Canton South Hall of Distinction

Ray Hexamer

Ray Hexamer graduated from Canton South High School in 1979 and attended the University of Akron, earning a B.S. in Business Management/Marketing. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with extensive experience in broadcasting, telecommunications, and economic development.

As CEO/President of the Stark Economic Development Board, Ray spearheaded initiatives that resulted in record-breaking job creation, payroll increases, and capital investments in Canton, Ohio. He was pivotal in community efforts such as the Strengthening Stark initiative and the Hall of Fame Village Project.

Ray’s professional journey includes serving as CEO of First Communications, where he significantly increased company revenues and facilitated a successful sale. At Beaverkettle Broadcasting, he boosted advertising revenue and oversaw the profitable sale of WHBC AM/FM.

Ray is deeply involved in community activities. He currently chairs the Stark Education Partnership and serves on the Visit Canton Board. His past roles include General Chair of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival, President of the Ohio Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters, and Vice Chair of the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation Board.

Ray has been recognized with numerous accolades throughout his career, including the 2023 Job Ohio/Team NEO Regional Economic Development Champion award for advancing economic development in Northeast Ohio. He has also been named one of the top Ten “Best Managers in Radio” three times by Radio Ink Magazine and was honored as the Canton Advertising Club’s Ad Person of the Year.

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Dr. Heath A. Jolliff

Dr. Heath A. Jolliff, a 1984 Canton South High School graduate, has dedicated his career to emergency medicine and medical toxicology. He earned his B.S. from Wright State University in 1988 and his D.O. from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993.

Dr. Jolliff completed his residency in emergency medicine at Grandview Hospital in 1997 and a fellowship in medical toxicology at the University of Colorado in 2001. In 2021, he completed an executive coaching program to help healthcare professionals overcome burnout.

His dedication to patient care and medical education has earned him numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Emergency Medicine Faculty Award, Educator of the Year, and the EM: RAP Challenge Coin Award for Excellence in Humanity & Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Jolliff is an active member of several esteemed medical organizations, such as the American College of Emergency Medicine, the American College of Medical Toxicology, and the Ohio State Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and the American College of Medical Toxicology.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Jolliff is deeply committed to animal welfare. He volunteers with and supports local humane organizations, including the Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Friends of the Franklin County Dog Shelter, and others.

Rick Knight

Rick Knight, a lifelong resident of the Canton South area, has dedicated over 50 years to the Canton Local School District as a teacher, coach, administrator, and board member. A 1969 Canton South High School graduate, Rick earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Georgetown College before returning to his hometown in 1973 to begin a distinguished career in education.

After several years of teaching, he was appointed assistant principal in 1998, became head principal from 2000-2005, and later returned as assistant principal from 2008-2011.

Rick’s commitment to students extended beyond the classroom and into athletics. He coached Canton South football from 1976 to 2001, serving as head coach from 1995-1997. His long-standing role in track and field, beginning in 1974, continues today as he volunteers as a track coach. His leadership also extended to middle school boys and girls basketball, further showcasing his dedication to youth sports.

After retiring from his administrative role, Rick continued to serve the community by joining the Canton Local Board of Education in 2013, where he served two terms as president.

His commitment to both education and community service is further reflected in his active involvement at Mt. Zion Church, where he chairs the administrative board, leads the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee, and teaches Sunday School.

Rick’s lifelong dedication to education, athletics, and community service has earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Canton Local Athletic Hall of Fam

Jill Mason Miller

Jill Mason Miller, a 1971 Canton South High School graduate, earned her sociology degree from Malone University. She began her career with the Ohio Youth Commission and served as Girls’ Director at the Canton YMCA, starting numerous programs.

Jill held pertinent roles with Summit County Children’s Services, where she identified a critical gap in support for youth aging out of foster care. She founded the P.A.L. Mission (Preparation for Adult Living) in Stark County, providing essential support and housing for young adults. Jill expanded the P.A.L. Mission concept to Tuscarawas County, including a job training site in New Philadelphia.

Her innovative approach has earned her numerous awards for her dedication to youth and community service, including the Stark Education Service Center Champion for Students Award, Stark County YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame induction, Malone University Alumni Merit Award, City of Canton Community Excellence Award, Stark Minority Services Golden Dove Award, National Child Welfare League Merit Award, and Social Worker of the Year.

Jill founded the JoyFULL Life Program for Senior Adults in Canton Township, co-founded the Canton Township Historical Society, and served as Volunteer Coordinator. She currently serves as Outreach Coordinator for Compassion Delivered, a nonprofit meal delivery service for those with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Jill and her husband, Charlie, have been meal delivery drivers for the program for over five years, and in 2021, Compassion Delivered selected them as Volunteer Delivery Drivers of the Year.

Julie E. Washington

Julie Washington, a 1978 Canton South High School graduate, earned a B.A. in Journalism at The Ohio State University. She has had an illustrious career at The Plain Dealer for 42 years, where she currently serves as the health reporter for Cleveland.com. Inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame in 2023, Julie began her career as an arts and entertainment reporter and was promoted to home and garden editor in 2011.

During the COVID pandemic, she transitioned to medical technology reporter. She held fellowships at the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and the University of Chicago Science Journalism.

Julie’s early life showcased her academic and leadership abilities. She attended Trump Elementary and Walker Jr. High School. While at Canton South, she was active in marching and concert band, girls’ glee, theater, and speech, and helped organize one of the first Black History Month assemblies.

Outside of journalism, Julie is deeply involved in her community, contributing to Cleveland’s DEI Leadership Panel, Advance Ohio’s diversity and inclusion committee, the Association of Health Care Journalists, and the Society for Creative Anachronism, a living history organization promoting pre-1600 arts and sciences.

Dr. Jon Ash
Canton South High School 1983 graduate.

Dr. Ash attended The University of Akron on a basketball scholarship and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1987. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University and the Academy of Operative Dentistry award in 1991.

In 1991, he returned to Canton to open his private practice in general dentistry. Dr. Ash immediately immersed himself in professional, civic, and community organizations to begin giving back to the Canton South community and the community at large. In 1990, he and the Ash family started a scholarship program for Canton South scholar athletes to give back to Canton South High School and honor their father, Charles “Red” Ash.

Professionally, Dr. Ash has volunteered with programs like Give Kids A Smile, Canton Community Clinic, Mercy Dental Residency, and at local schools, ensuring that underserved

children and adults receive access to dental care. He, his wife Dr. Dorene Ash, and family are members of the Chapel at Green, where through the church, have frequented the Yucatan Peninsula for dental mission trips to serve the Mexican and Mayan people. In 2015 he was also elected as a Fellow of The Pierre Fauchard Academy, an International Dental Honor Organization.

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Marty Bowe

Canton South High School 1988 graduate and valedictorian.

Bowe attended the Air Force Academy, graduating in the top 2% of his class with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

He received his Master of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering in 1994 from The Ohio State University, becoming the first person to have completed the program in 12 months. After 8 years as an active-duty Air Force Officer, Bowe became a champion for students and public education, starting his career in education in 2001 with the Perry Local School District serving as IT director, business manager, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. In 2015 he joined the Stark County Educational Service Center as assistant superintendent.

Bowe is involved in many civic activities, including serving on the Boards of Canton South Rotary, Better Business Bureau, YMCA, and Aultman College, among others. He served in the reserves from 2001-2016 and is a Retired Air Force Lt. Col. and former Deputy Director for Ohio’s Air Liaison Officer Program.

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Coach Tim Miller

Canton South High School 1960 graduate, Canton South High School teacher, and head baseball coach 1965-1993. Coach Miller is a 1964 graduate of Ohio Northern University, where he won two letters in football and four letters in baseball. He was captain of the baseball team during his senior year.

In 1970, he received his master’s degree from the University of Akron. In honor of his success and commitment to the Canton South baseball program, the Board of Education named the Canton South baseball field in his honor in 2013.

Coach Miller taught math, science, and physical education at Walker Elementary then Faircrest Memorial Middle School for 29 years. During that time, he served as Canton South’s head baseball coach, with a total record of 404 wins and 244 losses. Coach Miller’s teams won the regional title four times, won the Federal League eight times, and earned one NBC championship.

Selected as Stark County Coach of the Year (1975), he coached in the 1984 All-Ohio Series. Coach Miller was inducted into the Stark County Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 and the OHSBCA in 1991. He was very active in the OHSBCA as a member of the Board of Directors, director of the All-Ohio Series, Clinic Director, and past president of the Association.

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Commissioner Bill Smith

Bill Smith is a resident of Canton Township, where he has made significant contributions to the

community and school district. For 14 years, from 2002 to 2016, he served as a Canton Township Trustee. Smith was elected as a Stark County Commissioner in 2016 and reelected in 2020 to serve an additional 4-year term.

A graduate of East Canton High School in 1974, Smith has been an integral part of the Canton business landscape since 1976, when he took over Smith’s Waco Market. His involvement extends beyond his market, as he expertly manages multiple commercial properties under Smith Properties. Throughout the years, Smith has been a member of numerous local organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Canton South, Canton South Jaycees, Canton South Athletic and Band Booster Clubs, and the Canton South YMCA, actively contributing to their mission.

Smith’s commitment to education and planning for Canton Local is evident through his dedicated service on the Canton Local Long Range Planning Committee and his vital role as\ a Levy Chairman. With his selfless dedication and diverse contributions, he remains a beacon of positive change for our schools, township, and the greater community.

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Nancy Kienzle Utterback Ph.D.

Teacher and Canton South Speech Coach 1969 – 1986.

Dr. Utterback earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech Communications and her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Akron. She taught English and speech at Canton South High School, earning honors such as Ohio Outstanding Speech Teacher (1980), Northwestern University Top Ten Outstanding Teachers in the U.S., and the Double Diamond Award for Speech Coaching Excellence, presented by the National Forensic League. In 1999 Dr. Utterback was inducted into the Ohio Speech and Debate Hall of Fame.

In 1986, she made a difficult decision to leave Canton South and establish Communicate Institute, a private enterprise, to spread her beliefs about effective communication and the reach of human potential. She would spend the next 25 years not only as a leading authority and presenter to hundreds of school districts throughout the Midwest, but she led management training to the highest levels of executive leadership across Ohio.

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A Canton South High School 1969 graduate, Babik attended Bowling Green State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and completed graduate work at several universities. Babik served active duty in the US Air Force for two-years and eight years in the reserves. After a successful career as a healthcare executive with several major medical groups, Babik retired in 2017 and is currently a healthcare consultant, providing services to physicians, group practices and healthcare systems. His commitment to giving back to his community is evident in the list of volunteer organizations he has served. In 2002, he was chosen by the citizens of Bowling Green to represent them as their Winter Olympics Torchbearer. Read full introduction

Lee J. Bowman was the Canton South Marching Band Director 1967-2001. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Bowling Green State University in 1966 and a Master of Science in education from the University of Dayton in 1985. A beloved teacher, Bowman distinguished himself by being a dedicated professional, developer of students and innovator. Under his leadership, Canton South’s band became a source of pride for the school and community. Bowman grew the band boosters into a strong organization that provided uniforms and equipment for students and financed numerous band trips. In addition, his bands were invited to perform at events such as the grand opening of Macy’s in NYC, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC and countless other community events and parades. Read full introduction

 

Clyde Brechbuhler served during World War II in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator, navigator and gunner and attended cadet training while in the military. He was the retired owner/operator of Brechbuhler Scales Inc. and their subsidiaries, serving as chairman of the board until his passing on Friday, January 23, 2015. Mr. Brechbuhler was a member of the Canton Local Board of Education from 1958-1965 during which time the long term vision for the district was established. Mr. Brechbuhler was a key contributor to the Canton Local school and community through his time, talents and resources. In 2002 through the generous donations of the Brechbuhler family, the CSHS stadium was renovated and the stadium was named in his honor. In 2017, Canton Local Schools named its new stadium in his honor, as well. Read full introduction

Dr. Martha Cook was a Canton Township (South) High School 1943 graduate and CSHS guidance counselor from 1962-1980. Dr. Martha J. Cook has been an educator for over fifty-five years. She earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching license from the Ohio State University, master’s degree and licensure in counseling from Kent State University, and a doctorate in education. She was named Teacher of the Year at Sandy Valley High School in 1958. During her tenure at Canton South, Dr. Cook earned the Ohio Outstanding Counselor of the Year and Ohio School Counselor’s Research Award. Dr. Cook’s book, Grammar Toward Professionalism, has impacted leaders in industry and business across the nation to improve their speaking and writing skills. Dr. Cook is a professor-emeriti at Malone University, author and 20-year Senior Olympic champion. Read full introduction

Howard Jolliff was a Canton Township (South) High School 1956 graduate and CSHS principal from 1973-1993. Under the leadership of legendary coach Red Ash, Jolliff led the Wildcats to an unbeaten regular season in 1955-56 by scoring 21.5 points per game. An outstanding scorer and rebounder for the Ohio University Bobcats, he played two years of varsity basketball at Ohio University. After his junior year, Jolliff was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and became the first Bobcat to play in the National Basketball Association. He coached basketball and golf for two years at Ravenna and Jackson high schools. His Ravenna golf team won the 1966 state championship. Mr. Jolliff returned to Canton South High School to serve as principal and positively impacted students, staff and the community for 25 years. In 2013, he was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. Read full introduction

Melvin Lenzy graduated from Canton South High School in 1991 graduate. He played numerous sports at Canton South, including basketball, baseball and track. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a Masters in Sports Management from Xavier (OH) in 1996. Lenzy’s successful career as a marketing executive included positions with the Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Power Women’s Professional Basketball league, the University of Akron, EA Sports and the NFL. He joined NIKE in 2004, launching major footwear initiatives around the world and working with athletes such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Colin Kaepernick. Throughout his career, Mr. Lenzy has demonstrated a continued interest in the future of young Wildcats by donating shoes for entire Wildcat teams, providing items for fundraisers and serving as a speaker for our youth. He is currently the Chief Brand & Innovation Officer at Legends, founded by Jerry Jones and the Steinbrenner family. Read full introduction

Jim Abbott
A journeyman electrician, Mr. Abbott founded Abbott Electric in 1978. He and his wife have lived in Canton South for over 50 years and, along with their family, are tireless volunteers and generous supporters of the Canton Local School District and community. In 1985, Mr. Abbott and Ralph Martinelli established the Wildcat fund, preserving athletic programs and offerings for students during a difficult financial time. Read full introduction 

Barbara (Ferren) Cush
A Canton South 1953 graduate, Mrs. Cush served as secretary to the principal and guidance department at Canton South High School and Walker Elementary School. She was inducted into the Canton South Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015, a tribute to her dedication and years of service as member and treasurer of the Canton South Athletic Booster Club. Read full introduction 

William Hayden
A Canton South 1946 graduate, Mr. Hayden was a Korean War veteran serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He started his teaching career in Canton Local in 1955, becoming a principal in 1959. He was named superintendent in 1964, a position he held for 23 years. Mr. Hayden was honored as “Ohio Superintendent of the Year” in 1978. The Hayden Career Technical Annex was dedicated in his honor. Read full introduction 

Dr. Rosemary Johnson
Dr. Johnson joined Canton Local in 1974 as the Director of Confluent Education. In 1977, she became the Director of Human Relations. In 1980, she was named principal of Trump Elementary School, and in 1984 was named Faircrest Memorial Junior High Assistant Principal. Dr. Johnson was named superintendent in 1986, becoming the first female superintendent of Canton Local Schools. She was the second African-American woman in Ohio to be appointed superintendent of a school district. Read full introduction 

Dr. David King
A Canton South 1979 graduate, Dr. King graduated with honors with a Doctor of Optometry Degree from The Ohio State University. He opened King Eye Center in 1987 in China Grove, North Carolina. Dr. King has volunteered for decades providing free eye care to those in need through community clinics, at state prisons and through mission trips to Guatemala. Dr. King has also displayed a strong commitment to the growth and development of his local community through his service to the local board of health and other organizations aimed at helping underserved populations. Read full introduction 

Amos McDannel
Amos McDannel served as a teacher and principal in the Canton Local School District for 48 years. In 1955, the district named an elementary school in his honor. Mr. McDannel was recognized for his loyalty to his fellow man and God, which was exemplified by his concern and compassion for children. Read full introduction 

Ida McDannel
Known as the “first lady of Canton Local Schools.” Mrs. McDannel shared her husband’s passion for education, serving on PTAs and planning events for children and families. The beloved couple made it their life-long practice to help young people obtain an education and become successful in their chosen careers. Read full introduction 

Charles Red Ash
A Canton South High School teacher, Red coached football, basketball and baseball. During his 37-year tenure he was one of Stark County’s winningest coaches and was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. After retiring from education, he was elected and served in the Ohio General Assembly. Read full introduction

First Lieutenant Sharon Lane, RN
A Canton South 1961 graduate, Sharon graduated from the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing before joining the U.S. Army Nurse Corps Reserve. She was the only American nurse killed as a direct result of hostile fire in Vietnam. Read full introduction

Louis “Lou” Mikunda
A Canton South 1943 graduate, Lou was a beloved CSHS Booster Club member, basketball scorekeeper, football equipment manager, baseball field groundskeeper, team bus driver and Kiwanis summer baseball team coach. Read full introduction

Dr. Harold Walker
Dr. Walker began his teaching career in 1953 at Canton South High School. After two years, he was appointed principal of Amos McDannel Elementary School. At the age of 30, Dr. Walker was named Superintendent. Through his insight, determination and untiring efforts, he brought community-centered and child-centered education to the district. Read full introduction