PAST PRESENT FUTURE EUCLID PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2020 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS
Making Progress on our Strategic Plan 4 Dear Alumni,
EPSAA 2019-2020 Events Timeline 6 When we initially added this Annual Report to our plans for 2020, we couldn’t have Sports Hall of Fame 8 imagined the challenges that have arisen this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has dis- Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame 12 rupted so much, for so many, and continues Membership Update 17 to impact our lives daily. However, the last- ing values of resiliency and community that Superintendent’s Message 18 exemplify the Euclid Schools are at work too. What we learned during our time in the Euclid Schools Foundation Message 19 Euclid schools—and the friendships we de- veloped—have helped many of us navigate Alumni News 20 these days.
Homecoming through the Years 23 We are proud to present this Annual Report to you, and to share all the progress we have made since the last alumni newsletter arrived in the mail.
The last few years have brought significant change for the Euclid Public Schools Alum- ni Association (EPSAA). We are incredibly grateful for the feedback we have received from all of our Alumni, as we have worked to bring vibrancy and engagement back to our Association. Our organization was born and has grown because of the dedication and Panther pride of our two greatest advo- cates, Joe Mayer (Shore ‘47) and Chuck Hill (Shore ‘47). Their work planted the seeds for the direction we are heading today—con- necting Euclid Schools Alumni and Associ- ation members to resources, information, benefits, and events that engage them with the past, present, and future of the Euclid City Schools.
Greg Fondran (’83) picked up the ball as Alumni Director in 2017. Greg spent the last few years making sure the day-to-day of EPSAA continues, without Chuck and Joe, and put together a team of Trustees to bring the organization into the future.
2 We are excited to announce that Michelle Connavino (’04) is taking over as Alumni Go Admirals, Go Lions, and Go Panthers! Director, effective September 1, 2020. She Sincerely, has been a member of the Advisory Board The EPSAA Trustees since 2017, running both the Sports and Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame Beth Steele Radisek ‘83, President events and providing critical support to the Jessica Oslund Walters, ‘04, Vice President Trustees since she joined the team. & Treasurer Patrick K. Delaney, ‘83 Kenny Godnavec, ‘83 As you will see throughout this report, we Patrick McLaughlin, ‘86 have a great deal to share with you! We Greg Fondran, ‘83, Outgoing Director have moved much of our communication Michelle Connavino, ‘04, Incoming Director online, including a website, a quarterly e-mail newsletter, and an active Facebook Ex-Officio: page. Construction is underway for the Christopher Papouras, ‘86, Euclid Schools new Alumni Office at Euclid High School Superintendent where we will be able to display some of our vast memorabilia collection and host Advisory Board Members: Ken Ferlito, ‘81 future Alumni events. We will also be retir- James Tusoch, ‘04 ing the old Alumni Database and moving to a cloud-based system that will better meet our needs. This Fall, we hope to arrange a walk- through of both the High School and Central Mid- dle School, depending on whether or not we can do so safely, so that Alumni can walk the halls of both buildings before demoli- tion is completed.
We are always looking for project volunteers, new members, and Trustees, so if you are interested please visit our website or email [email protected]. We are grateful for the ongoing engagement of so many of our alumni, and wish you health and happi- ness in the coming year.
3 MAKING PROGRESS ON OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Nearly two years into our Strategic Plan imple- Vision Statement: EPSAA will be a leader mentation, we’ve made significant progress, but among public school alumni associations in still have a lot of work ahead of us. To recap our the greater Cleveland area by engaging all Eu- process, between June and September, 2018, clid Schools alumni and connecting them in a EPSAA released a survey and held a series of meaningful way to the Euclid City Schools, its public focus groups to acquire recommendations current students, and the Euclid community. from our core constituents to form the basis of our strategic plan. Through this process, we had We also identified the core functions of the 126 interactions with alumni. The recommenda- Alumni Association and organized our strategic tions that emerged from this process are includ- plan around those core functions. ed in the plan. Core Functions: The Euclid Public Schools We created new Mission and Vision statements Alumni Association’s core purpose is Member based on the feedback we received. and Alumni Relations. This purpose is fulfilled through three core functions: Mission Statement: The Euclid Public Schools • Fundraising and Events; Alumni Association connects Euclid Schools • Communication; and alumni and association members to resourc- • Memorabilia. es, information, benefits, and events that en- gage them with the past, present, and future In addition to these public-facing functions, of the Euclid City Schools. there are several internal, Administrative and
In our survey of alumni, we asked, “What word or words do you associate with your time in Euclid Public Schools?” This graphic, called a word cloud, shows the responses. The larger the size of the word, the more frequently it was mentioned.
4 Operational functions that are essential to the of our planned events until at least 2021. implementation of our mission and vision. However, both EPSAA and the school district are committed to giving alumni the opportunity to Once we finalized the recommendations in the see the high school building before parts of it plan, we created an ambitious implementation are demolished to make way for the new middle timeline. While our initial timeline was set back and high school campus. somewhat by the coronavirus pandemic, we have made significant progress. As EPSAA continues to look toward its future, members of the executive team and committees Just this year, we began the process of ensuring will be identifying goals and strategies that will our extensive memorabilia collection was stored set us up to fulfill our mission and vision. But we safely and worked with the school district to need your help! If you are interested in getting begin identifying a long-term strategy for more involved, send us an email at memorabilia collection, storage, and display. [email protected]. In February we held a meeting with several alumni interested in getting more involved on committees and formed our first three committees: Memorabilia, Member and Alumni Relations, and Communication. These committees identified initial action steps, some of which have already been implemented, including adding the ability to purchase memberships on our website and growing our e-mail list.
The biggest impact of the pandemic was on Our January Memorabilia sorting event. Left to right, Mary (Hill) our plan to hold quarterly events. At this time, Czyzycki (Shore ‘49), Roy Pignatiello (‘72), Connie (Krnell) Contenza we likely will not be able to hold the majority (‘62), Jessica (Oslund) Walters (‘04), Michelle Connavino (‘04), and Cathleen (Zalewski) McLaughlin (‘05)
COMPLETE IN PROCESS • Update bylaws • Identify alumni to serve as trustees and in • Create annual budget other leadership roles • Form Membership & Alumni Engagement, • Form Community & School Relations and Communication, and Memorabilia Event Committees Committees • Finalize membership costs and benefits • Regularly attend class reunions and • Set goals for membership growth community and school events • Create a “go kit” for events • Host quarterly events • Create communication plan • Maintain ongoing communication with the • Determine collection, storage, and display school district strategy for memorabilia • Create dedicated alumni website • Send one final hard copy newsletter To view the full strategic plan and timeline, visit • Shift to quarterly e-newsletter EuclidAlumni.org/Strategic-Plan 5 WE’VE BEEN BUSY!
Throughout 2019 and the first half of 2020, EPSAA has been hard at work implementing our strategic plan and fulfilling our mission. Here are a few highlights of our work over the past year and a half.
NOVEMBER 2019 Sports Hall of Fame MARCH 2019 Induction Ceremony Hosted Annual Meeting
FEBRUARY 2019 MAY 2019 Sent Final Hard Copy Began Alumni Directory Newsletter Update
JANUARY 2019 Launched New Website APRIL 2019 Charity Tuesdays and Social at Euclid’s Beach Club Bistro
JUNE 2019 Participated in East 200th Street Stroll
Shore High School Class of 1944 75th Reunion APRIL 2019 Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 6 MAY 2020 NOVEMBER 2019 Worked with School District to Sports Hall of Fame Purchase Yard Signs for Induction Ceremony Graduating Seniors
FEBRUARY 2020 DECEMBER 2019 Hosted First Published First E-Newsletter Committee Meeting
JULY 2020 Published E-Newsletter
RECURRING EVENTS Every Month Trustee Meetings JUNE 2019 Participated in East 200th Street Stroll JANUARY 2020 Hosted Memorabilia Sorting Event Every Wednesday Alumni Lunch at Euclid Culinary Bistro
As Requested Class Reunions & School Tours
7 Left to right: Desmond Motley, Terenz Parker, Robert Yoe, Tamika Harbour, Tom Halbedel, John Telich, Brandon Biggom, Devon Jennings 33RD ANNUAL EUCLID HIGH SCHOOLS SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY Seven Euclid alumni expressed their Panther pride season, his team was 11-1. Brandon was part of three on November 21st as they were honored for their GCC Championship Teams and three playoff teams. accomplishments and inducted into the Euclid High He finished his career with sixteen interceptions and Schools Sports Hall of Fame. was a ferocious hitter from his cornerback position.
Organized by the Euclid Public Schools Alumni As- Brandon also excelled in track and field where he was sociation, the annual event at Tizzano’s Party Center again a four-year starter and captain during his se- recognizes the outstanding achievements of former nior year. He is still part of two long-standing Euclid athletes, coaches, and honorary inductees who at- Relay records. As a junior, Brandon finished second in tended Euclid, Shore, or Central high schools. the 400 at the Indoor State Meet. In outdoor track, he was All-GCC twice in the 400, long jump, 4x100, The following honorees were selected by a commit- and 4x400. He was a two-time state placer in the tee of past EHS coaches and prior award recipients 4x100 and 4x400. for induction: Thomas Halbedel (EHS Class of 1965 & Coach) Brandon Biggom was an outstanding athlete. He was an LEL 440 yard (EHS Class of 1994) champion, district champion, and held a school was the first ever record of 49.2 for 12 years. Tom was All-Ohio in- four-year starter in door for the 440 yard and set a district record at Euclid’s rich football Willoughby South. He was also a three-year varsity history and served letter winner. Tom moved on to run for Miami Univer- as captain during his sity where he was Track and Field MAC champion in senior year. In 1993, 1967, All-Ohio Champion in 1967, placed fourth in he was selected to both the NCAA Championship and Penn Relays, and All-News Herald 1st was an Ohio Collegiate record holder. Team, All-GCC 1st Team, All-District 1st After graduation, Tom returned to Euclid, where he Team and received an taught and coached Track and Cross Country from All-Ohio Special Men- 1971 until 1995. As head Cross Country coach, his tion. During this same teams won five league championships, five district 8 championships, one Devon Jennings (EHS regional championship, Class of 2008) was and qualified for the a four-year starting state championship varsity football player nine times, with a high- and among the greats est finish of third in the of Euclid’s rich foot- state in 1971. ball history. Devon still holds the title of Tom has always been a the all-time receiving great ambassador for leader at EHS with 98 Euclid and the sport of Catches 1,446 yards, running. Since retiring, and 16 touchdowns. he continues to serve His teams won two and promote the sport LEL championships, he loves by managing including one in his and officiating meets. He was the district meet man- senior year, during which he served as captain. The ager for 13 years at Edgewater Park and at Strongs- 2007 Panthers provided one of the more memorable ville for two years. Tom also served as President of EHS Football seasons that resulted in a 9-1 record, Greater Cleveland Track Coaches for seven years. He dramatic one-point home victories over St. Ed’s and has been a highly respected official at both the state Mentor—a game for which Devon was named Sports track championship and cross country championship. Channel MVP of the game—and an appearance in Tom was a great role model and friend for countless the OHSAA playoffs. Devon was widely recognized athletes over a 25-year coaching career. for his contributions to the team and was named First Team All-Ohio 2007, Plain Dealer All-Scholastic Tamica Harbour (EHS Football 2007, All News-Herald, All-Sun Journal First Class of 2009) was Team, and twice named All-LEL. a great asset to the Euclid’s track team. Devon’s outstanding athletic career at Euclid ex- She is one of the best tended beyond the football field. He was also a hurdlers to ever come three-year starter and captain for basketball and was out of Euclid with her named First Team LEL 2008 and was a member of second place State the track team for two years. After graduating from finish in the 100 meter Euclid, Devon went on to be a three-year starting hurdles with a time of player for Baldwin Wallace’s football team. 14.28. This earned her place as the second Desmond Motley fastest hurdler in Eu- (EHS Class of 2006) clid history in the 100 was a rare four-year meter hurdles. In 2009 starter as a Euclid bas- at the indoor state ketball player, 3-year track meet, Tamica placed first in the long jump with MVP, and two-year an outstanding jump of 18’6” to become the state captain. Desmond’s champion in the event while also placing third in the Euclid career as a 60 meter hurdles. Tamica was a three-year varsity let- Power Forward was full ter winner and she is currently a school record holder of highlights, including for long jump with her 18’6” jump. being a member of the elite 1,000 point club After graduating from Euclid High School, Tamica and a double-double attended Central Michigan where she continued her machine while com- love of being a student athlete pursuing higher edu- peting against the best cation and running track. competition in North- east Ohio for Coach Sean O’Toole. Desmond is still among the all-time leading scorers (1,129 points) and rebounders in Euclid’s rich history. 9 Desmond’s achievements were widely recognized, works as an Executive Protection Agent in Raleigh, earning him three All-Lake Erie League 1st Team North Carolina. selections, two Great Lakes Northeast District 1st Team selections and one 2nd Team selection, and an Robert Yoe (EHS All-Ohio Division I, 3rd Team selection and Special Class of 1992 & Mention. Local media also acknowledged Desmond’s Coach) was described outstanding high school career. He was twice named by his coach as an to the All-News Herald team, once to the All-Sun excellent athlete and News team, and selected to the Plain Dealer Best of great teammate to the Best in 2006. his peers. Bob was on the football and track Desmond’s high school career extended beyond the teams in high school. court, as a one-year football player and a great am- He competed on an bassador for Euclid High School. undefeated track team, winning All-GCC After graduating from Euclid, Desmond went on to honors in the 110 me- attend college at John Carroll University where he ter hurdles, and 300 played football and was again a four-year starter for meter intermediate hurdles. Bob was a school record the Blue Streaks basketball team. During his college holder in the 4x100 and 4x200. Bob was also a 4-year career, he was part of three OAC Championships and varsity letter winner and served as captain of the NCAA Tournament runs. Desmond graduated from team in his junior year. John Carroll University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Finance. Bob was also an outstanding, three-year varsity letter winner in football. During his junior year season, Bob Terenz Parker (EHS had an outstanding 18 catches, 260 yards, and two Class of 1990) was touchdowns. an exceptional Euclid High School basketball Bob continued on to be a student athlete at John player, scoring 643 Carroll University, participating in both football and points in 46 games, track while earning a degree in Education. Bob averaging 14.0 points played on the football team as a wide receiver and per game. He led kick returner, but his career was cut short due to his team to two 20-3 a knee injury during a game. That did not stop his seasons in his junior progress in Track where he was able to earn three and senior years, years All-Ohio Athletic Conference recognition in the resulting in Greater 110 meter hurdles and 55 meter hurdles and be an Cleveland Conference NCAA qualifier in both events. championships. As a junior, Terenz received an honorable mention from After earning his degree in Education, Bob was ea- the News Herald and played in the All-Section and ger to coach and teach. After a successful career as All-District tournaments. a classroom teacher, he transitioned into a Technol- ogy Resource position. More importantly, he contin- In his senior year, Terenz was widely recognized for ued his love of sports by coaching for 22 years and his outstanding contributions to the team. He was served 18 of those years for Euclid. named First Team G.C.C., News Herald Player of the Week, and played again in the All-Section and John Telich was presented with the Charles K. Hill All-District Tournaments as well as being a mem- Memorial Service Award, which honors individuals ber of the Ohio North-South, Channel 43, and who have contributed to the advancement of the Eu- Ohio-Michigan All-Star teams. To top off a great clid Public Schools and city of Euclid through service season, Terenz joined his team in an appearance in and leadership in the spirit of Chuck Hill. Districts, where they narrowly lost to St. Joe’s 70-72. Mr. Telich anchors Fox 8 sports on the weeknights Terenz went on to attend and play basketball for and produces a variety of features, in addition to Shaw University in North Carolina, and currently serving as a veteran correspondent on many key 10 events. He graduat- To nominate alumni for the ed from Euclid High Sports Hall of Fame: School in 1971 and still EuclidAlumni.org/SHoF lives in Euclid with his wife Jane. Sports Hall of Fame Event Photos
Also emceed by John Top Left: John Telich pictured with members of Chuck Hill’s family, Telich, the event left to Right: Chuck’s sister Mary Hill Czyzycki (Shore ‘49 and ‘92 included a display of Sports Hall of Fame Inductee); and Chuck’s daughters Cathy Hill Bishop (EHS ‘71), Linda Hill (EHS ‘74), Patty Hill Perry (EHS ‘81), Euclid sports memora- and Amy Hill (EHS ’77). bilia and was attended by 150 guests, including more than 30 current EHS Top Right: Bob Yoe showing off memorabilia to his children. student athletes. Middle: EHS student athletes pictured with the 2019 inductees.
Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame Event Photos Bottom Left: 2019 Inductee Tom Baker with EPSAA Director Greg Fondran (EHS ‘83).
Bottom Right: Event attendees Daniel May (EHS ‘03) and Distin- guished Achievement Hall of Fame Selection Committee Member Van Monroe (EHS ‘00 and ‘14 Distin- guished Achieement Hall of Fame Inductee).
11 Left to right: Marques Richeson, Jacqueline Greene, Natasha Spencer, George Kalan, and John Parsons 2019 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT HALL OF FAME INDUCTION Tom Baker, Jacqueline Greene, George Kalan, John ing a scary competition Parsons, Marques Richeson, and Natasha Spencer for one of the handful were just starting their journeys when they graduated of Office of Naval Intel- from high school but on April 4th, 2019 they were ligence slots available, honored for all they’ve accomplished since becoming he was sworn in and Panther alumni. ordered to the next Officer Candidate School During a recognition ceremony at the Henn Mansion, class at Newport, Rhode the six honorees became the newest inductees in the Island. After completing Euclid High Schools Distinguished Achievement Hall OCS, he received orders of Fame. to join the Chief of Naval Operations intelligence Organized by the Euclid Public Schools Alumni As- office at Ft. Meade, sociation, the annual event recognizes outstanding Maryland in the National achievements by graduates of Euclid, Shore, and Security Agency building, where he worked with a Central high schools as well as other individuals who number of talented officers who would later go on have made significant contributions to the students to lead the National Intelligence Community as Navy of Euclid City Schools. flag officers. After a turn running the communication center, he had a long, final stint analyzing diplomatic The following honorees were selected by a commit- intelligence and almost made the Navy his career. tee of past EHS faculty and prior award recipients for induction: While continuing in the active Naval Reserve, Tom attended the University of Michigan Law School and Tom Baker (EHS Class of 1954) graduated from graduated among the top ten graduates from a law Euclid High School and went on to attend Harvard class exceeding 400. From 1965-1987, Tom had a ca- University where he played in the band, did some de- reer at Calfee Halter in Cleveland, practicing corpo- bating, became chief announcer for Harvard broad- rate law (including litigation) and estate planning. casting on WHRB, did the daily evening news, and ultimately graduated in the top third of his class. After retiring, Tom was a trustee and treasurer of both the Alumni Association and the Euclid Schools Having received his security clearances after surviv- Foundation. He joined the Euclid Orchestra’s lower 12 brass section and served on their board. Tom also Jacqueline has been engaged for many years in so- served on the Shore Cultural Center Board and was cial justice activism. Her leadership skills and advoca- involved in Euclid politics. cy interests were forged at The Euclid High School as co-captain of the Girls’ Swim Team, president of Key Sadly, Tom Baker passed away just days after his Club, and member of Girl Scout Troop 987, among induction. We were so proud to be able to honor his other extracurricular activities. She graduated from impressive career and incredible life and contribu- EHS in 2003, received her B.A. from Case Western tions to the city and schools. Reserve University in 2007, and her J.D., also from CWRU, in 2011. Jacqueline Greene (EHS Class of 2003) joined George Kalan (EHS Friedman & Gilbert Class of 1962) began in February 2014 and his professional career was named partner in in 1968 as an aerospace 2017. Jacqueline’s civil engineer with the MIT rights practice focuses Instrumentation Labora- on police and prison tory (later renamed The misconduct, wrongful Charles Stark Draper convictions and wrongful Laboratory). After rede- imprisonment, and other signing the back- government misconduct. up control system that She provides criminal was later used in the defense representation rescue of Apollo 13, he in federal and state court served as Lead Engineer. cases and is also co-lead His responsiblities included software counsel in the firm’s police misconduct practice, development, testing, mission support and astronaut focusing on police brutality and abuse, including un- training activities related to the digital autopilot that justified shootings, excessive force, false arrest, and controlled the Lunar Module during the Apollo 11 malicious prosecution. through Apollo 15 lunar landing missions. During the Apollo 13 rescue operation, he coordinated all Lunar Jacqueline also works on wrongful imprisonment and Module autopilot-related activities with MIT from wrongful conviction cases, including cases involving a control room at the Houston Manned Spacecraft police and prosecutorial suppression of evidence of Center. He was a member of the team that later innocence. received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for the rescue operation. After Apollo, he managed a multi- Outside of her work in the firm, Jacqueline is Presi- year, joint MIT/FIAT project in Torino, Italy that creat- dent of the Ohio Innocence Project’s Northeast Ohio ed one of the first successful applications of expert Board of Advocates, Co-Coordinator for the Ohio systems for improving the productivity of automotive Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, and a mem- production lines. ber of the National Police Accountability Project. Jac- queline is also a director-at-large for the Federal Bar In 1978, George joined Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inter- Association-Northern District of Ohio Chapter Board. national as a Management Consultant based in Sao Jacqueline was named to the Super Lawyers Ohio Paulo, Brazil, Paris and New York, where he managed Rising Stars list for 2019. In 2017, she received the assignments for major technology-oriented clients. In Distinguished Young Alum award from Case Western 1981, he founded Kalan-Sutton-McGraw, a manage- Reserve University’s College of Arts and Sciences. ment consulting organization specializing in growth and diversification strategies for technology-driven Prior to joining the firm, Jacqueline worked inter- Fortune 500 companies. nationally in the fields of criminal law, human rights law, and humanitarian law. She was a Human Rights In the mid-1980’s, George co-founded and served Fellow at the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law as Managing General Partner of Orien Ventures, a Initiative in 2013 and a Researcher for the Interna- unique venture capital partnership with Mitsui & Co. tional Bar Association Human Rights Institute in 2011 that managed two early stage high-tech venture and 2012. capital funds and pioneered the concept of strategic corporate partnering between small US ventures and 13 large Japanese companies. He also founded and a PhD in organizational communication from Arizona co-sponsored the Indonesia Growth Fund, one of the State University. first venture capital funds in Southeast Asia. Dr. Parsons has had a 25-year career in sports med- Currently semi-retired after a 30-year career as a ven- icine as an educator, researcher, and policy maker. ture capitalist, George serves on the board of Phys- He currently serves as the Managing Director of the ical Optics Corporation, a rapidly growing avionics National Collegiate Athletics Association’s (NCAA) systems supplier, and provides board-level advisory Sport Science Institute. In this position, he works on a services and general management consulting sup- variety of policy issues concerning athlete health and port to small and mid-sized high-tech ventures. safety including sport injury epidemiology, standards for protective equipment and athletic facilities, and George was a 1962 graduate of Euclid High School, the playing rules for 24 NCAA-sponsored sports. Pri- where he was active in the concert and marching or to the NCAA, he was faculty in the athletic train- bands, Key Club, the Euclidian Yearbook Ad Staff and ing program at A.T. Still University, an osteopathic the Junior Achievement Program. He holds a B.S. medical school in Mesa, Arizona for 17 years, the last with High Honors in Electrical Engineering from Case five serving as the director of the program. Institute of Technology (1966), a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Massachusetts Dr. Parsons’s previous patient care experience in- Institute of Technology (1968), and an MBA from The cludes athletic training in the secondary school and Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration outpatient clinical settings. He has published more (1978). In 2003, he was elected to full membership than two dozen scientific articles, serves on the edi- in The Explorer’s Club in recognition of his contribu- torial boards of two scientific journals, and regularly tions to space exploration during the Apollo Pro- gives national presentations on organizational and gram. George also holds a 100 Ton US Coast Guard policy issues in sports medicine, including sport-re- Merchant Marine Master (Captain’s) License and has lated concussion. He has worked with state legisla- served as an offshore sailboat delivery skipper on tures, participated in numerous national conferences, voyages covering over 50,000 nautical miles, includ- and has served on the committees of national sports ing two Pacific crossings, a Trans-Atlantic and over 20 medicine organizations. In 2016, he was recognized passages between New England and the Caribbean by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association with via Bermuda. the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award, the second highest honor granted by the organization. Dr. John Parsons (EHS Class of 1990) a native He has been married to Andrea Parsons (née Then) of Euclid Ohio, attended of St. Paul, Minnesota for 19 years. His parents Barb Euclid High School from and Frank Parsons, both EHS alumni, are retired and 1986 – 1990. He wrestled living in Euclid. His brother Bill, also an EHS alumnus, his freshman year, was lives with his family in Columbus, Ohio. a two-time letterman in baseball and football, Marques P.D. Richeson and was a co-captain of (EHS Class of 2001) was both the baseball and born and raised in Eu- football teams his senior clid, Ohio, lived in the In- year. He was the 1990 dian Hills neighborhood, EHS Scholar-Athlete of and was a 2001 gradu- the Year and an inductee ate of The Euclid High of the National Honor School. At EHS, he was Society. involved in a number of extracurricular activities After EHS, he attended Marietta College where he such as Varsity Chorale, earned a baccalaureate degree in Sports Medicine Big Show, The Survey, and became a nationally certified athletic trainer. He National Honor Society, went on to earn a master’s degree in exercise science Look Up to Cleveland, from the University of Arizona. He eventually earned and soccer. a second master’s degree in medical informatics from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and 14 After graduating from EHS, Marques received a for Arts-Inspired Learning, the American Constitution full-tuition scholarship to Vanderbilt University in Society of Northeast Ohio, and the Squire Patton Nashville, Tennessee, where he double majored in Boggs Foundation. Last year, Marques played an in- Political Science and African American Studies, with strumental role in the legal advisory board for Sena- a Spanish minor. Marques continued to be actively tor Sherrod Brown’s successful re-election campaign. involved in the arts throughout college, participating in Vanderbilt’s coed a cappella group, gospel choir, Marques resides in downtown Cleveland with his and dance company. In recognition of his academ- seven-year-old daughter, Nari. ic achievements and extracurricular involvement, Marques was named to Vanderbilt’s Homecoming Natasha Spencer (EHS Court (its Top 10 Outstanding Seniors). Class of 1989) attend- ed Lincoln Elementary He earned his BA from Vanderbilt in 2005 with School, Central Middle highest honors (summa cum laude), interned at the School and graduated Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, and was then from Euclid High School admitted to Harvard Law School. At Harvard Law, in 1989 and discovered Marques was vice-president of the Black Law Stu- her love of art through dents Association, a teaching assistant for Professor her classes at Euclid. Charles J. Ogletree, the executive editor of a journal on issues of race and public policy, and a student Natasha received her public defender in the Roxbury and Dorchester Bachelor of Fine Art in neighbourhoods of Boston. 1994 from the Cleveland After receiving his JD from Harvard Law in 2008, Institute of Art and her Marques served as a law clerk for a federal judge in Master of Fine Arts in Virginia. He then worked at a law firm in Washington, 1998 on a full scholarship from The School of the Art DC for a number of years before returning home to Institute of Chicago. Her digital work has screened the Greater Cleveland area in 2014 to work at Squire in film, video, and new media venues across the Patton Boggs—a global law firm with over 1,500 country and abroad. Her audio piece, “The House lawyers and 47 offices in 20 countries. She Flew In On”, is included on the compilation CD, “Extracted Celluloid”, produced by Illegal Art, Marques was recently named a partner at Squire Negativland, and RtMark, and has aired on the “John Patton Boggs. As part of his legal practice at the Peel’s Show”, Radio 1, BBC, London. In 2002, she firm, he handles significant, bet-the-company litiga- was awarded a residency at The Wexner Center for tion, representing corporate clients in federal and the Arts Video Lab where she completed “The House state courts throughout the country, at both the trial She Flew In On: The Video” and “Somewhere.” Na- and appellate levels. His areas of expertise include tasha received a 2004 Fellowship in the Media Arts complex commercial litigation, mass tort and prod- from the Illinois Arts Council and an Illinois Art Coun- ucts liability litigation, class actions, and multidistrict cil Fellowship in the Visual Arts in 1999. Additionally, litigation. Marques is also active in pro bono efforts, she is archived at The National Museum of Women and has represented individuals in clemency, death in the Arts in Washington DC. Currently, her photog- penalty, and innocence cases. raphy can be viewed at Catherine Edelman Gallery’s “Chicago Projects”, Chicago, IL. In recent years, Marques has been recognized by Ohio Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” among area In 2007, Natasha, along with her husband and fellow lawyers. He has also been named on the “40 Under artist, Dann Witczak, began Spencer-Witczak: Art 40” list by Crain’s Cleveland Business, in recognition Installation & Collection Design, where they assist of his substantial contributions to Cleveland’s busi- Chicago residents, corporations and foundation with ness and civic communities. all aspects of art exhibition and collection manage- ment. Marques currently serves on the board of trustees for HELP Foundation, Inc.—a non-profit organization Natasha and Dann have two children, their daughter, headquartered in Euclid—whose mission is to em- Tamsen (2008) and their son, Kenan (2011). When power individuals with disabilities through residen- Kenan was eight-months-old, he was diagnosed with tial, day support, vocational, and summer education Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a rare, genetic, neurolog- programs. He also serves on boards for the Center ical disease that robs the body of both voluntary 15 and involuntary functions. Although Kenan was only the Euclid Band and Orchestra Parent Club, and the given two-three years to live, he made it all the way Vice President of the Panther Proud Athletic Booster to the age of seven. Even though Kenan’s life was Club. Mrs. Sudar was elected to the Euclid Board of short, his impact was great. Four years before Kenan Education in 2006 and currently serves as President. was born, a law was passed in Illinois to screen all babies at birth for five lysosomal disorders, of which Krabbe Disease is one. Had the screening been implemented according to the original timeline, Kenan’s illness would have been identified at birth before symptoms presented and undergone a stem cell transplant, not only increasing the quality of his life but also extending it. Knowing Kenan missed his opportunity for a life altering treatment was infu- riating to his parents. Natasha began advocating on her son’s behalf spreading awareness of Krabbe Leukodystrophy through social media. She became a parent representative on the Illinois Board of Health’s Lysosomal Disorder Subcommittee. In 2017, Nata- sha and Kenan became the subject of an eight-story Chicago Tribune Watchdog Series written by report- er, Patricia Callahan. The lead story, “Doomed by Delay” made the front page of the paper’s Sunday 2020 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION POSTPONED edition on October 2, 2017 and led to a legislative The 2020 Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame hearing where Natasha, along with five other families induction ceremony was scheduled to be held on whose children were also diagnosed with Krabbe April 23, 2020. Unfortunately, the event had to be Disease, testified against the Illinois Department of postponed due to the pandemic. The 2020 inductees Public Health. Their testimony publically exposed and Joe Mayer Award recipients will be recognized the heart-breaking consequence of the department’s at the 2021 ceremony. The following individuals will ten-year-long aptitude for delays, and finally led to be recognized: the implementation of the 2007 law. As of December 11, 2017, all Illinois babies are now tested at birth for Mr. Michael Barnes | Class of 1989 Krabbe Disease and have an opportunity for treat- Superintendent, Lakewood City Schools ment. Kenan passed away six months later, on May 31, 2018. Ms. Janelle Coleman | Class of 1990 Executive Vice President of External Affairs Throughout Kenan’s diagnosis, Natasha’s EHS alumni Columbus Zoo and Aquarium rallied to her cause and provided their family with tremendous love and support in all aspects of Ke- Ms. Claudia Cummings | Class of 1987 nan’s life. She will forever be grateful and indebted VP, Post Production, A+E Networks to the ties that bound them as they came of age together in their hometown of Euclid, Ohio. Mr. Jon Mensinger | Class of 1975 Professional Dancer (deceased) Donna Catino Sudar was presented with the Joseph P. Mayer Community Engagement Award, Dr. Leonard Weiss | Class of 1952 which honors individuals who have contributed to the Dentist (retired) advancement of the Euclid Public Schools and city of Euclid through service and leadership in the spirit of The 2020 Joseph P. Mayer Community Joe Mayer. Engagement Award will be given to the faculty and staff of the Euclid Schools for all they did to For the past 30 years, Donna has been a steadfast support the students and community through the volunteer for the Euclid City School District. For Don- COVID-19 crisis. na, her call to service began in 1989, with the pre- school PTA. Since then, she has held 26 PTA board To nominate alumni for the positions and remains the President of the Euclid Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame: Council of Parent Teacher Associations, Treasurer of EuclidAlumni.org/DAHoF 16 ,, MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Current Members Recent Lifetime Members (1,005) Memorial Members Ruth Moore Mills 1941 Shore Emma Skoff Lincoln 1941 Shore Alice Knapke Harper 1942 Shore Adrian Keefe 1944 Shore Memorial Members Clyde Middleton 1945 Shore (549) Bruce “Jack” Relyea 1945 Shore Dudley Rolla 1945 Shore Patricia Hawks George 1946 Shore Randall Huffman 1947 Shore Robert “Bob” Kelly 1947 Shore Lillian Makransky Hanlon 1947 Shore Frank Joranko 1948 Shore 2019-2020 Richard Contenza 1949 Shore Annual Members Kaye Thomson Stopar 1949 Shore (8) John Sugden 1950 2019-20 Ava Wagner Sharp 1950 Betty Lou Wise Nobbe 1950 Annual Members Patricia Toth Sugden 1951 Maria Williams Alexander 1999 Patrick Sugden 1951 Edward Chenock 2007 Thomas Baker 1954 Sherri Koucky Carmody 1985 Dr. James McLaughlin 1955 Kristin Krysiak 2011 Dr. Allan McLaughlin 1958 Jim McVey 1971 Priscilla Sharp Bruyere 1960 Jayne Rask Subwick 1966 Sharon Szalek Rosen 1961 George Seifert 2016 Donald Kanner 1962 Carl Yoke 1955 Allen Smith 1966 Recent Kenneth Mog 1967 Elaine Mog Sorber 1971 Lifetime Members Patricia Brockman Wilson 1976 Rachel DeAngelis Cocita 2006 Lois McGee Faculty Judith Coolidge 1967 Dominique Drake 2002 Dina Haynosch 1973 To join EPSAA, renew or upgrade Linda Hill 1974 your membership, visit: Anna Sudar Jeffries 2005 EuclidAlumni.org/Membership David Jeffries 2007 Elizabeth Muzinic Lyons 1994 Mary Jo Mlakar 1970 17 FROM THE EUCLID SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
Greetings Euclid Schools Alumni.
I’m honored and humbled to write to you as both an alumnus of Euclid High School and Superintendent of Euclid City Schools. It is exciting to take the next step in my career in the district from which I graduated.
I’m proud to report that Euclid Schools are making progress. Every year, for the past four years, our students’ academic performance has improved and the graduation rate has in- creased by five percent this most recent year. According to state data, our students who need academic help are closing the gap and catching up rapidly.
Euclid Schools opened its Early Learning Village at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. At the ELV we educate all preschool and kindergarten students in one building, which allows our dedicated teachers to better meet their social and emotional needs. Academically, the structure allows children to enter first grade with a strong foundation for success.
Our district will celebrate the opening of our new secondary campus this school year, though at the recommendation of the Cuyahoga Board of Health, our students will learn in a virtu- al format. Once we can physically open the secondary campus, we know it will complement the learning of our middle and high school students. The new campus will also be beneficial to community members without children in the schools, as it will feature a walking track and other amenities that will be open to the public.
We continue with our mission of preparing students for success. We promote career aware- ness in our elementary schools and career exploration in middle school. Many of our ca- reer-technical education students, including those in our nationally-recognized welding pro- gram, find jobs immediately after graduating.
Our students also continue to benefit from College Credit Plus. This past school year, Euclid students have earned 1,130 college credits which equate to approximately $850,000 in sav- ings for their families. We expect these numbers to increase as we continue promoting and expanding access to College Credit Plus.
I encourage you to follow the continuing evolution of our school district by reading updates on our website. Consider getting involved in Euclid Schools if possible through initiatives like our mentoring programs and career days.
I appreciate your support and intend to make you proud as a fellow Euclid Panther.
Sincerely,
Christopher Papouras, Superintendent, Euclid City Schools EHS Class of 1986, 2017 Euclid High Schools Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
18 FROM THE EUCLID SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Dear Euclid Alumni and Friends,
The Euclid Schools Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization. We strive to connect and build relationships with the alumni, business, and donor community to help in- vest in educational excellence within the Euclid School District.
The generous financial gifts of our donors through cash, securities, and bequests have sup- ported student scholarships, teacher grants, and other funding needs since 1991.
Please join us in congratulating the following graduates from the class of 2020 who received awards totaling $21,500 from the Foundation:
Kayla Granito, Artrez Alexander, Isabella Johnson, Ini’Obong Inyang, Ashanti Cotton, Ayes- sa Arga, Brian Austin, Chenelle Bruton, Keshon Gunn, Da’Shanel Nichols, Aminata Yansane, Taylor Curtain, Dylan Gray, Ayanna Bridges, John Brown, Maggie Elkins, Damon Kane, and Prentice Mischer.
We are impressed by their achievements and believe they will continue to make Euclid proud.
The extraordinary circumstances of the current health, economic, and social environment cre- ates new challenges worldwide. While we are far from immune to any of these challenges in Euclid, we all believe that education is the most important part of the solution to improve the future.
Together with our generous donors, passionate alumni, prudent board, and caring school community, we are excited about the Foundation’s opportunity to be a larger part of the solu- tion.
Euclid’s roots are deep and spread wide. If you or anyone you know has a desire and the means to give back, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Tony Basalla, Foundation Board President [email protected] EHS Class of 2001, 2013 Euclid High Schools Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
19 ALUMNI NEWS CLASS REUNIONS Dr. Don McPherson (Cleveland Heights) At this time, most reunions scheduled for checked in as well, offering to work with any- 2020 have been cancelled or postponed. To one who wants to plan their 70th, and sharing view upcoming scheduled reunions and class stories of playing in the Euclid Symphony contact info or to submit information about Orchestra with Joe Mayer ’47 Shore, former your class reunion, visit director of the Euclid Public Schools Alumni EuclidAlumni.org/reunions Association.
1930s Thank you to Phil Gutmann for his $500 1937 | Euclid Central donation to the Euclid Schools Foundation in High School gradu- memory of Joe Mayer and Chuck Hill, both ate Mary Vinciguerra class of 1947 at Euclid Shore. Guhde celebrated her 100th Birthday 1954 | Thomas Baker, long time Treasurer of November 1, 2019! the Euclid Public Schools Alumni Association (Pictured here with and the Euclid Schools Foundation, as well as Alumni Director Greg a member of the Euclid Schools Distinguished Fondran, EHS ‘83.) Achievement Hall of Fame, passed away un- expectedly in April 2019. 1939 | May Carlgren Bana of Euclid was 1955 | Carl Yoke has published two pieces recently recognized by the Vasa Order of of fiction: Black Marigolds and Hemingway’s America, a Swedish American Fraternal Orga- Cats, both available on Amazon. nization, as their oldest and longest member, and was interviewed for their publication, the 1957 | The Class of ’57 meets for lunch at Vasa Star. the Firehouse Bar and Grill in Willoughby, every other month. Contact Barbara Korencic 1940s Meadows at (440) 488-6514 for more infor- 1944 | The Shore High School Class of ’44 mation. They recently held an 80th Birthday held their 75th Class Reunion at Olive Garden Party at Regovich’s Catering in Eastlake. in Mentor. Dorothy Herrick Rhoades orga- nized the event. (See photo on page 6 of this 1958 | Robert Mason and Sherrie (Bouse) report.) Mason created a $5,000 scholarship through the Euclid Schools Foundation for a female 1950s minority student planning to study in the 1950 | Phil Gutman (FL) and Jack Feldman Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (CA) recently checked in with the Alumni (STEM) field. It was awarded for the second Office. While there are no plans for a 70th time this year. reunion, with the renovations of Euclid High School scheduled to be completed in 2020, 1959 | The Class of ’59 held their 60th Class we hope to have an opportunity to safely Reunion on August 8-9, 2019 invite Class of ‘50 alumni back as the first to graduate from the current high school and to On a sad note, Glenn Schwarz, original gui- have an opportunity to be the last to step in tarist for the James Gang, passed away in it as well. November, 2018. 20 1960s continuous public service to the Lake County 1960 | Pat Schlarb Latkowski reports that Amateur Radio community, and public service more than 25 women from the Class of 1960 activities such as the LCARA/Lake Erie Coun- meet for lunch at noon on the last Friday of cil BSA Radio Merit Badge initiative, as well April and last Friday of October at Vittorio’s as for service to District 10 of the Amateur Restaurant 29664 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe, OH. Radio Emergency Service (ARES). For more info, call Pat at (440) 944-1398. 1974 | The Class of ’74 held their 45th Class 1964 | The Class of ’64 held their 55th Class Reunion on August 17, 2019 at the Briardale Reunion on June 29, 2019 at the North Cha- Greens Sticks Pub and Grille. grin Reservation. 1980s 1967 | Ron Sweed, also known as the Ghoul, 1983 | EPSAA president Beth Steele Radisek a renowned local brought the FilmSlam Road Trip back to her TV personality, alma mater in her role as Cleveland Interna- passed away in tional Film Festival Special Programs Director. April, 2019. (Photo She also appeared on the March 29, 2019 from DetroitNews. and April 1, 2019 episodes of the festival’s com) podcast CIFF Speaks.
1969 | The Class 1984 | The Class of ’84 held a combined 35th of ’69 held their Class Reunion with Villa-Angela, St. Joseph, 50th Class Reunion and Regina on September 14, 2019 at the on June 7, 2019 Arcadia Beach Club. at the Pine Ridge Country Club in 1986 | Christo- Wickliffe. pher Papouras was named 1970s Superintendent 1971 | John Telich was nominated for Best of the Euclid City Sports Reporter in the 2019 Cleveland Scene School District. Magazine Best of Cleveland poll. He was also profiled by sev- 1973 | Robert Williams was recently inducted eral local news into the Marysville High School Athletic Hall outlets in March of Fame. He was the Monarchs Head Wres- 2020 for his tling Coach from 1981-1998 and coached heroic efforts in 25 State qualifiers, 10 State placers and the pulling a woman school’s first State Champion in Wrestling in from her burning 1992. He retired from teaching in 2008 and car that had crashed in his front yard in Gates has been a wrestling official for the last 10 Mills. (Pictured here during his 2017 induction years. He is currently the Secretary of the into the Sports Hall of Fame.) Central District Wrestling Officials Associa- tion. 1989 | The Class of ’89 held their 30th Class Reunion at the Patrician on September 21, 1973 | Joe Koskovics received the Member 2019. of the Year Award from the Lake County Amateur Radio Association (LCARA) for
21 1990s 2005 | Chris Messina was featured in the 1994 | The Class of ’94 held their 25th Class September 5, 2019 New York Times Diary of Reunion at Great Scott Tavern on October 12, a Song episode discussing his role as one of 2019. the producers for Bon Iver on the song “iMi.”
Mike Yurcich 2006 | Dean Bryson was featured in an April was hired MSNBC news segment talking about the as offensive challenges that students and schools are fac- coordinator at ing during the pandemic. Dean is a teacher in the University the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. of Texas. He was previous- 2007 | Yuri Doolan, Ph.D. was awarded the ly Ohio State Immigration and Ethnic History Society’s University’s Carlton C. Qualey Memorial Article Award for passing game his article, “Transpacific Camptowns: Korean coordinator Women, U.S. Army Bases, and Military Pros- and quarter- titution in America,” (Journal of American backs coach. Ethnic History, Vol. 38, No. 4, Summer 2019). (Photo from Hookem.com) 2010s 2014 | Linden Stephens, a cornerback for the 1996 | Heather (Kinison) Fallis was recognized Seattle Seahawks, was featured in a February by the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club as an 2019 CBS Los Angeles segment for his par- inspirational educator. ticipation in an externship with the LA Police Department 2000s available to NFL 2003 | Tamika Nunley, Ph.D., a professor at players. Oberlin College, was recently highlighted on CSPAN3 for her presentation as part of a day- Kevin Terry Jr. long conference hosted by the University of (K.Terry) released Virginia. Nunley detailed the reasons African his first single Americans joined the Union Army during the “Just Friends,” Civil War and the important role they played available on all in the war effort once they enlisted. She also streaming plat- talked about the initial opposition they faced forms. in their attempt to become soldiers. This talk was part of a day-long conference hosted by the University of Virginia’s Center for Civil War History. Have alumni news you want included in our next annual report? 2004| EPSAA Vice President and Treasurer Send us an e-mail at Jessica (Oslund) Walters became the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cleveland. [email protected] Her story was featured on a December 2018 episode of Ideas on Cleveland’s local PBS Please include the name of station. the alumnus at graduation and graduation year.
22 HOMECOMING THROUGH THE YEARS Later this year, we hope you’ll be able to experience a homecoming—an opportunity to walk through the halls of Euclid High School as you remember it and to experience the new campus. Here we celebrate the memories of homecomings past by revisiting yearbook pages. 1950
1960 1970 1980
1990 2000 2010 23 711 E. 222nd St. | Euclid, OH 44123
Euclid Public Schools Alumni Association Board of Trustees Beth Steele Radisek Euclid ‘83, President Jessica Oslund Walters, Euclid ‘04, Vice President & Treasurer Patrick K. Delaney, Euclid ‘83 Kenny Godnavec, Euclid ‘83 Patrick McLaughlin, Euclid ‘86 Greg Fondran, Euclid ‘83, Outgoing Director Michelle Connavino, Euclid '04, Incoming Director Christopher Papouras, Euclid ‘86, Superintendent, Ex-Officio Ken Ferlito, Euclid '81, Advisroy Board James Tusoch, Euclid '04, Advisory Board
EUCLID PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 216-797-7895 | [email protected] EUCLIDALUMNI.ORG
@EuclidSchoolsAlumni