Below is information meant to be a tool to help your Region members formulate a plan for the selection of your recipient and the presentation of the Hall of Fame award in your region. See links at the right for:
The MASA Hall of Fame Award is presented to an individual in each region who has shown outstanding leadership and dedication career-long and beyond. This individual must have been a MASA member and must be a retiree.
This process is completed in the winter and the Award should is given no later than the March Region meeting.
MASA supports participation in the program by providing the award and promoting your recipient through a press release.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Linda Wacyk at lwacyk@gomasa.org 517.327.9268.
2011 Winners
Graydon Blank, Region 1
Mason R. Buckingham, Region 2
Marcia Bishop, Region 3
Al Broughton, Region 5
Dr. Wayne Petroelje, Region 6
Cindy Ruble, Region 7
Dr. Jeremy Hughes, Region 9
2010 Winners
Paul Ollila, Region 1
Thomas Pridgeon, Region 3
James W. Slick, Region 4
Dennis R. Hagey, Region 4
John Moore, Region 5
Robert Regan, Region 6
James A. Weeldreyer, Region 7
Oscar A. Brown, Region 9
2009 Winners
2008
Edward H. Kukuk, Region 1
Ronald G. Berg, Region 2
Dr. Mike Washburn, Region 3
Thomas Gilstad, Region 4
William H. Tunnicliff, Region 5
Daniel G. Pappas, Region 6
Daniel C. Pratley, Ph.D., Region 7
William Putney, Region 9
2007
Gordon G. Barkell, Region 1
Thomas Ross. Region 2
Bert Bleke, Region 3
Robert Rhode, Region 4
Robert Burek, Region 5
Halsted Beatty, Region 6
Patricia Reeves, Region 7
Joseph Koziol, Region 8
Dr. Kenneth S. Burnley, Region 9
2006
Mr. Webster D. Morrison, Region 1
Mr. John Walkley, Region 2
Dr. George Woons, Region 3
Dr. Phil Hartman, Region 4
Mr. Burdette W. Andrews, Region 8
Dr. Thomas D. McLennan, Region 9
C. Robert Maxfield, Region 9
2010 Winners
MASA is very grateful to these members who have taken MASA’s slogan “Your Success, Our Passion” and applied it to their career and to their lives. These individuals have influenced the lives of many children, colleagues, and friends, and their work and accomplishments will not be forgotten.
Thank you again to all Hall of Fame winners, and congratulations on all your achievements.
Paul Ollila
Retired Supt from Copper County Intermediate School District
MASA Member for 21 years
Region 1
Paul Ollila was selected for his instrumental role in promoting distance learning technology in local schools. Mr. Ollila also developed an area-wide Career Tech Center during his tenure as Superintendent of the Copper Country ISD. He retired in 2004 after 12 years in the position. Mr. Ollila was recently appointed to the Michigan Technological University Board of Control by Governor Granholm.
Thomas Pridgeon
Retired Supt from Greenville Public Schools
MASA Member for 30 years
Region 3
Thomas Pridgeon was selected for his dedication to education throughout his adult life. Nominators say his leadership and administrative skills have left every organization he has touched better than he found it. “His sincere interest in doing what is best for students has driven him to lead with honesty and compassion, and to make significant contributions with a lasting impact for many years,” said Pete Haines, current superintendent of Greenville Public Schools. Pridgeon served as superintendent of Greenville Public Schools from 1990-1998, and also served as superintendent of the Olivet and Valders school districts. During his time in Greenville, he led the passage of two building initiatives that resulted in a $50 million investment in the education of Greenville students. Following his retirement, he has continued to impact the Greenville community as president of the Education Foundation of Greenville and as a member of the Spectrum Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. “Tom’s greatest strengths are his interpersonal and leadership skills, his passion for public education, and his interest in continually growing and learning personally,” continued Haines. He has remained active in the Greenville community where he and his wife continue to reside.
James W. Slick
Retired Supt from St. Charles Community School
MASA Member for 10 years
Region 4
James Slick was selected for his continued involvement with regional schools and service groups. Slick has given back a great deal to education and community foundations in the Saginaw County area. Slick served as the superintendent of St. Charles Community Schools for ten years from 1988-1998. During that time he served as a regional officer going though the ranks as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and President for Region IV of MASA. Jim also served on the board of the School Equity Caucus and was very involved in many of the activities and changes that evolved during that time. He was also very active in the legislative process, working tirelessly with legislators at the state level. Since retiring, Jim has continued to maintain a presence in civic and community endeavors around Saginaw County, including serving as a member of the Lions Club, serving on the Hartley Nature Center Foundation Board, and serving as President of the St. Charles School Foundation board. In that capacity he has tirelessly raised funds to benefit students of the district. Jim also worked with Saginaw Valley State Univeristy (SVSU) supervising student teachers for six to seven years and was involved in working for Wolgast, helping pass School Bond Proposals with Birch Run, AuGres, Lakeville, Bullock Creek, Atlanta, St. Louis, and most recently Saginaw Township.
Dennis R. Hagey
Retired Supt from Breckenridge Community Schools
MASA Member for 17 years
Region 4
Dennis Hagey was selected for being known as an excellent school district leader who is always looking out for the best interest of the students. “I have nothing but the highest regards for Dennis Hagey and his years of leadership, all while serving as a member of MASA” said Rudy Godefroidt, superintendent of Hemlock Public Schools. Dennis has mentored several administrators who have gone on to successful careers in education administration, including Mr. Godefroidt, who describes Hagey as being “excellent in the area of school finance and his skill is recognized as very valuable indeed. “ Hagey has held numerous positions since retiring in 2002; his ability to work as a temporary principal or superintendent is remarkable and he is well thought of in the educational administration field. While superintendent of Breckenridge Community Schools, Jeff Jennette, was called to active duty with the National Guard and deployed in Iraq, Dennis returned to weather the storm and lead the district at a very difficult time when finances and demands on school resources were and still are at an all time high.
John Moore
Retired Supt from Tuscola ISD and North Huron Schools
MASA Member for 32 years
Region 5
John Moore was selected for his 40 years in education, 33 of which as a superintendent. Moore was well respected as an educational leader and innovator during his tenure. After serving as High School Principal in the North Huron district, Moore served as superintendent for North Huron for 20 years and then spent 12 years as Tuscola ISD Superintendent. When his career as an educator concluded, he remained active in the field by starting Thumb Educational Services, supplying administration and support staff to numerous Michigan schools. In addition to his work placing educational leaders, Moore continues to provide outings and seminars. He has been a member of MASA for 32 years, serving as High School Principal, Superintendent in two districts, and Deputy Superintendent.
Robert Regan
Retired Supt from Haslett Public Schools
MASA Member for 19 years
Region 6
Robert Regan was selected for the 31 years he spent working in public education. Mr. Regan can be described as “an educator who truly cares about students.” During his tenure at Haslett Public Schools, he passed two bond issues and one millage enhancement that significantly expanded, refurbished, and modernized Haslett Public Schools. He established the Meridian High School, which became a model for alternative high schools throughout the state of Michigan. Regan was also instrumental in forming a partnership with Michigan State University to expand the Wilkshire Early Childhood Center. Mr. Regan is the longest serving superintendent in the history of Haslett Public Schools and he and his wife, Patti, continue to give back to the community, donating their time and money to enhance the opportunities for all children in the Haslett Public Schools. The Regans continue to reside in Haslett; they have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
James A. Weeldreyer
Retired Supt from Mattawan Consolidated Schools
MASA Member for 31 years
Region 7
James Weeldreyer was selected for the 40 years of service he has dedicated to the students and community of Mattawan. A feature article in the Kalamazoo Gazette at the time of his retirement described Weeldreyer as “ more than a superintendent…He has been an announcer at basketball games, a loader of percussion equipment at band festivals and a fellow traveler on choir trips to New York City. …His visibility and involvement as an administrator also have made him ‘a great role model’ to his eldest son, Dirk Weeldreyer, superintendent of Fennville Public Schools.” Weeldreyer has articulated a belief that, “Human beings need relationships to be successful. Every child has a right to an intellect, and it has been my job to make sure every child stays connected.” Upon his retirement, his district established the James A. Weeldreyer Endowment for Building Positive Interpersonal Relationships. Administered through a partnership between the Mattawan Consolidated School district and the Mattawan Public Education Foundation, the intent of endowment is to enhance student “connectedness” to education and to one another. Weeldreyer was also honored with a regional Superintendent of the Year award in 2008 from MASA.
Oscar A. Brown
Retired Supt from
MASA Member for 14 years
Region 9
Oscar Brown was selected for his vision and leadership in public education. When Brown retired in 2004 he was President-elect of Michigan Association of School Administrators. He was extremely active in the association and a participant on the MASA Executive Board. Oscar’s ability to bring people together was key in Crestwood’s annexation of a neighboring school district. Oscar’s vision helped unify the two districts, and he considered everyone a valued member as the two districts became one. His interest in providing challenging instruction for his students was evident in the establishment of a foreign language program at the elementary level. Crestwood was one of the first school districts to provide such opportunities for children. Oscar was also in the forefront of establishing the practice of co-teaching. Brown’s advocacy for the children of Crestwood and vision for public education have given him a reputation as a highly respected as a superintendent, a caring individual and an outstanding role model for excellence in public education. He continues to serve his community as a member of the Dearborn Heights Rotary Club and as an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church.
2009 Winners
MASA is very grateful to these members who have taken MASA’s slogan “Your Success, Our Passion” and applied it to their career and to their lives. These individuals have influenced the lives of many children, colleagues, and friends, and their work and accomplishments will not be forgotten.
Thank you again to all Hall of Fame winners, and congratulations on all your achievements.
Retired Superintendent from Les Cheneaux Community Schools
MASA Member for 13 years
Region 1
Dr. Kenneth Drenth was selected for his leadership in several aspects of education and his innovations in the classroom, such as his establishment of advanced interactive television classes in Michigan, leading the effort with MASA and the Michigan Legislature to secure funding for schools suffering from declining enrollments, and his effort to increase state aid for "geographically isolated schools". Since retiring, he has continued to serve the district and community through his assistance with local superintendent searches and his role as a regular mentor for board members and area superintendents. He is always available and willing to help move Michigan's education forward.
Retired Superintendent from Kingsley Area School
Region 2
Jerry Inman was selected for his 21 years of giving to the Kingsley Area Schools as superintendent and his continued service to the community through each season of the year. Examples of his giving include his help in raising $700,000 for a new public library, volunteering to run the clock and keep scoreboard for the local school basketball games, founding the Inman Scholarship for graduating seniors which he funds, and volunteering and sailing the tall ship, the Inland Seas, on Grand Traverse Bay to educate students of all ages on the water quality and history of the Great Lakes. "Jerry Inman just gives, gives, and continues to give back to his community."
Retired Superintendent from Northview Public Schools
Region 3
Patricia Oldt was selected for her lifetime support of children's causes and personal interest in the students in the district, especially those struggling to reach their potential, Patricia has been a leader and innovator in education for years. In her time as Superintendent, she garnered a grant from Steelcase Foundation to develop Learning Communities as one of the first in a K-12 district in the area, developed a training program for strategic planning action team leaders for successful action plan development, successfully led passage of a $30 million bond proposal for the renovation of facilities, and also helped pass a successful $2.7 million technology millage for the district of Northview. She continues to serve the community since her retirement, active in the Grand Rapids Public Schools Centers of Innovation Committee, the Grand Rapids Urban League Board, and the Wired Policy Council to mention only a few.
Retired Superintendent of Clare-Gladwin ISD
Region 4
Doug Dodge was selected for his tremendous work ethic exemplified by his accomplishments at each district in which he served; Doug was well-respected, well-liked, and always gave credit for accomplishments to others who worked with him, even though his leadership paved the way for others' success. He served as a formal or informal mentor to many superintendents and principals over the years and even in retirement, he continues to contribute in a positive manner to his community and the field of education, such as serving on the Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation and Mid Michigan Industries Boards, and spearheading all efforts to complete a nature trail at the Clare-Gladwin Area School. "At the end of his career, it was rare to encounter anyone in educational leadership in Michigan who didn't know and respect him.”
Retired Superintendent of North Branch Area Schools
MASA member for 35 years
Region 5
Don Gleeson was nominated for the MASA Hall of Fame Award by current North Branch superintendent Al Piwinski. “Don Gleeson spent his 31 years as an educator serving the children and community of North Branch,” Piwinski said. “During his tenure he made a good district great. He made sure that all of us—teachers and administrators—knew that we were here to serve the children and that the schools belonged to our community.”
Upon his retirement, Gleeson continued to support education by serving many schools in the Thumb as an interim superintendent and educational consultant. “Don has left behind a legacy of respect for students and the communities he served,” Piwinski said.
Retired Supt of Perry Public Schools
MASA Member for 26 years
Region 6
Jacklyn C. Hurd was selected for her over 40 years as an educator and 25+ years as a Superintendent, Mrs. Hurd has served the community of Perry and was "always there" for the students, staff, and community. She has served on numerous boards promoting the community and important causes, including the Perry-Morrice Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Healthcare Foundation Board, Memorial Healthcare Oncology Project, and Kiwanis. Additionally, she has been actively involved in her church and has recently completed two mission trips (Alaska and Thailand) where she continued to promote caring and educating others.
Retired Supt of KRESA
MASA Member for 25 years
Region 7
Craig Misner was selected for his outstanding influence as a role model and mentor for the profession, Dr. Misner's career spans 40 years in the region starting in 1969 as a young teacher in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. During his time as Superintendent he also served as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University, College of Education, chairman of the Kalamazoo Promise Committee and the Kalamazoo Nature Center Board, in leadership roles and on the legislative board of the Michigan Association of School Administrators(MASA), and was named MASA's Region VII Superintendent of the year in 2007. "To his credit, he is personally responsible for dozens of young administrators aspiring to the position of Superintendent of Schools and he continues to mentor them to this day."
Retired Supt of Blissfield Community Schools
MASA Member for 15 years
Region 8
Paul Palka was selected for his utmost compassion and professional integrity with those he associates, Paul has been a leader within the Blissfield Community Schools for forty years serving in various positions, including Transportation Director, Migrant School Coordinator, Elementary Assistant Principal, Middle and High School Principal, and Superintendent. Paul continues his service orientation and commitment to public education through a variety of endeavors, such as serving as a consultant for NEOLA of Michigan and maintaining close relations with many districts and administrators as a recommender of Board Policy and Administrative Guideline revisions for school districts throughout Southeast Michigan. "His commitment and consistent demonstration of leadership through listening, learning, and laughing are qualities worth emulating."
Retired Supt of West Bloomfield School District
Region 9
Dr. Gary Faber was selected for his contributions to educational excellence and high standards, which continue to be the hallmark of the West Bloomfield district. During his career, Faber served as president of Oakland County Superintendents Association and Chair of their Legislative Action Committee. He also served as the Legislative Representative for Region 9 and Legislative Representative for Tri-County Alliance for Public Education. Through his leadership, tough legislative issues were addressed. “Gary has been a tireless advocate for public education and has made significant contributions toward fair and equitable school funding,” and he continues to provide his expertise to educators across the state who welcome his candor and perspective.
