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2024 Hall of Fame 

 The 2024 Hall of Fame Banquet and inductee presentations will be held on October 12, 2024. Do you know a Galion High School Graduate that deserves recognition for outstanding accomplishments in their careers and communities?  Please fill out a nomination form for that individual to be considered for that honor.  Nominating forms are due by June 1, 2024.  Click on the banner below to print out the nominating criteria and and form.  Provide as much information as possible, but most importantly nominate some one you feel is deserving of recognition. 

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  Hall of Fame

These links will access pages dedicted to the inductees into the Hall of Fame.

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2010 Inductee Bios PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Euguene 'Vic' Smith
Class of 1940
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Since his high school graduation in 1940, Vic Smith has been living a life of service to his country, industry, and travel. Born in 1922 in Arcadia Ohio, Vic later moved to his grand­mother's 40 acre farm 2 miles west of Galion.

While at Galion High School, Vic participated in football and enjoyed journalism and Thes­pians.  During his junior and senior years, Vic worked for the Galion Inquirer as a reporter for $4.00 per week. Upon graduation, he attended Ohio State University, Columbus campus, and worked in the summers for North Electric and Mansfield Tire Co., and bought his first car, a 1928 Model A for $25.00.

College studies were interrupted by World War II, when Vic volunteered for Naval Aviator training. In May 1943, he graduated as 2nd Lieutenant, USMCR, from Corpus Christi Academy and was deployed as a Corsair Fighter Pilot with Marine Squadrons 312 and 314 in the Solomon Island, Marianas, Okinawa and Japan Island campaigns in the Pacific Theatre. Released from active duty in 1946, Vic remained in the reserves until 1958, when he purchased a Stearman double wing training plane for $480, and flew home to Galion where he met his future wife Elizabeth.

In 1947 Vic married Elizabeth, and began Alum-I -Lite Displays, with Dutch Boy Paint as a major client. Not long afterwards, sons David and Timothy arrived on the scene. As his family grew, Vic purchased "How to Build Your Dream Home for $3500 or Less" and built their current residence. Third son Matthew arrived in 1954 and in 1957 they welcomed their daughter Victoria.

Continuing on the acquisition path, Vic obtained Wells Marien Mfg. Co in Costa Mesa, California. In 1981 Firenze Valley Farm in Morrow County, Ohio, was incorporated, and in 1983 GalionAMCO and Wells Marine were merged into Valentec International. An additional acquisition of Pohlman Companies, organization of Shelby Horizons Ltd., and the sale of Valentec to Insilco Corp. in 1985 rounded out the flurry of sales, mergers and acquisitions. Vic joined the business group which acquired PECO from ITT.

In 1987 Vic retired from Insilco, and while in Tahiti, purchased a 51 foot sailing cutter, and named her "Le Galion". From 1992 to 1994 Vic sailed through the South Pacific Islands, revisiting his World War II duty stations, completing his journey through Ha­waii to San Diego. At present he is busy with 12 grandchildren, Shelby Horizons FVF, PECO, and sailing "Le Galion" to exotic destinations.

 
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Daniel R. Ritchey 
Class of 1944 
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Dan Ritchey was nominated for the Galion Hall of Fame because of his unending commitment to Galion and Galion City Schools as an entrepreneur, citizen, husband and father.

As an entrepreneur, Dan sought new opportunities to promote Galion and make his businesses successful. A block party for one of Dan's early businesses, Photorama, celebrating a landmark 5 years in business, boasted over 2000 visitors. Dan is happiest when others can share in his successes.

While attending Galion High School, Dan was a member of the 1944 Spy yearbook staff, for which he drew many military cartoons. He was also a member of the Spanish Club, A Cappella Choir, Junior Class Play and Intramurals.

After graduating in 1944, Dan delivered ice and coal for the family business Galion Ice & Fuel. He entered the Navy in 1945, serving on the US Alabama during World War II. After an honorable discharge in 1946, Mr. Ritchey began general courses at Ohio University, then worked from 1947 through 1953 for Ritchey Food Bank, another family business. After a short stint as a carpenter for Sherman & Bates Contractors, Dan worked as a writer/photographer for the Galion Inquirer. He also began Photorama Studio which he owned until 1983, and operated Radio Shack in Galion from 1980 to 1983.

Mr. Ritchey acted as the first PresidentlDirector of the Galion Area Chamber of Commerce. Dan helped establish the first Golden Age Center and co-chaired the formation of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). During his professional career Mr. Ritchey served on the boards of Buckeye Bank, Galion Community Hospital, Professional Photographers of America, Galion Planning Commission, Uptown Galion Associates, The Shade Tree Commission, and Galion Junior Achievement. His current memberships include, American Legion Post 243; Life Member - USS Alabama Crew Association, Galion High Alumni Association, Lincoln Highway Organization, Galion Area Betterment Commission, Galion Historical Society, Galion Community Theatre, Galion Community Center - YMCA, and the First United Church of Christ.

Dan Ritchey has been recognized with many awards including Citizen of the Year - twice, Executive Committee Special Award, Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, and many awards for photography. He has also been honored with a plaque placed in Park Square for the Park Square Project.

Dan lives in Galion with wife Ruth, four children, and six grandchildren.

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A. Elaine Hottenroth
Class of 1952 

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Since her years at Galion, Elaine has served as an educator for more than 30 years. She graduated from Capital University in 1956 and began her teaching career in 1958 at Whitehall­ Yearling High School as an English and drama teacher. After earning her Masters degree in theater at Bowling Green State University in 1959, she went on to teach at Berkeley in Michigan.

While attending Galion High School, Elaine Hottenroth studied at the feet of Miriam Sayre, beloved educator and drama teacher and one of last year's Hall of Fame Inductees. Elaine was also very active in GAA, Girl Reserves, National Honor Society, Choir, Tigerettes (Girls Barber Shop Quartet), Drama Productions, Math Club, Yearbook Staff, Latin and Spanish Clubs, and was the Senior Class Secretary and Girls State Delegate.

In 1961 Elaine joined the faculty at Worthington High School. She began her 30 years of service to the Worthington students as an English and drama teacher. In 1971 she was named Activities Director, directing 25 musicals and numerous plays and assisting in the planning of three auditorium projects. Ms. Hottenroth has been named to the Worthington High School Hall of Fame. She was further recognized for her work in promoting the arts with the naming of the Thomas Worthington High School performing arts facility, the Hottenroth Center for the Performing Arts.

Elaine retired in 1991 and returned to Galion where she has continued her passion for the arts. She has served on the Galion Community Theatre Board of Trustees since 1993. Elaine assisted in the planning and renovation of the Theater and continues to assist the Galion Community Theatre in growing its Endowment Fund to assure its future as a community cultural asset. Elaine was recognized as Galion Citizen of the Year in 1995.

Ms. Hottenroth is a member of the Galion Library Association, Galion Area Betterment Commission, and Peace Lutheran Church. She enjoys reading mysteries, attending concerts and theatre productions, and traveling to theatre festivals. She spends time enjoying her beagle dogs, tending garden, getting away to her lake house in Marblehead, and spending time with family and friends, particularly fellow classmates of' 52.

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Paul Kurtz Robinson, Jr.
Class of 1957 
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  Paul Kurtz "P.K." Robinson graduated from Galion Senior High School in 1957. During his school years, he was in the National Honor Society and lettered in football and baseball. Following graduation from high school, "P.K." attended one year of college at the College of Wooster before being accepted into the newly formed United States Air Force Academy.

Following graduation as a Distinguished Graduate in June of 1962, "P.K." completed pilot training at Williams AFB, Arizona. His first operational tour was at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. He was then assigned to Tuy Hoa AB, RVN, Southeast Asia. During this tour and while assigned as a "Misty FAST-FAC" at Phu Cat AB, he completed 266 combat missions, including 101 missions over North Vietnam. He participated in many of the key battles.

"P.K." was then selected as an Olmsted Scholar and, after language training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, he attended l'Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Paris, France. He obtained a "diplome" in International Relations and graduated with "laureat" honors. He then returned to Southeast Asia as an F-4E pilot flying out of Korat RTAB, Thailand. He completed another 120 combat missions including 36 over North Vietnam. On July 1, 1972, while on a mission north of Hanoi, "P.K." was shot down by a Surface-to-Air Missile and was captured by the North Vietnamese militia. He was incarcerated in various prisons in the Hanoi area and was released on March 28, 1973, during Operation Homecoming.

"P.K." subsequently served on the Air Force Department of Legislative Liaison staff for four years, and was then assigned as the Deputy Commander for Operations at RAF Bentwaters, United Kingdom. He then returned to the States as Wing commander of the 355th Tactical Training Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, then on to the Pentagon. Col. Robinson retired from active duty in July of 1988 while serving as the Vice Commander, Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, Nellis AFB, Nevada. Col. Robinson was decorated with multiple awards, including Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Air Medal, the Bronze Star and The Purple Heart.

After his Air Force career, "P.K." began a second career with First Interstate Bank of Nevada and now serves as a Director of Academy Bank. He remains active in community activities, USAF Academy activities, biking, hiking and skiing. "P.K." is married to Reta, his wife of 48 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.

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Jerry Tischer
Class of 1963 
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   Jerry Tischer will be remembered fondly by many people for many things. During his years as a student at Galion High School, Jerry excelled in every sport he attempted, lettering in them all. He held many long standing records, specifically in Varsity Basketball, Football and Track. Jerry was also an accomplished pianist, providing Choral Accompaniment.

Jerry graduated from The Ohio State University in 1967 with a Bachelors of Business Administration. While attending Ohio State he played varsity basketball (1964-1967), where he received his nickname "The Judge" and earned his membership into the Varsity 0 Club. He was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. After graduating, he proudly served his country as First Lieutenant in the United States Army with active duty in Seoul, Korea. After a successful 33 year career at Columbia Gas of Ohio, Jerry retired as Vice President. During his career he lived in many cities within Ohio including Columbus, Fremont, Mansfield, and Toledo, and also in Richmond, VA.

Jerry was accomplished in many areas of his life with a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He was a competitive golfer, a gourmet cook, and a talented pianist. He loved fishing, reading, traveling and learning. He was a good speaker and a terrific listener.

A loving husband, proud father of two and very proud grandfather of five, Jerry took great pleasure in family time. Jerry could be counted on to show up at the early morning soccer game in the pouring rain, to cheer for his grandchildren. Family gatherings and outings consisted of everything from camping, cooking and traveling abroad to lively games of cards and father/son golf outings. Jerry had a wonderful competitive spirit and a great sense of humor (unless of course he was losing).

Jerry was very active in both his community and church. He served on numerous boards including Jamie Farr Kroger Classic, Northwest Ohio Foodbank, and Greater Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of Powell United Methodist Church.

His goals were to live life to the fullest and to "Pay it Forward" as he explained in his speech at the 2009 Galion Hall of Fame Induction. "Do the unexpected for someone such as random acts of kindness without expecting any recognition." Jerry passed away this year, and is sorely missed by his wife Linda, his children, and all who knew him.

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Richard E. Chandler, Jr.
Class of 1974 
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  After graduating from Galion High School in 1974, Mr. Richard Chandler began his higher education experience at the University of Cincinnati. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology in 1978. Richard received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University College of Law in 1981. He was admitted into the State of Ohio Bar in 1981 and the State Bar of Texas in 1982.

Rich began an impressive professional career in Houston, Texas, as a Tax Attorney for the IMCO Services Division of Halliburton Company in September 1981, after which time he was transferred to the Legal Department of Halliburton Company in mid 1982. While at Halliburton, Mr. Chandler was Regional Counsel to Halliburton's Latin America oilfield services operations and provided general corporate advice to its IMCO Services and Welex divisions.

Most of Mr. Chandler's career has been spent with Smith International, Inc., where he serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Smith International is a Fortune 500 company with worldwide operations that has traded on the NYSE for over 40 years.

Rich has held numerous leadership positions during his career, including Chair of the International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (1995-1996) and council member for numerous years on the State Bar's Corporate Counsel Section. Mr. Chandler has also been a speaker and member of the planning committee for several continuing legal education programs sponsored by the University of Texas - School of Law. In addition, Mr. Chandler has been a guest lecturer on a variety of subjects, most notably corporate governance, legal compliance and international business transactions at the C.T. Bauer School of Business at the University of Texas.

The majority of Mr. Chandler's legal experience is in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and compliance, corporate securities and international business matters. Mr. Chandler has traveled extensively throughout the world during his career, having visited and transacted business in over 35 countries.

Rich is the father of four children and has been married to his wife Isabel for over 30 years. The Chandlers reside in Richmond Texas, where Rich is an active member of st. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church. 

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Steven Meyers, M.D.
Class of 1974 
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Steven Myers excelled at Galion High School, making his mark in track and field as a champion sprinter and member of the 1974 NOL championship Track and Field team. He also enjoyed Tennis and Student Council, and was a member of the Senior Advisory Board. Steve was a great student and lead drummer in the Galion Tiger Marching and Symphonic bands.

After high school, Steve first attended the University of Utah on an Alpine Ski Racing scholarship, but due to an injury transferred to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, which fueled his interest in what would become his future career. Steve graduated from Miami University in 1979. He went on to pursue his medical degree at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine where he graduated in 1983.

Upon graduation from Medical School, Steve did his residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and because of his obvious interest in sports, in particular skiing and its effects on the lower body, Dr. Myers continued his studies through a fellowship at the University of Bern, Switzerland, under the directorship of Dr. Reinehold Ganz, a noted European surgeon recognized for his work in hip and joint disease. Following his fellowship in Switzerland, Dr. Myers returned to the U.S. and developed a successful practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as a leading orthopedic surgeon, specializing in advanced procedures involving the hip and lower extremities.

Dr. Myers has served at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs as Chief of Orthopedics from 2000 - 2007, Chief of Staff 2007-2009, and has been on the Board of Directors since 2001.

Dr. Meyers is a member of the National Osteonerrosis Foundation, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Steve continues to stay active, continuing his love for skiing and physical fitness through mountain biking. He has even found a way to combine his professional expertise with his passion for sports as a team physician to the U.S. Ski Team.

Steve resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife Carol who is an artist and instructor at the University of Colorado. His son, Kurt, and daughter, Laurel, are attending graduate school in Denver.

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Douglas F. Smith, M.D.
Class of 1989 
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Prior to graduating from Galion High School in 1989, Doug played a very active part in his school, earning varsity letters in football and wrestling. Doug participated in Showtunes and enjoyed being a part of dramas and high school musicals. He was an inductee into the National Honor Society, served as NHS President his se­nior year, and was third in his class. Doug went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in ZoologylPre­Med at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

While serving in the Navy from 1993-2002, Doug earned his medical degree from the Uni­versity of Cincinnati School of Medicine and began an impressive career in the medi­cal field. Dr. Smith served as both a flight surgeon and staff physician at the Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron in Jacksonville, North Carolina, deploying to the Mediter­ranean Sea. He also provided medical support for launches and landings for the NASA Space Shuttle.

During his years of military service, Doug provided leadership as the Director of Mass Casualty and Crisis Management, served as an Information Resources Management Officer, Medical Department Head, and Flight Mishap Investigator.

In 2002, Dr. Smith completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Kentucky, where he served as Chief Resident for the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Smith is currently a practicing physician of emergency medicine and is also a partner with Marshall Emergency Services Associates (MESA), which provides ser­vices and staff to emergency departments at 20 hospitals and 8 hospitalist programs across the state of Kentucky. Dr. Smith is a member of the faculty at the University of Kentucky and Pikeville College of Medicine. He is also the Medical Director for the paramedic program at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky.

Doug lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife Christa and children Jacob, Tyler and Isaac. Doug enjoys exercising, reading, attending youth sports events, and thor­oughbred horse racing. He hopes to continue to make significant societal contributions and leave a legacy that reaches beyond personal boundaries.

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William 'Bill' Stepro
Galion High School Teacher 
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We have all had at least one of those "great teachers," the kind that has a true passion and love for teaching and a genuine spirit of caring for his students. Mr. Stepro is one of the "greats," touching the lives of hundreds of students who would all describe him the same  way - caring, passionate, inspiring, driven, and courageous.

Mr. Stepro began his career with the Galion City School District in 1968, as a middle school history teacher. Bill has been a member of the social studies department for 42 years, teaching a variety of history and government classes at both the middle school and high school levels. Bill enables students to make personal application from historical lessons. He is a constant voice for democracy and relentless in his reminder to people of all ages to vote.

While Bill did not graduate from Galion High School, he has spent his career making a significant and positive impact on both our students and our community. One student describes him this way: "Although I only had him for one class, he has been, and is a central figure in having motivated and inspired me in all that I have accomplished in my life since entering his classroom in 1968." Bill encourages and gently pushes students to be their best. He is "the" teacher students of all ages come to visit when returning home for holidays, family visits, and class reunions. Bill influences students long after they graduate, making time for countless phone calls, emails, and letters to graduates throughout the country.

Mr. Stepro is the welcoming face at extra-curricular events, calling most people by name as he sells admission tickets into the game. Bill serves as a member of the Board of Directors for both the Galion Community Foundation and the Galion Community Center-YMCA. He has also been active in the Galion Education Association and United Way.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1968 and a Master of Education from Ashland University in 1995. Bill graduated from Nordonia High School in Macedonia, OH in 1963. He resides in Galion with his wife Marilyn and has two sons, Mark and Kevin.

 
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