Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during your time at WHS?
A: I was a Manager on the football team and involved in the Advisory Board.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your high school years?
A: The friends that were made and kept over the years. Many of us have stayed in touch over the last 45 years, and to this day, many of us talk regularly no matter where we live. I have been lucky to have lived throughout this big, beautiful country, and whenever I returned home for an event, it was like old times with old friends. I value the bonds that were built while at WHS — they are highly valued, and some I’ve known since grade school.
Q: What have you gone on to achieve since graduation?
A: Although I have been in sales for most of my working life, I have been blessed to become a film actor in over 30 movies, national and regional ads, as well as photo shoots with the internationally known photographer David Yarrow. I plan to continue acting now that I am living back home.
My success in life has allowed me to involve myself in several philanthropic endeavors, including building and being the Founding Executive Director of the Southwest Montana RiteCare Speech Clinic based out of Bozeman, Montana.
As I have said, I have been blessed. I joined the Freemasons in 2005 and have been extremely active ever since, holding office in many of the orders. I have climbed the ranks within the organization to the point of being Knighted in several Masonic Orders including the Knights Templar, The Knights of Sir Thomas of Acon, and the Royal Order of Scotland. The last two are invitation-only orders, and I have served at the state level for several years, which has allowed me to serve the communities that I have lived in.
Q:What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Being a proud parent of three wonderful children who have grown into their own successful lives.
Q: How did your time at Massillon help prepare you for life after high school?
A: Between the drive instilled in me through both school in Massillon and my parents, it taught me that no matter how tough things get, you always pick yourself up one more time than you get knocked down. Life can be tough — be tougher, and never give in or up. Keep fighting like the Tiger we are. Excuses are for the weak, resolutions are from the strong… Be resolute in all you do!
Q: What advice would you give to current Tigers?
A: Life is about what you make of it. No excuses. Determine your destiny. Don’t let others do it for you, and only look back if it makes you smile. Just keep in mind that when you look back, you can’t see where you are going. Don’t look for reasons to fail — look for ways to succeed, even if it means starting over.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with fellow alumni?
A: Yes, thank you all for your love, friendship, and support over the years. We do not become who we are without all of you helping to lay the building blocks of our life.
Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!