DEFIANCE – Eight Defiance College alumni — including the Sidney City Schools superintendent — were recognized during homecoming festivities for their accomplishments.
The Alumni Citation for Academic Excellence was presented to John Scheu, Sidney, class of 1972, and Judy Small Dally, Defiance, class of 1971 and 1994. Alumni Achievement Award recipients are Dale Bruskotter, Ottawa, class of 1974; and David Robinson, Alliance, class of 1976. Tim Leuzarder, deceased, class of 1967, was also honored with this award. Casey Gibson, Toledo, class of 2005 and 2010, will receive the Young Alumni Service Award.
The Schauffler Legacy Award was presented to Terry Boyd, Columbus, class of 1978; and Carolyn Keilig, Hopkinton, New Hampshire, class of 1976.
“I feel honored and humbled by receiving this award,” said Scheu. “Defiance College gave me the foundation to be successful in my education career.
“I have continued long friendships from my days at Defiance College,” he said.
While at Defiance College, Scheu played two years of basketball and four years of tennis. After graduation, he taught comprehensive social studies and coached for a number of years before moving into administration as assistant principal, principal, and then superintendent for four Ohio districts. At this time, Scheu is in his seventh year as superintendent of Sidney City Schools.
His career highlights include the implementation of all-day, every-day kindergarten, a workforce academy, and a strong security plan for Sidney. Among his professional affiliations, Scheu served as vice chair on the governing board of Gov. John Kasich’s “Straight A” fund, and he currently serves on the state superintendent advisory committee. Scheu resides in Sidney with his wife, Cindy.
The awards were presented during a dinner Friday night, Oct. 6, as part of homecoming activities. A Powerpoint presentation was shared on each receipient. Each person, said Scheu, gave a short speech to the 150 people in attendance.
