Dale Cracas, longtime Avon Lake School Board member and retired teacher, attends last meeting

AVON LAKE — Tuesday evening would have been special for Avon Lake Board of Education member Dale Cracas no matter what, but a crowd of family, friends and former students who showed up prior to his final board meeting left him unable to contain his joy. "It's very rewarding," said Cracas, trying to put into words the show of support he received from those he's affected through the years. At age 81, he has decided not to seek additional time on the Board of Education. Cracas said he plans to "take it a little bit easier" and do some behind-the-scenes work. He also intends to see if there are any openings on city commissions. But first, he will be recognized for his decades of service to the community all day today, after Mayor Greg Zilka proclaimed Dec. 15, 2021, to be "Dale Cracas Day" in Avon Lake. Both he and Zilka are former social studies teachers for Avon Lake Schools. Those in attendance at a celebration before Tuesday's school board meeting knew Cracas from multiple places and roles he filled during a long period of educational and civic involvement, and some shared their best memories with him during a reception. According to a timeline provided by his family, Cracas taught for 34 years, 29 of which were in Avon Lake. He started at the district in 1970 as a social studies teacher at Learwood Junior High School and Avon Lake High School, then went on to teach social studies only at Learwood Junior High from the 1972-73 school year through the 1984-85 year. He returned to the high school the following school year and stayed there until his retirement in 1999. In addition to teaching classes, Cracas also was involved with the school newspaper, publications and student forum. He coached track, cross country and soccer through the years, among other roles in athletics. He also was a member of Avon Lake City Council for eight years in the 1980s and held other positions of leadership in the city. Cracas was first elected to the Avon Lake Board of Education in November 2005 and has been reelected every four years since, according to the timeline. His final term officially ends Dec. 31. "At the end of the day, if we can say that it was good for students, then that was always our goal," said Board Vice President Pam Ohradzansky, who has served on the school board with Cracas since he was first elected. "Dale lived and breathed that. That man has more energy than anyone I know." Superintendent Bob Scott recalled how Cracas said the key is to work in education for the kids, and he said he doesn't know anyone who has served the students like Cracas. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.