Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Student
Nominees
Student Nominees
When your car is motoring down the highway or your furnace is pumping out
warm air, you might owe a debt of gratitude to Jim Barkdull ’51.
After earning a bachelor’s in geology at Ohio University and a master’s
at the University of Missouri, Jim began a career as a petroleum geologist.
With Atlantic Richfield Refining Company (now ARCO), Jim mapped oil fields
in Colorado, Wyoming and Libya. In 1966, he started his own geological consulting
business. He retired in 1998, returning to Colorado. Then, in 2004, he came
out of retirement to help map and develop an oil field in Kansas – at
a time when the nation’s energy needs are growing rapidly. “This
is the most fun I’ve had in years,” says Jim. “Now I can’t
recall what I did during the six years of retirement.”
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For Jim Henkel ’63, involvement in Shelby educational
and community affairs began early and has continued unabated. While at SHS,
Jim served on Student Council for three years, was a starter in basketball
and football and was named an All-NOL defensive back following his senior
season. During the decades since graduating, Jim has been very supportive
of the community. He served Shelby for four years as mayor and four years
as a city councilman and then was again elected mayor in 2005. In addition,
he has served on several community group boards. He has also been a teacher’s
aid in Shelby schools. Says a former teacher, “Jim is a sterling example
of a person who has made a habit of serving his community.” In addition,
Jim is a member of the SHS Alumni Association Board of Trustees and the events
planning team, taking on a variety of volunteer roles. He lives in Shelby.
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In the words of a schoolmate, Russ Hepner ’58 has “always
been a strong friend, athlete and scholar.” During his SHS years, Russ
played football and basketball and ran track. He earned his bachelor’s
degree at Bowling Green and went on to a long career in teaching and coaching.
But above all, the schoolmate remembers Russ as a friend: “I was hitchhiking
home from military service in 1963 and made it to Mansfield, but I was out
of money and it was getting dark. Not a good combination. Russ happened to
see me, stopped, picked me up and took me home.” After retiring, Russ
returned to Shelby.
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Few if any SHS alumni have demonstrated more continuing respect for and devotion
to the Shelby Schools and community than has Dave Winans ’60.
He served on the Shelby Schools Board of Education, and he was first to recommend
that, in planning the first multi-class reunion in 2002, the SHS Alumni Association
be formed and registered as a 501C-3 tax-exempt organization. This, in turn,
led to the formation of the Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees.
Dave serves on that Board and was elected the Alumni Association’s first
president in 2002. He also serves on the Board’s Special Gifts Committee.
He has filled volunteer roles for multi-class reunions and has coordinated
with SHS on uses of Alumni Association monetary gifts to SHS. In the words
of a schoolmate, “Dave epitomizes ongoing community and alumni support
for Shelby schools. He truly understands the value of providing youngsters
with a superior educational grounding” Dave lives in Shelby.
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Harold Bliss ’39 was a track and football standout at SHS,
three times being named an All-North Central Ohio running back in 1936, ’37
and ’38. The ’38 team went undefeated, won the NCO title and defeated
Mansfield Senior High. Throughout his adult life, Harold effectively linked
his love of kids and horses. He helped many Shelby kids who were having problems
at home. When he learned a kid was having trouble, he would get him/her involved
with horses. He observed that there was something special about taking care
of a horse and riding that provides a strong sense of accomplishment. Says
an alum, “He didn’t do this for any reward other than to be there
when needed. He would take kids to horse shows and never expected anything
in return.” Harold died July 3, 2001.
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Paul Milliron ’47 spent his working career with Columbia Gas
Company but simultaneously carried on a second career – one centered
around giving back to the community. For many years, he was a Cub Scout Pack
Leader and a Boy Scout Troop Leader. For several years, he performed both
roles simultaneously. Even after his four sons had grown too old for scouting,
Paul kept volunteering. His single biggest contribution to Shelby, however,
was leading the formation of the Girls Softball Association, an achievement
that has benefited many girls, including his only daughter. Says an alum,
“In the earliest years, girls played without uniforms on a neglected
West Park field. Within a few years, though, the girls were sporting uniforms
and the field was in remarkable condition.” Paul’s efforts enabled
many Shelby girls to play on their own “field of dreams.” Paul
lives in Shelby.
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In the words of a friend, Bill Henson '56 has "more
than lived up to the motto of the Class of '56: 'He profits most who serves
best.'" At SHS Bill played football and co-captained the track team and
was in Glee Club. At Ohio State he lettered in track and soccer and was vice
president of the Education Fraternity. In 26 years as an Army officer, Bill
served five combat tours in Vietnam, Dominican Republic and Granada in ranger
and airborne units. He was decorated several times for valor and meritorious
service by the U.S. as well as two foreign governments. Bill represented the
U.S. during conferences in seven European countries. He taught and coached
at both the university and high school levels in the U.S. and Italy. Of his
high school students, 98% graduated, 70% entered the military, 18 were accepted
into the five U.S. military academies, and his students won more than $4.5
million in scholarships. In his 15 years of teaching high school, students
nominated him 8 times for Who's Who Among American High School Teachers and
fellow teachers recognized him as an outstanding teacher 14 times. University
of California-Davis named him Outstanding Military Science Instructor in 1970.
His military teams won two European track and field and two cross country
championships and two soccer titles. His high school track teams posted 288
wins versus 36 losses, won 18 conference championships and had 12 undefeated
seasons while 17 of his runners won Arizona state titles. Bill was named Southern
Arizona track coach of the year three times (1996, 1997, 2000), and he coached
the U.S. high school teams that competed in China in 1996 and in Australia
in 1998.
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While at SHS, Dennis Zeiters '71 was involved in various
activities, including sports for which he won the Senior S Award. After graduation,
he earned his bachelor's degree from The College of Wooster where he also
played baseball all four years. Dennis then embarked on a career in education
and coaching in both North Carolina and Virginia. He has taught geometry,
algebra and physical education. He currently heads the math department at
Thomas Dale High School in Virginia. In 1989, he was selected to teach mathematics
at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs which he did in 1990. He has
coached boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, track, golf and football.
He was head football coach for 10 years, compiling a record of 62 wins, 48
losses and 3 ties and was named conference coach of the year in 1986, 1989
and 1990 when his team was state runnerup. Dennis lives in Chester, Virginia.
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Ed Lewis ’51 earned his bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg
in 1955 and his Ph. D. in psychology from Ohio State in 1957. He then went
on to a distinguished career in academia Ed joined the faculty at Iowa State
University where he spent his entire academic career. He became Professor
of Psychology and Associate Provost. His teaching was chiefly in developmental
and counseling psychology, and his research was on the career development
of women. He published two books and numerous journal articles and was a fellow
of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society.
He retired from Iowa State in 1998 and lives in Ames, Iowa.
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While at SHS, Mark Lowmiller ’60 played football, ran
track and represented the school at Buckeye Boys State. After graduating,
Mark earned his bachelor’s degree at Dartmouth and an M.D. at Johns
Hopkins Medical School. Later he served in the Army. For the last 25 years
before his death from a heart attack on March 11, 2005, Mark had lived in
Seattle, Washington, working as an anesthesiologist. Away from his work, he
enjoyed raising national championship black Labrador retrievers, was a falconer,
and volunteered his anesthesiologist skills at Seattle’s Woodland Park
Zoo. Mark raised orchids in his own greenhouse and was a prolific reader.
In the words of a classmate, Mark “maintained an abiding friendship
with many of his Shelby classmates.” Nominator: Anne Stevenson Benninghoff
’60, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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While at SHS, Anne Lafferty Stock ’63 was co-editor
of the Scarlet S, member of both the Pep Club and Girls Athletic Association
all four years and president of the GAA her senior year. She also was a member
of the Whippet Tales staff and represented the school at Buckeye Girls State.
Observes a classmate, “There was no girl in the class who gave more
of herself to the school or who cared more about it.” Her academic success
earned her a full academic scholarship to Northwestern and, after her freshman
year, transferred to Ohio State where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
She has had a long career in education, serving for some 15 years as a physical
education teacher and secondary reading specialist in public schools, then
as director of a pre-school and currently as an advisor at Ashland University.
She also has filled volunteer roles, including delivering library books to
nursing home residents and working with the YMCA and the Girl Scouts. At the
2004 SHS All-Alumni Weekend, she served as a master of ceremonies. Anne lives
in Vermilion, Ohio.
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Christopher Briggs ’88 has combined a zeal for research with
missionary work and serving youths. He earned his bachelor’s degree
in 1993 from Hope College and then worked in research and development for
Park Davis Pharma, a Warner Lambert subsidiary. He was a member of the research
team that developed Lipitor, a cholesterol-reducing drug. Later, he sold his
house, car and motorcycle and worked as a missionary at the Jamaican Deaf
Village in Mandeville, Jamaica for three years. Upon returning to the U.S.,
Chris served as a youth pastor at Lakeland Community Church. He again is working
in research, now as director of development and technology sales for E-Gear
in Holland, Michigan.
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While at SHS, Jim Hennessy ’61 played football, making
All-NOL his senior season, and represented the school at Buckeye Boys State.
Afterward, he embarked on a path that led to a career that focused on saving
lives, particularly those of children. Jim became a physician with a specialty
in pediatric cardiology. After earning his M.D., he also served in the Army
from 1975-78, including time in Germany. His continuing interest in SHS can
be seen in his having attended both the 2002 11-class reunion and the 2004
All-Alumni Weekend as well as numerous Alumni Association planning meetings
– despite a demanding and unpredictable schedule subject to emergency
calls. Jim’s medical practice is in Toledo where he lives.
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During her SHS years, Janet Page Whitehill ’62 was
Whippet spirit personified. She served on Student Council and Class Executive
Committees. She was a cheerleader and Pep Club member all four years. She
was a Glee Club member, was on the Scarlet S staff and was a Homecoming Court
member. That Whippet spirit never dimmed. In 2001, undaunted by early naysayers,
she began advancing the concept of multi-class reunions for SHS alumni which
have, observes one alum, “brought great joy to many SHS graduates”
as well as retired teachers. Writes another nominator, “It took many
people many hours to put on these reunions, but without Janet’s coming
forward with the idea none of this may have happened. The school system has
benefited from the $20,000 these hard-working alumni have raised by implementing
her concept.” After bringing forth the concept, Janet was co-organizer
of the first such reunion – the 2002 gathering that brought together
members of the 1957-1967 classes. For that as well as subsequent multi-class
reunions, she has volunteered for several roles: coordinating with dinner
venues and an area nursery, serving as a greeter, distributing door prizes,
and serving as a “floater,” helping out where needed. Adds a fellow
alum, “She continues to be a great Shelby supporter. Oh, and by the
way, she’s a pretty great sister of mine, too.” Janet also serves
on the Board of Trustees for the SHS Alumni Association. She lives in Ashland,
Ohio.
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An outstanding student at SHS and in college, education continues to be central
to the life of Russ Pfahler ’61. At SHS, Russ served
three years on Student Council and represented SHS at Buckeye Boys State.
In football, he twice made All-NOL and once All-Ohio in setting single season
and career scoring records and being part of two NOL championship teams. After
leaving SHS, Russ earned his bachelor’s degree at Purdue, his master’s
in business administration from Xavier and his Ph. D. from California Western.
While at Purdue, he was the Big 10 punting leader in 1962 and was a two-time
winner of the Noble Kizer Award for achieving the highest grade point average
among Purdue football lettermen. Says a fellow alum, “In addition to
his academic and athletic achievements, Russ was a good neighbor and friend,
trustworthy and reliable and quick with a warm smile.” Russ had a long
career in business, retiring as director of operations for a robotics manufacturer.
Since 1996, he has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of
Phoenix, teaching a variety of management courses. He has been very active
in his community, serving as president (equivalent of mayor) of Sun Lakes,
Arizona where he lives.
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During her years at SHS, Susie Bashore Henkel ’62 epitomized
Whippet spirit. She was a cheerleader for two years, Pep Club member for four
years, a member of the Thespian and Glee Clubs, and on the staffs of Whippet
Tales and the Scarlet S. In 2001, she became one of the initiators of multi-class
reunions in Shelby, has taken on numerous volunteer roles and serves on the
Board of Trustees for the SHS Alumni Association. None of this comes as a
surprise to a former teacher and two classmates. As one said, ever since the
Class of ’62 began having reunions, Susie has headed up the planning
team. “Susie is thorough,” said this classmate, “not wanting
any name to be forgotten and going to great lengths to obtain addresses for
each classmate.” Susie lives in Shelby.
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Eleanor Wentz Sheehe ’39 invested much time and effort in working
to make Shelby a better place to live. During World War II, she served as
Executive Secretary of The American Red Cross in Shelby. During the early
1950s, some Shelbians saw the need for a facility that would serve all of
Shelby, in particular its youths They approached Eleanor, seeking a leader,
and she energetically took on that responsibility. Eleanor contacted the National
YMCA for guidance, and they recommended establishing a Family YMCA. Eleanor
then led the fund-raising drive that resulted in opening Shelby’s first
YMCA on Water Street in 1952. Initially, it provided a kiln for ceramics lessons,
bridge lessons, a seniors club, and dances for teenagers. Says an alum, “Eleanor
brought intelligence, enthusiasm and energy to everything she did, and Shelby
was the beneficiary.” She lives in Napa, California.
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For Larry Reed ’63, his years at SHS sparked a lifelong
interest and involvement in science and flying. After graduating, he joined
the Navy and qualified for aviation electronics. He then flew, successively,
on an Airborne Early Warning aircraft, an anti-submarine warfare plane and,
during 1965-66, on reconnaissance missions over Vietnam. His long working
career has centered around flight, first at Fairchild Semiconductor, next
at Lockheed Missiles & Space Corporation and then with Lockheed Martin
Space Systems Company. As an electronics technician, a test engineer, product
engineer and product line manager, Larry has worked on such programs as the
Hubble Space Telescope, Solar Arrays for the International Space Station,
the Airborne Laser, and Missile Defense Larry possesses both private and commercial
pilot licenses and teaches both pilot training and ground school. He earned
his bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University. Says a former teacher, “Larry is a classic
example of a young man who pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Nothing was
handed to him.” Says a fellow alum, “America is a more knowledgeable
and safer nation because of Larry’s work.” Larry lives in San
Jose, California.
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Cheryl Chase Cramer ’72 has made helping Shelby and Shelbians
her life’s calling. Twenty years ago, she launched Shelby Hotline which
has been vital to helping people with great needs. Observes a fellow alum,
“She is a very compassionate person and so willing to help anyone who
has a need. Whether it is physically, financially, spiritually or emotionally,
she is so willing to listen and help if needed. When she was in high school
she was always so nice and never put anyone down. She was always so willing
to be a friend. Her life is now showing that same quality. She is so caring
and has been very successful in providing for less fortunate people.”
Cheryl lives in Shelby.
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Steve Bell ’64 has made a career out of helping to educate
Shelby youngsters. In the words of a retired teacher, “Steve was an
outstanding teacher at the Junior High, also did an excellent job of principal
there, and continued his great contribution to education in Shelby as superintendent”
from 1995-2002. After stepping down as superintendent, Steve returned to teaching
– math is his specialty – at the Pioneer Career Center. The teacher
adds, “He also has been very active in many community organizations
and events, many times doing a lion’s share of the work. His work and
interest at the Shelby Presbyterian Church has been, I believe, instrumental
in keeping that church in operation for many years.” In addition, Steve
has been a member of the SHS Alumni Association planning team since its inception
in the autumn of 2001 and has filled several volunteer roles, including master-of-ceremonies,
at multi-class reunions. Steve lives in Shelby.
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While at SHS, Christine Straw ’63 was co-editor of
the Scarlet S and represented the school at Buckeye Girls State. She then
went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Baldwin-Wallace
College and a master’s degree at Ohio University. Later, after beginning
her career, she earned a Ph.D. in psychology. For many years, Chris served
the students of the Milwaukee public schools as a school psychologist. Simultaneously,
she developed a private practice, and she continues to teach a psychology
course each semester in graduate school. Chris also has pursued a second passion
– music. An accomplished musician – she plays the bass –
and singer, she has been part of two groups – Pickin’ Up Speed
and The Moxie Chicks – that have recorded albums. Says a fellow alum,
“Chris has combined impressive quantities of intellectual and physical
energy to serve and entertain others.” Chris lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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After graduating from SHS, Lynn Guerin ’65 earned both
his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University.
He then went on to a distinguished career in business, becoming an accomplished
public speaker, facilitator and motivator. Lynn led the conception, design
and development of the John Wooden Course at the center of which is the legendary
UCLA basketball coach. In building his family-owned marketing services firm,
Lynn’s roster of clients includes Nissan for whom he has led new dealer
training, Toyota, Southern California Edison, Los Angeles Firemen’s
Federal Credit Unit, Kia, and Hyundai Motor America, IBM, and General Motors
among others. Lynn also is a founding member of New Harvest Community Church
in Irvine, California where he serves as Director of Men’s Ministry.
He also has been active with SHS multi-class reunions, co-leading the memorial
service at the 11-class reunion in 2002, delivering the invocation at the
2004 All-Alumni Weekend, and serving as a master of ceremonies for Alumni
Homecoming in 2005. Lynn lives in Laguna Niguel, California.
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Roger Adam ’39 was nominated, in the words of a fellow
alum, “for the many things he quietly has done for the people of Shelby.”
He has been a volunteer courier at Shelby/Med Central Hospital, delivered
“Meals On Wheels” and served on the Board of Trustees for the
Girl Scout Little House. Roger lives in Shelby.
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Sue Robertson Winans ’60 was a four-year member of the SHS
Pep Club, and that Whippet spirit has been clearly evident in working to bring
SHS alumni together. Says a fellow alum, “Her zeal for bringing together
schoolmates applies to both her own class of 1960 and to alumni of all classes.”
She was co-organizer of the 2002 1957-67 reunion, the first multi-class reunion
in Shelby. In 2002, she was elected treasurer of the SHS Alumni Association
and has continued to serve enthusiastically and skillfully in that capacity.
In connection with multi-class reunions, she has managed the compilation of
class rosters and mailing of invitations and registration forms. She also
has coordinated the assembly of reunion welcome packages. Sue serves on the
Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees. She lives in Shelby.
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During his years at SHS, Dick Reed ’54 was twice named
All-NOL as a halfback and was part of two NOL title teams, including the undefeated
1953 team. He captained the team and also played basketball. In the words
of a classmate, “Dick is the ultimate Shelby Whippet. He was and still
is our 1954 class president.” After graduating from SHS and completing
Army service, Dick earned his bachelor’s degree. He then returned to
SHS where he had a long and exemplary career as a teacher and athletic director.
Dick lives in Shelby.
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The best way to articulate the nomination of Don Troxell ’66
is to speak the words of a classmate. “Don was killed in action in Vietnam
in May 1967. He was the first soldier from Shelby to make the ultimate sacrifice.
His service to his country should never be forgotten. He was a true hero to
all of us who had the honor to have known him.”
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At SHS, Rick Fisher ’68 was a football standout. He
was a key player on undefeated Whippet NOL title teams, and in 1967 was named
first team All-NOL for both offense and defense. Says a fellow alum, “I
remember hitchhiking home from college to watch Rick lead the Whippets to
victory in an NOL championship game. He clearly was a superior field leader.”
He then went on to Murray State University where he earned his bachelor’s
degree and, in football, was named 1971 Ohio Valley Conference Player Of The
Year. Later, he was named to Murray State’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
Rick’s career was spent in teaching and coaching, and he excelled. For
15 seasons, he was head coach at Murray High School where he compiled a record
of 129 wins and 54 losses. His teams won Kentucky state regional championships
in 1994 and 1997, and his 1994 team was Kentucky Class A state runnerup. Rick
lives in Murray, Kentucky.
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While at SHS, Lenore Witchey-Lakshmanan '79 was a standout
both inside -- honors graduate -- and outside the classroom where she was
a trombonist in the Whippet band, a member of the choir, chamber ensemble,
drama club and Whippet Theater. She also was president of the Latin Club and
the Ohio Junior Classical League. Afterward, she earned degrees in chemical
engineering, including a Ph.D., at Ohio State and North Carolina State Universities.
In the pharmaceutical industry, while at Merck, she participated in dosage
form development of several product classes, including bio-erodible implants
as well as anti-parasiticides for companion animals. She then continued her
career in veterinary medicine at Schering-Plough Research Institute, developing
long-acting injectable formulations as well as orals and topicals for both
food and companion animals. She then headed a Schering-Plough group that specialized
in protein/peptide, gene therapy and small molecule formulation development.
Currently, still in the pharmaceutical industry, she is senior director for
development for GeneraMedix, focusing on developing and distributing difficult-to-manufacture
sterile hospital products. Says an alum, "She has spent her career developing
medications to rid the world of disease." Leonore has authored several
peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, is a member of the American
Institute of Chemical Engineering for which she chaired the Women's Initiative
Committee in 1999-2000, and serves on planning and educational committees
for other professional societies. She lives in Piscataway, New Jersey.
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For more than 30 years, Vikki Smith Ensman '67 dedicated
herself to teaching in the San Diego area. She earned her bachelor's degree
at Ohio State where she majored in biology and Spanish. Says an alum, "She
has consistently taught her classes mostly in Spanish. Most of her students
came from Mexico and spoke only Spanish." Twice Vikki was named the area's
outstanding teacher of the year. "She is completely inspirational in
the way in which she shares information and motivates her students to learn."
She coached student teams to numerous victories in the Olympics of the Mind.
In recent years, she was chosen to participate in a prestigious San Diego
State University program, researching new teaching methods. Vikki also is
a skilled artist in varied mediums -- stenciling, toll painting, botanical
drawings and gourd art which led to appearances on national TV shows. She
also is passionately involved in conservation causes and activities. In January
2005, Vikki suffered a massive stroke that has left her without use of her
left arm and minimal use of her left leg. She continues to press on and in
August is moving with husband Tim to a new home in Fort Collins, Colorado
where Vikki will continue rehabilitation. Observes an alum, "Vikkie has
proven to be a huge inspiration to many, many of her students, colleagues
and friends She has certainly inspired me to want to be a better person and
to want to contribute to the general well-being of our world."
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Lorraine Straw ’71 has followed a family tradition
of serving others. Her late father, Norman, was a long-time Shelby physician,
and her older sister Chris is a psychologist and older brother Greg a psychiatrist.
Lorraine has combined her passions for helping others and teaching into a
career in education. At the College of Wooster, where she earned her bachelor’s
degree, she majored in developmental psychology. She then earned master’s
and doctor’s degrees at Ohio State. Her doctoral dissertation, reflecting
her concern for others, was on family caregivers of victims of Alzheimer’s
Disease. She remained at Ohio State for a year as a research staff member,
studying the effects of widowhood. She then moved to Vanderbilt University
where she was an assistant professor and project coordinator for a study concerning
blind older adults. In 1990, she moved to Aquinas College where Professor
Straw teaches and chairs the Psychology Department. “I love teaching,
and I love the student contact,” she says. Observes an alum, “For
thirty years, by the path she has chosen, Lorraine has demonstrated clearly
her dedication to helping others.” She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Shelby High School provided a strong foundation for Dean Johnston
’65, and he has made a career of helping others build strong foundations.
While at SHS, Dean played football, basketball and baseball, ran track and
was a member of Hi-Y. Afterward, he earned a bachelor’s degree from
Tiffin University. Today Dean is president of Santa Barbara Business College.
In addition, he serves on the boards of trustees of Coleman College in San
Diego and Southwest Florida College in Fort Myers. In 2006, California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Dean to the California Student Aid Commission.
Observers an alum, “Dean has combined his zeal for education and business
into a career that is helping others achieve their life goals.” Dean
lives in Santa Barbara, California.
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For more than a quarter century, Curt Fackler '74 has led
a life that combines service to country and community with entrepreneurship
and business success. While at SHS, he ran cross country and track and for
four years was a member of the Latin Club which he also served as an officer.
After graduating from SHS, Curt earned his bachelor's degree at Ohio State
University. He then served eight years as an Air Force officer, first as a
navigator aboard B-52 long-range bombers and then as a navigation instructor.
While stationed in the west, he earned an MBA at Golden Gate University. After
Air Force service, he entered the financial services industry. In 1990 he
moved to Spokane, Washington and built a business, Payroll Plus, that managed
more than $100 million in payrolls for 100 businesses in 12 states, helped
small businesses with their human resources needs and helped them set up insurance
and retirement plans. In 2001, after selling Payroll Plus, Curt started U.S.
Tax Credit Services which looks for state and federal programs that clients
can use to hire additional employees. Those programs include Welfare to Work,
Work Opportunity and Enterprise Zones. Meanwhile, Curt has been a community
leader, serving as a Boy Scout Master, a parent volunteer for Spokane schools
and treasurer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County. He and his
wife of 25 years have served as foster parents and have two adopted foster
children. When not contributing to his community, Curt continues to work for
the country, serving as a board member for the Selective Service System of
the Department of Defense. In 2007 Curt was named Small Business Champion
of the Year by the National Federation of Independent Business/Washington.
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A lifetime of service to Shelby and its residents and a stellar football career
are the legacy of Joe Yetzer '24. In 1961, Joe was named
to the Shelby Jaycees' all time Whippet football team. A 1923 Daily Globe
account cited Joe as a "triple threat": he punted, filled in as
quarterback and starred at halfback. Before the 1923 Shelby-Mansfield game,
a Globe story reported that word around Mansfield was "Get Yetzer"
-- which worried his mother so much she stayed home to pray for his safety.
Joe dashed 70-yards for a first quarter score. In the second quarter, Joe
couldn't find room to punt so "he tucked the ball under his arm and raced
through the entire Mansfield team 60 yards for a touchdown. This particular
play resembled a herd of buffaloes chasing a jack-rabbit through a swamp.
The jack-rabbit won." In the fourth quarter, the swift Whipped "aggravated
them by swimming through 50 yards of mud for a third touchdown." The
1923 team went undefeated, scoring 211 points; Joe scored 96 of them, a record
that would stand for 30 years. The summer Joe graduated (1924), he worked
as a laborer on the new Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. Because of his small
size, he was chosen to work in the tunnels under the church as the massive
stone pillars were installed. Joe went to Dayton on a football scholarship
but rheumatic fever ended his football career and his college, days. He then
worked for Ohio Power for 18 years, constructing and maintaining substations.
In 1945 Joe joined the Shelby Power Company and rose to superintendent of
electrical distribution, retiring in 1973. With a passion for woodworking,
Joe built his own lathe to turn out beautiful furniture and specialty items
including a set of large cherry candlesticks for St. Mary's Church which are
still used. He was president of the local Union of Operating Engineers, a
member of the Knights of Columbus and a charter member of the Elks Lodge.
Joe died in 1990.
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Joycelynn Strauch Benedict '67 has left a legacy that will
be benefiting SHS students for many years to come. In the late 1990s, Joycelynn
donated $25,000 to help fund the Strauch Agricultural Center that is located
on SHS property. Opened in 1999, the center houses a horse, cattle, sheep,
goats, rabbits and ducks and is used by students taking vocational agriculture
courses. The center enables SHS students who are planning to show animals
at the Richland County Fair to keep their animals at the center instead of
at their homes. In addition, Joycelynn donates money every year for a scholarship
that is awarded to an SHS student planning to study agriculture in college.
All students taking agricultural courses help take care of the center. The
center also is available for touring by children. Says one alum, "Both
of my daughters have benefited immensely from the FFA program. They have acquired
countless benefits including a strong work ethic, responsibility, leadership
skills and appreciation for agriculture to name a few." Joycelynn lives
in Florida.
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Early
interest in mathematics and science and helpful guidance from an SHS teacher
and counselor have propelled Laura Kroggel ’92 to a
successful business career in which she also is making time to mentor younger
employees. While at SHS Laura demonstrated a range of interests. She ran track
and cross country, earning seven varsity letters. She was a member of the
French Club, served on the board of her church youth council, and studied
in France for the first semester of her senior year. Laura was class valedictorian.
She then earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Notre
Dame. “Mr. (Ken) Terman was a wonderful teacher and counselor and helped
me to decide to pursue chemical engineering.” Later she earned a master’s
of business administration at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate
School of Management. From 1996 – 2000, Laura worked at Dial Corporation,
taking on a series of increasingly responsible roles. Since 2001 she has worked
at Clorox Company where she has risen to manager – business & strategic
projects. In that position she has led multi-functional new product teams
and aligned manufacturing priorities and decisions with overall business strategy.
Recently she has transitioned to managing a global customer supply chain project.
She also has been finding time to mentor two younger Clorox employees. Laura
lives in Rogers, Arkansas.
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Deb Broka Coulson ’76 has built a stellar career, becoming
a pioneering woman in global business. During her years at SHS, Deb played
cornet in the Whippet marching band for four years, played French horn –
winning two first-place showings in state French horn competitions –
for four years in the concert band, and participated in theater for four years.
Says Deb, “I played every old maid school marm there was.” She
also was a member of the Bi-Phy-Chem Club, worked at Marvin Memorial Library
and maintained a 4.0 grade point average. Afterward, she earned a bachelor’s
degree at Anderson University and did graduate studies at Fordham University
and the University of Santa Clara. During her global business career, from
1988-93, Deb lived and worked in Hong Kong – where both her daughters
were born. From her Hong Kong base, she conducted business in Japan, Korea,
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. Her travels also have taken her to
Europe. Later she was a founding partner of TAG Media Network, with offices
in Washington, D.C. and Bangalore, India. Currently, Deb is senior vice president
of marketing for Eci eCommerce Industries where she is building a global software
brand. She and husband David live in Weatherford, Texas. Says one alum, “Deb’s
success in global business has required sizable measures of both ability and
determination. Her record stands as a beacon for other aspiring women.”
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If Jim McBride’s life were symbolized by railroad tracks,
there would be two parallel sets of rails. One would represent Jim’s
successfully building several businesses that contributed to communities’
economic vitality. The other would represent Jim’s passion for giving
back to communities, in particular his hometown of Shelby. Orphaned as a boy
when his parents were killed in an auto accident, Jim ’64 participated
in several activities while at SHS – Scarlet S, football, golf, Folk
Music Club. After graduating from SHS, he headed into the Army where he saw
combat while serving on an armored personnel carrier in Vietnam. Afterward
he entered the business world, co-founding a company that manufactured the
machines that make magnetic signs. Then he bought and grew a series of retail
operations – sporting goods store, shoe store, men’s clothing
store that expanded to include women’s apparel, hardware store that
he broadened from serving only retail customers to adding a range of industrial
clients. Jim spread his business wings further, developing Buckeye Drive in
Shelby and building condominiums. When he saw the Shelby Country Club failing,
he brought together a group of residents to save that community asset –
used often by SHS alumni for class reunions. He then served as president of
the group that raised the money necessary to build the new Shelby Senior Citizens
Center and oversaw its construction. “This is a marvelous facility,”
says one alum, “and will serve the community for many years.”
The Shelby Chamber of Commerce recognized Jim’s “long history
of volunteer service to the community” by presenting him with its Chairman’s
Award. Observes an alum, “Jim’s caring nature and organizational
ability have served well both the community’s economic and social needs.”
He and wife Linda live in Shelby.
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For Michele Black Abrams ’69, life has been about educating,
inspiring and leading – in classrooms, communities and business. The
roots of her diverse achievements can be seen in the range of her involvements
while at SHS: Student Council, class officer for three years, American Legion
award for outstanding female student in 12th grade, member of Top Ten Percent
Honors group, state legislator at Buckeye Girls State, Whippet Band majorette
all four years, member of State superior-rated concert band and choir, member
of Mel-o-ettes girls ensemble, and a participant in theatrical productions.
After graduating from SHS, Shelly earned a bachelors degree in education at
Miami University where she also did graduate work. For more than a decade
Shelly served as a educator, teaching in Cincinnati-area high schools. She
then spent 11 years working to spur business growth as vice president of the
Middletown Area/Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce. While there she won
the Ohio Leadership Award for Community Leadership Development. In the business
arena she also worked in community affairs for AK Steel Corporation. For many
years Shelly has been deeply involved in community activities, often taking
on leadership positions. She has chaired and/or served on many community Boards,
including American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Lebanon Mini
Festival, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Area Artists Series and Middletown
Area Safety Council. Shelly lives in Lebanon, Ohio.
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Whether in the air or on the ground, the late Dave Witchey’s
life was devoted to serving – his country, community and airline passengers.
While at SHS, Dave ’74 was a member of the Latin Club for four years,
ran cross country and track, was a thespian and represented the school at
Buckeye Boys State. After graduating Dave earned bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in aeronautical engineering at Ohio State. Then for the next dozen
years – 1980-1992 – Dave served the U.S. as an Air Force pilot
and special projects officer, rising to major. One of his major achievements
was serving as a test pilot for the GBU-28 bomb program in 1991. During the
Gulf War, Dave was a key figure in developing and testing a “bunker
buster” bomb designed to penetrate hardened targets before exploding.
It was capable of penetrating 100 feet of earth or 20 feet of concrete and
was used to destroy Iraqi underground command centers. From 1992 to April
18, 2003 when Dave was killed in the crash of an experimental lighter-than-air
craft, he flew for United Airlines where he also did research aimed at improving
air to ground communications. Before his death, he wrote a grant request that
resulted in a major grant from Apple Computer Corp. that included hardware,
software and training for Russell School staff and that enabled Shelby students
to use computers to study a new wetlands area, thus combining nature and technology.
He also served as a grant reviewer for the Richland County Foundation. In
addition he led efforts to promote and construct a playscape for Shelby youngsters.
Dave left behind his wife and three children.
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During an era when knowledge of the sciences has become increasingly important
to young people seeking successful careers, Mike Erchenbrecher ’70
has devoted his career to helping students build an educational foundation
in technology and the sciences. While at SHS, Mike played in the Whippet Band,
sang in the Concert Choir and played tennis. He then earned a bachelor’s
degree from Bowling Green in 1978 and a master’s from the College of
Mount St. Joseph in 1986. In between, he embarked on a teaching career in
Pickerington, Ohio. During his career Mike participated in a number of science-related
workshops and conferences, including a NASA Improving Astronomy Education
program in 2007, field studies in Utah through Michigan Technological University
in 2007, earthworks studies through the University of Colorado in 2006, a
U.S. Navy workshop for teachers in 2005, and a forestry project in Vancouver,
Canada in 2003. Mike has coached a number of athletic teams and for the last
eight years has coached the Pickerington Central High School In The Know team.
He also has served on the board of directors of International Field Studies
and co-founded Lancaster Field Studies. In 2001 he was named Fairfield County
Environmental Teacher of the Year, and in 2008 was named the Pickerington
District’s Teacher of the Year. He lives in Pickerington.
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Rick
Wright ’62 has used his leadership and team-building skills
to forge a successful career in higher education as a teacher, administrator
and college president. While at SHS Rick played football and ran track for
four years and was a member of student council, Biology Club, Whippet Tales
staff and Hi-Y. He represented SHS at Buckeye Boys State. He then earned bachelor’s
and master’s degrees at Kent State and a Ph.D. at Northern Colorado
University. Says an alum, “Rick credits his outstanding teachers in
Shelby for giving him the background and motivation to be successful in college
and credits his Whippet football coaches with demonstrating how to develop
teamwork in an organization.” After holding various college administrative
jobs in Colorado and California, in 1983 Rick began a 14-year tenure as president
of Bakersfield College. At that time he was the youngest college president
in California. Throughout his administrative career, Rick’s love of
teaching showed in his teaching at least one course each semester. During
his presidency, Bakersfield’s enrollment rose 35 percent to more than
20,000 students. After stepping down, Rick took on a full-time teaching load
in the school’s Psychology Department which he chaired until his retirement
in 2008. He has served on boards, including the American Heart Association,
Boy Scouts of America and National Alliance for Manufacturing Productivity.
Rick lives in Bakersfield.
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