Brady Middle School teacher Mrs. Samantha Schaedler was recently honored to receive the 2026 Baldwin Wallace University Alumni Merit Award. Schaedler earned a B.A. in history from BW in 1991 and later a master’s in education administration from Cleveland State University, with postgraduate study in East Asian studies at Indiana University. She has served as a Brady Middle School social studies teacher since 1995 and will be retiring this year.

“This recognition is truly a reflection of the incredible community around me,” said Schaedler. “I am deeply aware that I wouldn’t be receiving this honor without the unwavering collaboration, and support of my Orange Family over the years. I am truly grateful!”

She is a member of Alpha Xi Delta, she began her teaching career abroad, instructing students in Kenya, England, Poland, Cambodia, Japan, and China. In 2023, she was named a teacher of the year by the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle, earning recognition for initiatives such as a virtual classroom partnership with students in Ukraine and service-learning projects supporting active military. In 2025 she was awarded The VFW Teacher of The Year for the State of Ohio.

A volunteer at heart, Schaedler serves a wide range of veteran and community organizations, including the USS Cod, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Honor Flight Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks as a Trail Ambassador and a Red Coat at Playhouse Square. She also volunteers at Perry's International Peace Monument on South Bass Island. As a board member of Honor Flight Cleveland, she organizes and accompanies veterans on trips to Washington, D.C. Through her roles as a trail ambassador and teacher-ranger with Cleveland Metroparks, she supports adaptive recreation and veteran-focused programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized more than 80 neighborhood birthday party drive-bys and various community events to assist those in need and foster connection during a time of isolation. In 2025, she fulfilled a lifelong goal of establishing a 501(c)3 non-profit called Bainbridge Wreaths, to support Veterans in her community and promote the Wreath Across America Program.

The BW Alumni Merit Award is the highest honor given to outstanding alumni and honorary alumni to recognize their achievements, leadership and contributions to their profession or field of study, community, and alma mater.