The Experience Newsmagazine - Special State of the Schools Edition: Spring 2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Mariemont City Schools Community,

I remember it like it was yesterday.

In 2013 I was standing in the back of a bustling kindergarten classroom, my daughter seated on the round carpet. The children were eager, with hands raised, questions spilling out, eyes locked on their magnetic teacher. The world ahead of them felt boundless. And with that came the weight of responsibility: ensuring they would keep their sense of wonder, develop deep thinking, and be prepared to make the impact each of them was capable of making.

That same year, with those faces in mind, we began a bold and intentional process to reimagine what education could and should be in Mariemont City Schools. Step by step, we designed a learning journey that would grow with our students from their earliest days through graduation. The work was urgent, but it also required patience as we researched best practices, built capacity, and made thoughtful, incremental changes that protected the excellence we already had while opening doors to what could be even better.

Today, those same children appear on the final pages of this newsmagazine. No longer sitting in tiny chairs, they are now seniors—sharing their future plans, aspirations, and dreams.

Destination 2026 has been a 12-year journey to intentionally design and deliver an educational experience rooted in our belief in the power and potential of every student. I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made—not because of the systems we changed, but because of the students who now stand ready for what comes next. Their futures are as boundless as I imagined all those years ago.

As you flip through these pages, I hope you’ll join us in celebrating the progress we’ve achieved and the extraordinary community partnership that makes it all possible.

With Gratitude,

Steven Estepp Superintendent

Scan the QR code to watch the 2026 State of the Schools Address before reading this special edition newsmagazine.

OUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY

A MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER

Dear Mariemont City Schools Community,

As the Destination 2026 journey comes to a close, it is abundantly clear that the progress made and outcomes achieved would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our community.

Over our 12-year journey, Ohio’s public education funding has continued to shift away from state support. And the minimum state dollars we do receive have not kept pace with inflation or rising operating costs, further reducing its value over time. As a result, local funding has been forced to play an increasingly important role in supporting the quality of our district’s schools, and this reality is expected to continue beyond Destination 2026

Navigating these challenges requires a continued focus on long-range planning, operational efficiencies, and voter-approved investments. The district remains focused on responsible stewardship aligned with student needs and district priorities as we plan for the future.

Sincerely,

Tom Golinar Treasurer/CFO

“The progress we have made in implementing Destination 2026 is due solely to the support of our community. Without this support, we would have faced

nancial cliff with diminishing state revenue and we would not be the district we are today.”

– Tom Golinar, Treasurer/CFO

A JOURNEY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Warriors BEyond represents one of the most transformational journeys to emerge from Destination 2026, grounded in the belief that learning should extend beyond the classroom and into the real world. Created to expand what learning can look like in Mariemont City Schools, the program provides meaningful, hands-on, interest-driven experiences that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help students begin to see new possibilities for their future. At its core, Warriors BEyond is about uncovering passions, testing ideas, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Launched in the 2015-16 school year with approximately 250 student participants, Warriors BEyond has steadily grown alongside Destination 2026 Over time, new programs were introduced, existing experiences refined, and a connected pathway of opportunities was intentionally built for every grade level. Today, every Mariemont City Schools student participates in Warriors BEyond. Through experiential courses, service learning, travel, enrichment, and passion-based exploration, students are not simply learning about the world. They are actively engaging with it and developing the confidence, agency, and purpose that will carry them well beyond graduation.

BUILDING WARRIORS BEYOND

Tracing the Growth of Experiential Learning in Mariemont City Schools

DISCOVERING A FUTURE THROUGH WARRIORS BEYOND

“These experiences helped me turn my interests into a real vision for my future.”

– Peyton Quiambao, 12th grade

When Peyton Quiambao began exploring marketing as a potential college major, she knew she wanted more than a textbook understanding of the field. Through a junior year Experienceship with Jess Stark, Oral B’s Brand Manager at Procter and Gamble, Peyton gained firsthand exposure to the world of brand management, product design, and customer engagement inside a global organization.

During her time at P&G, Peyton observed product and packaging design, participated in cross functional CORE meetings, and learned how teams collaborate across divisions to bring products to life. Two lessons stood out most: the power of collaboration and the importance of protecting a company’s brand identity. “Maintaining consistency in your brand is critical,” Peyton shared. “Even small changes in color or font can impact how consumers see your product and the trust they place in it.”

Inspired by that experience, Peyton chose to continue exploring marketing through Master Class this year, studying advertising. This fall, she will attend The Ohio State University to study business and marketing at the Fisher College of Business, with the goal of becoming a brand manager. Along the way, Warriors BEyond experiences including Explorations, Expeditions, Intersession, Experienceships, and Master Class helped Peyton identify her interests, build confidence, and clarify her path for life after high school.

PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR A CONNECTED WORLD

Destination 2026 reflects Mariemont City Schools’ commitment to educating the whole child academically, socially, and globally. At its core is the belief that learning should take place in a purposeful and safe culture that promotes positive relationships, provides a well-rounded educational experience, and prepares students to be thoughtful members of an increasingly connected world.

MCSD students compete and collaborate locally, nationally, and internationally. As one of the highest-performing school districts in Ohio and the country, our responsibility is not simply to maintain excellence, but to continue raising the bar by

expanding opportunities and preparing students to lead with curiosity and confidence.

Warriors BEglobal supports this work by embedding global competency throughout our schools. Established in 2015 and renamed in 2023, the program increases knowledge, awareness, and respect among students, staff, caregivers, and community members. Through classroom learning and shared experiences, Warriors BEglobal reinforces a foundational belief of Mariemont City Schools: the dignity of every individual matters, and global awareness begins within our own community.

FROM PAGE TO PRACTICE: CONNECTING IDENTITY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY THROUGH STORY

Each quarter, Warriors BEglobal comes to life in both elementary schools through a shared book experience. These books anchor read-alouds, discussions, and activities that help students explore culture and perspective in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

In the second quarter of the 2025-26 school year, students read Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo, a story celebrating culture, belonging, and self-expression. Across both buildings, students connected with the book through cross-age read-alouds, a pronunciation video created by a Chinese-speaking student, staff-curated videos highlighting lunchbox traditions from around the world, and a hands-on activity where every child illustrated a “lunchbox” representing their own identity. Together, these experiences highlighted both the uniqueness of individual stories and the shared connections that unite us.

“In the book Home in a Lunchbox , students communicated through their lunches. It’s a great way to express yourself without words. At our school, we drew our own lunchboxes as an expression of ourselves and our families’ cultures. We got to learn more about our classmates by seeing what they included in their lunchboxes.”

– Piper and Sloan, Mariemont Elementary 5th grade

SKILLS FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD

Students today are growing up in a world defined by constant innovation and rapid technological change. At Mariemont City Schools, we believe preparing students for that reality is just as important as preparing them academically. Our Growing Up Digital program was designed to proactively teach students the skills they need to navigate technology thoughtfully, responsibly, and confidently.

Rather than reacting to challenges after they arise, Growing Up Digital focuses on building lifelong habits. Students learn how to create healthy digital balance, develop a positive digital identity, practice strong digital safety, and build essential digital literacy skills. From understanding screen time and online footprints to protecting personal information and evaluating online sources, our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and judgment they need to thrive — both now and in the future.

MILESTONES IN DIGITAL LEARNING

2018-2019

• Transitioned to a 1:1 Common Device environment, with each student working on a personalized iPad

2019-2020

• Launched the Growing Up Digital program

• Hosted parent presentation, “Finding a Digital Balance”

• Hosted student presentation, “My Digital Brand” for grades 7-12

2020-2021

• Created Instructional Technology Guide

• Began implementing “digital drills” for students

2021-2022

• Created the Digital World Exploration for 5th grade students

• Redesigned the Modern Communications course for 7th grade students

2022-2023

• Hosted student presentation, “Digital Safety and Identity” for grades 7-12

• Implemented digital balance lessons in 9th grade health class

2024-2025

• Hosted parent presentation, “Parenting in the Digital Age”

• Hosted student presentation, “Online Safety” for grades 5-12

• Implemented monthly parenting tips

2025-2026

• Began AI literacy lessons

• Continued monthly parenting tips

WELL-BEING BY DESIGN: THE EVOLUTION OF WARRIORS BEWELL

Launched in 2020, Warriors BEwell reflects Mariemont City Schools’ commitment to making student mental health a clear and consistent priority.

Warriors BEwell is a comprehensive framework designed to:

• Ensure research-based mental health programming and services

• Strengthen prevention and advocacy efforts

• Communicate clearly with families about supports and partnerships

• Continuously review practices to meet students’ evolving mental and physical health needs

It serves as both a guide for counseling and psychology staff and a transparent communication tool for families. DID YOU KNOW?

MCSD, with the help of the Mariemont School Foundation and other mental health partnerships, has worked to expand mental health programming since 2020.

Pet Partners therapy program

Warriors BEwell advisory board

MindPeace Rooms at each school building

THE IMPACT OF DESTINATION 2026: ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN

For more than a decade, Destination 2026 has guided Mariemont City Schools with with a clear focus on high academic performance and personalized instruction. That intentional work has led to sustained academic success across the district. From exceeding state and national ACT averages to earning National Merit recognition, AP Platinum Honor Roll distinction, and 5-Star ratings for every school, our results reflect a consistent commitment to student achievement.

At the heart of this success is a focus on meeting students where they are and helping them grow.

Expanded Advanced Placement and college-credit opportunities, structured intervention and enrichment, ACT preparation, and data-informed instruction ensure that every student is both supported and challenged.

Destination 2026 has strengthened more than scores. It has built a culture where achievement is expected, growth is intentional, and students graduate better prepared for what comes next. As we reflect on this journey, the impact on academics is clear and the foundation for continued excellence is firmly in place.

CLASS OF 2026 EARNS NATIONAL MERIT DISTINCTION

Mariemont High School is proud to recognize eight members of the Class of 2026 who have earned distinction through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Three students (Eli Ching, Tyler Harden and Davis Wickham) were named National Merit Finalists and five (Curtis Buswell, Ivan Chen, Ella Holloway, Beckett Wendler, and Lillah Zaveri) were recognized as Commended Students, placing them among the top academic performers in the nation based on their PSAT results. This achievement reflects not only their dedication and hard work, but also the strong culture of academic excellence and personalized support that defines Mariemont City Schools.

Since the launch of Destination 2026, Mariemont High School students have earned 86 total National Merit recognitions, including 27 Finalists, 1 Semifinalist, and 58 Commended Students.

ACT PREP PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS COLLEGE READINESS

Mariemont High School juniors continue to take ownership of their academic success through the district’s intensive ACT Prep Course, now in its fourth year. Designed to mirror the depth and structure of a private test preparation program, the course is led by district parent Kelley Ching and made accessible to all students through a partnership with the Mariemont School Foundation. More than 240 students have participated since its launch, choosing to dedicate their lunch and Warrior Bell time twice a week from January through March to strengthen their skills and confidence.

This course reflects the core priorities of Destination 2026: personalized instruction and sustained academic achievement. By removing financial barriers and providing high-level preparation within the school day, we ensure every student has access to tools that support college readiness. The consistent ACT success of our students is not accidental. It is the result of intentional opportunities like this one, where commitment, partnership, and individualized support come together to help students reach their full potential.

Mariemont High School’s Class of 2025 earned an average ACT score well above both the state and national averages, continuing a long-standing trend of academic excellence. Throughout the Destination 2026 era, MHS students have consistently outperformed state and national benchmarks, reflecting sustained achievement and strong college readiness.

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE SINCE 2014

Throughout the Destination 2026 era, Mariemont City Schools has earned the highest possible rating on the Ohio State Report Card’s Progress component each year. This measure reflects the academic growth students make annually based on prior performance. The list below highlights this sustained excellence under both the former letter-grade system and the current star-based system.

MARIEMONT HIGH SCHOOL EARNS

Mariemont High School has once again been named to the AP School Honor Roll with Platinum distinction, the highest level awarded by the College Board. This recognition honors schools whose Advanced Placement programs both expand access to rigorous coursework and support students in earning college credit, reflecting strong participation and high performance on AP exams.

Earning this Platinum distinction for a third consecutive year highlights the district’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and personalized pathways for students preparing for college and beyond.

No report cards issued

No report cards issued

FROM KINDERGARTEN TO COMMENCEMENT

Fifteen members of the Class of 2026 reflect on growing up alongside Destination 2026 — and look ahead to what comes next.

ADDIE HOOVER

Future Plans: After graduation my plans are to attend a four-year university to study fashion design.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from high school is attending all of the sporting events because it brings everyone together no matter if it’s boys’ basketball or girls’ lacrosse. These events give students the opportunity to socialize with each other while cheering and supporting your school.

AUDREY ESTEPP

Future Plans: I will be attending Miami University to pursue psychology.

Favorite MCSD Memory: Taking a Master Class and getting the opportunity to shadow teachers and counselors in the district three days a week. This experience has given me hands-on exposure in the classroom and helped me clarify what I want to pursue in the future.

BECKETT WENDLER

Future Plans: I’m planning to attend Dartmouth College in the fall and study environmental engineering.

Favorite MCSD Memory: Being able to participate in Experienceships and get connected to a lab. I was able to work an actual internship with the lab following Intersession and got to assist with an outreach program they do at Mariemont Junior High School. Being able to have my academics come full circle like that was very cool and rewarding.

BENTLEY OSGOOD

Future Plans: My plans after graduation are to attend a four-year university and study forensics and criminology.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from my time in Mariemont City Schools was winning the district championship in soccer three years in a row. I had so much fun playing alongside my teammates and it is something that I am very proud of.

CAMRYN MARTIN

Future Plans: Next year, I am studying medical sciences at the University of Cincinnati with plans to attend medical school and become a pediatric physician.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from my time in the Mariemont City School District is having the opportunity to participate in Experienceships. They allowed me to learn first-hand what it is like inside operating rooms and watch numerous surgeries and operations being performed.

ELLE WALKER

Future Plans: After graduation I plan to attend a four-year university studying art history in hopes of going to law school to become an art lawyer.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from Mariemont was when my friends and I had the Mariemont Muralists Intersession together in Terrace Park. We had so much fun and it was great to revisit the elementary school after all this time!

EMMA DORSTEN

Future Plans: After graduation I am attending a four-year university to study biology. Favorite MCSD Memory: One of my favorite memories from Mariemont is being a part of the lacrosse team. It’s been so fun building friendships with the girls I have been playing with since elementary school.

FINN MARQUEZ

Future Plans: I will be attending Ohio University and majoring in finance.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory is playing soccer for the high school. I made many great memories and many new friends from Mariemont soccer.

LUKE ROBINSON

Future Plans: I plan to attend a four-year university studying either finance or sports management.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory through my time in the Mariemont City School District was playing football for the high school. Through my coaches and their mentorship, I learned many lessons within football and beyond and made many lifelong friends throughout my time.

OLIVIA RIPORTELLA

Future Plans: After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year university to study psychology.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from my time at Mariemont is attending Camp Kern in sixth grade and meeting new friends (who are still my friends to this day). And then I also really loved being able to go back as a senior counselor this year and get to know the younger kids.

RILEY MCKINNEY

Future Plans: While still undecided, I will be attending a four-year university studying pre-law and possibly minoring in international human rights.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from Mariemont is from second grade. My grandma picked up me and my best friend for lunch, and we got ready at her house before returning to school for the Halloween parade.

SOFIE PARKER

Future Plans: Next year I plan to attend a four-year university and major in either psychology or real estate.

Favorite MCSD Memory: Some of my favorite memories include playing tennis for four years with the most encouraging teammates, going to school dances with my friends (and watching Will Frye do the worm every year), and attending DECA state competitions to compete against other schools around Ohio.

TUCKER FRYE

Future Plans: While I’m not totally sure where I’ll be going to college, I do plan to attend a four-year university where I will be studying finance and data science.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory from my time at Mariemont was going to Camp Kern as a sixth grader then coming back as a senior and being a counselor. As a sixth grader, I enjoyed making new friends and spending time with people that I didn’t usually hang out with. As a senior, I liked seeing the sixth graders make those same connections and have the same memories that I had when I was that age.

WILL FRYE

Future Plans: After graduation I will be attending a four-year university to study accounting. Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory during my time at Mariemont was going to nationals for DECA in Orlando, Florida, my junior year.

WILL HAUGH

Future Plans: I plan to attend The Ohio State University to study business.

Favorite MCSD Memory: My favorite memory through my time in the Mariemont City School District was playing lacrosse for the high school. This experience has allowed me to grow as a human while gaining important skills such as leadership, communication, and empathy.