Svonavec, Sisson, Gilbert and Moser to be recognized before boys varsity basketball game
The James A. Garfield High School Hall of Fame committee has announced its Hall of Fame induction class for 2025, recognizing four individuals for athletic achievement, coaching excellence, and post-graduate accomplishment.
The 2025 induction class includes Edie Svonavec (Class of 2015), Vinny Sisson (Class of 2006), Aaron Gilbert, and Mike Moser.
Edie Svonavec, a 2015 graduate, is being inducted in recognition of athletic achievement. According to the Hall of Fame citation, the honor recognizes distinguished alumni who have achieved excellence and demonstrated character and sportsmanship through outstanding athletic accomplishment .
During her high school career, Svonavec was a two-time state champion in both indoor and outdoor shot put and finished as runner-up in the same events. She earned five All-Ohio selections in the discus and was named an indoor All-American twice in the shot put. Svonavec holds the school record in the shot put at 49 feet and was the first female state champion in James A. Garfield High School history.
Vinny Sisson, a member of the Class of 2006, is being inducted in recognition of post-graduate achievement. The Hall of Fame designation honors alumni who have achieved excellence and demonstrated distinguished character through notable accomplishments following graduation.
Sisson has built a career as a director, producer and cinematographer in the film industry. His 2013 documentary My Way, which he shot, directed and edited, screened at 20 film festivals and earned seven awards, including five for best documentary. His filmography includes work on multiple documentary and narrative projects, including The Other Side of Darkness (2022). He currently serves as producer and cinematographer on The Obsidian Mirror. In addition to his work in film, Sisson owns and operates two childcare and preschool centers in Northeast Ohio and has recently mentored a GHS alum interested in film and media production.
Aaron Gilbert is being inducted in recognition of coaching achievement. The honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated distinguished character through exceptional leadership, coaching excellence, and dedicated service to the school district .
Gilbert began his basketball coaching career in 1997 and joined James A. Garfield High School in 2007 as head varsity girls basketball coach. Over 19 seasons at Garfield, he compiled a 258–180 record, making him the winningest basketball coach in school history across both boys and girls programs. His career includes three conference titles, nine sectional titles, five district championships, five regional appearances, and multiple conference and district coach of the year honors. He coached nine All-Ohio athletes, four district players of the year, and three conference players of the year.
Lastly, Mike Moser is being inducted in recognition of coaching achievement, honoring his lasting impact and leadership in James A. Garfield athletics.
Moser has served as a head coach at Garfield for more than a decade, compiling a coaching record of at least 104–40 and leading teams to multiple playoff appearances in football and other sports. Under his direction, Garfield teams have made eight playoff appearances, and he reached the milestone of 100 career victories. Moser also serves as an educator, teaching social studies, financial literacy and leadership, and is recognized for his commitment to student-athletes both on and off the field.
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 20th before the varsity boys basketball game against Newton Falls. A reception with light refreshments will follow.