MASA’s regional Hall of Fame Awards were presented at MASA Region meetings during March through June. The Hall of Fame Award acknowledges retired MASA superintendents for their career-long service and their continued passion for education and community throughout retirement. The dedication of these individuals to their former schools and communities serves as a model for all administrators, and their districts are left with the impact of their efforts far longer than the span of their careers.

The 2011 Hall of Fame Winners are as follows: 

Graydon Blank, Region 1
Mason R. Buckingham, Region 2
Marcia Bishop, Region 3
Al Broughton, Region 5
Dr. Wayne S. Petroelje, Region 6
Cindy Ruble, Region 7
Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D., Region 9

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.

Graydon Blank
Retired Supt from Gogebic Ontonagon ISD
MASA Member for 22 years
Region 1

Graydon Blank was selected for his more than 30 years of service to students and several districts of the State of Michigan. Graydon served as Superintendent at Buckley Community Schools, Alanson Public Schools, and most recently Gogebic Ontonagon ISD before retiring in 2005. During his administrative tenure, Graydon also served as Junior High School Principal at Centreville Public Schools, Junior High and High School Principal at Dollar Bay, and High School Principal in Laingsburg. During his superintendency at GOISD, Graydon established the video conferencing system that is still used today, offering more courses for students and access for community partnership organizations to use the GOISD office and technology, helping to curb meeting costs. Mr. Blank has served as MASA Region 2 Secretary and Treasurer, as MAISA Region 1 representative, and chaired as Vice President and President of MAISA. He also served on the UPCED Board of Directors from 1990-2005; UGLETI Board of Directors from 1990-2005; Human Service Coordinating Board for Gogebic & Ontonagon Co.; Gogebic County Economic Development Board from 1996-2005; Gogebic County Partnership Award Committee for 6 years; Asset Building Committee for 6 years; Ironwood Rotary Club for 6 years; was a regional Steven Covey Trainer; and regularly presented for Gogebic County Leadership Development Organization among many other contributions.

Mason R. Buckingham
Retired Supt from Gaylord Community Schools
Region 2

Mason R. Buckingham was selected for his infinite willingness to lend a hand or expertise to any worthy project. After being away from the superintendence for 14 years he is still a very visible and respected individual in the community.

Marcia Bishop
Retired Supt from Van Andel Institute
Region 3

Marcia Bishop was selected for her more than 35 years as an insightful and inspiring educator. As a unique and talented educational leader, Marcia Bishop blended her “what’s best for kids” passion with a real-world, high-level understanding of organizational vision and culture, school finance, political dynamics, and the effective strategies of successful teaching and learning. Bishop is well-versed in effective instructional strateigies as well as the principles of organizational leadership and change, making her an unsurpassed “hands-on” administrator and teacher before moving into central office positions. Bishop became Superintendent of Holland Public Schools in 1994, and it is not an accident that Holland’s current Superintendent Brian Davis (2010 MASA Superintendent of the year) was personally recruited as an elementary principal by Marcia. Bishop has numerous professional affiliations over her career including the Holland Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club (board of directors, president); the Holland Chamber of Commerce (board trustee, president); Holland Economic Development CORporation (board member); and the West Michigan Strategic Alliance (Essential Activities Committee member, Urban Center Revitalization Task Force). Bishop has also been an adjunct professor at Michigan State University, and the Associate Director of the Van Andel Educational Institute since June 2004. She currently lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband Richard. They have two married sons and three grandchildren.

Al Broughton
Retired Supt from Deckerville Schools
MASA Member for 13 years
Region 5

Al Broughton was selected for his years of positive leadership in his district and the greater “Thumb” region. Mr. Alan Broughton was selected unanimously at a region meeting March 2011 to receive the Hall of Fame Award. Broughton has provided an example of exemplary leadership both during his career as a superintendent and beyond. As a superintendent, Alan led his school district for many years with dignity. He was, and is, well-respected in his community and in the greater thumb region. His willingness to help districts as an Interim Superintendent in both Sandusky and Kingston again illustrates his post-retirement service. Of particular note is his willingness to become a candidate for Michigan House of Representatives in 2010, as his willingness to get involved reflects his commitment to Michigan’s future.

Dr. Wayne S. Petroelje
Retired Supt from Ovid-Elsie Area Schools
MASA Member for 18 years
Region 6

Dr. Wayne S. Petroelje was selected for his strong fiscal and curriculum leadership throughout his 18 years as a Superintendent. Mr. Petrolje is a longtime MASA member and continues to serve as an Adjunct Faculty member at Grand Valley State University. He continues to serve the Ovid-Elsie School District through his mentorship of current Superintendent, Ryan Cunningham.

Cindy Ruble
Retired Supt from Lakeview School District
Region 7

Cindy Ruble was selected for her expertise on curriculum issues and strong passion for children. Cindy Ruble was the Director of Curriculum at Lakeview School District from 1989-2002 and Superintendent from 2002-2010, and nominators say she was very respected while the Superintendent at Lakeview School District. “Cindy has this ‘magic’ of bringing together all areas of curriculum, training and school ‘stuff’, making it easy to understand and why it makes a difference in the  lives of students,” said nominator and Superintendent of Van Buren ISD, Jeff Mills. “Region 7 is honored to present Cindy Ruble with the 2011 Hall of Fame Award.”

Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D.
Retired Supt from Dearborn Public Schools
MASA Member for 18 years
Region 9

Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D. was selected for maintaining strong leadership, creativity, professionalism, and community involvement after retirement. Dr. Hughes was nominated for his outstanding work as superintendent for Dearborn Schools. He was successful in changing legislation to help the district, passed a bond issue, initiated theme-magnet schools, and made many innovative changes to the district. Dr. Hughes was a leader within the Wayne County Superintendents group, and always has been held in high esteem by all his peers. As an MASA member, he was known throughout the state and often presented at conferences. Dr. Hughes was recruited by the State Superintendent to be the Academic Officer for the State of Michigan, where he instituted changes and communicated with all superintendents effectively while in the position. He has held many prestigious positions and is well respected within his field.