Twelve new inductees to the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame will be honored at a dinner and ceremony on April 5, 2025 at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center.
The Hall of Fame Classes of 2023 and 2024 were confirmed by the Kent Board of Education after receiving recommendations from the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.
Those selected for the Class of 2023 include: Stan Boykin, William Jeffers, Jeff Miller, Bill Wolcott and Dr. Karla Zadnik.
Members of the Class of 2024 include: Matt Campana, Art Edwards, Merry Ann Houser, Dr. Michael Messino, Joe Paoloni, Sandra Reid, and Dr. Randall Smith.
A 1968 graduate, Stan Boykin excelled as a three-sport athlete at Roosevelt and continued his athletic career at Kent State University where he was a 3-year starter and team captain. Boykin has been a major supporter of Kent youth and has shown great dedication to serving his community.
William Jeffers, a 1970 graduate, has 36 years of international experience overseeing programs in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Before retiring in 2012, Jeffers coordinated the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Department of Defense activities, aligning civilian and military efforts.
Jeff Miller, a 2002 graduate, is the author of The Nerdy Dozen series, published by Harper Collins and recently released The Rare Birds, a book based on his personal experience with his mother’s health journey. Jeff will be honored at the 2027 HOF event as he will be attending a wedding for his sister on April 5.
A 1945 graduate, Bill Wolcott, proudly served the Kent City Schools as a board member for 20 years and actively contributed to many positive contributions to the school district and community. Bill passed away in 2007.
Dr. Karla Zadnik, OD PhD (nee Henry), a 1975 graduate, is an optometrist who has dedicated her career to research and higher education. Dr. Zadnik rose through the faculty ranks at The Ohio State University, becoming the Dean of Optometry in 2014. Most recently, she has served as the interim dean of the College of Public Health and interim executive vice president and provost.
A 1984 graduate, Matt Campana is the owner of Corporate Motivation, a company aimed at creating platforms for businesses to target charitable missions through retreats, meetings and events. Campana founded the Hands of Gratitude program, which has provided 3D-printed prosthetic hands to over 5,000 recipients around the world.
Art Edwards was a dedicated educator and prolific championship coach for Kent City Schools from 1968 to 1993. Edwards coached the track and field team for 19 years where he achieved 14 Metro League Championships and held a record of 241-27-1.
Merry Ann Houser (nee Meeker), a 1966 graduate, dedicated her teaching career instilling in her students the important message of “getting along” and “accepting the difference of others.” As a middle school teacher, she created and directed a renowned sixth-grade puppet performing program from 2000 to 2012, inspiring over 7,000 second graders on the importance of cooperation and understanding.
A 1971 graduate, Dr. Michael Messino has spent 40 years committed to clinical oncology and research, supportive terminal care, and patient advocacy. Dr. Messino opened a practice in Asheville, North Carolina that extended regional oncology care to six rural communities and he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the governor.
Joe Paoloni, a 1968 graduate, was a standout member of the Roosevelt football and wrestling teams. Paoloni played a significant role on a successful Wittenberg University football team, being named to the All-Ohio Conference team twice and the DII All-American team. He started as right guard in the ’69 DII National Championship game where Wittenberg took home the national title.
A 1981 graduate, Sandra Reid (nee Burns), is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning at The Davey Tree Expert Company. She has earned the prestigious International Association of Business Communicators’ Strategic Communication Management Professional and Communications Management Professionals certifications and serves on numerous boards with leadership in local and national organizations.
Dr. Randall Smith, a 1972 graduate, spent his career as a surgeon, culminating in his founding of the the Western Reserve Surgical Center. Additionally, he was Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) before retiring in 2020. Dr. Smith is a life-long resident of Kent and has served his community in countless ways.
Established in 1999, the Kent City Schools 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.
A limited number of tickets remain available for the induction ceremony and dinner on April 5, 2025 at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center. Please call 330-676-7630 for more information.
