• Dr. Jonathan Bender, South High, 1987 — A published cancer researcher with Peachtree Hematology-Oncology Consultants, Fayetteville, Ga., he has been awarded numerous clinical research fellowships and is a recipient of the Wittenberg University Achievement Award.
• Dr. LeAnn Coberly, North High, 1981 — A professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, she was named University Hospital’s Physician of the Year in 2010. Her clinical practice focuses on prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• Gail Eugene Eichelman, Springfield High, 1953 — Retired from an award-winning 30-year career as a metallurgical engineer focused on Air Force materials and manufacturing, he now serves on the Board of Directors for Metcut Research Associates, Inc., and Floturn, Inc., and enjoys farming.
• Everett Hall, South High, 1976 — Known for his fashion savvy in high school, he was a finalist for the Cutty Sark Award for best student designer while at Howard University. Hall now operates two boutiques in Washington, D.C., and is a popular celebrity designer.
• Alicia Sweet Hupp, North High, 1978 — Starting as an advertising coordinator for her family’s business in 1982, she rose to president in 1996 and has chaired the Equipment Manufacturer’s Council of the American Feed Industry since 1999. She also is heavily involvement in community activities.
• Robert Gillem Lucas, South High Class of 1964 — A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy Nuclear Program and the Stanford School of Business, he has received advanced education in nuclear physics to finance and marketing. He works with a consulting firm in Gaithersburg, Md., and on community causes.
• Daniel P. McGregor, North High Class of 1960 — Retired as president of McGregor Metalworking Companies, he now serves as Chairman of the Board and a management consultant. For more than 40 years, he has led his family-owned company successfully through changes and has generously worked to make Springfield a better place.
• James B. McGregor, North High Class of 1966 — The vice chairman of the McGregor Metalworking Companies, one of the largest, most highly-respected companies in Clark County, he has been active on school levy campaigns, community projects and in local, state and national politics, all with an eye to improving the quality of community life.
• Arlin J. “Par” Tolliver, Sr., South High Class of 1976 — Playing piano at age 6, he grew into gospel music, and in middle school started his own traveling band. A licensed minister, Tolliver is the founder/director/CEO of Muzika, a volunteer group that provides after school arts and music tutoring, and is the music coordinator at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
• Susan J. Benton Vanzant, South High Class of 1978 — Starting as a letter carrier, Vanzant is now postmaster of the Springfield Ohio Post Office, where she is dedicated to restoring the building. She served on the Blueprint Committee for Springfield City Schools, led student caretakers of the Madonna of the Trail Statue and is active in community beautification projects.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0368.
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