This year’s inductee are:
Distinguished Alumnus - Scott Berkey ’70
Scott attended the Academy for four years during which time he played soccer, was the basketball team manager and worked on the school newspaper. Scott went on to graduate from University of Pittsburgh. At the age of 20, he started his own specialty advertising business which today is an extraordinarily successful enterprise. A true entrepreneur, he has invested in many business start-ups including garages, gyms, construction, and rap music. He has supported many individuals and provided the opportunity for others to succeed.
Outstanding Teacher - Barbara Wilson
Teaching for over twenty years at the Grand River Academy, Barbara Wilson has tutored many of the students of GRA. A graduate of St. John’s High School and then Kent State University, she provides a sound base for many students, teaching them how to become better students. In his nomination of Mrs. Wilson, Mike Marquette ’99 said, “I would not be where I am today without her outstanding dedication to me as a student and a person.” A meticulous planner and gifted teacher, Mrs. Wilson has recently expanded her duties to the math classroom in addition to her Learning Center responsibilities.
Distinguished Service – Mark F. Polzin
Mr. Polzin earned a BS in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a JD from the Marquette University Law School. Before his recent retirement, he was President and CEO of Moreland Management Co. and he is currently a business consultant. A member of the Grand River Academy Board of Trustees, Mark’s excellent business experience and his negotiation skills were a major help in all aspects of our campus growth. During his Board tenure he served as Chairman for six years and chaired virtually every committee on the board. He was instrumental in the fundraising for the Academy’s two newest buildings, Skeggs Hall and the Bud Field Student Center. His many contributions are represented all over the Grand River Academy campus.
Outstanding Athlete - Roger McCaughtry ‘64
Roger McCaughtry was described by classmate George Finelli as “the top athlete in the school – no one could even challenge him.” Respected by his teammates, coaches, and teachers, Roger was also a top student. Roger attended Grand River Academy for five years right in the middle of the transition from elementary to secondary school. Even though we have very few athletic records from the time, Coach Lou DiFabio confirmed and reinforced Roger athletic skills. Roger received Varsity Letters in basketball and baseball, the only two interscholastic sports offered at that time. After receiving his BA from Hiram College, he returned to GRA to teach and coach wrestling and baseball.
ANNUAL GRA ALUMNI REUNION RECOGNIZES THE WOMEN WHO GRADUATED FROM THE ACADEMY!
On October 17, 2009, more than 70 alumni, families, and friends gathered at the Bud Field Student Center and Armington Hall for an evening of reminiscences and catching up with old friends.
The Class of 1964, the first graduating class of the modern Academy, led the way with 100ttendance at their 45th reunion. The class of two, Roger McCaughtry and George Finelli, had not been on campus together since their graduation, making the reunion a special evening for them and the Academy.
The 18 young women who are the only females to graduate from the modern Academy were featured in a power point presentation. Attendees Jennifer Mehall Lombardo ’80, Lisa O’Carz Harmon ’80, Karen Hewins Douty ’81, Sherri Hewins Morris ’86, and Suzanne Ferree Surface ‘89 were presented flowers.
After a delicious dinner in Armington Hall and the Hall of Excellence Induction Ceremony, the reunion unofficially continued at Quinn’s Restaurant (formerly the Clay Street Inn).
