WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL

ACADEMIC HALL OF FAME

INDUCTED ON

APRIL 29, 2016

Hall of Fame Criteria The Wauseon Exempted Village School District Hall of Fame is comprised of three components: Hall of Fame (Top 5% of class), Distinguished Alumni, and Legends of Education. 

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor Wauseon Exempted Village School District Graduates, Distinguished Alumni, and Legends of Education, which may include nominees who have achieved significant success in their chosen career fields, and to provide outstanding role models for the students currently in the Wauseon Exempted Village School District.



Nominees of the Wauseon Exempted Village Schools may be living or deceased.



Nominees shall have demonstrated good citizenship and meritorious service.



The record of the individual being nominated shall be so outstanding to the nominator that there is no question as to the qualifications necessary for induction.



Nominations will remain in the file.

When making nominations for this honor, please complete the following steps (Forms are available on the Wauseon School website.) 

Complete all parts of the nomination form as completely as possible.



Attach as much supporting documentation as is available.



Mail the completed form and supporting information to the address given on the form.

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

We appreciate your help with this tradition of recognizing and honoring outstanding alumni and legends of education in the Wauseon Exempted Village Schools. You are invited to view the Wauseon Schools website where you can download nomination forms— www.wauseon.k12.oh.us

Best of Class

Classes of 2014 & 2015 Top Five Percent of Class Congratulations to the following individuals who were in the top five percent of the classes of 2014 and 2015. Class of 2014 Aric Gurzynski Courtney Kuney Kevin Moden Justin Mourguet Marin Schaffner Mary Katherine Spieles Ty Suntken Chris Yackee

Class of 2015 Jesse Sanders Andrew Kohls Jacob Newlove Collin Stump Zac Robinson Trevor Dominique Ellie Hayati Bailey Hardy Taylor Vernot Brooke Hardy Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Distinguished Alumni

Paul A. Reichert Class of 1946 Paul was born on August 21, 1928, in Wauseon, the youngest of eight children of Rosetta & Frank Reichert. Now, in 2016, Paul is the only one living. Growing up and being educated in Wauseon, Paul credits Principal Earl Rupp, coach Wayne Stewart and biology teacher Louise Stempel in stirring his interest in a career in education. Paul attended Defiance College where he received a B.S. in Education and a B.A. in 1950. Moving to Conneaut, Ohio, Paul served as a teacher and principal for 12 years. He completed his M.A. in School Administration at Kent State in 1953. The same year, Paul married Edith Harris, his wife of 62 years. From this union, they have 3 children and seven grandchildren.

freshman year, arson of stage curtains at Memorial Auditorium and attempted burning of the bus garage. In 1946, how pleased we were to be the first class graduated from the new high school—located near the present fire station. Achievements: He helped to provide university programs and facilities at a “reasonable” cost to thousands of people of Ashtabula area. Reichert was appointed Assistant Director of Kent State Academic Center, later named Director and then, Dean, holding that position for 23 years. He retired in 1985. Still, Paul served as Interim Dean of the Trumbull Campus in Warren, Ohio, into the 1990’s. He attained the rank of Associate Professor in the College of Education.

Memory of WHS: We were the class that experienced Unique Achievements: the burning of our high school in our Under Reichert’s leadership, the Ashtabula Campus of Kent State University acquired the present 100 acre campus site and Paul coordinated the construction of the first three buildings from 1965 to 1972. Paul worked with community donors to provide outdoor reading courts, performing arts, tennis courts, and baseball fields. Notably: Paul recognized the need for technical programs and addressed this need by merging the NE Technical Institute with Office Administration. Twelve associate degree programs including nursing

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

were developed. Guided by Reichert, enrollment grew from 226 to over 1200 students. Personal Achievements: Paul Reichert was the “architect” primarily responsible for creating the Ashtabula Campus from initial classes to the present array of varied baccalaureate courses. Paul Reichert built this campus and programming over 23 years as Dean of Kent State University. Currently: Paul is retired but still very active in civic and community activities. Paul has served two terms as Chamber of Commerce President and two terms as a part of the Ashtabula Area Development Corporation. A lifetime member of NEA, Paul served on the Higher Education Executive Team. Advice to Students: As you look to your own future, measure your talents, your strengths and interest. Choose your college by the match that will suit you; more than by size, or popular opinion. Then, with application, you, too, will be a success.

Distinguished Alumni

Richard D. Schwab Class of 1949 accounting and business law for 35 years. His B.A. degree was attained at Capital University.

Richard Schwab attended Wauseon schools, but in different buildings. First grade began on the second floor of the library and then moved to Memorial auditorium. Second grade was in the new elementary building. Seventh grade began in the old high school, but then due to fire destroying this building, classes were moved to the Memorial Auditorium. Grades 8-12 were enjoyed in a new modern high school building.

From there he went on to Ohio State University and to College of William and Mary for his M.A. in law and taxation. Richard continued graduate work in economics, finance and accounting. He crowned this with auditing, real estate and consumer law at the University of Florida.

Achievements: Though presently retired, Richard Schwab was a Certified Public Accountant in Ohio. He received honors such as:  Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at Capital University  Professors’ Hall of Fame, Capital University in 2008 (note: first living inductee) Experiences at WHS:  Business Alumni Award, Capital Upon reflection, it should be noted School of Business that the school and the village  Praestantia Award, 1974 highest provided a caring environment. The award for teaching core teaching staff not only knew  Cotterman Award, 1991 exemthe students but also the family. plar student services Co-curricular activities attributed to  President’s Cup Award, 1990 for my development and my desire to dedicated and meritorious serexcel and achieve. Serving as Edivices to the accounting tor-in-Chief of the 1949 yearbook profession and on the Red & White (school  Ranked first in the State of Ohio newspaper) provided enormous exin his CPA exam, 1967 periences in journalism and fundraising that carried through into my Unique Achievements: college newspaper jobs. In Retirement, Richard:  Served 8 years on the Board Of Academic History: Directors Braun Hollow Richard Schwab has been Homeowners Association with a very successful educator in the developer and builder. Here



he initiated a community newspaper, improvement projects, and social events Served two years on the metropolitan organization for Pedestrian Mobility in San Antonio, Texas

Personal Life: In addition to his life’s work as Professor of Business Administration at Capital University, Richard’s proud of his Civic Award as H.O.A. Director, in which he, with volunteers, developed a neighborhood park which is now named Schwab Park, in San Antonio, Texas. Notably: Richard rates 2 detentions at WHS that attributed to his successes. Advice to Students: As I look back on my life, my best advice to any young people would be: “Embrace your dominate desires and keep re-establishing your goals.”

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Distinguished Alumni

Charles Provost Class of 1971 

Becoming a Construction Project Manager for space launch complex.

Unique Achievements: In his career, Charles earned all the titles: Construction Project Manager, Business Owner and President, and Project Engineer.

Charles was born in Wauseon in 1953. He attended K-12 in Wauseon schools. During that time, Charles was an Eagle Scout, played football, was MVP in wrestling, and ran track. Charles was also in chorale groups and in any advanced math and science classes available. One of Charles’ favorite memories of Wauseon Schools was in Mr. Spieles’s advanced science class when the class was given several team assignments to be completed on their own time. These assignments often resulted in all night ping-pong tournaments in Brad Dielman’s basement with the assignment usually being completed the next morning after breakfast. In Mr. Leatherman’s class, they conducted math races using their slide rule. In wrestling, Coach Darcy would often be his practice partner. You don’t often get to throw your teacher to the mat!

Notably: 1985-2002: Charles distinguished himself as:  Project manager of the turbine engine used to develop the Osprey aircraft engine  Modifying NASA & Boeing Supersonic wind tunnels for Aerodynamic research  Design and manufacture high pressure gas (6,000 PSI) Rocket Engines  Furnished equipment for Launch Complex #41 at Cape Canaveral, Florida

Personal Achievements: “I have enjoyed the engineering challenges and the people in all phases of study and work in Industrial & Aerospace construction projects…in my work as Project Engineer and/or as Project Manager.”  Project manager for constructionCaterpillar’s diesel engine test cell  Manager of Construction for Allison Transmissions Achievements:  Owner’s Representative for AlliThe focus of Charles’ life’s work was son Transmissions in Indiana design and construction of supersonic  Owner’s Representative for wind tunnels, test facilities for enmanufacturing plant in gines and equipment for space launch Jacksonville, Texas complex.

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Educational Background:  Purdue-Krannet School BSCECivil Engineering, 1975  Purdue-Krannet School of Management MSIA in 1977  Founder and President of Provost Construction, Inc. 1987-2002 Current Position: Since 2002, Charles has been the manager/owner of Provost Contracting Co. and Provost Construction, Inc. in Indianapolis. Advice to Students: Accomplishments due to:  becoming experienced in industrial & process plant construction  having technical skills in industrial aerospace test facilities in all phases of planning, marketing, organizing, and building  Being a proven team player

Distinguished Alumni

Robert J. Distler, Jr. Class of 1978 Going to school in Wauseon was a true asset to Robert’s life. He was at Elm Street from 1965-1972, Burr Road Junior High from 1972-1974, and WHS 1974 through graduation in 1978. In the sciences, especially, he was taught to apply his knowledge in the labs to make science come alive. Robert now does a lot of training and still uses some of Mr. Cooley’s true/false and why techniques with trainees. Favorite Memories of WHS: Robert was very active in sports and clubs at WHS. In addition, he was a class officer 3 out of 4 years in high school. He especially enjoyed the teachers and the content in science and math classes. In addition, he had respect for authority and a feeling of being responsible for his own actions. For a wrongful deed, Robert learned from his mistake and paid the consequence. He

is a proud graduate of Wauseon schools. College And Beyond: Robert is a degreed Chemical Engineer. He graduated from Notre Dame University in 1982. Robert has lived in Ohio, Connecticut, California, and currently lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As part of his job, he has visited 10 countries and has flown around the world 3 times. One of Robert’s jobs was being a part of a team that built a manufacturing facility in Goa, India. He spent four months overseeing that construction and start-up. He loves what he does! Unique Achievements: Robert’s greatest achievement has been working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the city of Marion, Indiana. He led the effort to transform a former manufacturing field site into a municipal waterpark. Begun as a three year effort, it has grown. Now, eight years later, this park includes waterslides, a lazy river raft ride, and a wave pool. Robert felt great success in working with the state and local officials and clean-up contractors to change a field into a park. Approximate Time Span: The most significant project of his career took four years of working with IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management)  July, 2004—Initial contact

   

September 2006—Application for allow public use of a park January 2007—Approval for use as a park/bonds issued October 2007-2008—actual construction of water park Opened June, 2008

Personal Recognition: At the grand opening, Robert felt great pride in his professional role in the development of an industrial site into a water park for entertainment. Personal Life: Bob & Margaret Ann have been happily married for 30 years and have two daughters. Advice to Students: High school is a great time of your life. Get involved in music, sports, clubs, academics, or whatever you can. You will build friendships, create memories and share experiences that will stay with you forever! Go Indians!

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Distinguished Alumni

Shelby Eicher Class of 1978 Shelby Eicher grew up in Northwest Ohio. He attended the Wauseon-Burr Road K-8 Elementary School and Wauseon High School. The highlights for Shelby were definitely the opportunities he had to learn and share music with Jim George and Paul Meeker. His major was music in every sense. Former classmates and members of the Wauseon Band Camp experiences tell of Shelby’s expertise in adding extra special music to entertain and to add to the days. He lived music! As a graduate in 1978, Shelby received the “John Phillip Sousa Award,” definitely a fit for this talented young man. Even while growing up, Shelby played square dance music with his mom, dad, and grandmother in a band called The Fulton County Sand Sifters. Shelby’s mother still lives in the area and has great pride in all of

Shelby’s achievements. Shelby played several instruments. By the time he began his career, Shelby played the fiddle, viola, chin-cello, mandola, mandolin, mando-cello, alto guitar, and of course, the guitar. Distinguishing Personal Achievements: Shelby became an artist, supporting artist, producer, band leader, educator, mentor, writer and composer. Shelby became a part of every phase of music. In 2006, Shelby was an inductee into the Western Swing Music, Society of Kansas. Then, in 2012, Shelby was inducted into the Swing Music Society of the Southwest. Unique Achievements: As a member of Roy Clark’s band for 15 years, Shelby recorded five albums with Roy. Shelby was the leader of the Tulsa Playboys band as well. He appeared numerous times on the Tonight Show and Hee Haw. He has also had multiple performances with the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Now, Crook and Chase, and Merv Griffin. Shelby was musical director of Honky Tonk Angels. He also did the Playstation game soundtrack Dukes of Hazzard, just to name some of his successes. Outreach Achievements: In addition to all else, Shelby went to the schools to share and work with students. One of his greatest joys was “watching my students develop into talented musicians.” In this role,

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Shelby received Oklahoma’s “Artist in Schools” for 20 years! Shelby has been the Education Director of The National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. The NFHoF promotes fiddling via educational programs directly to schools. Shelby still found time to serve on the Education Committee for the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. All of these efforts to “pass it on!” and to do outreach to others is one of Shelby’s distinguishing characteristics. Personal Life: Shelby has been married to Janet Portland for 31 years and together they have three children: Nathan, Paul, and Kace. Their home is in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An Invitation from Shelby: “If you travel through the Tulsa area, I would be glad to give you a single lesson or a series of lessons.” www.ShelbyEicher.com

Distinguished Alumni

Patrick William (Bill) Frank Class of 1986 College Education: After WHS graduation, Bill went on to Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg, Illinois for one year and returned to the University of Toledo for his Bachelor of Science (1994). In 2010, he attended New York Chiropractic College.

 

Advisory for Big Brothers-Big Sisters Unit Homecoming Committee member for 3 years

Personal Life: Dr. Bill Frank has been married to Miriam for 24 years. They have three children:  Lucy—a Junior at UT Unique Achievements: Besides becoming a chiropractor, Bill  Sally—a Freshman at UT Memories of WHS: became an Assistant Professor in the  Sam—a Freshman at WHS Commonly known as Bill, he feels Neuroscience Department-Gross much of his success story comes Anatomy as well as an Assistant Pro- Currently: back to being born in Wauseon and fessor in the Neuroscience Bill and his wife enjoy their family nurtured at WHS. As a result, Bill while Bill stays current with his affilDepartment at UT. chose to return to Wauseon to proiation with UT as well as publicavide chiropractic services and to tions with current ways to help his Greatest Achievement: raise his family here. Bill focuses on personal achievement chiropractic patients. in being the principal investigator in Looking back at his years at WHS, research publication for the Journal Advice to Students: Bill attributes the development of of Clinical Anatomy (1996) in which Be bold and venture to be wise. his interest in medicine to Mr. Curt Bill contributed: “The CommuniExperience all you can. Don’t be Cooley’s classes in Anatomy & afraid to fail. Adversity has the cating Branch of the Lateral Plantar Physiology, along with the personal Nerve,” a descriptive anatomic study. affects of eliciting some dormant interest and support Bill received talents. In addition, Bill published, “Basic from Mr. Cooley. and Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord and ANS” by Cramer & In addition, at WHS Bill was the Darby (chapters 3, 4, 6, 7,13) as well Triple W recipient in three sports: as many abstracts. This research exbaseball, basketball and football in panded Bill’s own knowledge and for junior and senior years. all in his profession. Bill also participated in marching and concert band, solo and ensemble, WHS theater for 4 years, and Jazz Rock Ensemble. One of Bill’s greatest memories is playing the role of “Ali Hokin” in the WHS production of Oklahoma. Still, he has too many great memories to count.

Community Involvement: Bill believes in “giving back” and improving the entire community.  Bill was a Founding Member and Board President of “Sara’s Garden.”—to present  Active participant and chair for Relay for Life  Active supporter of American Red Cross

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Legends of Education

James P. George Wauseon High School Band Director 1965-1990

James George was born in 1938, lived in Wauseon and attended Wauseon Schools all of his school years, graduating from WHS in 1956. While in high school, he was active in band, chorus, and class plays. Jim commented that Mr. Frank Kunkle and his music program at WHS had a huge impact on his life and that it provided him with the means for success, enabling him to continue his education in college and have a rewarding career in music education. After graduating from WHS, Jim attended Bowling Green State University, where he held the position of principal euphonium and soloist with the symphonic band. Upon graduation from BGSU in 1960, with a degree in music education, Jim was recognized as the outstanding senior member of the band.

during his years at Wauseon. He earned a Masters of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1966, attending classes there for several summers. At Wauseon, he added the jazz/rock ensemble to the music program, added the flag corp to the marching band, and established the marching band camp at Lake Wawasee in Indiana. He and choral director Paul Meeker established the first Spring Arts Festival, which in addition to the music groups, included displays of student projects from the art, home economics, and industrial arts departments. He also took the WHS band on their first trip to Disney World, where they performed in a parade and field competition. Jim’s favorite memories as WHS band director are of the marching band camps at Lake Wawasee, where he remembers the accomplishments and the bonding that took place there as extraordinary. Jim’s community activities at Wauseon included serving as choir director at First Christian Church, resurrecting the Wauseon Community Band, and serving as president of the Wauseon Kiwanis Club. He also served in the Ohio Music Education Association as district president and Northwest Ohio regional chair.

Jim then served as band and chorus director in Grand Rapids, Ohio Tributes from Students and Schools for three years, New LonCoworkers: don, Ohio Schools for 1 year, and  “I saw Jim George as a man of Indian Lake Local Schools for one integrity. Many, many lives were year. He then began his position as touched by the love, knowledge and appreciation Jim had for muband director for Wauseon Schools in sic.” Deb Schnitkey, former WHS 1965, where he remained until 1990. choral director Jim had many accomplishments

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016





“Jim George is a true musician and dedicated educator. It was obvious he had a desire to bring out the best of his students’ musical abilities and to help them mature as individuals.” Paul Meeker, former WHS choral director “Jim George was very dedicated to Wauseon and was a hometown hero. He followed a legend (Mr. Frank Kunkle) and became a legend. He is definitely one of my heroes.” Jim Kerr, former student

Family: Jim and his wife Margaret have 2 sons, Stan and Rick, who both earned music degrees from BGSU. Stan and his wife, Konnie, have 2 daughters, and Rick and his wife, Summer, have 3 children.

Legends of Education

Steve Schneider Mathematics Teacher 1969-2014 Steve Schneider was born in 1947 in Dayton, Ohio. He and his family lived in several different towns before moving to Wauseon when Steve was in the fifth grade. He attended Wauseon schools, graduating from Wauseon High School in 1965. While in high school, Steve played football, basketball, and baseball and was in various activities, including National Honor Society. Steve commented that he received an excellent education at WHS from quality teachers and that he had an excellent athletic experience because of coaches who were caring and had high moral values. Steve then attended Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in math and education. He began teaching math at Wauseon High

School in the fall of 1969 and continued teaching there for 45 years, retiring in 2014. While teaching, Steve earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from BGSU in 1974. Steve also coached wrestling for 34 years, football for 25 years, and baseball for two years. In 2007, Steve was honored with the Franklin B. Walter Teacher of the Year Award, and in 2013 he was recognized by the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce as their Educator of the Year. As a wrestling coach, he was honored four times as the Northwest Ohio Coach of the Year, was the Division II Ohio Coach of the Year in 2000, and was honored to be the coach of the 1984 State Runner-Up Wrestling Team, the highest finish in school history. When he retired from coaching wrestling, his overall record was 287-146-5, the third highest all-time record in Ohio at the time. Tributes from Students and Co-Workers:  “Steve never seemed to have a bad day. He always welcomed students at the door with a smile and made math fun. Steve has certainly been a great mentor over the years and left his mark on the math program at WHS for years to come.” Chad Burt, former student/co-worker



“As a student, Mr. Schneider would find ways to support me both academically and athletically. As a colleague, Steve was a wealth of knowledge and experience that helped to shape some of my philosophies as an educator. He was one of my biggest supporters in times of doubt or struggle.” Kayla Heising, former student/co-worker

Retirement Activities: Steve enjoys tutoring math to students of all ages, from elementary school through college. He also enjoys spending time with his family— wife, Jessica, children Stephanie (John) and Joe (Morgan)—and attending activities and sports of his two grandchildren.

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016

Legends of Education

Neil D. Weber Teacher and Superintendent 1963-1999 Neil D. Weber was born in Wauseon, Ohio, in 1938 and attended Pettisville Schools all of his school years, graduating from Pettisville High School in 1956. Some of his favorite high school activities included basketball, baseball, track, band, choir, and school plays. Neil then attended Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1962.

While teaching, Neil also attended the University of Toledo for his administrative courses. He then served as the high school assistant principal, assistant superintendent, and then served as superintendent from 1984-1999. While superintendent, Neil especially enjoyed the process of building the K-2 school. Neil commented that he felt honored and proud to serve at Wauseon Neil then taught at Berlin Heights Schools for 35 years. He always Local Schools before being hired by appreciated the tremendous commuWauseon Schools in 1963. He taught nity support and felt blessed to work chemistry, physics, and math at with Wauseon’s outstanding teaching WHS, coached basketball and golf, and administrative staff. and served as the junior class advisor. While teaching, he received a grant After retiring from Wauseon, Neil from the National Science Founda- served as interim superintendent in tion to attend Brown University for a Bryan City Schools and as high year and received a Master of Arts in school principal and then Teaching (Chemistry). When he superintendent for Swanton Local returned to WHS, he established an Schools. Advanced Chemistry course. Neil enjoyed the interaction with his Neil’s community involvement instudents very much during his cludes serving for many years in teaching years. Wauseon Rotary (president 1998-99), Swanton Rotary, Fulton County United Way Board (treasurer), Fulton County Workforce Policy Board, and Trinity Lutheran Church (serving in many leadership roles). His special honors include Wauseon Citizen of the Year in 1999 and FFA Honorary State Farmer in 1999. Tributes from Students and Co-workers:  “I had the privilege of working with Neil Weber on all levels from teacher to superintendent. He was a true professional at

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame—2016



every step along the way, always showing support for his contemporaries.” Jim Spieles, former WHS teacher “Chemistry was one of my favorite high school courses because of Neil Weber. He was an excellent teacher who explained his subject very well and truly enjoyed his students. When I later began teaching at WHS, I also appreciated his very professional leadership and dedication to Wauseon Schools.” Pam Baltzly, former WHS student and teacher/ counselor

Family: Neil and his wife Marle have 2 children and 8 grandchildren. Their son, Eric, and wife, Amy, have 3 daughters. Their daughter, Carly, and husband, J.P., have 5 children. Neil also has a son, Jason, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Distinguished Alumni

Legends of Education

Distinguished Alumni