Nicholas Loukas, a 1995 graduate of Timken High School, began his journey in Canton City Schools as a student in College Prep and Drafting under Mr. Small, a program that has since evolved into today’s Pre-Engineering CTE pathway. After graduation, he applied those skills as a summer drafter in the City of Canton Traffic Engineering Department. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 2000 and spent five years working with a consultant before returning to serve his community. Since joining the City of Canton in 2005 as an Assistant City Engineer, he has advanced to his current role as Traffic Engineer. Nicholas has remained closely connected to his roots, serving on the Pre-Engineering CTE Advisory Council since its inception and supporting students through his involvement with the C.A.M.P. Program at ECHS since 2016.

His wife, Shelly, is also a civil engineer and owner of Loukas Engineering, a firm specializing in traffic counts. Through both her work and personal commitment, she regularly supports and sponsors student activities and organizations across the district.

The Loukas children continue this tradition of excellence. Kenna, a 2024 McKinley ECHS graduate, earned associate degrees in Science and Arts and is now in her second year at the University of Cincinnati studying Business Analytics. During high school, she was a multi-sport athlete, earning a letter in football and two letters in soccer, while also participating in Speech and Debate and choir.

Yanni, a McKinley sophomore, will join the Pre-Engineering program next year. He is an active student-athlete, earning a letter in wrestling and competing on the baseball team, and serves as a representative in the Stark County Youth Leadership Academy.

Olympia, an eighth grader at ECHS Middle School, is involved in orchestra, where she plays the violin, and choir. She looks forward to continuing her involvement at ECHS and competing on the high school tennis team next year.

Together, the Loukas family represents a powerful example of how education, dedication, and community connections can shape generations.

Canton McKinley High School alum Ashley Stroud is a 2001 graduate, former multi-sport athlete, and Female Athlete of the Year. She is proud to be back in the district, coaching and working with the next generation of Bulldogs.

Ashley is married to her husband, Marcellus, also a McKinley alum. Together they have three daughters, Ava, Lola, and Mila, who play volleyball and attend STEAMM, along with their dog, Benji.

Her family is her foundation and has carried her through both the best and hardest moments this past year.

To Ashley, coaching has always been about relationships, life lessons, and building a culture where athletes feel seen, valued, and empowered. The program has come full circle in her life, from player to coach, and continues to shape who she is.

This past year brought an unexpected challenge with a cancer diagnosis, changing her in ways she is still processing. There were difficult days physically and mentally, but what stands out most is the overwhelming support her family received from the community, district, and team. Stepping away from the life she loved was incredibly difficult. The love, encouragement, and kindness carried her family through and served as a reminder that McKinley is not just a school, it is a family.

Now back in the gym, surrounded by her team and coaches, doing what she loves has been a meaningful part of her healing. She is incredibly grateful, not just to return, but to give back to a community that showed up when it was needed most.

“It means everything to be back in the district, coaching and working with the next generation of Bulldogs,” Ashley shared.

She cannot wait to see everyone at the volleyball games this fall.

C.A.S.T. (Caring and Serving Together) is a student-driven volunteer network that connects young people with meaningful needs across the community. Founded in 2013 at Early College Academy, C.A.S.T. has grown into a districtwide movement that truly feels like family, now engaging more than 150 active students.

Open to students across multiple schools including Early College, McKinley, Youtz, McGregor, STEAMM, St. Michael’s, and the Boys & Girls Club, C.A.S.T. empowers students to make a hands-on difference. Students who complete 50 or more service hours during high school are honored at graduation with a green C.A.S.T. cord, recognizing their commitment to service.

Students volunteer with many community partners, including the Akron-Canton Food Bank, Refuge of Hope, Stark County Humane Society, Habitat ReStore, and many more. These partnerships are at the heart of C.A.S.T., and we are deeply grateful for the organizations that welcome our students, guide them, and allow them to serve in meaningful ways. Their support helps students grow in leadership, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and social responsibility.

C.A.S.T. also offers opportunities for deeper connection, including “CAST Aways,” a twice-monthly faith-based gathering, the EPIC spring break retreat, and a summer service trip to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

At its core, C.A.S.T. reminds students that every act of service matters, every student has the power to create meaningful change, and strong community partnerships make that impact possible.

The annual Kindergarten Fair made a joyful return this year, welcoming families across the district to a fun and informative afternoon designed especially for our youngest learners and their caregivers.

Held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Timken Career Campus, the event brought together families, school leaders, and staff to celebrate the start of the Pre-K and Kindergarten journey. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the chance for children to meet and take photos with beloved storybook characters, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Pete the Cat, and The Cat in the Hat, creating memorable moments for families to cherish.

In addition to the festivities, families had the opportunity to meet principals and staff, ask questions, and begin or complete the registration process on-site. The event served as an important first step in welcoming new students into the district community.

For families still preparing, registration remains open for children entering Pre-K and Kindergarten. Children who are five years old on or before August 25, 2026, are eligible for Kindergarten. Families are encouraged to begin the registration process as soon as possible at: https://www.ccsdistrict.org/150908_3

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all staff members, volunteers, and families who attended and helped make this year’s Kindergarten Fair such a warm celebration of our newest Bulldogs.

Career Technical Education (CTE) at Canton City Schools has earned an outstanding 4.5 stars on the State Report Card, an increase from 3.5 stars last year. This achievement reflects the dedication, growth, and collective commitment of our educators, students, and community partners who help make Career Technical Education a powerful pathway to success.

On March 20, the CCSD Career Technical Education team hosted the 2026 Spring Advisory Meeting to celebrate this milestone and recognize the impact of strong collaboration across our district and community. We extend our deepest gratitude to our CTE teachers, administrators, and more than 100 business and community partners whose ongoing support helps shape meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students.

CTE at Canton City Schools offers more than 16 diverse programs, giving students the opportunity to explore careers in fields such as healthcare, engineering, business, media, culinary arts, construction, and more. These programs are designed to meet students where their interests are and prepare them for what comes next.

Students learn in state-of-the-art labs, where facilities and equipment are continually updated to reflect real-world industry standards. Through hands-on training, students gain practical experience and earn valuable credentials that prepare them for college, apprenticeships, military service, or high-demand careers.

With strong community connections, work-based learning opportunities, and industry-recognized training, CCSD CTE continues to empower students to graduate with a “Diploma Plus” and a clear pathway to their future.

Thank you to everyone who helps make this success possible. Our Bulldogs are truly future ready.

As we begin looking at opportunities for our students during the summer months, we are working to compile a comprehensive list of summer programs and opportunities available to our students and families. We know that many of our valued community partners offer camps, enrichment activities, learning opportunities, and other programs that support student growth during the summer.

If your organization is offering summer programming for school-age children, we would love to include it in our district resource list. This list will be shared with families to help them easily find opportunities that keep students engaged, learning, and connected throughout the summer.

Please feel free to email information to Linnea Olbon at olbon_l@ccsdistrict.org.

Several of our school buildings have a food pantry designed to help students and families bridge the gap during a few days of food insecurity. The food pantries are graciously funded through Feed Kids First, and are available for CCSD families experiencing a need for temporary or emergency situations. Please note that these pantries are intended to provide short-term assistance and are not a continuous source of food.

Schools with Food Pantries: Cedar Elementary, Passages at Compton, Crenshaw Middle School, Early College at Lehman, Early Learning Center @ Schreiber, Fairmount Learning Center and Youtz Intermediate

If a school does not have a pantry and your family needs short-term assistance, you are welcome to visit the Timken Career Campus and speak with Linnea Olbon, or email her at olbon_l@ccsdistrict.org. All information is kept confidential.

Click here to learn more about our Family, Community, and Partner Engagement Department and Team.