Congratulations to Orange High School senior Adler Chefitz, who has been named the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle “SENIOR OF THE MONTH” for March 2026 and the final Senior of the Month for the 2025-26 school year. Adler’s leadership and community service principles throughout her four years at Orange emanate from her soul and epitomize the core values of Kiwanis.

The National Merit Commended student has dedicated her life to humanitarian work. For her Senior Project, Adler will be working with the Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center, helping to provide affordable wraparound care to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. She was recently awarded the Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award for commitment to justice, sustainability, and advocacy. As a four-year member of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance and the longest student member of the OHS No Place for Hate Committee, Adler has worked tirelessly to create and advocate for inclusive and kind spaces for all. In addition, Adler was elected last fall as President of the LifeAct Youth Advisory Board, which works diligently to support suicide prevention and reduce the mental health stigma.

Adler not only leads by title, but by example. She serves as president of multiple organizations in which she actively engages membership to strive to accomplish the many goals set forth. As President of OHS’ Model United Nations, Adler has won several awards at the bi-annual regional competitions, including most recently for her work in the Commission on the Status of Women at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs Spring Conference.

Serving as OHS Drama Club President, Adler brings her creativity to the table to organize various events while also participating in every OHS show in the last four years, including acting in the lead role of “Audrey” in “Little Shop of Horrors” and most recently as “Kelsi” in “High School Musical.” As a three-year counselor at The Francine and Benson Pilloff Family Performing Arts Camp through the JCC, Adler shares her theatrical gifts, inspiring younger children to build confidence and experience the joy of live theater.

The National Honor Society member stays active as a Captain of the OHS Lionettes Dance/Drill Team, channeling her school spirit in performances at tailgates, half-time shows, and pep rallies. While not performing on stage or field, Adler showcases her academic prowess through scholarly achievement and was honored with Ohio Governor’s Recognition for being in the top five percent of her graduating class. She also earned the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy and a Global Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish and top scores on multiple AP exams.

Adler still finds time to volunteer throughout the school community, assisting with the Kiwanis Rummage Sale, serving as a tour guide during the Centennial Celebration, and as a student liaison on Convocation Day. She also spends time with the Interfaith Group Against Hate, which focuses on giving back to one’s community through service. Through that organization, Adler has worked closely with the newcomer community in Cleveland, heading initiatives to improve legal and medical assistance to people in need. She was selected as a Saltzman Youth Panel member in her junior year, serving as a teen board member allocating thousands of dollars to philanthropic organizations around NEOhio.

Adler will be attending Georgetown University in the fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the Walsh School of Foreign Service. She plans to continue her humanitarian efforts in the future, whether in the nonprofit, government, or private sector.

Every school year, the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle recognizes six seniors for their leadership, integrity, and academic achievements. We thank the Kiwanis Club for its ongoing support and congratulate Adler Chefitz as the March Senior of the Month!