One by one, those inducted Saturday night as part of the Galion City School District Hall of Fame Induction Dinner expressed appreciation for people in the city who helped them get there.
Robert W. Morgan, who graduated in 1955, was a well-known radio personality on the West Coast as an adult and incorporated Galion into his work by reading the Galion Inquirer on air and interviewing local personalities like then Police Chief John Swain.
Morgan, who died in 1998, was presented by friend Tim Kusner.
“He’s done so much in radio broadcasting,” Kusner said. “It’s an honor to accept this on behalf of his wife and daughter.”
Dr. Stanley Grogg, who graduated in 1963, has served in the pediatric medical teaching and research profession for over 40 years.
“This is where I grew up,” Grogg said. “I owe a lot to the community.”
John G. McWilliams, who graduated in 1965, is a professor at Golden Gate University in California.
His friend Ken Jarvis presented for him.
“It’s wonderful to honor him,” Jarvis said. “I wish he could have been here. He wanted to be here. He’s my best friend and the reason why my wife and I got together.”
Dave Spraw, who graduated in 1966, was also recognized for his work as an educator in the district.
“To be recognized for something I love doing is extremely rewarding,” he said.
Pastor James (Scott) Reynolds, who graduated in 1976, was a star basketball player for Galion and Mount Vernon College before finding redemption after being a drug user and international drug smuggler. He now pastors a small church in Knox County.
“It means everything to come back and be recognized at the place where I grew up,” Reynolds said. “This is the place I love.”
Retired Col. Shawn Mateer, who graduated in 1976, has served in the military for nearly 40 years.
“Galion gave me the base values to do what I did,” he said.
Gary Frankhouse, who graduated in 1989, has stayed active in the community and currently serves as the Executive Director for The Crawford County Partnership for Education and Economic Development and 20/20 Vision.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this group,” he said.
