2003 Alter High School Alumni Hall of Fame
Distinguished Inductees
Thomas Bartol, Class of 1978
Tom graduated from Wright State University (WSU) with a degree in Nursing and received his Master of Nursing Degree from the University of Washington in 1994. Tom served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Alaska, taught nursing in Serabu, Sierra Leone, and volunteered at the Annunciation House helping Hispanic refugees. In 1994, he was honored with the “Outstanding Humanitarian Award” from the University of Washington School of Nursing and the “Outstanding Alumnus Award” from WSU in 2002. Tom works part-time as a nurse practitioner in family health and diabetes care. He also has his own business where he speaks, writes and consults nationwide on healthcare issues.
Robert Cannon, Class of 1966 (Deceased)
Bob will remain in our hearts for his ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War. A few weeks into his first year at Northwestern University, Bob joined the Marines. As a member of the 2nd platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, his life was tragically taken while at war. Bob was the first of his class to pass away, and he will forever be remembered for serving our country.
Gordon Dadisman, Class of 1966 (Deceased)
Gordon is remembered dearly for his great courage and supreme sacrifice. As a young man, he enlisted in the armed forces during the Vietnam War and died shortly after graduating from Alter. The death of Gordon affected the lives of many Alter graduates back in the sixties and still does today. He truly lived out the first lines of Alter’s alma mater, “Facing life with valor, like the Knights of old, we promise always great ideals to hold.”
Tony Huesman, Class of 1975
Since overcoming physical adversity in 1978 with a successful heart transplant, Tony has been an advocate of heart research and education. He co-founded “Tender Hearts,” a support group for families with children that have heart problems. He started the Huesman Heart Foundation in 1996 which provides healthy heart education programs for kids. Tony has also written and distributed free children’s books: Heart Smart, There is Something More Important Than Baseball and His Only Hope. Tony, the third longest living heart recipient in the U.S., received the “Service to Heart Award” in 1985, was named Kettering’s “Kiwanis Citizen of the Year” in 1992, and was the “Points of Light” recipient.
Carol Ponziani DeGrazier, Class of 1975
After graduating with honors from Wright State University in Accounting and passing the CPA exam, Carol joined Callaway Golf Company as Chief Financial Officer. Growing the company from $5 million in sales to over $800 million, she became the youngest woman ever to take a company public on the New York Stock Exchange. Carol also received recognition as the “Woman of the Year” in Carlsbad, CA. She is on the board of several charitable organizations, including the Wellness Community and Pro-Kids Golf Academy.
Kay Staley Worthington, Class of 1970
Despite her busy schedule, working full-time and maintaining her duties as a wife and mother of two sons, Kay works tirelessly to give of herself to people less fortunate. In 1983, Kay responded to a need in her community to feed the homeless. She sought out food donations, enlisted volunteers and even sacrificed her home as a drop-off point for deliveries. While providing food, she would share her faith. Kay holds a Bible study at her house weekly for many assisted-living residents and participates in prison ministry by “adopting” an inmate and spreading the word of God.
Paul Zimmer, Class of 1966
Paul graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1970 with an Economics Degree and went on to Duke University for his J.D. He is the Executive Vice President/CFO of Pickrel, Schaeffer and Ebeling, Attorneys at Law, and is Chairperson of the Business & Taxation Law Committee of Dayton Bar Association. At Alter, Paul was the first President of Alter’s Development Council, the first President of the Alumni Association in 1988, and a co-chair, along with his wife Maggie, for the Alter School Auction in 1992.
Margaret Traynor Zimmer, Class of 1966
Maggie went on to the University of Dayton where she received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1970. Maggie co-chaired the first Alter Auction, is an active member of the Booster Board, and has worked on many Alter development efforts. She also is a member of the Christ Child Society of Dayton, the Dayton Art Institute Board, the St. Charles Education Commission and a volunteer for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Athletic Inductees
Tim Quinn, Class of 1969
While at Alter, Tim earned varsity letters in football and track. In football, he was team captain and MVP as a senior, first team All-State in 1967 and 1968 and was Alter’s first high school football All-American in 1968. He was a state qualifier in track and still holds the shot put record today. Tim earned a scholarship to the University of Dayton as a linebacker for the Flyers. He was named an Academic All-American and received the John L. MacBeth Scholar Athlete Award, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award, and the Agonis Club Award for Outstanding UD Athlete. Tim continued his studies at the Ohio State University Medical School, earning his MD degree in 1976. He currently has a private practice in Dayton and is the team physician for Alter and UD.
Jim Paxson, Class of 1975
As a two-year starter on Alter’s basketball team, Jim led those teams to a 46-2 record, two district titles, two regional titles and Alter’s first appearance at the state tournament. He has the most field goals in one season with 216, ranks third in most points in one season with 517, and has the sixth best point average for one season with 20.7 points. Jim received a basketball scholarship to the University of Dayton where he became the fourth all-time leading scorer in 1979 and was named an Academic All American. Chosen in the first round of the 1979 NBA draft by Portland, he became the first Trailblazer to score 10,000 points and became the second all-time leading scorer. Jim was named to the NBA All Star teams in 1983 and 1984, played for the Boston Celtics from 1988 to 1990, and is currently the general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Renee Laravie Kelly, Class of 1977
Renee is the only Alter graduate who has competed in the Olympics. She was a member of the 1976 Olympic swim team, specializing in the breaststroke and ranking among the top 25 women in the world. She received a swimming scholarship to the University of Florida and broke the American record in the 200 IM at nationals. She competed for the United States internationally at the Hopewell Games in Israel and in Germany in 1977. She also competed in the Pan Am Games in Puerto Rico in 1978. Named Athlete of the Year at the University of Florida during her sophomore year, Renee also received the Broderick Award for College Swimmer of the Year in 1978. She is a member of the University of Florida's Hall of Fame and is currently a firefighter/paramedic with the Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department.
John Paxson, Class of 1979
In his three years as a varsity starter, the Alter basketball teams had a record of 65-7 with three district championships, one regional championship, and in 1978 Alter won its first state championship. John was the MVP of the state tournament and first team All Ohio. John holds many Alter records, including 143 free throws, 539 points, 23.4 point average and 169 assists in one season. John had a stellar college basketball career at the University of Notre Dame, becoming the tenth all-time leading scorer. As a first round draft pick, John was chosen by San Antonio, playing for the Spurs from 1983 to 1985 before being traded to the Chicago Bulls. As a Bull, John was a starter on three NBA championship teams before retiring in 1994. Currently, John is the radio color analyst for the Bulls.
Jeff Reboulet, Class of 1982
While at Alter, Jeff played baseball, football and hockey. He went on to play baseball at Triton Junior College and became captain of his #1 ranked team, batting .417 and stealing 34 bases. Jeff was named All District, All Conference, All State, Region 4 Player of the Year, team MVP and first team JUCO All American. Graduating from Triton in 1984, he received a scholarship to Louisiana State University and led his team to the SEC Championship and the first NCAA College World Series. In 1986, Jeff was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and has played with teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, the Kansas City Royals and most recently, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jeff Graham, Class of 1987
At Alter, Jeff earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track. In football, Jeff was named MVP, first team All State and Parade All American. In basketball, he was an All State player and competed in the Ohio North-South All Star Game. Jeff attended the Ohio State University on a football scholarship and was captain, team MVP, Big Ten leading punt returner, Chicago Tribune Big Ten Player of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant. Jeff was drafted into the NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1991. Since then, he has played for the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers, accumulating more than 8,000 receiving yards, having twelve 100-plus yard games and scoring 33 touchdowns.
Jack Ward, 1963-1998
Jack began his career at Alter in 1963, teaching social studies, health and physical education until his retirement in 1998. As a teacher, an assistant football coach for 34 years and a track coach for 24 years, he was loved and respected by all. According to a former player, Coach Ward was “a man who has touched the lives of many men and women in our community.” Another former player and student wrote, “Coach Ward provided an unshakable example of Christian manhood in his long career as a teacher and coach….Through his efforts, scores of Alter graduates can never claim they did not witness true dedication to a professed career, steadfast devotion to family, or tireless patience.”
1978 Alter Boys Basketball Team
The 1978 Alter Boys Basketball Team was the first Alter team to win an OHSAA team state championship. The team capped off an exciting season by beating undefeated Akron Central Hower 68-52, finishing the season with a record of 24-1. Coached by Joe Petrocelli and assisted by Gary Trick, players include Dan Bockhorn ’78, Dan Boyle ’78, Pete Boyle ’78, Mike Crotty ’79, Dan Donahue ’79, Andy Heher ’79, Don Meineke ’78, Rick Minor ’78, Jim Nowicki ’78, John Paxson ’79, Dart Ramsey ’78 and Tim Riazzi ’78. Team managers were Phil Muegel ’79, Mike Fronista ’79 and Tony Grunkemeyer ’78.
