Distinguished Alumni
Established 2001
Inducted 2023
Jericka Duncan
Class of 2001
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Jericka Duncan is an Emmy-nominated journalist and national TV news correspondent for CBS News in New York City. She graduated from Aurora High School in 2001 where she was on the basketball and track team. She set 5 high school records in track and was an Ohio High School State Champion in the 300m Hurdles, 4x100m relay and 4x200m relay.
After high school Jericka earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University. While attending college she continued to run track and was the caption of her team. She graduated from Ohio University in 2005 and also received the NAACP Image Award of Athletics that same year.
After graduation, Jericka started her professional career as a TV reporter for the NBC affiliated television station WETM-TV in Elmira, New York. Later, she began reporting for WIVB-TV, a CBS-affiliated television station in Buffalo, New York. In 2010, she moved to KYW-TV, a CBS O&O station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and worked there for three years. In 2011 and 2012, she covered the Philadelphia basement kidnapping where she reported about four adults being held captive and their social security checks being stolen by their detainer. This case helped Jericka win the Associated Press first-place award and receive nominations for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award.
In 2013, she was hired by CBS News as a national correspondent. She has covered significant topics such as sexual misconduct allegations against R. Kelly, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein; the shooting murders of four Marines and a Navy sailor in Chattanooga; the 70th anniversary of D-Day and Normandy; and a range of national breaking news stories. In 2018, she reported on the White House in Washington, DC. In 2020,Jericka reported from Pennsylvania for the presidential election. While there, she interviewed Breonna Taylor’s mother and broke the news that no one would be prosecuted directly in Taylor’s death. Jericka was also one of the first network journalists on the ground in Alabama to cover the state’s most restrictive abortion bill since Roe v. Wade.
Since 2020, Jericka has been working as an anchor along with Adriana Diaz for CBS Weekend News. Adriana anchors the Saturday broadcast from Chicago, and Jericka hosts the Sunday broadcasts from New York. When she is not working, Jericka does a lot of charitable work. Aside from being a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, she has also worked with the Boys and Girls Club. Other organizations she’s supported include the Black Leadership Commission on Aids and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
During her free time, Jericka enjoys spending time with her family, getting exercise through running, and reading. She is highly active online through accounts on social media, particularly on Twitter. Similar to numerous journalists, she uses her online platforms to help followers keep up to date with the latest news. Aside from that account, videos of her are also available online through YouTube, often shared by the CBS YouTube page which posts segments and promotions featuring her programs.
Jericka was honored with being named to the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 and has demonstrated that her talents, hard work and dedication as an athlete have carried over into her professional life.
Inducted 2022
David Barnes
Class of 1975
I learned a lot from the people of Aurora,
It was nice to give a little back!
Dave Barnes is a lifelong resident of Aurora. Public service to the city was his calling as he continuously served our community for almost 50 years. He began his career with summer work in the service department then to the fire department. Dave retired from his role as our city’s fire chief in August 2022.
Dave had an impressive career with the fire department. He was hired as a part time firefighter following his 1975 graduation from Aurora High School. Three years later he was certified as an EMT and was promoted to a full-time firefighter. Shortly after that, in 1979, he was certified as a paramedic. His first major promotion was in 1995 when he became the fire lieutenant. His next accomplishment was in 1998 when Dave was promoted to assistant fire chief. Lastly, in 2003 Dave was appointed chief by then Mayor Lynn McGill.
Along with his accomplishments at the fire department Dave also served as a part time Aurora police officer beginning in 1983 and continued until his retirement in 2022. During his tenure on the fire department Dave also earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Fire Protection.
Dave has been a strong Aurora Fire Department leader for decades. His leadership and vision have helped make Aurora a very safe community. He also contributed to the community at large with his involvement in advocacy in the area. During his leadership, the department has grown to 20 full-time and 20 part-time members answering approximately 2,600 calls for service annually.
As one of the longest serving public servants to the city, Dave has been instrumental in providing a historical perspective as well as a future targeted vision to maintain Aurora’s hometown feel.
Dave has been described as always cool headed in challenging situations and is known for his down home demeanor and quick assessment in any emergency. Recently Dave assisted Mayor Ann Womer-Benjamin in implementing appropriate protocols during the Covid 19 pandemic and never faltered throughout the difficult time for his department as well as for the city. Dave was always ready to assist often going to calls even when technically he was off duty.
Dave was raised in Aurora and his mother still lives here. He and his wife Janis have two children, Brad and Devin. When asked about his retirement plans Dave said “I love my job, but I look forward to not being awakened during the night, and being able to take longer vacations and have more time to do things with family and friends.”
Dave is a beloved figured in our town having spent years helping people and saving lives in the most challenging of circumstances.
Inducted 2019
Martin Calfee
Class of 1955
The family that plays together, stays together.
Martin Calfee moved to Aurora as a young child after his mother was remarried to Benjamin Taber. His father died when he was two years old. He grew up across the street from the old high school and was very active in many sports. Martin graduated from Aurora High School in 1955.
For several years after graduation he worked in miscellaneous jobs and ultimately joined the U.S. Army where he served in Korea from 1961 - 1962. From 1963 – 1966 he was in the water conditioning business in Geauga County.
Martin, his wife Mannie, and their two year old daughter moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1966 where he sold nuts and bolts locally and in California.
In 1972, the same year his fifth daughter was born, Martin made the life altering decision to purchase a local fastener distribution from Lamson and Sessions. Lamson and Sessions was a company that had 6 employees in a 6,000 square foot building with annual sales of $250,000. He changed the name of the company to Copper State Bolt and Nut Co., and through the years successfully built that business into one of largest firms of its type in the nation. Today, Copper State has over 30 locations in 10 states with 600+ employees and an annual sales of $150,000,000. Martin still plays an active role at Copper State.
Martin’s family has grown to include his wife Monnie of 53 years, five daughters, five son-in-laws and nine grandchildren. He passed on his love of sports to his daughters and coached every sport they played….especially softball. Martin’s financial support and enthusiasm for youth sports did not go unnoticed by his community. Today the Phoenix field where he and his daughters practiced and played is named Calfee Park.
Martin’s community and state support as a role model and philanthropist did not end with his daughters and Calfee Park. He is also a member the Phoenix Thunderbirds, an affiliate of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce which organizes one of the nations top PGA tournaments. Martin is also a member of the Arizona Sun Angel Foundation, a charitable organization that supports scientific, and educational purposes and scholarships for students attending Arizona State University.
Martin’s professional involvement and recognitions also include being a member and past President of the Phoenix Country Club, and a member of the National Fastener Hall of Fame. In 1997 he was named the University of Arizona Entrepreneur of the Year.
An avid sports fan, Martin attends every home ASU Football and Basketball game, as well as Arizona Cardinal home games. Remembering his Ohio background, he is also a Cleveland Browns and Tribe fan.
Martin also has special passions for golf and Harley Davidsons. Several years ago he acquired a large piece of “get-away” property in Rollins, Montana where he maintains the property and golfs. It is rumored that he also own the only bar in Rollins that is only open when he is in town.
Martin will tell you he has lived the American Dream. He is successful entrepreneur, a generous philanthropist who has enjoyed a life of hard work, sports, travel, and a loving and supporting family. His only request in becoming a recipient of his home schools Distinguished Alumni is that we not look at his Aurora High School report card.
Inducted 2017
Jean D. Harris
Class of 1966
Describing herself as an Aurora student who was hyperactive with probable unidentified special needs, Jean credits her teacher’s great patience, especially Tom Craddock, and growing up in a small caring town for her later successes in life. Jean Harris went on in life to attend 6 universities and earn six degrees and varied certifications. Her life has been a multifaceted eclectic path that has ranged from human services to a nationally recognized leader in the food industry. Her insatiable desire to fearlessly learn, improve, innovate, and push boundaries has taken her to the highest levels of corporate America.
After earning her first degree from Kent State, Jean began her human services career at the Youth Enrichment Center in Hudson. Looking to expand her experience she next went to the Warrensville Center in Cleveland, a residential facility. After marriage and a move to Tiffan, Ohio Jean continued her human services career at the Tiffan Institution- Mental Retardation and Mental Illness. While there she was offered the position of Chief Administrative Officer for Fairfield Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was involved in a ground up endeavor from facility design to programming needs. At that facility, Jean created a new Parent/Guardian Advisory Council, a groundbreaking concept which streamlined and oversaw the facilities operations 24/7. After 15 years of the demanding and growing responsibilities of the Fairfield Center she was ready to head a new direction. Fortunately, the President of her Fairfield Advisory Council was the General Manager of Pierre Foods, and offered her a job. Jean made a complete career change and moved into the food industry.
After ten years with Pierre Foods, Jean moved to the Pizza Hut division of PepsiCo in Washington D.C. In her capacity there she learned how a marketing driven company functions. From PepsiCo Jean moved to the Iowa Beef Producers (now Tyson) in South Dakota and the new challenge and learning experience of utilizing technology to streamline physical movement in a 15 billion dollar worldwide company with 35,000 employees. At IBF she became to only female Director and then the onlyworldwide corporation. Ultimately she was appointed to the Board of Directors of Food Brands, a subsidiary of IBP. For the past twenty years Jean has been with a family owned business Don Lee Farms based in Los Angeles where she is the Senior Vice-President on the management team that works with the nationally recognized industry innovator and community philanthropist Donald Goodman.
Jean’s other accomplishments, honors, and roles have included, but not limited to “Industry Member of the Year” and 3 terms as an Industry Advisor with the School Nutrition Association, member of the Governing Board for the National School Food Service Management, Board of Directors of the Sandusky County Mental Health Organization, Board Member of the Tiffan, Ohio League of Voters, was a designated Certified Federal Expert Witness for Barbara C Class action suits, negotiated the largest school business award in history between the Los Angeles School district and Don Lee Farms, and was presented the “Hammer Award” by Vice-President Al Gore for her work on a Federally sponsored program to identify and eliminate waste in the governments food distribution program. She also served as a Big Sister to the same young woman for 15 years.
Jean is currently living in Melbourne, Florida with her longtime Aurora High School sweetheart Chuck Harris.
Inducted 2016
Dr. Edward Hall - Class of 1968
William R. Markesbery, M.D. Chair in Neurotrauma Research Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center and Professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky.
Dr. Ed Hall's accomplishments are incredible. Click here for the 2016 Hall of Fame program from the event.
Inducted 2015
David Edmonds - Class of 1975
David graduated from Aurora High School in 1975 where he played Basketball and Baseball. He graduated from Kent State University in 1980 where he was a member of the baseball team. After graduation, he began his career in the transportation business. In 1986, he joined Roadway Services, a transportation holding company from Akron, OH. He, along with several others, was responsible for the design and development of RPS, the fastest growing business ever known for its first five years in business. In 1998, he and his partners sold RPS to FedEx of Memphis, Tennessee. In 1999, the FedEx board elected him to the position of Senior Vice-President, Worldwide Services. In that capacity, he has traveled to over 200 countries managing various aspects of the corporation.
David serves on several Boards of Directors, including the Memphis Music Foundation, Ballet Memphis, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Kent State Athletics Foundation.
In October 2014, the Kent State University Athletics Foundation dedicated a newly constructed building for Men’s and Women’s athletics. David was the lead donor and subsequently named the building in honor of his mother and father.
David’s reflections of his time in the Aurora Schools are many. He genuinely appreciated the great counsel, guidance and learning opportunities from his teachers, coaches and administrators. David recalls that he really enjoyed playing Basketball and Baseball for Aurora, the many athletic events and the competitive spirit and school camaraderie before and after each game.
Having made many lifelong friends, he believes the social and academic setting at A.H.S. provided a launchpad for his future years, both professionally and personally.
Recalling his time at A.H.S. David states, “It was just too cool!”
Click here for the 2015 Hall of Fame program.
Inducted 2014
Tia Dionne Hodge-Jones - Class of 1990
Tia Dionne Hodge-Jones is an award-winning writer, actor, playwright, screenwriter and director/producer. She earned her M.A. and B.A. in English Literature from Case Western Reserve University.As an actress, she has appeared in numerous national and regional on-camera and voice-over/radio commercials, and has appeared on 666 Park Avenue, in a number of the Law & Order T.V. series episodes, as well as the pilot The Third Degree for Fox, to name a few.
Inducted 2006
Todd F. Clossin - Class of 1980
Mount Union College – Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Akron – Masters of Business Administration
President and CEO of Fifth Third Band Northeastern Ohio
Brian Rothenberg – Class of 1984
Marietta College – B.A. with Honors in Political Science and Journalism
Ohio Democratic Party Communications Director
Executive Director, ProgressOhio.org
Inducted 2005
Colonel (Retired) Robert J. Labadie – Class of 1967
Distinguished 29 year career in the Army. Received The Silver Star,
Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.
Director of Governors Office of Veterans Affairs
Jim Hickey – Class of 1976
Miami Universtiy – Bachelor Degree
President and co-founder of Arras Group
Scott Keglovic – Class of 1979
University of Akron – Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design
Executive Creative Director and co-founder of Arras Group
Dana Benjamin Gilliland – Class of 1983
Kent State University – Bachelor and Master Degree,
Western Reserve – Master Degree,
Ohio State University – Doctorate Degree
Attorney in Appalachia, Ohio and practices family law.
Michelle Jimenez Belardo, M.D. – Class of 1986
University of Akron – Bachelor Degree in Natural Sciences,
Northeastern Ohio University –
M.D. College of Medicine
Fairview Hospital where she is on the Executive Council and Process
and Improvement committee of Department OB/GYN,
Utilization Review committee. Also has office in North Olmsted.
Inducted 2004
Shirley Louis Greenslade – Class of 1952
Senior Pastor of Agape’ Word and Worship Center,
Operates Master’s Closet and Pantry, twelve years of mission work in Haiti
Stephen C. Rumsey – Class of 1970
General Motors Institute – Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering,
MIT – Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering,
University of Rochester – Master Degree in Business Administration
President and Representative Director of Kodak Digital Product Center,
Japan LTD
Michael Shea – Class of 1984
Kent State Universiy
CEO/President of the Alternate Press Magazine
Plain Dealer Award – 50 Most Influential People in Cleveland Music History
Jody Jurkiewicz Kocsis – Class of 1985
Notre Dame College (Ohio) – Bachelor Degree in Chemistry
Technology Manager of Engine Oil Product Development Division of Lubrizol,
has 6 USA patents and one defensive publication.
Inducted 2003
Gregg Keidel – Class of 1966
Ohio University – Bachelor Degree in Communications
Founder of the Aurora Advocate, startup team member of
Browns Beat Magazine,
Director of racing at Northfield Park
Russ Bennett – Class of 1978
Kent State University – Bachelor in Education, Master Degree in Education
1998 MEOSERC “Educator of the Year”
1998 Aurora City Schools “Outstanding Teacher” Award
Science Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and coach at Harmon
Middle School and Superintendent of Aurora City Schools.
Paul Farkas, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force – Class of 1983
Clemson University – Bachelor Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Regents College/Webster University, (United Kingdom) – Master Degree in Computer Information systems and Resource Management
Assigned to the Air Staff at the Pentagon as Chief, Architecture
and Technology Branch, director of War Fighting Integration.
Inducted 2002
Susanne Bradley Brown, M.D. - Class of 1955
Ohio State University – Bachelor Degree in Education,
Case Western Reserve Medical
School - M.D. in Medicine
Medical Missionary in Haiti
Director of the State of New Mexico Medical Care
Kathleen Kenyon Thornton – Class of 1965
Bowling Green Universtiy – Bachelor Degree in Education,
Tomson University – Master Degree in Education
Physical Education Department Chairat Bel Air High School Maryland,
1996 National Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Robert G. Shaw – Class of 1974
Marquette University – Bachelor Degree in Business Administration
Senior Vice President of International Operations at New Horizons Computer
Learning Center in Anaheim, California
Robert R. Dean – Class of 1982
Kent State University – Bachelor Degree in Education
Hudson City Schools Administrator
President and Director of Spectrum Training Services and head coach for
Hiram College Women’s Soccer
Inducted 2001
Dick McKinnon – Class of 1960
Northwestern University – Bachelor Degree in Mathematics and Economics
Pioneered computerized genetic-algorithm scheduler for Deere & Company
Cheryl Woodsy – Class of 1978
University of Akron – Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and Finance
Budget and Financial Analysis, Cleveland Postal Service
Byron Spruell – Class of 1983
Notre Dame University – Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering,
Master Degree in Business Administration
Senior Manager, Huston, Detoitte and Touche LLP
Holly Benjamin – Class of 1986
Pediatrician, researcher, writer, and consultant for Little Company of Mary Hospital, University of Chicago
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