Rick Spielman and others offer career advice as Washington High Distinguished Citizens

MASSILLON – Rick Spielman let out a chuckle while standing in front of the juniors and seniors at Washington High School.

"Sitting in your seat 40-some years ago it is incredible to think that if someone had told me that I would be standing in front of you today, I would tell you that I have some swamp land in Florida you can purchase," the 1982 graduate said.

Spielman was among four alumni honored Friday as the 2024 class of Distinguished Citizens. Others saluted were Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier (1978), Craig Keener (1978) and Kevin Miller (1995).

Spielman knew he wanted a chance in the NFL; he just didn't know that would be off the field. His brother, Chris, got the playing gene, and he got the front-office talent.

Throughout his career, he has worked for the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings in several capacities, including vice president of player personnel and general manager for the Dolphins (2004) and Vikings from 2012 to 2022.

He is now a CBS NFL analyst and Sirius XM radio host. He also helped the Washington Commanders pick a new coach and GM as a special adviser earlier this year.

Distinguished Citizens: Four Tiger alums to be honored as 2023 class of Distinguished Citizens

Spielman offered some advice as students prepare to enter college or the next phase of their lives.

"Find out what your true passion in life is," he said.

Spielman, who reviews thousands of resumes each year, told students to clean up their social media accounts, which he always scans for red flags. And if you are working toward a specific career, make sure your résumé shows experience in that field, even if it is volunteer work, he said.

1978 grad George T. Maier dedicates his life to service

Maier, who spent most of his career in law enforcement as an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper and now as county sheriff, recalled his time in the city's administration and coining the phrase "City of Champions" as a way to distinguish Massillon.

"I'm proud our city continues to utilize the City of Champions," the sheriff said. "It exemplifies the city."

Maier said his time in Massillon taught him to strive for greatness through persistence and continued improvement.

"What you do know matters," he told the students. "In my career and role as sheriff, I interview a lot of people and I see a lot of people on both sides - in jail, coming into jail and see those productive in the community."

When he is interviewing potential staff members, he doesn't necessarily look at where they went to school; he looks at an attendance record.

"You can't do anything if you don't show up," Maier said. "I'm not looking at your pedigree. I am looking at their character. I have to hire character for those with heart to serve the community and the diligence to do things for their community."

Craig Keener, author, class of 1978

Keener described himself as a mean atheist in his early years. It wasn't until he was around 13 when he began reading Plato that he started to raise questions.

One day while he was walking home from school, someone told him that Jesus died for his sins and rose again.

"I didn't know how Jesus' death saved me. I had a non-religious background," the 1978 graduate said.

From that point, he started reading the Bible and learning more. Religious figures across the city and from different denominations began guiding Keener to his calling.

Today, Keener and his wife, Medine, work together for ethnic reconciliation in the United States and internationally.

He is a seminary professor who has written 35 books. He also is the New Testament editor for "Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible."

You can write a lot of books but if no one reads them, how successful are you? he joked.

"Becoming the kind of person you would respect, a person of integrity and living in an honorable way, is a great success," he said. "On average, the harder you work now, the easier work will be later on. Life is too short to live just for the moment. Take care of yourself, but invest your life in a purpose greater than yourself."

1995 grad Kevin Miller is making laughs

Miller used to roam the halls of Washington High doing impressions of teachers and coaches.

Today, he is getting the laughs as the Emmy-nominated supervising producer at "Late Night with Seth Meyers," where he produces interviews with A-list celebs, athletes, authors and newsmakers.

His rise to late-night fame started at the bottom.

Miller recalled the start of his college career as a pre-dentistry major at the University of Toledo. After landing some not-so-great grades in biology, he took an honest look at his next steps.

"It was a tough decision, but it was a dream to pursue a career in entertainment," Miller said.

Miller landed an internship at TV's "Today" show. It wasn't the most glamourous job, but it got his foot in the door.

"I had access to things at NBC," he recalled. "I would sit and watch rehearsals and see what was going on behind-the-scenes."

He later interned at MSNBC, working in the newsroom. When he graduated, he headed back to the Big Apple. He took a risk and passed up a job at the "Today" and opted to take an entry-level job in the page program.

"You are giving studio tours, seating audiences and other guest services all while wearing a navy blue polyester blazer," Miller chuckled. "It seemed worth it."

He worked on shows like "Dateline" and "Saturday Night Live." He was doing minimal tasks like getting coffee and ordering lunch at Wendy's for Christina Aguilera and getting a 12-egg omelet for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

"I worked hard and stayed humble," Miller said.

His time at SNL gave him access to greats such as Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Andy Samberg and Kenan Thompson.

"It's sometimes the right place at the right time," Miller explained. "I'm grateful to work on a comedy show and to entertain and make people happy. That was my goal walking these halls trying to get some laughs."

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Washington High honors Rick Spielman, Kevin Miller, Craig Keener