Xenia Educational Endowment Fund (XEEF) announced Hall of Honor 2009 inductees

Five individuals will be inducted Feb. 21 during an awards banquet that is open to the public at Xenia High School.

The Xenia Educational Endowment Fund (XEEF) was organized in 1985 as a nonprofit organization to support programs that encourage achievement of the highest standards for Xenia students. XEEF is governed by a board that consists of representatives from the Xenia Education Association, the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce and the Xenia Board of Education.

The Hall of Honor was established by the XEEF Board of Directors to recognize those who have excelled in their fields and made a significant contribution to education in the Xenia community.  As role models for Xenia students, plaques honoring the inductees are displayed in the vestibule of Xenia High School.

Those being inducted this year include:

EDWIN B. COX

Xenia City Schools Superintendent

Educator

With his memory now honored at both Cox Stadium and Cox Elementary School, long-time Xenia City School Superintendent Edwin B. Cox served the community one year as an Assistant Principal and the following 34 years as Superintendent. A much-loved and respected educator, he was often referred to as “Daddy Cox” by the students he served.  During his tenure, several schools were constructed and he influenced the lives of thousands of children.  At the time of his death in 1912, 3,000 residents attended his funeral with all city businesses and grade schools being closed in his honor. The Greene County Court House was closed for two hours allowing employees to pay their respects. As just one tribute shares: “he was the hero of a thousand victories for the youth of the community.”

THOMAS J. CRAFT, SR., Ph.D

(Xenia) East High School Graduate

Educator/Scientist

A gifted educator and scientist, Thomas J. Craft, Sr., Ph.D., moved to Xenia from Monticello, Kentucky, as a 15-year-old to continue his passion for education and to obtain a high school degree.  Working on a private farm for his room and board, Dr. Craft graduated from East High School in Xenia and went on to obtain three college academic degrees. He has served at Central State University, Florida Memorial College and Wright State University as a Professor of Biological Sciences, Dean of Faculty, Division Director and Adjunct Professor of Anatomy. Dr. Craft also served for three years in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. His scientific research contributed to improved procedures in skin grafting and an understanding of how melanin in the skin affects the human body. As an educator, he impacted the lives of thousands of students. As a citizen, he has served on local, national and international boards.    

Wendell W. Cultice         

Xenia High School Graduate

Educator/Historian/Author

An educator for more than five decades, Wendell W. Cultice has served as a teacher, athletic coach and administrator throughout the United States. Following his graduation from Xenia High School, he obtained three degrees from Bowling Green State University. Also a prolific writer and historian, he is considered an authority on the issue of voting age and adolescent suicide. Following his educational career, he and his family moved back to Xenia. A four-year veteran of World War II, Cultice has served as the commander of the Foody-Cornwell Post #95 and is an active member of Kiwanis. Following retirement, he founded Cultice Associates, an educational consulting firm. His ability to communicate with everyone he meets regardless of age or background epitomizes his lifelong commitment to service.  

Robert A. Hagler

Xenia High School Graduate

Judge/Attorney

Excelling in both academics and athletics at Xenia High School, Robert A. Hagler went on to graduate from Denison University and The Ohio State University School of Law. Upon graduation, he returned to Xenia to practice law from 1965 to 1973; served as Assistant Prosecutor of Greene County from 1967 to 1970; and has been a Judge in the Greene County Common Pleas Court, Probate Division, since 1973.  He also served as Juvenile Court Judge from 1973 to 1995.  Active in protecting the community’s children outside the courtroom, Judge Hagler served on the Ohio Youth Commission Advisory Board, Greene County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board, United Way and is a past president of the American Red Cross, Greene County Branch. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Services Award from the Ohio Youth Commission, several superior Judicial Service Awards from the Supreme Court of Ohio and 2006 recipient of the Miami Valley Trial Lawyer Award.

Phyllis Robinette Nickoson

Xenia High School Graduate

Community Volunteer

With a life defined by volunteerism, citizenship and patriotism, Phyllis Robinette Nickoson followed graduation from Xenia Central High School with years of giving to her hometown.  She has been a member and served as president of the Post 95 American Legion Auxiliary Unit; member and director of Girls’ State; past president and served on the Xenia Old-Fashioned Days Festival Committee for the Xenia Business and Professional Women’s Club; member, Greene County Salon 204, American Legion Auxiliary; and member, Rebekah Lodge. She is an active member of Faith Community United Methodist Church. While working at Kroehler’s Furniture Manufacturing, the Ohio Veterans Children’s Home and Marilyn’s Country Catering, she found time to serve as a hands-on volunteer at Xenia High School, Warner Middle School and Shawnee Elementary School. She has also given her time as a Greene Memorial Hospital volunteer, working in the Coffee Shop, the Health Focus program and in other areas.

The XEEF Hall of Honor Banquet is a major fundraiser for XEEF, which provides both classroom grants to teachers and scholarships to graduating seniors.  Tickets are $20 and available from the Xenia Board of Education and the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce.

The banquet and induction ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Xenia High School.  Tickets cost $20 and are available from the Xenia Board of Education, Xenia High School, Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, Xenia Adult Recreation and Service Center and the Xenia Gazette News-Current.  Deadline for reservations is Feb. 9.  Patron and sponsor opportunities are also available.

For more information, call (937) 477-8151.

Past honorees in Xenia Community Schools Hall of Honor illustrate many accomplishments

Past inductees to the Xenia Community Schools Hall of Honor include educators, business leaders, physicians, veterinarians, engineers and other alumni who have excelled in their field, as well as community leaders who have made significant contributions to education for Xenia students.

Following are the current members of the Xenia Community Schools Hall of Honor:

            Class of 1999:

            Carl B. Adkins

            Helen B. Brantley

            Virgil M. Brantley

            William K. Richey

            Dr. Walter G. Sellers

            Class of 2000:

            Doug Adams

            Norman D. Aukerman

            Roger and Dianne Nash McMurrin

            Helen Hooven Santmeyer

            Colonel S.L. Stephan

            Class of 2001:

            John Barry Clemens

            Aaron Page

            Arthur M. Schlesinger, Sr.

            L. Ray Seilhamer

            Elizabeth Studebaker

            Class of 2002:

            Roberta “Toni” Alexander

            Phil Anderson

            William L. Eichman, Sr.

            Wanda Kress

            Eric Prindle

            Class of 2003:

            Kathryn Hagler

            Martha Lighthiser

            Robert T. Montgomery  

            Curtis Norman Symonds

            P.D. and Helen Pryde Wickline

            Class of 2004:

            Annette K. Clayton

            Maurice H. Docton, DVM

            Dr. Richard and Barbara Falls

            Monica Scott-Short

            R. J. Warner

            Class of 2005

            Barbara Block Bradfute

            Dr. Roscoe R. Braham, Jr.

            Margaret (Peg) Bradfute Fife

            Dr. Paul W. Marshall

            Verdin A. Moll

            R. David Warner, M.D.

            Class of 2006:

            Katherine Eckstrand

            Harry G. Johns

            Jack D. Jordan

            Conrad Leslie

            Gregory G. Lockhart

            Class of 2007:

            Carl H. Benner

            Robert N. Geyer

            Olive H. Huston

            Donald W. McNemar, Ph.D.

            Peter D. Stephan

Class of 2008:

Robert Apple

Robert W. Geyer

Michael Anderson

            Nancy Eckle, RN

Sue Ogilvie DeWine, Ph.D.