Dr. Diane Lester
Dr. Lester been a practicing pediatrician in Lake county for the past 25 years originally with Lake Health and currently with University Hospitals of Cleveland. She attended medical school at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo and completed her residency at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital of Cleveland.
Sergeant Zach Petric
Sergeant Petric knew from a young age that he wanted to serve in law enforcement. He began his education in criminal justice at his Alma Mater, South High School and participated in the Criminal Justice program through Euclid High School, graduating from South with a clear path toward public service.
Zach started his career as a dispatcher with University Circle before becoming eligible and accepted, where he furthered his training with the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division in Washington, D.C.
After returning home, Zach dedicated himself to serving his local community, working with the Eastlake Police Department, Lake Metroparks, and the Kirtland Police Department. He has built a wide range of experience, serving as a patrolman and detective. In 2021 he played a key role in helping create the Investigative Bureau for the Kirtland police department. He is currently a full-time Sergeant with the Kirtland Police Department, while also serving part-time with the Willowick Police Department where he serves Willoughby Eastlake City Schools as a school resource officer for the past 14 years.
Sergeant Petric is a Field Training Officer and a member of both the U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Secret Service Cyber Crime Task Force and specializes in computer forensics. Sergeant Petric also has training in behavioral threat and risk assessment though the FBI among other trainings.
Beyond the badge, he is an active member of the community and a proud family man who enjoys spending time with his daughters. In his free time, Zach enjoys boating, cheering on Cleveland sports and outdoor activities.
School Counselor Kara Prosuch
Kara Prosuch has served as a school counselor in the KLSD for her entire 16 year career. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Miami University in 2007 and her Master of Education in School Counseling from John Carroll University in 2010. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about supporting students’ social and emotional growth as they pursue their academic goals, as well as partnering with families and the community to help students thrive.
In addition to her role as school counselor, Kara also serves as co-advisor for Student Council, Junior Class Council, Peer Leaders, and KES Kiwanis K-Kids, programs that encourage students of all ages to learn the importance of positivity and servant leadership.
Kara lives in the City of Kirtland with her husband and two sons, Cooper (6th grade) and Miles (4th grade), and spends much of her free time driving them to their many, many activities. She is grateful for the privilege of living and working in a district that places a strong emphasis on students’ emotional well-being in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world. Kara is excited to participate in this event, which brings together the most meaningful aspects of her personal and professional life.
Magistrate Holly Welsh
Holly Welsh serves as a Magistrate in the Juvenile Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Magistrate Welsh hears juvenile delinquency cases and manages the Safe Harbor Docket. The Safe Harbor Docket provides intensive services to children identified as victims of human trafficking.
Previously, Magistrate Welsh served as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and Director of Prosecutions for the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Ohio ICAC is a part of national task force that identifies, arrests, and prosecutes individuals who engage in the online exploitation of children. As a prosecutor, Magistrate Welsh prosecuted hundreds of adults who preyed upon children through the Internet. She also handled human trafficking investigations and prosecuted criminals engaged in the sex trafficking of young women and children.