Hall of Fame

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Alumni Hall of Fame Award was established in 1987 to honor those individuals who have realized great achievements and served their communities well in their years after graduating from the Bay Village public schools.

Eligibility

To be considered for the award, the person must:

Have graduated from Bay High School, from the 12th grade at least 25 years prior to the nomination.
Have been active and distinguished in their chosen business, profession, or life work, and have received some previous recognition from contemporaries.
Be a person of such integrity and stature that the school district or Bay Alumni Foundation will take pride in his/her recognition.
Have participated in leadership roles within their community, and have demonstrated a concern for community relations.
Have demonstrated, through word or deed, the importance of their education at the Bay Village public schools.

Once an Alumnus has been nominated, they will not be dropped from consideration for five years, provided they remain eligible according to the guidelines above, and have not been selected during that period.

Nomination Process

Any individual who meets the following criteria may nominate former students for the award:

Any member of the Alumni Foundation or its Board of Trustees.
Any member of the school district staff, current or retired.
Any graduate of Bay High School.

A nomination must be supported by two other individuals, not related to the family of the nominee, whose contact information should be included with the nomination.

The selection committee will convene bi-annually and select the inductees in May for that year’s presentation during Homecoming weekend. The inductees will be notified by June 1, and confirmation is needed within 30 days that they will be able to attend the award ceremony in person.

Download a Nomination Form

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients by Class Year

Ward Powell

Class of 1931

A distinguished WWII military career took him from Navy torpedo pilot to appointment at the National War College. He received national recognition and the Navy Cross for his documented roles during the Battle of Santa Cruz, Midway, and as torpedo squadron executive officer abour the aircraft carrier, Hornet.

Dean Edward Sadler

Class of 1933

Countless contributions to his community include school board member, recreation board representative force behind the BayWay Cabin, and Kiwanis founder and president. A consummate fundraiser and prefessional.

Bill Gosewisch

Class of 1938

After graduating from Bay High School, Bill joined the Air Force. In 1943, he piloted his B-17 on thirty missions during the war and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a civic minded leader, he was commander of an American Legion Post and established the Little League and Pony Baseball programs in Bay Village. Bill was a sunday school teacher at Bethesda Lutheran Church and their choir director for twenty-eight years. He was the quintessential role model for young people.

Donal R. Ross, M.D.

Class of 1940

After completing his education in the medical field, “Doc Ross” returned to Bay Village to dedicate his life as a family physician for the community. He served on the advisory staff at Fairview General and St. John & West Shore hospitals.

Jay Cherry

Class of 1940

Jay initiated a program for the hearing impaired at the Hearing Society of Speech Therapy. He designed the speech curriculum for undergraduate and graduate programs at various universities. Jay was co-founder of Gateway School, a language-deficit disorders program for pre-school children.

Connie Watson Hannah

Class of 1943

Connie’s wide variety of human services was far in advance of the general population’s social consciousness. With an Adolescent Psychology degree, she held positions in Pyschological Child Welfare, Adption, Family, Pregnancy Counseling, and Education Director; serving as Assistant Child Care Director, University of California Child Care Center.

Fred F. Drenkhan

Class of 1944

Fred is recognized as an “Outstanding Alumnus” for his life-long involvement within the community and his many achievements in the field of Law Enforcement. Fred’s career included a term as Chief of Police for Bay Village from 1965 through 1967, as well as active participation in county and state law enforcement organizations.

Glenn A. Kittinger

Class of 1946

Glenn was a contributing member of his community achieving professional and civic recognition through retail marketing at Foley’s Department Store, and his many public service contributions including Chairman of the Houston United Way, and University of Houston Excellence Campaign. Upon retirement, he was elected Republican Precinct Chairman, and attended state and national conventions.

Mary Woodward Caesar

Class of 1947

Mary was the student co-author of our Bay High School Alma Mater. In her professional career, she was the founder of a program called “MISSION IN TIME,” enhancing the Black Hills of South Dakota’s water quality and supply, and assisting scientists through volunteer funding. Mary’s current effort is creating “Kid Cozy” portable beds for homeless children at the Rapid City Corner-stone Mission in North Dakota

George Chandler

Class of 1947

George was selected because of his successes in executive management. Following a scholarship to Princeton, where he quarterbacked an undefeated football team and graduated in economics, he received an MBA degree with honors at Harvard, and also served in Korea as an Army First Lieutenant Artillery Officer. Professionally he served as President/Chief Executive Officer of five major corporations.

Ivan (Ike) Ganyard

(February 11, 1929-September 6, 2013)
Class of 1947

Ike was always involved. He was class president his senior year and was active in football, basketball, and track. After graduating from Case Western Reserve as an engineer, Ike helped to develop new methods for a multitude of applications. Ike refereed both high school and college basketball and football. He received many special recognition awards for his professionalism, fairness, and accuracy in his decision making. He enjoyed serving others through volunteer work and was also an instrumental member of our own Bay Alumni Foundation.

Richard P. Kughn

Class of 1948

Dick serves on college, civic, and corporate boards and has been honored for both his success in business and philanthropic endeavors. Until 1983, he served as President and Vice Chairman of the The Taubman Company, a shopping center development company.

Tom and Sue Horton Larsen

Class of 1948

The key to the successes of their lives is the accomplishments of their combined efforts, helping one another behind the scenes for the benefit of their community.

Arthur R. Hook

Class of 1949

Art’s fifty year broadcasting career included service as a General Manager of several TV stations, PBS Station Manager, and Associate Professor of Communications at the University of Idaho. Additionally, his passion for lay ministry resulted in an avocation of multiple elected leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Daniel E. Marsalek

Class of 1949

Dan has pursued a 40 year career in dentristy, first as a Naval Dental Officer and later in private practice in Bay Village. His volunteer civic and charitable activities include providing dental services to assist the needy. Dan has become an authority, lecturer, and author on Bradstreet Landing, resulting in the renaming of Lake Edge Park in Rocky River.

Robert “Sam” Milliken

Class of 1949

Sam graduated from Kent State University in 1964. His occupations included U.S. Army paratrooper, Nickel Plate Railroad switchman, police officer, U.S. Treasury agent, private investigator, and expert witness in money laundering investigations. Sam will be most remembered for his research and reminiscences of life in Bay during the 1930s and 1940s.

Sally Irwin Price

Class of 1949

A life long resident of Bay Village, Sally’s contributions to the arts and the quality of life in the community are far reaching. She serves as Director of Baycrafters, Inc.; promoting fine arts, coordinating promotions, marketing, classes and shows connected with the facility. Among her successes are the moving of the Fuller House to the Hungtington Reservation, the Renaissance Fayre, and the Victorian Garden Party.

John Springer

Class of 1949

A mixture of business, church, and civic contributions has brought John numerous awards and recognition at both the local and national levels. In his professional career, John ascended to CEO of the Connecticut Health Care Organization, the largest health care facility in the state.

Richard W. Mackey, M.D.

March 17, 1932-July 3, 2008
Class of 1950

As a humanitarian in the field of extended care facilities for the elderly, Dick was a pioneer in the development of California programs for in-home health care. He founded the Home Health Agency- a home hospice community medicine program. Dick also developed the first discharge planning program, which has become a standard for programs of this type thoughout the nation.

Jim Wismar, MD

Class of 1951

Jim was in the U.S. Army in Germany. He was Chief of the Department of Medicine, as well as the Medical Director of the Chemical Dependency Treatment Center at Southwest General Hospital. Jim was a professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve. He is a medical missionary in Kenya Tenwek Hospital in Haiti. He works with Habitat for Humanity and is on the board of a christian organization called Spiritual Heritage Nantucket.

Max Doubrava

Class of 1952

Max is a brilliant, humble, and gentle friend. In his search for knowledge, he graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1955, received his medical degree from State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1959, and received his Anesthesiology Specialty from the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in 1962. He recevied his law degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ William S. Boyd School of Law in 2003. He is a commercial pilot and has flown Medical Teams of Mercy. He is a professor, an instructor, a director, and has published scientific papers and a book on anesthesiology. Max is the Master of Wit and Ceremonies at all the high school reunions.

George Hill

Class of 1952

Before 11 seasons with the Miami Dolphins as their Lineback Coach and Defensive Coordinator, George completed 21 years in the National Football League, including the Super Bowl XV Eagles. Prior to his NFL career, he coached collegiate teams for 21 years with 8 seasons at Ohio State, during which the Buckeyes won six consecutive Big Ten Championships, participating in 4 Rose Bowls. In 1977 he was elected into the Denison Athletic Hall of Fame and is a life member of the American & National Football Coaches Associations.

Samuel M. “Pete” Purvis III

Class of 1952

Pete Purvis, a Naval Aviator and 1957 graduate of the US Naval Acadamey, flew 101 missions in F-4 Phantoms over North Vietnam from 1967-1968. He became a test pilot for Westinghouse Electric and then Grumman Aerospace where, in 1971, he was among the first to test the F-14 Tomcat. The Society of Experimental Test Pilots elected him an Associate Fellow 1982. He retired as a Captain, USNR in 1987.

Tom Williams

Class of 1953

Tom graduated from Princeton with a degree in chemical engineering. He became the CEO of Foote Mineral Company, a Republican Committee Chairman, and was the Bank Director of Bryn Mawr Trust Company for twenty years. Tom supervised the construction and development of the world’s largest lithium mine in Chile. He was a trustee of the Shipley School and President of the Merlon Cricket Club. Tom was a leader, a respected counselor, a life-long learner, and mentor.

John Harrison Parker

Class of 1954

Nominated for spirit, love of life, strength, determination, courage, and his sense of humor, John was well know to all of Bay Village, leading always by powerful example. Specializing in probate and corporate law, he maintained his practice from his Bay Village home. He served as President of Bay City Council for a total of five years. John’s many achievements were accomplished despite the handicap of being quadriplegic, which was a result of a diving accident a Hunting Beach in 1958.

David B. Brinker

Class of 1955

Dave was selected not only for his professional expertise in the field of eye surgery, and as a professor at the University of Oklahoma but, more importantly, for his humanitarian efforts through 22 medical missioms to Vietnam, Dominican Republic, India, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador, and South Africa; providing free exams, medicine and surgery to over 24,000 people.

Judith Owen Harris

Class of 1955

Judith is a journalist, lecturer, and author of “Pompeii Awakened, A Story of Rediscovery” and of “The Monster in the Closet, A Bumpy Ride Down the Geneaology Trail.” She contributes regularly to ARTnews, Time Magazine, and to the Wall Street Journal. She has worked on special assignments for the London Observer, the New York Times, NBC TV, and BBC TV. Judith reported on the mafia, international drug trafficking, terrorism, and the clandestine sale of arms. She specializes today in covering problems of conservation of art and antiques. Judith has contributed to the monthly magazines Archaeology, Archaeology Odyssey, and Biblical Archaeology.

Gay Rothaermel Menning & Kay Rothaermel Laughlin

Class of 1955

As life-long residents of Bay Village, the twins have contributed mightily to the preservation of Bay history and the restoration of the Cahoon Homestead, Rose Hill Museum. In 1974, Gay and Kay compiled the pictures and wrote the text for “Bay Village: A Way of Life” with the Bay Village Historical Society. They were instrumental in opening Rose Hill Museum as founding members of the Museum Restoration Committee, while serving as society President. The Bay school system adopted their book as text for the Bay Village History unit.

James C. Redinger

Class of 1955

Jim garnered recognition for both his professional career and his civic and community endeavors. National real estate financing projects, including the West Bank of the Cleveland Flats, demonstrate his vision professionally. His many civic edeavors include being one of the founders of the Village Foundation and the Bay Youth Recreation Program.

David Nemec

Class of 1956

David is a renowned scholar of the great American pastime—baseball. He is the author and co-author of over 40 books on a wide variety of subjects, including novels, nevellas, baseball history, baseball trivia, and true crime encyclopedias. He is often consulted by other baseball historians to verify the accuracy of their works, and has written the forward for 14 baseball history and memorabilia books. His best-selling “Great Baseball Feats, Facts & Firsts” was updated and reprinted annually for 26 years. His stories and articles have appeared in the Transatlantic Review, The Village Voice, Penthouse, Hardball Magazine, Play Girl, and Cavalier.

Lowell Richards

Class of 1956

A musician at Ohio State University, Lowell performed with Stan Kenton, Tex Beneke, and Bob Crosby. Joining the Army in 1960, he was chief arranger at West Point. In 1984, he set 12 U.S. and world aviation records. Entering law school at 37, he became a successful criminal defense attorney and judge.

J. Frederick Grassle

Class of 1957

Dr. Grassle has been recognized by his peers as the “Guru” of deep sea rift discovery and exploration. Fred’s work with “Rift Life Forms” that live on chemical energy from high temperature deep-sea vents has contributed to one of the great scientific discoveries of the 20th century. At Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Fred has served as Chief Scientist for many deep-sea oceanographic expeditions, including the first biological expedition to deep-sea vents with the National Geographic Society. He is now Director of the Institute of Marine and Coastal Science at Rutgers University.

Nancy J. Farmer

Class of 1958

Traveling widely, often to remote regions, in her career at the World Bank (The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development), Nancy played a leading role in designing projects and mobilizing resources, particulary in Asia and Africa, to lift the disadvantaged out of poverty. Nancy enjoyed teaching the fifth grade at Normandy School in Bay in 1962. She earned a Master’s Degree in Management from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in 1980.

James Dorn Goodnow

Class of 1959

Jim’s entire career focused on academics: Management, marketing and economics, and Bradley University Professor & Coordinator of International Business Programs. Member of “Who’s Who in the World” 2000 edition. Jim has served on 5 boards of directors of Christian Science Churches and volunteered for the Institute of Education, engaged in professional activities in 19 countries on 5 continents, and visited two dozen nations.

Alan R. Templeman

Class of 1959

Alan was a cum laude graduate of Ohio University. He earned his juris doctor in 1971 from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Alan served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves with active duty from 1963 to 1968. This included acting as a Naval advisor in Vietnam. He received a Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He has been selected as one of the top 10 National Trial Lawyers of the year by Public Justice and named to the Super Lawyers list as a top attorney in Southern California. Alan is former president of Central Coast Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ventura County

Thomas William Jones

Class of 1960

Tom has distinguished himself in the field of watercolor painting. While his technique was enhanced through his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Tom has also claimed Bay Village and the Midwest as artistic influences. Honors include teh American Watercolor Society Bronze Medal, American Watercolor Society Ted Kautsky Memorial Award, and commissions to design the White House Christmas card in 1985 and 1986.

William H. Oliver

Class of 1960

Bill earned a degree in Journalism, followed by a Master’s and PhD in Government/Political Science. Four years supporting cabinet officers were foloowed by six years as Administrative Aide for Ohio Congressman Charles Masher. The corporate world has benefited from his talents in public affairs and communications capacities as TRW’s Vice President of Communications.

Richard E. Van Almen II

Class of 1960

Richard “Buzz” Van Almen has received state (Michigan) and national recognition as an industrial technology teacher. A 14 year member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Industrial and Technology Society, he has exposed his students to the problem solving skills required to compete in all occupations. Buzz has extended his interest in today’s youth by serving on industrial commissions and the Technical Education Strategic Planning Committee for the Grosse Point School District.

Michael H. Cherry

Class of 1961

As a judge on the State of Michigan Court of Appeals, Mike has been instrumental in establishing guidelines for child support and domestic relations in Michigan. His many civic contributions include serving on the Board of Education and the Chamber of Commerce in Coldwater, MI.

Gary Glaser

Class of 1962

GBary has distinguished himself professionally by achieving the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of BancOhio National Bank. His many civic contributions include Bay Men’s Club Commissioner, Worthington School Advisor, Chairman of the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of American, Columbus Growth Association, and the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness.

Pat Kelly Wendling

Class of 1962

Pat has been a leading promoter in South Carolina’s anti-drug and alcohol program. She organized the largets “Just Say No” club involving over 1000 students in the elementary grades. South Carolina’s Department of Alcohol and Drug commissioned her to be the state’s “Just Say No” club coordinator.

Clayton A. Dusek

Class of 1963

Alifetime educator, Clayton remains active and involved in the teaching of young people and in the training of future teachers. He is a former Superintendent of Avon Lake Schools, Past President of the Greater Cleveland School Superintendents Association, and a former Chairman of the Lake Erie Regional Council.

Walter “Jack” Rekstis

Class of 1963

Jack practiced as a litigator for 35 years an, after retiring from Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, he started his own mediation practice. He is the founding father of the Bay Alumni Foundation, and served as president for many years. Jack has served on the Bay School Education Foundation board and is founder of the Bay High School Athletic Hall of Fame, along with former BHS Principal, James Cahoon. He volunteers for Junior Achievement and serves on the board. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati on a full athletic scholarship, and earned his law degree at UC as well.

Jack Bowie, ScD

Class of 1964

Jack was a respected leader at BHS where he was Salutatorian of his class, was awarded the Bob Berger Trophy in track and field, and was a National Merit semi-finalist. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His business roles focused on the development of healthcare information systems and consultation on health and data standardization. He served on numerous international standards bodies and was a regular contributor to research and scientific journals. He is the author of the well-known Adam Braxton Thriller series of novels.

Jane Gray Clark

Class of 1964

Jand was ahead of her time in the developing field of computers. After receiving an honors degree in mathematics at Michigan State University, she designed a submarine simulation program for the Department of the Navy. Her achievements involved the pioneering stages of computers and the women’s career movement.

Bill Egan

Class of 1964

Bill was a Bay Village police officer for nearly 20 years and was the Safety Town officer, Community Relations officer, taught Safety Education programs, and was the AAA Safety Specialist. After retirement, he was an Educational Aide at Bay High, where he also coached soccer and tennis. Bill became the house manager at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. Bay Village was Bill’s home and he shared his time and talent in our community.

Richard North Patterson

Class of 1964

Richard’s eleven novels include seven consecutive international bestsellers. His novels have won an Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Grand Prix de Litterature Policiere. Formerly a trial lawyer in Washington and San Francisco, Richard also served as an assistant attorney general in Ohio. He now serves on the boards of Common Cause, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, Handgun Control Inc., and Ohio Wesleyan University.

Leland R. Miller

Class of 1965

The “definition of bravery and patirotism, and the emodiment of what our school values.” Lee joined the marines and in 1968 he was paralyzed permanently in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he became the Disabled American Veterans’ Representative at the Brecksville VA Medical Center, and was honored at the DAV Ohio convention for his lifetime’s work with veterans. He received the DAV Humanitarian Award, and was runner-up for the National Humanitarian of the Year award.

Laura Bell Penton

Class of 1965

Laura is the founder and artistic director of the Ohio Youth Ballet Company. Laura’s many years of tireless dedication, leadership, and vision in the field of classical ballet have enabled her to form a company to provide training to young ballet dancers. Laura is a registered ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England.

Tom Phillips

Class of 1965

Tom has spent a lifetime serving his beloved Bay Village. During his life Tom has devoted his time to preserving the beauty and history of our town. Chosen 2019 Bay Village Citizen of the Year for his work to save the Fuller House, he was also instrumental in saving the Rueben Osborn House. He has been president and treasurer of the Bay Village Historical Society, trustee and board member of the Bay Alumni Foundation, Scoutmaster for Troop 235, treasurer of the NE Ohio Intermuseum Council, committee member for the Bay Village bicentennial celebration, and Director of the Osborn Learning Center.

Brooks Hull

Class of 1966

Brooks was an active and well-respected member of the class of ’66. He went on to Ashland University where he made an impact as a student and leader. While a successful local business owner for 30+ years, he also volunteered for non-profits to positively impact northeast Ohio. He served on the Board of Trustees of Ashland University for over 25 years, where they honored him by naming the intramural athletic field for him. The Class of ’66 shcolarship for a BHS senior was started by Brooks. He stayed in Bay Village and shared his time, talent, and generosity with the community he calls home.

Karen Kresge

Class of 1966

Karen was the girl we all wanted to be…beautiful, smart, and nice to everyone. In high school, she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Karen was also a talented figure skater. She was a featured solo performer with the Ice Follies and has directed, produced, and choreographed numerous ice shows, television specials, and national tours. She has done personal choreography for skating royalty like Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi, Robin Cousins, Brian Orser, and Dorothy Hamill. Karen is a respected judge and authority in her sport. She has inspired a generation of young girls to learn to skate and follow their dreams.

Carole Cooney Noon

Class of 1967

Carole earned a doctorate degree in biological anthropology from the University of Florida. She founded Save the Chimps in 1997 and created a permanent sanctuary for chimpanzees on 150 acres in Port Pierce, Florida. By 2002, Save the Chimps became the largest primate sanctuary in the world, with over 280 rescued chimpanzees and monkeys, rescued from the Air Force space program, biomedical research, and the entertainment industry.

Michael DiLaurio

Class of 1967

Michael is a Professor of Media Arts and Director of the Academic Media Center at Robert Morris University. He has been the faculty lead for the study abroad program and served as the Co-director for the Rooney Scholar Program. He lectures throughout the United States at Universities, cultural centers, religious groups, and Italian American identity organizations. As a producer, Michael has been the recipient of five Emmys and other awards for TV and film.

Norm Mulder

Class of 1967

In his school years, Norm was not a great student but was always an adovcate for the underdog. After the army and Vietnam, he worked as a garbage collector, a firefighter/paramedic in Bay, and started Mulder Moving. After 35 years with a financial planning firm, he became an owner and National Sales Director. He has worked with teens to develop a foundation in faith. He lives by his creed: “The Only Person You Cheet is You.” Norm started TOPUCU, the acronum for that creed. The mission is to provide a transformational structure targeted toward schools, at-risk teens, and Native American Nations. Norm’s hard work, passion, and determination prove that we can all change the world.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Johnson

Class of 1968

During 35 years of active duty, Major General Johnson served his country and the Marine Corps in every clime and place. He held numerous staff assignments and commanded Marine units from Platton to Division levels, most notably commanding all Marines in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005.

James Green

Class of 1969

As an outstanding eduator in Mentor, Ohio, where Jim was named Coach of the Year, he is best known for his dedication to his students and work with handicapped orthopedic children. Through this dedication, he is able to give his students self-esteem and teach them the rewards of dedication, discipline, and sportmanship.

Michael Manos, PhD

Class of 1969

Dr. Manos is a well-known world expert in child and adolescent behavior disorders as he has shared his talent in the clinical care of patients in education, research, and the community. He worked for 25+ years treating patients in pediatric psychology, special education, and child and adolescent psychiatry. He is the leader of the ADHD Care Path Center at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, began the Medication Monitoring Clinic there, and opened the Cleveland Clinic Summer Treatment Program for ADHD. He initiated a novel protocol to diagnose and treat children with ADHD. Dr. Manos exemplifies a lifelong commitment to teaching and learning, and committed himself to a life that empowers others.

Kirk V. Shepard

Class of 1969

Kirk received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Following residency at Chicago University, he specialized in hematology and oncology, and practiced at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Moving on to Vice President of a pharmaceutical company, Kirk pioneered palliative and hospice care, developing new oncology and AIDS drugs. Over fifty medical and palliative care journals have been published.

Jim Hodge

Class of 1970

Jim was president of his class as a sophomore, junior, and senior and a 7-letter athlete. During a 30 year career at Mayo Clinic, Jim worked with four presidents, senators and cabinet members, Nobel Prize winners, prime ministers, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. His 40 years in philantrhopy included working with benefactors who contributed more than a billion dollars to Mayo Clinic and the Univeristy of Colorado. He has been chief strategist for building nursery schools, homeless shelters, and hospitals. He is a nationally recognized expert in philanthropy, and has given hundreds of keynote addresses and workshops, as well as a TEDx talk titled, “Shift Happens.”

Rollie Krewson

Class of 1970

After interning with The Jim Henson Company, Rollie returned as a full-time employee two days after graduating from Denison with her BFA in Theater. She contributed as a designer, builder, project leader, wrangler, and performer for nearly every Henson project since the 1970’s. She has been awarded 13 Emmys for her contributions to Sesame Street and has been nominated many times for her work on other Henson productions.

Scott Cowan

Class of 1978

Scott attended Miami University, majoring in Geography/Cartography. He is the owner of Century Cycles, a business he started in 1992. It is rated as one of the top bicycle shops in America. Scott initiated the first Bike to School Challenge here in Northern Ohio. He put the challenge to thousands of school kids in Bay Village, Rocky River, and Medina to bike a full week to school. The Bike to School Challenge has now been implemented in 48 States. He has initiated Bike Safety Fairs, organized fund-raising events that benefit both the National MS and Cancer research organizations. His night rides in Peninsula, OH benefit Ronald McDonald House.

Jim Durk

Class of 1979

Illustrator of iconic books that have entertained and inspired children worldwide. Jim’s work includes Clifford the Big Red Dog, Thomas the Tank Engine, Magic School Bus, Dr. Seuss, Rugrats, Learn to Read and many, many more. Jim can often be found in a Bay school or at a local art show entertaining and encouraging the next generation of artists.

Jim Liberatore

Class of 1980

Jim is current President of the Outdoor Group Cable Network (OGCN) which includes the Outdoor Channel, the Sportsman Channel, and the World Fishing Network. Prior to OGCN he was President of Sports Time Ohio and Vice President of Sales at Madison Square Garden and Madison Square Garden Network. While with Sports Time Ohio, Jim initiated the Hoops for Hunger basketball game between Rocky River and Bay Village, culminating in over $80,000 being donated to the Cleveland food bank.

Amy Chadwick Manco

Class of 1981

Amy is a recipient of the 2008 OHSAA Coaches Sportsmanship, Ethics, & Integrity Award. She has been a dedicated and revered high school & middle school mathematics teacher and basketball, softball, and golf coach. Amy has coached for over 28 years and her temas have won numerous SWC, District, Regional, and one State Championship. She goes above and beyond for her students and is considered a mentor by many. She has even been named the students’ “Most Influential Teacher of the Year” at Avon Lake High School, where she teaches.

Margaret “Peg” Liberatore

Class of 1983

Peg received her Masters of Education with a major in Counseling from Cleveland State University. She was an educator from 1988-1997. Peg has been a Guidance Counselor in Rocky River from 1997 to present. In 2001, she was awarded Teacher of the Year and in 2010 and 2014 she was designated Master Teacher in the Rocky River School District. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Goldwood Primary School Top Dog award. Peg has helped to initiate numerous innovative programs including Peer Meditation, New Student Mentoring, Sunrise/Sunset, Hoops for Hunger, Jason Wright and the Seventeen Second Miracle, and Parent Coffee Talks. She has also helped to recognize families in need in the district, and initated efforts from fundraising to home refurbishing.

Chris Ronayne

Class of 1986

Chris is President of University Circles, Inc. (UCI), a nonprofit community service corporation responsible for developing service and advocacy for the University Circle area. The circle is a worldclass innovation center for healthcare, education, arts, and culture in a premium urban district. Before joining UCI, Chris served the city of Cleveland as the City Planning Director, Chief Development Officer, and Chief of Staff. He was also the Chief Architect of the city waterfront district plan— an ambitious effort to reconnect the people of Cleveland to Lake Erie.

Bradley Friedel

Class of 1989

Brad grew up in Bay and was an active part of his BHS class. He was a well-rounded athlete who was part of the tennis, basketball, and soccer teams. He was in Show Choir and helped with basketball summer camps to help kids develop their skills. He is best known to many as an international soccer player, where his career as a goalkeeper included competing in 3 World Cups and 2 Olympics. He traveled the world playing for teams from Denmark, Turkey, England, and the U.S. During his playing career, Brad came back to the area running various camps and clinics, where his love of this area and his sport allowed him to help teach young people the value of education, hard work, teamwork, and giving back.