Lorain High School Teacher Publishes First Children's Book

When Cochelle Cervenak tells her Family & Consumer Science students at Lorain High School they can achieve their dreams, she speaks from experience. The Lorain native has just published her first children's book, "Pretend Play Day," a story about believing in limitless possibilities.

"You can be anything," is more than just a line from her book – it's a message Cervenak shares with her students every day in the classroom. That spirit of endless potential shines through in her main character, Chloe, a young girl whose imagination leads her on an adventure to become a pilot.

Cervenak's own journey has been equally dynamic. Before joining the Lorain City Schools family, she served nearly nine years in the United States Air Force. Her 15-year career in education followed, where she discovered that her students' stories were as compelling as any novel.

"My creative ideas come from growing up in Lorain and from the amazing students I see in my classroom," Cervenak explains. Her passion for storytelling started early in life, with her childhood days spent creating stories, writing poems, and exploring her neighborhood.

"As early as I can remember, I loved using my imagination," she shares. That creative spirit found new life in the classroom, especially during her time as a middle school language arts teacher. "Every quarter was like a chapter in a YA novel and my students were the funniest, most unique characters ever!"

In "Pretend Play Day," young readers follow Chloe as she searches for the perfect co-pilot for her flying adventures. The story mirrors the kind of encouragement Cervenak offers her high school students as they explore their own future paths.

The publication of her first book marks a full-circle moment for Cervenak, bringing together her love of teaching, storytelling, and inspiring young minds. Through her work both in the classroom and on the page, she continues to show Lorain's students that their dreams are within reach.