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SHHS Class of ‘74 Alum and Award-Winning Performing Artist Anita Hollander Named 2022 Commencement Speaker
Anita HollanderApril 29, 2022—Shaker Heights Schools and the Shaker Schools Foundation are pleased to announce that Anita Hollander, actress, singer, composer, director and teacher, will be the commencement speaker for the Class of 2022 commencement on Tuesday, June 7. Ms. Hollander is a Shaker Heights native and a member of the Shaker Heights High School Class of 1974. She is also a member of the Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame.
 
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Hollander back to Shaker,” says Shaker Schools Foundation Executive Director Holly Couglin. “Her words will surely inspire our Class of 2022 graduates as they look ahead to pursue their post-high school endeavors.”
 
Ms. Hollander, SAG-AFTRA National Chair of Performers With Disabilities, has performed throughout Europe, Asia, Russia the United States, including at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, London’s West End, NY Shakespeare Festival, Chicago’s GoodmanTheatre, and The White House. A Helen Hayes Award nominee, she’s won BackStage Magazine Bistro Award and United Solo Audience Award for her original solo musical, Still Standing, recently presented in South Korea, and her new show, Spectacular Falls, recently premiered Off-Broadway. Theatre Week Magazine & Star Ledger awarded her Best Director of a Musical for The Goodbye Girl. 
 
Ms. Hollander’s other theatrical acting highlights include The Artificial Jungle, Ragtime, Fiddler and CATS. Highlights from television and film include FBI: Most Wanted, Law & Order, BBC’s From The Edge. Handsome Harry and Musical Chairs
 
Ms. Hollander works with Actors Equity, Broadway League, Dramatists Guild, Composers, Directors, Producers, Casting Directors and ReelAbilities Film Festival promoting diversity in all media.
 
Ms. Hollander received her Bachelor’s degree in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University, and has attended the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art for post-graduate studies. Having forged a long career after losing a leg to cancer, she is also a proud survivor, wife and mother who is thrilled to make New York City her home.