NEWS / BLOG

Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductions 2017 Cynthia Fensel Hilling (1958) Cynthia has devoted her life to community service. She founded and directed Ridgewood Pre-School for 50 years. Cynthia has held leadership positions in the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library, and Parma Hospital Foundation Board. She was a founding member of the CBS (Community, Business, Schools) Board and co-originator of the annual Rib ‘n Rock. Her enthusiasm, passion, and motivation, along with her heart and smile, inspire others to join her in taking part in any project benefitting her community and her students. Dr. Julie Jadlowsky (1999) Julie, valedictorian of the PSHS Class of 1999, earned her PhD. In Molecular Biology and Microbiology and has been a pioneer in the field of virology and immunology as it pertains to HIV. She has authored several scientific publications and been the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Lester O. Krampitz Award for outstanding pre-doctoral research at Case Western Reserve University. Julie is an active member of several professional organizations, including The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, The International [...]

Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductions 2015 Arlynn Schmidt Burton (1937) Arlynnwas a pioneer in the development of public libraries In the Greater Cleveland area. She served as Children’s Librarian at the very first Parma Library on Ridge Road and opened the first library in Brooklyn. Arlynn became the regional librarian for Maple Heights and collaborated with architects to convert a former school on Ridge Road into a library. She inspired others to appreciate the role of libraries in the culture of a community. Robert Emfield (1959) Bob was a very successful clothier in Minnesota before he co-founded the Tommy Bahama line of loose fitting silks and palm tree graphics designed to promote a relaxed image. They opened restaurants, merging retail with restaurant for eater-entertainment. In loving memory of his wife, Jan, Robert fulfilled her vision of creating the Garden of Hope, a 2.5 acre healing sanctuary for cancer patients located on the campus of the NCH Health Care System in Naples, Florida. Eugene Filipow (1957) Throughout a lifetime of volunteerism, Gene has given generously of his time, talent, and treasure. Gene [...]

Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductions 2013 Jim (1951) and Carol (Lisy)(1954) Bartel For more than fifty years Jim and Carol have devoted their time and talents to community service projects for the city of Parma. Jim worked as an air traffic controller and real estate salesman. Carol worked in the main office of Parma Senior High School and has been active with the PSHS Alumni Association. Karen A. Eterovich (1979) Karen has garnered national and international acclaim in the world of theater as an actress, director, and playwright. She has recently been focused on scholarly study of Jane Austen. Her passion for activism has driven Karen to promote equality for women in theatre. Nancy Ann Fedak (1966) For thirty years, Nancy taught Physical Education for the Parma City Schools during which time she developed a gymnastics program and wrote PhysEd curriculum. Nancy has been a tireless supporter of her Alma Mater, giving generously of her time, talent, and treasure. She assumed leadership positions in the Parma Senior High School Alumni Association, Parma City Schools Foundation, Byers Field Foundation, Ohio State Alumni Association, and other [...]

Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductions 2009 Sharen Bezik Althoff (1965) Sharen was a member of the PSHS debate team that reached the state semi-finals her senior year. That experienced provided the foundation for a stellar career as a math teacher and speech/debate coach. In the course of Sharen’s distinguished 21 year tenure at Wooster High School she developed a premiere program that brought local and national attention to her program, her students, and herself. Timothy P. Gilligan (1975) Timothy P. Gilligan is the youngest judge ever to be elected to the Parma Municipal Bench. He is noted for his community service as well as for initiating, supporting, and/or implementing several advances in courtroom procedure to improve efficiency and expediency. Judge Gilligan has a reputation for being a tough, creative judge who believes firmly in law and order and holding people responsible for their actions. Ronald B. Hutchings (1952) Ronald was a Parma Hts. FireFighter and served as Fire Chief from 1979 through 1992. Well respected in his field, Ronald served as secretary of the Northeast Ohio Fire Prevention Society and [...]