Kent Schools 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

At its regular meeting in November, the Kent Board of Education approved the selection of the Class of 2012 Kent City Schools Hall of Fame, which includes Jeff Bentley, John Bissler, Muriel Edwards, Nancy Greer Hansford and Maryalice Seaholts.

They will be honored, along with those selected for the Class of 2011, at a dinner and community ceremony on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at .

Established in 1999, the Hall of Fame recognizes graduates of Theodore Roosevelt High School and others who have made exceptional achievements
in their field or unique contributions to the Kent community. Permanent plaques commemorating each honoree are displayed in the Roosevelt auditorium atrium.

Jeff Bentley was the first state champion in any individual or team sport in Roosevelt’s history when he won first place in the “AAA” state wrestling tournament as a senior. As a junior, he placed fourth in the 1979 state wrestling tournament and was also a member of the golf team, which won sectional and district championships and placed eighth in the “AAA” state tournament. As the
top senior golfer, his team placed tenth. When he graduated in 1980, Bentley
had four high school tournament appearances. He was a four-year, Division I letterman at Indiana University, where he had a full-ride scholarship and qualified for the NCAA national wrestling tournament in 1981.

A 1979 graduate, Dr. John Bissler has dedicated his professional life to improving the health and comfort of those with kidney disease in both his pediatric medical practice and internationally acclaimed research. A graduate of NEOUCOM, he holds the Clark D. West Endowed Chair of Nephrology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he is director of the Nephrology Fellowship Training Program and Associate Program Director for Research and Academic Careers. He is also a professor in the Department of Pediatrics with a secondary appointment in Cancer and Cell Biology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. A distinguished researcher, he has authored more than 65 medical research papers, received numerous grants and holds 11 U.S. patents.

Muriel “Sam” Edwards, main office secretary at Roosevelt High School, is a goodwill ambassador for the , fostering a positive and friendly relationship with students, staff and community members. She serves as an invaluable, dependable resource and her skills and knowledge help others be successful. On a daily basis, she challenges students to be responsible and accountable. She has been a dedicated supporter of Roosevelt’s athletic programs and a ticket taker at games and matches for more than 25 years.

Nancy Greer Hansford, a 1947 graduate, served her hometown of Kent as mayor from 1982 to 1986. Elected Portage County Commissioner, she served from 1987 to 1991 and then joined the Akron Regional Development Board as Assistant Director of Finance and Senior Loan Officer. Later, she worked as Regional Training Coordinator and in the Economic Development Office, Region 9. Active in many groups, Hansford is a longtime Kent leader and tireless volunteer.

Maryalice Seaholts taught music in the Kent City Schools for 28 years, directing and accompanying all elementary music programs. Retired in 1986, she continues to accompany vocal music performances at . She has been actively involved in the Orchestra Society, serving as president for 23 years. Committed to the Kent community for more than 55 years, Seaholts is an active volunteer in a number of organizations.

Those selected for the Hall of Fame 2011 Class include Paul Amodio, Glen Apseloff, Gary Eckert, Charles “Chuck Lucas, Emma Owen and Carter Strang.

A 15-member committee of school and community members made the final selections for the Hall of Fame. Nomination forms are available at Superintendent Joe Giancola’s office at 321 N. DePeyster in Kent or at www.kentschools.net.