2013 Roll of Recognition Recipients
Bill Moore
“Billy” Moore (as he was known to those close to him) was a life-long member of our community. As a graduate of Butler High School he not only displayed athletic skills in football, basketball, and baseball, but also was chosen as the outstanding senior. Following his graduation from Earlham College (where he continued to be a strong athlete, he returned to Vandalia to teach and coach. One of Bill’s nominators describes him as a “mentor and role model who had a positive influence on young people for 30 years.” Another of his colleagues describes him as “cool, calm, and accomplished in all he endeavored.” Butler’s wrestling team earned six championships during Bill’s tenure as coach.
Bill and his wife, Vicki, of 35 years, each devoted 30 years to the students of the Vandalia-Butler Schools. Their daughter, Denise, was wearing purple and gold as a youngster. She learned to serve as a “mat-maid” during wrestling tournaments. In retirement Bill enjoyed coaching for Troy and Tipp City. Although his battle with cancer ended earlier this year, he will be remembered by those with whom he taught and coached for many years to come.
Harold & Juanita Wampler
Harold and Juanita Wampler have contributed a combined 80+ years of their lives to the students in our schools. Originally from a small town in Kentucky, Harold and Juanita headed to Ohio following his service in the Navy and the completion of their education at Eastern Kentucky University. After a brief period in Piqua, Ohio, they landed in the Vandalia area: Harold teaching high school math and Juanita teaching science and finally becoming a counselor at Smith Junior High School. They chose to live in the Butler Township area and raise their daughter, Elizabeth Ann, in our schools.
Although Harold is no longer with us, his influence remains strong among those with whom he taught. He worked diligently with students to insure that each one understood the material. One of his colleagues describes his teaching style as “caring and kind”. The subject matter was math but more importantly he demonstrated that persistence and hard work are the foundation for success in life.
As a counselor at Smith Juanita did an outstanding job of working with students from 5th – 8th grades. She was supportive and encouraging of all students, but also left no “stone unturned” should issues stand in the way of a student achieving academic success. She understood that family life affected school life and knew just how to handle a situation so that the child would benefit. Juanita also genuinely cared about all those with whom she taught. The staff at Smith School was her “work family”.
Harold and Juanita were partners in life and in their work. They made a good team.
Ralph Clay
Ralph Clay served as the principal of Morton Junior High School from 1969-1990. Mr. Clay did not “work at Morton, he WAS Morton”, says one of his nominators. Another teacher who worked under Mr. Clay said that he was “an inspiring leader, a firm but fair disciplinarian, and someone who developed a good relationship with parents and the community.” When Mr. Clay came to Vandalia he brought his administrative assistant with him from West Carrolton. She describes her long time boss in Mr. Clay’s own words: “fun, fair, and flexible.”
Ralph was born and raised in Virginia. He received his Bachelors’ Degree from Concord University in West Virginia where he also played football. Go Mountain Lions! He furthered his education at several universities, finally earning a Masters’ Degree from Wright State University. As a veteran of the Korean War, he is a strong patriot. Upon his retirement in 1990, Mr. Clay formed a tour company that planned extended out-of-state field trips for schools. The company was called “Classic Students Tours”. His administrative and educational experiences were important to the success of this company.
Bill Hibner
Bill Hibner and his wife, Sandy, are long-time residents of Vandalia. Bill and Sandy have raised four children who graduated from Butler High School: Bill, Jr., Jason, Nathan, and Allison. Bill graduated from The University of Dayton, then earned his Masters in Architecture and MBA from Miami University. Returning to the Dayton area brought Bill to Vandalia where he was the architect for a local design-build firm. Later he formed his own company and continues to work in the construction field in and around the Dayton area.
Bill’s “Never Say NO” attitude has offered him many opportunities over the years. He has served in leadership roles for several civic groups: Rotary Club and Vandalia Sister Cities to name two. Bill brought the international focus of both organizations to local business members and students. Bill served on the Vandalia Planning Commission and was elected to the Vandalia-Butler School Board. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Monroe Federal Savings & Loan and the Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery Association. When the Auditorium Renovation Team was formed to remodel the BHS theater, Bill volunteered his time and expertise to assist with fundraising and the building process. The success of that project can be directly attributed to citizens like Bill who were willing to share their skills and serve the community.
Past Recipients
- 2012 – Cathy Stelzer-Petersen, Lonnie Hathaway & Lenny Maenza, Teri Krimm Rizvi
- 2011 – John Sferro, Hank Owings, Eric Jerardi
- 2010 – Jack Hollon, Jean Maychack, Chad Follick
- 2009 – David Amlin, Sharon P. Zimmers, Steve Dent
- 2008 – Jon LeCrone, Judy Blanton, Ken Smith
- 2006 – Dana Shoup, Greg Bush, Steve Pelfrey
- 2003 – Schellas Hyndman, Bill Seagraves, Helen Lawson & Barbara Montgomery
- 2002 – Gloria Esposito Bischoff, Doug Knight, Tomi Hacker and Helen Taylor
- 2001 – Charles Lamb, Jr., Larry Taylor, Guy Bishop and Doug Race
- 2000 – Joe Cassano, Dr. Robert Prophater, Mary Ann Weitzel and Bobby Palsgrove
- 1999 – Charlie Henger, Barb Heid, Harold Wherry and Sue Anthony
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