, But Worth it for Students and Parents

Some Academic Extracurriculars Costly, But Worth it for Students and Parents

Emily Topilow, Arts & Life Editor
February 16, 2013
Bison Boys Basketball Enters District Tournament as Top Seed

Bison Boys Basketball Enters District Tournament as Top Seed

Emily Topilow, Arts and Life Editor
February 11, 2013
BHS Academic Challenge Team: A Force to be Reckoned With

BHS Academic Challenge Team: A Force to be Reckoned With

John Li, Staff Writer
February 7, 2013
Eaton Corporation Relocates From Downtown Cleveland to Beachwood; Puts City on Map for Economic Development

Eaton Corporation Relocates From Downtown Cleveland to Beachwood; Puts City on Map for Economic Development

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
February 2, 2013
The Cleveland skyline

Sights & Sounds #5: Where in the Cleveland Area?

Emily Topilow, Arts and Life Editor
January 29, 2013
The Sights and Sounds of Beachwood #4: Guess for a Mitchell's Gift Card!

The Sights and Sounds of Beachwood #4: Guess for a Mitchell’s Gift Card!

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
January 25, 2013
Sights & Sounds #3: Where in the Beachwood Area?

Sights & Sounds #3: Where in the Beachwood Area?

John Li, Staff Writer
January 23, 2013
The Sights & Sounds of the Beachwood Area: Guess Them All For a Mitchell's Gift Card

The Sights & Sounds of the Beachwood Area: Guess Them All For a Mitchell’s Gift Card

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
January 16, 2013
An Evening With the BHS Orchestra and Cleveland City Dance

An Evening With the BHS Orchestra and Cleveland City Dance

John Li, Staff Writer
December 21, 2012
Volunteering at BHS: How Big is our Social Conscience?

Volunteering at BHS: How Big is our Social Conscience?

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
December 20, 2012
BHS Students Square off on Marijuana Legalization

BHS Students Square off on Marijuana Legalization

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
December 19, 2012
Ten Moves! Benefit Concert Raises $1400

Ten Moves! Benefit Concert Raises $1400

Emily Topilow, Staff Writer
December 7, 2012
Local Retailers Reflect on Black Friday Turnout

Local Retailers Reflect on Black Friday Turnout

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
November 30, 2012
Benefit Concert to Help Build Schools in the Philippines

Benefit Concert to Help Build Schools in the Philippines

Emily Topilow, Staff Writer
November 29, 2012
Four Students Make Break Rounds at Glenbrooks Speech and Debate Tournament

Four Students Make Break Rounds at Glenbrooks Speech and Debate Tournament

Emily Topilow, Staff Writer
November 27, 2012
Farewell to "The Office": America's Favorite Mockumentary Dies a Slow, Painful, Unfunny Death

Farewell to “The Office”: America’s Favorite Mockumentary Dies a Slow, Painful, Unfunny Death

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
November 26, 2012
Cleveland Club Connects Students to City

Cleveland Club Connects Students to City

John Li, Staff Writer
November 12, 2012
Art Club Lends Hand With Memory Project

Art Club Lends Hand With Memory Project

Emily Topilow, Staff Writer
November 9, 2012
Are You Parked in a Parallel Universe? How to Navigate the BHS Parking Lot

Are You Parked in a Parallel Universe? How to Navigate the BHS Parking Lot

Grant Gravagna, News Editor
November 8, 2012
Channel 22 Informs Community, Educates Students

Channel 22 Informs Community, Educates Students

Emily Topilow, Staff Writer
November 1, 2012
Survey Shows Students with Disabilities are More Often Bullied

Survey Shows Students with Disabilities are More Often Bullied

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
October 26, 2012
Bison Football Reflects on Strong Season; Prepares for West Geauga Game

Bison Football Reflects on Strong Season; Prepares for West Geauga Game

John Li, Staff Writer
October 22, 2012
Time Management Key for Student Athletes

Time Management Key for Student Athletes

Emily Topilow, Staff Writer
October 19, 2012
Lyndhurst Country Club Now Cleveland Metroparks Property

Lyndhurst Country Club Now Cleveland Metroparks Property

Grant Gravagna, Staff Writer
October 18, 2012
The Ready Set, All American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls Struggle to Connect With Audience at Wolstein Center

The Ready Set, All American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls Struggle to Connect With Audience at Wolstein Center

Cathy Perloff, Opinion Editor
October 17, 2012
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