Carl Pinzarroni '14 Alumni Interview

1. How long did you attend AOA and how did you and your family decided to enroll at AOA?

 

I attended AOA for all 4 years of high school. Ever since I was little I wanted to go to Willoughby South High because my father went there but my family and I chose AOA because former basketball coach Brian Jackam invited me to some open gyms at the school. We took a tour around the campus and I shadowed one day and I just instantly knew I wanted to attend here. 

2. What are some of your most memorable moments of being a student at AOA?

 

Some of the most memorable moments while I was a student at AOA was the International Day celebration that happened every year, which had to have been my most favorite memory. Also Spirit Week was always a fun time when the whole school got together to compete in various activities.

3. Who were some of your favorite teachers and coaches?

 

Two of my favorite teachers would have to be my math teacher Kathy Cherney and science teacher Patty Walunis because I was struggling in both of their classes, they came into school hours early and stayed hours late and put in the extra work with me so I could succeed and I greatly appreciate what they did for me. Two of my favorite coaches at AOA were my soccer coach Bob Ahrens who believed in me and worked with me when he put my at a position I never played before and made it something I loved to do and had great success at. The other coach is my basketball coach Nate Barnes who worked with me for countless hours in the gym 7 days a week during the school year and during the summer. I appreciate all that he did because he has pushed me to be better and not give up. 

4. What sports did you play while at AOA?

 

I played soccer, basketball, men’s volleyball, and baseball.

5. What are some of your memorable accomplishments as a student athlete?

 

My most memorable accomplishments as a student athlete had to be the first ever Lake Effect Conference basketball champions. Also just being on the field or court is an accomplishment itself because it’s always an honor and a blessing every time you step on that field or court and know that you have a God given talent. Lastly I am proud that I hold multiple school records in basketball and in soccer. 

6. Did participating in sports provide you with any skills or experiences that helped you as you moved on to college?

 

Yes because sports showed me the ability to be a leader and having strong teamwork to accomplish tasks. Sports gives you an experience that can benefit in being social and having a voice, giving you a mindset that you want to succeed. Also it gives you a good ability of time management and having good grades so you can participate in your athletics. 

7. What are you doing today? What are your career plans for after college?

 

Today I am a student athlete playing basketball at Notre Dame College of Ohio which I am majoring in Graphic Design where I plan to try and get a job for Nike as a designer.

8. Would you recommend AOA for any family looking for a school for their child to have a great academic and athletic experience? If so, why?

 

I would 100% recommend AOA to families because going to AOA gave me an unforgettable experience that I can cherish with me forever. Going to a school where there are other students from many different international countries is amazing and just having those connections with great friends from around the world is something many people can’t say they have. The education you receive definitely benefits you and every single staff member from the dean to teacher, coaches, maintenance and the security are all helpful and supportive and will put in the extra time to help you succeed or take time out of their day to talk to you and make sure you’re okay. The academic and athletic experience are the best you could ever receive anywhere around.

9. Any other thoughts about your AOA experience that you'd like to share?

 

AOA was life changing for me, they gave me the best experience and chance to have a successful future and go to college. AOA makes you truly feel welcomed, everyone knows everyone by name, every single staff member and student know one another. AOA makes you feel like a person not just a number that they don’t care about or know. AOA truly makes you feel like family, you will receive the best of everything attending AOA and I can guarantee you that you will have a bright and successful future because of AOA.