whs academic hall of fame 2012 program

Wauseon High School

AcademicHall of Fame

Inducted on

April 27, 2012

Wauseon High School Academic Hall of Fame- 2012

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

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

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

• Nominees shall have demonstrated good citizenship and meritorious service.

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

• Nominations will remainintheactivefileforfiveyears.

When making nominations for this honor, please complete the following steps (Forms are available on the Wauseon School website). • Complete all parts of

the nomination form as completely as possible.

• Attach as much supporting documentation as is available.

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

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

Hall of Fame Criteria


Top Five Percent of Class

Class of 2011Best of the Class

Landon Schaffner, Natalie Miller, Taylor Myers, Marin Baird, Sarah Ballmer, Brian Leu, Michael Becker, Shay Myers

Congratulations to the following individuals who were in the top five percent of the Class of 2011. These individuals have their photo displayed

on the television inside the front door.


Distinguished Alumni

Class of 1915

Marjorie Whiteman

Marjorie was born in Liberty Center, Ohio in 1898 where she attended the Bonnell one-room country school. In 1910, when Marjorie was eleven years old, she took and passed the Patterson-Boxwell test, required by Ohio for admission to high school. Marjorie showed her talents by joining the High School Debating Society when she was a freshman and sustained this role throughout high school. She became a member of the Girls Athletic Association and the school orchestra.

Marjorie graduated from Wauseon in 1915 and then attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where she graduated with honors in 1920. Marjorie majored in history and completed all educational courses required to begin teaching high school in Napoleon. Later, she earnedalife-timecertificatetoteach in Ohio.

Yale Law School was next for Marjorie, where she became the second woman ever to enter this prestigious school. Marjorie received an L.L.B. (Bachelor of Law) and J.S.D. (Doctor of Law) degree in International Law in 1927 and 1928, respectively.

Achievements:In 1929, Marjorie began her distinguished career with the Department of State, where she won recognition throughtout the world as an authority on international law.

Marjorie Whiteman continued her employment with the federal government through 1970. She was employed in Washington, D.C. intheOfficeofLegalAdvisoroftheStateDepartment,firstasassistantLegal Advisor; then, Counselor on International Law.

While in the State Deptartment, Whiteman became a specialist in international organizations. In 1945, she helped draft the United Nations Charter and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Due to her expertise, Marjorie was legal counsel to Eleanor Roosevelt on this topic.

In 1958, Marjorie took part in the firstUnitedNationsConferenceon the Law of the Sea. She later stated that she had “simply picked up where the 1930 Hague ConferenceontheCodificationofInternational Law had left off.”

Career Title and Roles:Marjorie had a strong interest in and great knowledge of inter-American affairs.Shehadasignificantroleinseveral Pan-American conferences. In 1948, Marjorie participated in drafting the charter for the Organization of American States.

When the State Department was reorganized in 1949, Whiteman wasnamedthefirstassistant

legal advisor for American republic affairs, which involved relationships in Central and South America. In 1965,Whitemanbecamethefirstcounselor for international law in theOfficeofLegalAdvisor;(anofficeintheStateDeptartmentthatadvises the Secretary of State on matters arising in U.S. and foreign relations.) Marjorie held this position until her retirement in 1970.

As editor and author of numerous significantwritingsinthefieldofinternational law, Dr. Whiteman contributed heavily to the literature of her profession. Her three-volume work on Damages in International Law has been described as the mostdefinitivetreatmentofthesubject. Whiteman’s 15-volume Digest of International Law, a record of the practice of international law and its applications throughout the world, has been praised by eminent jurists. Dr. Whiteman was the second woman to enter Yale Law School and the only woman (as of her time) to serve as one of Yale Law Journal’s Editors.

Marjorie Whiteman died on July 6, 1986 in Liberty Center, Ohio at the age of eighty-eight.



Class of 1945

Col. Leslie J. Seigneur

Leslie J. Seigneur was born in 1927 near Winameg, Ohio. He attended York School and then Wauseon High School. At Wauseon High School, Leslie majored in Agricultural Sciences. He was a strong student but kept alowprofile.Lesliewasafiercecompetitor in academics and in sports. He was very determined to learn and always gave his best.

Leslie was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Bowling Green State University Scholarship tests and the Senior Scholarship team.

As with many other students, Leslie highly respected his Math teacher, Miss Money, and she encouraged him to further his education.

Military Career:After graduation Leslie enlisted in the Coast Guard and served until the end of World War II. He then enrolledinthefiveyearVeterinaryMedicine program at Ohio State University. Les also served in theAirForceReserveOfficersTraining Corps.

Leslie graduated with honors in 1951 with a Doctor of Veterinary

Medicine degree and an Air Force Commission.

Also, in 1951, Leslie married his wife, Donna. Together, they had four children and later, a grandson.Leslie had assignments in eight locations/states during his long career. Each move required more training and more responsibility. This also provided many pleasant and memorable experiences for the family.

Achievements:• Ohio State-Doctor of Veterinary

Medicine with honors in 1951• University of Rochester, MA

degree in Radiation Biology, 1957

• National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Radiobiology Research, 1961-1967

• Aeromedical Research1967-1969

• Command Veterinarian at Andrews Air Force Base until 1973

• Command Veterinarian at PacificAirForceBaseinHawaiiuntil 1978

Awards:• Radiobiology work grew and

Leslie, now a Lieutenant Colonel, was awarded the Joint Services commendations for each of six years.

• Named Deputy Director of the Aeromedical Research Lab.

• Leslie was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Special Award:In 1978, at his retirement, Leslie

J. Seigneur, Colonel U.S. Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for “outstanding services as Air Forces Command Veterinarian”.

Uniquely: Leslie was a Director of the Aeromedical Research Laboratory, and was involved in Project Mercury, the program under which thefirstanimalsweresentintospace.

Leslie retired to Beaver Lake in Oregon because it offered many water, outdoor, sightseeing and travel activities. Leslie and his wife enjoyed sharing this with family and friends.

Leslie died in June, 1998 at the age of 70. He is buried in Winameg near his brother, Calvin.


Class of 1945

Born in Stryker, Huber’s family moved to Wauseon where he attended Wauseon High School. “There is no doubt Ms. Money was my favorite teacher. She sat me down my sophomore year and told me that I could be a very good student..if I would try.” By the end of the next six weeks, Huber was an “A” student in Math and Science - his strength. Huber competed in the Bowling Green State University ScholarshiptestsandplacedfirstinGeometry in the State of Ohio. He was in the Wauseon High School Honor Society and was in “Who’s Who” in 1944 -1945.

Huber served in the Navy from 1945 to 1946. Following World War II, he attended Ohio State University and became a distinguished alumni, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects,andgraduatedfirstinhisclass in 1951 in architecture.

Career Path:HuberBuehrerstartedhisfirm,Buehrer & Stough, Architects and Engineers, in January of 1953. In 1984, the name was changed to Buehrer Group Architecture and Engineering. Huber has been active in this business for 59 years. Huber has designed approximately 80 schools, 15 college buildings and approximately 100 churches.

Specific Achievements:

Huber developed the Variable Degree Hour Tables. This was based on taking the temperature every three hoursforaperiodoffiveyears,andthen developing the tables that would allow engineers to calculate the amount of energy buildings used. Huber then wrote, “Estimating Energy Usage” to promote energy conscious construction. This was done before computers and required sixty hours per location.

Notable Achievments:• One of the leading authorities on

energy conservation in buildings.• Author of seven books and many

articlesondesignofefficientenergy in buildings.

• Member of Ohio committee for approval of federal matching funds on energy.

• Taught 5,000 professionals about energy conservation.

• Was an advisor in three federal research projects on energy conservation in all buildings.

Personal Achievements:• Developed an awareness of

estimating energy use LONG before the energy crisis.

• Authored a correspondence course for Energy Audits.

• As an architect and an individual, Huberhasinfluencedpeople,building design and energy savings nationally and locally.

Awards and Honors:• Fellow of the American Institute

of Architects. • Gold Medal Ohio Architects• Recognition by the Ohio Senate

and House of Representatives• Distinguished Service Award from

CEFP (on Educational Facilities)• The 2010 Citizen of the Year

Award for Maumee• The 1998 Architect of the Year• James D. MacConnel Award• The Educational Facility Project

Excellence for North America, 1998.

• Northwest Ohio Masonry Award, 1999

• Ohio Masonry Award, 2010.

Personally, Huber has contributed approximately 6,000 hours of histimeforthebenefitoffellowprofessionals. His efforts will have a lasting impact on the way architects approach design and building. Huber’s service to his community has carried a level of dedication to always make the world a better place for his fellow man.

Today, Huber still lives and works half-daysathisoffice.Heandhiswife live in Maumee. They enjoy theirfivesons(twoofwhomarealsoarchitects), daughter and eleven grandchildren.

The 1945 yearbook nick-named Huber “Einstein” ... how prophetic!

Huber BuehrerDistinguished Alumni



Class of 1945

Dr. Ned Baker

Ned Baker was born in 1927 and attended Wauseon Schools, grades 1-12 graduating in 1945 after four outstanding years in Wauseon High School. Ned was in band, Glee Club, Student Council, worked on the Red & White and Chief staff, Bowling Green State University scholarship team, and played football and basketball all four years. One of Ned’s greatest memories at Wauseon High School was being a member of the 1944 championship football team.

After graduation, Ned served in the Army from 1945 to 1947 in occupied Germany. Then, he went to Bowling Green State University to attain a BA degree in 1950 in Biology, then to University of Michigan attaining his Master of Public Health, majoring in Sanitary Science. Ned began work for the Wood County Health Department as Chief Sanitarian. This experience led Ned to employment with the Ohio Department of Mental Hygiene & Correction and other roles in Environmental and Public Health Planning.

In 1975, Ned’s reputation took him to the Medical College of Ohio where he was Co-Coordinator and then Program Director of Health Education until his retirement on July 1, 1992.

Even though retired, Dr. Baker was Executive Director for the National Association of Local Boards of Health, and later 2006- present, Contracted Liaison for the State Association of Local Health Boards.

Ned is married and he and Joanne had four children: two boys and two girls. They now have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to add to their lives. The Bakers have lived 59 of their 61 years in Bowling Green. Retired time is spent with family, as well astraveltoallfiftystates,CentralAmerica & Europe.

Achievements:• OpenedthefirstNational

Association of Local Health site in Bowling Green.

• Influencedover700localBoards of Health to join the National Association of Health.

• Will celebrate his 20th year with the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) in Atlanta in August of 2012.

• Was the founder, 1st President and 1st Executive Director of the NALBOH

• Created the annual “Ned Baker Lecture Series in Public Health” at Bowling Green State University.

• Ned considers one of his greatest achievements to be recruiting and training new college graduates to join in public health roles.

Recognition/Awards:• Ohio EHA outstanding

Environmentalist 1973/74. • Environmental Quality Award,

Region V. 1975• PorterfieldDistinguishedService

Award, 1979• Hageman Board of Heath

Award, 1998• Honorary Kentucky Colonel,

State of Kentucky, 2009• Honorary Doctor of Science in

Public Health, Bowling Green State University, 2009

• Co-founder of the National Association of Local Boards of Health - over 4,000 members to date.

• Named one of 100 distinguished Bowling Green State University Alumni in 2010 at their 100th anniversary.

Looking back :• Thankful for great 1945

classmates and friends.• Thankful for the inspiring

leadership of Superintendent F.S. Huyck and Principal Mr. Rupe.

• Living in Wauseon, a truly great community

• Thankful for caring faculty, namely: Grace Paterson, Alice Money, Coach Wayne Stewart.

Interestingly, in the 1945 yearbook by Ned’s picture is: “What’s Van Johnson got that Ned has not?”


Class of 1946

Mary Thierry was born in Wauseon in 1928. She attended Pettisville Elementary and then Wauseon High School, graduating in 1946.

While in high school, Mary had the female lead in two class plays. She was a cheerleader, track queen, basketball queen, was Vice President of Student Council, member of Prom Committee, Chief Staff, Red and White Staff, Vice President of Future Homemakers of America, member of Girl’s Glee Clubs, Sextet group (rated second in State) and Girls Athletic Association.

Mary remembers that she needed to work her way through high school, taking jobs at Sterlings, Kolb and Sons, and the Ice Cream Parlor. No doubt, Mary developed her life-long work ethic early.

Financially, college was not easily available, so Mary decided she could expand her education in work and public service locally. Mary worked at Colonial Finance before her bookkeeping position at Gype Motor Sales. Here, she met Jim Gype. They were married in 1948 and had two children, Jeff and Jana, the joy of their lives. Mary took time “off” while her children were young but returned

to work in 1964. Gype Motor Sales was sold ten years later. Mary began working at the County Title Department, a decision that molded her career.

Specific Achievements:• Mary was elected Clerk of

Courts and re-elected to serve for 33 years.

• Member of the Legislative Committee for the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association, 1983, 1985, 1987.

• Appointed to Ohio Supreme Court Committee

• Served many years on Legislative and Executive Committees for the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association

Service to the Community:• Softball coach for seven years • Wakiya Children’s Conservation

Leagueofficer• Business & Professional

Women’sClubOfficer• 4-H advisor• Civil Service Committee• Wauseon School Board- six

years• Four County Joint Vocational

School Board – six years

Honors and Awards:• Mrs. Wauseon- 1958• Citizen of the Year- 1980• Special Recognition-Association

ofClerks/ElectedOfficers• Education awards- Ohio Clerk

of Courts 1985-2010 • Mamie Eisenhower Award for

Republican Women

Favorite Memories:Mary felt fortunate to attend

Wauseon High School, with lifelong friends who still get together monthly. These include Pat Gleckler, Lois Whitmer, Lucille Roth, Arlene Eicher, and Dottie Hartsell. Mary has great appreciation for all teachers, especially Frank Kunkle in Music, Jeanne Barnes in Home Economics, and Principal Sam Rupe. Note: Since high school, Mary found relaxation in sewing. Her skills led to winning a state sewing competition in 1960.

Of Special Note:Duetoafire,in1943,classeswereheld in the auditorium with study hall on the gym bleachers. Later, in 1960, an explosion destroyed part of that same school...now the siteofthefiredepartment,policedepartment and city personnel offices.

Maryretiredin2010afterfifty-threeyears of full-time employment with state-wide acclamation for her achievements.

Mary (Thierry) GypeDistinguished Alumni



Class of 1946

Harold Watkins

Harold (Hal) Watkins was born in Wauseon in 1928, and he attended Wauseon schools grades one through twelve. Hal participated in many activities during high school, including music, sports and school publications. He was junior class president and was the only junior to receive the Wauseon High School Who’s Who Award, based on scholarship, leadership, character and citizenship. Hal graduated second in the class of 1946.

Wauseon High School contributors to Hal’s career include: Alice Money, who provided interest and training in public speaking and debate; the Spanish teachers (Joan Naugle and Alice Gilbert) who inspired Hal to develop Spanish skills, and the English and history teachers (Franklin S. Huyck, Ada K. Smith, Frances McConnell, and Virginia English) who stimulated a lifelong interest in writing and historical data in Hal as he wrote for the Chief and for the Wauseon Republican. These skills were all assets in Hal’s Christian Ministry career.

Career Path: Hal developed an interest in the ministry in high school through the Christian Youth Fellowship of Christ in Ohio, and by being one

of three Christian Youth Fellowship representatives at the International Christian Youth Fellowship sessions held in Indiana in 1945.

After high school, Hal attended Bethany College in West Virginia. Hal became active and soon was made Treasurer and President of the Student Board of Governors. Through personal application, Hal graduated Magna cum Laude in 1950. From here, Hal went to the Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Again, Hal became interested in student affairs and soon was President of the Student Body/Council but still graduated with highest academic honors. Hal was ordained into Christian ministry in Wauseon, at the First Christian Church in 1950.

As a pastor and acting chaplain for the Veterans, Hal was called to Park Avenue Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona. Note: those years of high school Spanish really helped here!

Inthelatefifties,Halservedinmanyroles in Alabama and then in Indiana where he joined the Board Church Extension of Disciples of Christ. Hal served in every Executive Position of this organization. In 2004, Hal was named President Emeritus of this board.

Ongoing studies and opportunities took Hal to many states. Hal and his wife Evelyn, also a 1946 Wauseon High School graduate, eventually chose to stay in Indianapolis, Indiana where they still live. Together, they have one son, (also a minister) one daughter, and several grandchildren to enjoy!

Honors and Awards:• W. F. Kennedy Award as

Outstanding Junior Man, Bethany College - 1949

• Honorary Doctor Of Divinity degree in 1985 at Phillips University and again at Christian Theological Seminary in 1995.

• Elbert Conover Award for contributions to religion, art and architecture - 1989.

• Liberation Award for services to marginalized and oppressed persons - 1994

• Award by Disciples of Christ in PuertoRicoforthirty-fiveyearsofcontributions and ministry.

• Receiving the key to city of Dorado, Puerto Rico (2005).

• Honored with wife for outstanding philanthropy and commitment to church.

• Author of two books…a history of Board Church Extension and the history of Watkins/Earlywine families.

Favorite Memory of Wauseon High School:Afireguttedtheschoolhisfreshmanyear. Despite ongoing rebuilding during the next two and a half years, a caring faculty still provided quality teaching. Hal is forever grateful to Jeanette Taylor and Alice Money who used their lunch hour to enable students to take courses otherwise not available to them.

Hal and Evelyn continue a close friendship with many of the class of 1946!



Class of 1967

Distinguished Awards or Recognition:• Life member of the Ohio State

University Alumni Association• Life member of the Ohio State

University College of Dentistry Alumni Association

• Member of American Dental Association and Ohio Dental Association

• Member of Maumee Valley Dental Association

• AffiliatememberofMichiganDental Association

• Volunteer clinical instructor for the University of Indiana College of Dentistry (summer 2009)

• Associate member of Chicago Dental Society.

Achievements and Awards:• The development of a

noninvasive gingival retraction technique used in crown and bridge impressions.

• Development of a two chair/two employee, single dentist practice to an eleven chair/eighteen employee three dentist practice in his hometown of Wauseon.

• Trust is a very important quality of the dentist/patient relationship, and as a result of this, Bob feels very blessed to have treated up to four generations in some of the families he serves.

Returned Services:As a member of the Wauseon community, Bob has returned services as:

Robert Lockman was born and lived all his life in Wauseon, Ohio. In high school, Bob was active in JETS, Hi-Y, Science Club, Thespians, French Club, Student Council, and the Chief Staff.

Bob feels the teachers at Wauseon not only prepared him for college academically, but most importantly, were role models in the way they conducted themselves at school and at home with their families.

Bob did his undergraduate work at Ohio Northern University 1967-1970 and his fourth year at Ohio State University from 1970-1971. Bob then received a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from Ohio State University in 1976. Bob is a licensed dentist in Ohio and Michigan.

Bob is married to 1968 Wauseon graduate Janis L. Silhavy, and forty-one years later, they have one daughter and two grandchildren.

• Wauseon Community Chest Board President

• Member of the Wauseon Homecoming Board

• Member of the Wauseon Rotary Club

• Sunday School Superintendent and teacher

• Member of Church Council Board.

Favorite Memories of Wauseon High School:• The encounter Bob had on

thefirstdayofhissenioryear with the new principal, Mr. Roshong. Together, they were able to turn a less than desirable situation into one of mutual respect and great friendship.

• The challenges in math class with Mr. Leatherman and chemistry and physics classes with Mr. Spieles.

• On the lighter side, Bob will never forget the class of 1965 senior dress up day…when Bob was a Sophomore. Sorry, that is all you get..here.

Interestingly, for 1967, the class motto was: “Today we follow, Tomorrow, we lead.”

Dr. Robert Lockman



Class of 1981

As a 1981 graduate of Wauseon High School, LeeAnn was a varsity letter winner in diving, gymnastics, and track.

LeeAnn was active in cheerleading, Girls Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, Thespians, and the staff of both the Red & White and Chief. Lee Ann’s science classes really made an impact on her in high school. Mr. Spieles made very difficultconceptsinchemistryandphysics easy to understand. Mr. Cooley managed to teach each student how to achieve their maximum potential. His notes were like dissertations, but you definitelyrememberedthematerialtaught. Asenior-yearprofessionalfieldtriphad a great impact on Lee Ann. In the physiology class, all were exposed to different potential jobs invarioussciencefields.Here,Lee Ann found medicine to be fascinating.

After Wauseon High School, Lee Ann went to Ohio State University and graduated in 1985 to begin work with Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement. From there, Lee Ann went to Capital University to receive a Bachelor of Science in

Nursing and then began working at Riverside Hospital.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Ohio State University Medical Center, Lee Ann:• authored two chapters for

cardiology books and wrote three journal articles

• mentored twelve staff members to attend graduate school

• helped twenty-two staff members receive their critical carecertification.

Lee Ann worked with rural hospitals to train their staffs for open heart surgical units and lectured throughout the US on cardiology, thoracic and pharmacology topics.

Personal Reflections:In addition to her work schedule, forfifteenyears,LeeAnnworkedwith Mr. Cooley in placing his physiology students in observation rotationstofittheirinterests.Thesestudents worked side by side with professionals in nearly every hospital in Columbus. This type of hands-on experience led Lee Ann to her profession, so she was more than willing to help others.

Awards & Achievements:• Lee Ann was President of the

National Kidney foundation of Ohio and chaired a $400,000 fundraiser

• At Capital University, Lee Ann was honored as Student of the Year in 1995

• Lee Ann Welch married Chris Ruess and after the birth of twins, she took a job as a

faculty member in the college of nursing at Ohio State University. She has held that position for the last seven years.

Feedback to Wauseon High School:Lee Ann’s suggestion to all young people at Wauseon High School is to:Push yourself, try new things, realize that doing enough just to get by is NOT enough.. Take advantage of every new opportunity and follow your dreams!

Find a mentor, teacher, family friend or professional who can challenge you. ENJOY your years at Wauseon High School and work hard. You will be well prepared for life!

Lee Ann thanks Wauseon High School for the foundation of her education. She especially thanks Mr. Curt Cooley for challenging her.

Lee Ann (Welch) Ruess


Dolores Spieles was born in Ottoville, Ohio in 1940 and graduated from Ottoville High School in 1958. She attended Mary Manse College Teacher’s Cadet Program in Toledo. Doloresreceivedacertificateandwas teaching Grade Four at the age of 19 at Delphos St. Johns. In 1961, she married Jim Spieles of Delphos. They moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky as Jim had a military commitment for two years.

In 1964, the Spieles’s moved to Wauseon and in 1967, Dolores was hired as a Kindergarten teacher. Over the next nineteen years, Dolores managed to teach every grade K-8 in some manner.When she became the teacher of Gifted/Enrichment classes, Dolores redesigned the program into a 3-8 program as it remains today.

In part-time work, Dolores had completed her Bachelor degree through Bowling Green State University and went on to attain a Masters of Arts in Administration/Supervision at the University of Toledo. In 1987, Dolores was hired as principal at Patrick Henry. In the words of her former superintendent, “Dolores displayed great leadership abilities and made positive changes in the climate and culture in her building.” Dolores loved this position, but the need for quality professional development for educators was becoming even more pressing by

2000. Dolores became a Curriculum Consultant for the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center. Here, Dolores organized a Mentor/Entry year program that would allow beginning teachers in all twenty-three districts to be coached while attaining credit from Bowling Green State University without a cost to them or their mentor.

From this grant-based program, Dolores was led into many other NwOESC projects…being personally responsible for securing well over two million dollars in grant funding that was all geared toward improvement in teaching and learning.

Achievements and Awards:• Under Governor Taft and the

OhioREADS program in 2001, Dolores helped 150 Northwest Ohio buildings attain $60,000 each to renew reading processes.

• Created an annual Administrator’s Retreat to update district administrators.

• Createdthefirst:“FranklinB.Walter Teacher Appreciation Program” to honor teachers who are selected by their students. This program continues today for all twenty-three districts.

• Wroteandattainedthefirst21stCentury Grant in Northwest Ohio (one million dollars) for after school programs. Now, Wauseon is a recipient of the sequential evolvement of this program.

Service and Awards:• Designed a K-12 religious

education program for St. Caspar’s Catholic Church and directed this for twenty-nine years.

• Was named “Lay Teacher of the year” by the Toledo Diocese in 1978.

• Has been the “Teacher of Catechists” for many years.

• Served on many Wauseon Schools Committees: levy for Leggett Street School, co-chair for the campaign for the new Elementary and Middle school buildings and as consultant for the May 2011 levy.

• Received the “I Love Wauseon” award (jointly with husband Jim) from the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce for “improving the quality of life for Wauseon residents and generally promoting Wauseon”. - Oct. 2011

Family:DoloresandJimhavefivechildren(Becky, Julie, Chris, Doug and Jeff). All were excellent students and graduates of Wauseon High School. Jim and Dolores currently have eleven grandchildren, from ages six to twenty-three, all of whom are their greatest joy!

Recommendation Quote:Even though her career has taken her to many other districts, “Dolores has remained an Indian at heart..assuringthatallprogramsbenefitedher home of Wauseon, Ohio.”

Legends of Education

Educator for 39 Years - Wauseon Schools 1967-1987

Dolores Spieles


High School Teacher 1978-1991


Ed Perry was born in 1930 in Willard, Ohio, attended North FairfieldHighSchoolandSavannah-Clear Creek Butler High School. Ed graduated as salutatorian in 1948.

Ed volunteered for the military by joining the army in 1948 and was stationed mostly in the Panama Canal Zone until his discharge in 1952.

Ed worked his way through college, attending Gordon College of Theology and Missions in Boston, Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and ultimately obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from Wilmington College in Ohio. Ed was always self-supporting so he took eight years to complete his bachelor degree. Ed would not attend a semester until he had earnedsufficientfunds.

Edwin’sfirstteachingpositionwasas a math teacher in New Vienna, Ohio. He continued his graduate

studies at Bowling Green State University and obtained a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern Florida.

Edwin was hired into the Wauseon Exempted Village School district in 1978. Here, he was a teacher of math, English, speech, drama and the director of theater.

Unique Achievements:• Ed was instrumental in

beginning the Wauseon High School Band Camp in 1977.

• Ed not only created Summer Band Camp, but also participated for thirty-one years.

• Ed was known as “The Voice” of the marching Indians for thirty-one years

• Ed was hired to complete the new auditorium, from planning stages to participatory construction.

• Ed directed two plays or musicals each year. Ed cherished all of this as his “PRIDE and JOY”

Favorite Memories: Ed’s favorite activity was attending band camp. Ed shared in the cooking along with the orchestration of band routines. He created traditions, such as his rendition of “the Creation” which wasperformedaroundacampfire.Ed also cherished the special times spent with students.

Personal Life:• Ed married his “little spouse”

Bettie in 1990. He also cherished her son, Ron, and

his wife and children. They shared seventeen loving and adventurous years together.

• Faith was an integral part of Ed’s life as shown by his deep commitment to his church, mission trips and Habitat for Humanity.

• Students and people in his life were important to Ed. His cheery “Hi Guys” and a joke brought a smile to all who met him.

• A teacher till the end, Ed did some teaching at Northwest State and did substitute teaching after his retirement.

Ed died on November 2, 2007, at the age of seventy-seven. He donated his body to the University of Toledo for research. At the time of his death, his beloved “little spouse” and all family were with him as he joined the Hallelujah Chorus! May we all gain from Ed’s legendary example!

Edwin Perry


Agriculture Education Teacher 1968-2002


Jim Spiess was born in Wauseon, Ohio in 1942. He attended Pike-Delta-York Schools and graduated from Delta High School in 1960. From there, he attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965.

Jim then accepted a position teaching Agricultural Education for Delaware City Schools in Ohio, where he remained for three years. In 1968, he accepted a position as Agricultural Education teacher for Wauseon Schools, wherehetaughtforthirty-fiveyears. During this time, Jim taught many different agricultural classes for grades 8-12 and also served as an advisor for the Wauseon Future Farmers of America (FFA). He also conducted an Adult Education Series for ten weeks each winter.

In addition to his agricultural duties, Jim also served as an assistant track coach for twenty-nineyears,specializinginfieldevents for both boys and girls. During this time, the track teams won many league championships, and Jim coached the Ohio State shot put record holder.

Achievements/Awards:• Received Masters Degree in

Agricultural Education (Ohio State University, 1971)

• Developed Wauseon’s Agriculture Education Program to be recognized as a State Model Program

• Hosted and participated in the FFA International Exchange Program with students and teachers from Germany, South America, and Japan

• Had around 100 students receive their State FFA Degree, twenty-one students receive their American Farmer Degree, and three students become the Star State Award winner (best Agriculture Student in Ohio in a given year)

• Inducted into the Fulton County Agriculture Hall of Fame (1997)

• Received the Ohio Outstanding Agricultural Teacher of the Year Award (1988 & 1999)

• Selected Outstanding Ohio Vocational Teacher of the Year (1999)

• Received Honorary State FFA Degrees from Ohio and North Carolina

• Received Honorary American Farmer Degree

• Wasselectedasafinalistforthe top Vocational Teacher in the nation

• Awarded Best FFA Chapter in the Nation in the area of Community Service (twice)

Moments of Pride/Favorite Memories from Wauseon Schools:Jim is proud of the impact many of his former students have made professionally in their chosen careerfieldsandoftheleadershipskills they are using in their communities. One of his favorite memories is having developed an award-winning land lab and an outdoor conservation area used by Wauseon students and recognized by universities throughout the Midwest.

Family:Jim has been married to his wife Dee for forty-six years. They have two sons (Aaron & Adam) and a daughter (Allison). All were excellent students in Jim’s Agriculture Education Program and FFA. All three of Jim and Dee’s children, together with their two daughters-in-law and their four grandchildren, live in the Columbus area, so spending time in Columbus is one of their favorite retirement activities.

James A. Spiess

Denison University- 1951 Yale University M.A.- 1954Yale University Ph.D.- 1957Full Professor and Administrator at City University of New York (CUNY)- 1960-2005

Northwestern University- 1968University of Toledo Law School- 1973Common Pleas Court Judge- 1986-2011 (present)

Ferris State College B.S.- 1971 Harvard Medical School M.A.- 1974Harvard Medical School Ph.D.- 1975Endowed Professorship - Warner Lambert Parke-Davis 1986-2011 (Present)Professor of Molecular Biology, Princeton University 1986-2011 (Present)

Miami of Ohio B.S.- 1977 Miami of Ohio Dr. of Chiropractic- 1979University of Toledo Ph.D.- 1987National University of Health Science (NUHS)- 1986-2011 (Present)Professor/Dean of Research (NUHS)- 1997-2011(Present)

University of Michigan, Atmospheric Sciences Ph.D.- 1986CEO and Co-Owner of Scientific Solutions, Inc- 2011Director of Aricebo Observatory 2007-2008, 2011 (Present)

Miami University (Ohio)- 1988Georgetown University School of Medicine M.D.- 1992Clinical Associate- Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts General Hospital 1999-2011 (Present)

Superintendent- 1953-1973Taught Mathematics, Chemistry, and PhysicsYearbook dedication in 1963

Mathematics Teacher- 1954-1976Taught Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Mathematics, and CalculusYearbook dedications in 1959 and 1965

Science Teacher- 1964-2000Taught Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Chemistry, Astronomy, and Computer ScienceYearbook dedications in 1967 and 1996

Teacher/Guidance Counselor/Athletic Director- 1959-2000American Government 1959-64, Biology 1959-63Health/ Drivers Training/ Guidance Counselor/ Athletic Director 1963-2000Yearbook dedication in 1961

Teacher, Principal, and Special Education Director-1963-2005Taught Grades 1, 2, 4, Title 1 Reading, and Gifted ClassesDirector of Special Education and Elementary Principal for 22 1/2 Years

Science Teacher- 1968-2008Taught Biology and Human Anatomy and PhysiologyYearbook dedication in 1980 Yearbook “Spotlight” in 2005

Don WatkinsClass of 1945

James BarberClass of 1964

Thomas SilhavyClass of 1966

Gregory CramerClass of 1973

Robert Kerr Class of 1975

Michael Meuth Class of 1984

William Pees

James Spieles

Cloyce Leatherman

Curt Cooley

Larry Fruth

Carolyn Short

Ohio Wesleyan University – 1920Yale Law School (Bachelor of Law LLB)1927Yale Law School (Doctor of Law J.S.D)1928Worked for Federal Government as an authority on International Law (1929–1970)

Ohio State University – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – 1951University of Rochester – Masters of Radiation Biology – 1957National Naval Medical Center/Radiobiology Research 1961-1969Command Veterinarian at Andrews Air Force Base until 1973 and Command Veterinarian at Pacific Air Force Base in Hawaii until 1978

Huber Buehrer started his firm, Buehrer & Stough Architects and Engineers in January 1953. In 1984, the name became Buehrer Group Architecture and Engineering. Huber has been active for 59 years and has designed approximately 80 schools, 15 college buildings and approximately 100 churches.

Bowling Green State University, BA in Biology – 1950 University of Michigan, Master of Public Health – 1954 Honorary Dr. Public Health Degree from Bowling Green State University – 2009Medical College of Ohio– Co-Coordinator and Program Director of Health Education– 1975-1992Elected Clerk of Courts and re-elected to serve for thirty-three years (1976-2010)Member of Legislative Committee for Ohio Clerk of Courts Association in 1983, 1985 and 1987.Retired in 2010 after 53 years of full-time employment with state-wide acclamation for her achievements.

President emeritus of Board of Church Extension, served as financial and building planning consultant to congregations and judicatories of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Beginning as a general representative in 1958, he held key officer positions, ending his active service as president from 1980-1995

Ohio Northern University - 1967-1970 Ohio State University - 1971Ohio State University (Doctor of Dental Surgery) - 1976 Dr. Robert Lockman Family Dentistry in hometown of Wauseon, OhioServed up to four generations of some families 1976-2012 (present)Ohio State University – 1985 Capital University, BSN – 1995 Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Ohio State University Medical Center from 1995 – 2005Clinical Faculty Member in College of Nursing at Ohio State University from 2005 – 2012 (present)Taught kindergarten and every grade in some manner from K – 8Designed Gifted Program for grades 3–8 as it remains to this day in Wauseon SchoolsServed as a principal and curriculum consultant for Northwest Ohio Education Service Center

Taught Math, English, Speech, Drama and was the Director of TheaterStarted Band Camp in 1977Voice of The Marching Indians for 31 years

Taught Agricultural Education classes at Wauseon High SchoolWauseon FFA Advisor, 1968 – 2002 Coached track and field, 1971-2000Outstanding Agricultural Teacher Of The Year in Ohio, 1988 and 1999

Marjorie WhitemanClass of 1915

Leslie J. SeigneurClass of 1945

Huber BuehrerClass of 1945

Ned BakerClass of 1945

Mary (Thierry) GypeClass of 1946

Harold Watkins Class of 1946

Robert LockmanClass of 1967

Dolores Spieles

Lee Ann (Welch) RuessClass of 1981

Edwin Perry

James A. Spiess

whs academic hall of fame 2012 program

Documents

wauseon school website

school orchestra

prestigious school

yale law school

high school debating

room country school

wauseon schools website

marjorie whitemanmarjorie