Washington High School alums to be honored as Distinguished Citizens
MASSILLON – Eight Washington High School alumni will be honored next month as Distinguished Citizens.
Among the honorees in the 2022 class: the late Mary Frances (Nemeth) Strukel, a 1954 graduate; and Richard Reichel, class of 1948.
Strukel led the charge to get the Obie and Massillon Tigers license plate recognized. She also served on the school board for five years, including as board president in 2013.
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A former Swing Band member, Strukel supported everything about Massillon Tigers from attending athletic matches to performances of musical and theatrical ensembles.
She earned perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade.
About Richard Reichel
Reichel spent many years practicing law, also serving as the Massillon city prosecutor and the city's law director.
He was elected four times to the state House of Representatives (1966-1972) and was appointed to the Ohio Senate in 1973.
Reichel was the president and founding member of the Massillon Tiger Sideliners in 1958.
After leaving state politics, he returned to Massillon to serve on the school board from 1996 to 1999.
He also served as a recruiter for the Woody Hayes at Ohio State University.
Other Washington High Distinguished Citizens
Also recognized during the event will be the members of the 2020 and 2021 classes. The annual event was not held in the previous two years due to the pandemic.
Dennis Franklin, a 1971 graduate; Edward Grier, 1951; Jeff Timmons, 1991; and the late Rodney G. Klein, 1953, make up the 2020 honorees.
The 2021 Distinguished Citizens include 1946 graduate Donald W. Sheffler and 1957 grad Mike Hershberger.
The group joins more than 100 other alumni who have been recognized since 1988 for their outstanding accomplishments in the community and their field of work.
The honorees will kick off the festivities April 6 with a tea with high school staff and a tour of the school.
The next day, a group of honorees will speak to high school students. The remainder will speak on April 8.
Several other events are planned, including a tour of the city.
A banquet will be April 8 at St. George Cultural Center, 364 First St. SE. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. The program begins at 8 and benediction is at 9.
For more information, contact Washington High School or Chuck Richards 330-830-3901, ext. 51409.
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Washington High School to honor eight alumni as Distinguished Citizens
