Congratulations to our inaugural class of Alumni Hall of Fame!
Keith McClarnon, David L. Hine, Judy Swift, James F. White, Kathy Dowling, Ty Wooten, Stephanie J. Kinnaman, James T. Broome, Paul Galbraith, and honorary member James Whitcomb Riley
These individuals have set themselves apart from their peers through their achievements, involvement and impact on their personal, professional, and/or local communities over a number of years. Their stories are connected with the threads of educators, colleagues, friends, family and neighbors who influenced their lives and spurred them to passions beyond themselves.
Honorary Member
James Whitcomb Riley
James Whitcomb Riley, Greenfield’s most famous son, attended the first public school in Greenfield in 1870 as one of 236 students. He was ranked 7th in his class by February, achieving honor roll in reading and math.
While Riley studied law, he was more interested in drama and writing. He became a popular national and international poet, authoring more than 1000 poems and writing about the ordinary, simple things of life, documenting American history with humor and reverence. Among these were the acclaimed “Little Orphant Annie” and “When the Frost is on the Punkin.” Riley rose to literary giant status and he continues to be a literary icon, celebrated by and influencing generations of Americans for more than 130 years.
Riley is recognized world-wide as “The Hoosier Poet.” He was known for his colloquial recitations and was a familiar colleague of some of the most notable writers of the late 1880s. He was a regular visitor to the White House of Presidents Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison and Woodrow Wilson. The James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis was created and named in his honor in 1924. Schools in several states are named after him and his Greenfield home is preserved as a historical site. Even a ship, the SS James Whitcomb Riley, was christened in 1942 with the United States Maritime Commission.
Riley has been awarded honorary degrees from Yale University, Wabash College, Indiana University, and the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a special medal for poetry from the prestigious National Institute of Arts and Letters during his lifetime. He died in 1916 and is buried in a tomb at Crown Hill Cemetery, awarded the highest point in Indianapolis.
Class of 1947 • Greenfield High School
Keith McClarnon
Keith McClarnon has been an active man throughout his life with a keen focus on his hometown community of Greenfield. Early in his adult life he was the owner and operator of Carr-Mac’s clothing store in downtown Greenfield. He thoroughly enjoyed each Fall when Da Jo Photography would “unveil” framed GHS senior 8×10 portraits in his front window. In 1976 he became Mayor of Greenfield and served in that political office until 1996.
During his long tenure, Keith actively sought to better his community and reach out in genuine friendship to those around him, near and far. He was significantly involved in or a driving force behind many quality of life opportunities that continue in this community to this day. He was one of the original founders for Indiana Municipal Power Association; a charter member of Hancock County Historical Society; helped develop Regreening of Greenfield; participated in the Indiana Main Street program, Greenfield Revitalization and the Riley Festival Committee; and created and established the Sister City program with Kakuda, Japan.
In 1995 Keith was honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash. That same year he received the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. Keith has been active with the Kiwanis Club of Greenfield, serving as President of the club many years ago. He also was a Leadership Member committed to the Boys Scouts of America.
Keith has remembered his years as a three sport athlete at Greenfield High School in baseball, basketball and track by giving back as a GC athletic booster. He also fondly remembers his favorite agricultural and science teacher, Keith Elsbury. He is proud that his entire family is rooted in the same halls of learning.
Says Keith, “It is truly an honor to be recognized for this award. I am so blessed to have grown up in Hancock County and to have graduated from Greenfield High School. I had teachers who were an inspiration to me and well-prepared me for the many challenges that have followed in my life. In addition, my beautiful wife, Joanne, was also a graduate from GHS, as well as all of our five children.
“Lessons I learned in those halls served me well as I went on to run my own downtown clothing business and then serve as Greenfield’s mayor for 20 glorious years. During these years,I was able to help others as I had been helped as a student at Greenfield High School.
“I am especially proud to have established the Sister City relationship with Kukuda, Japan. Students (and adults) from Japan and Greenfield continue to grow friendships with this valuable program. It is always a good thing to reach out the hand of friendship.
“Thanks so much for honoring me. I feel very humble to be included with such an exceptional group of Greenfield citizens, past and present.”
Class of 1967 • Greenfield High School
David L. Hine
David Hine is a retired – and much decorated – Senior Master Sergeant from the U.S Air Force, one of the most difficult enlisted promotion to attain in the Air Force. David’s numerous achievements and honors include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Unit Intelligence 1st Term Airman for 3rd Air Force, Honor Graduate – NCO Leadership School, and the list goes on and on. His selfless service has been a hallmark of his career and is now evident in his continued service to his country, community, and fellow citizens.
David appreciates his roots and the support of his parents at all his high school activities. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships of his classmates and teammates. Says David, “Bill Spacey, Earl Moore, Esther Bower, William Harpring and Clayton Meyers are just a few of the teachers and coaches that influenced me the most, but the list could include many more. The teachers that I had were all good, but at the time you just didn’t realize it. They were preparing us to go into the next phase of our lives.” The importance of education was paramount. “It laid the ground work and structure in preparing me for how I approached the challenges of my career and life. Continuing education and advanced training were critical during my Air Force career and played a key role in my promotions and assignment possibilities. It doesn’t really matter what career or profession you choose in today’s world, continued education will play an important part of your success.”
David appreciates the opportunities he had in his career to travel throughout the U.S. and to many countries in the world. He had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of special operations, exercises and deployments. He recalls his retirement ceremony – held on the Arizona Memorial as, “a very emotional and humbling experience.” He then chose to return to Greenfield because he loves the community and respects the school system that serves it.
Back home David has brought “The Wall That Heals” – the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial – to Greenfield. He was co-chairman of the group that planned, developed and built the Hancock County Veterans Park – a park that honors every past, present and future veteran with ties to Hancock County. He currently researches our Vietnam War casualties and their families to support the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Call for Photos program. He says, “I have been fortunate enough to locate a widow in Thailand, a classmate in Egypt, a sister in Germany and sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, friends and classmates throughout the U.S. They realize that their loved ones are not forgotten, and someone still cares about them.” In his spare time he helps his wife, Sandy, deliver Meals on Wheels.
David offers, “Don’t be afraid of failure…There will always be hurdles or setbacks. Reevaluate and learn from the mistakes or problems you encounter along the way. You may also find that you are led in an entirely different direction that is even more rewarding and fulfilling.” He adds, “I want to thank everyone for this tremendous honor. It is a privilege to be selected for the inaugural GC Alumni Hall of Fame. It would not have been possible without the love and support of my wife, our families and the many special friends we have met along the way.”
Class of 1969 • Greenfield High School
Judy Swift
Judy Swift is Assistant Vice President & Business Development Officer at Greenfield Banking Company and a City Council member. Recognized for her business and community contributions, she is the Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Business Woman of the Year and the Character Council of Hancock County’s 2008 Community Character Development Award recipient. She has been intricately involved in Greenfield in Bloom, Hoosier Harvest Market, Leadership Hancock County, Hancock Economic Development Council, Relay for Life, Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation, Hancock County Heart Walk, and much more. Involvement is a trait Judy developed in high school where she was part of many clubs and activities. She says, “I like to be a part of groups that accomplish something of importance. I like to work with people. I still want to make a difference.” She has found the most important part of being involved is saying “Yes!”
Judy’s memories and positive reflections of her school and community experiences are extensive. Judy notes, “Life is wonderful, amazing, hard. When you’re in school that is your world; when you graduate and leave a new world emerges; when you start working you see how the worlds start coming together. It’s an ‘Aha!’ moment.”
Judy remembers people of influence from school and from life that have helped her succeed. “Mr. Ray Bartnick was my teacher when I was in the program where I went to school in the mornings and worked at Greenfield Banking Company in the afternoon. I am still at GBC 44 years later – it was the perfect choice for me.” She credits Robert Strickland, past GBC President, Judy Brown, retired GBC Marketing VP, and her husband Carl with special mentorships. Her husband tells her, “All people are different, that is what makes the world go ‘round. Allow others to be what they are – just accept them.” “He said that to me again just the other day,” says Judy. “I’m still learning.”
Judy continues, “Mr. Steve Bryant and I worked together on the Character Council; Dr. Linda Gellert and I serve on the Hancock County Economic Development Board; Mr. Don Ricketts taught my son and daughter and invited me to be a part of his life class where I developed “Banking for the High School Senior.” Mr. Ted Jacobs allowed me to share that with his class also. The staff and employees of G-CCSC are great and such a vital part of Greenfield.
Two events Judy chaired are particularly special to her. The first and second American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Hancock County was one. Judy received the American Cancer Society’s Sword of Hope Award for fundraising. She says, “Little did I know those research dollars would help me when my breast cancer of 2006 returned in 2008.” Successful research helped her survive. The other event was Greenfield’s entry into the America in Bloom nationwide beautification contest which the community won in 2004 and 2006.
“It is with honor I say thank you! Life is so special, learn all you can, help others always, and (the magnet on my fridge from my daughter) ‘May you LIVE all the days of your LIFE.’”
Class of 1971 • Greenfield-Central High School
James F. White
Jim White excelled in the Greenfield public school system before attending Purdue University where he obtained his bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmacology. He began his career as a Senior Toxicologist at Eli Lilly and Company conducting toxicology studies of potential new drugs for cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, and cancer. He led a collaborative effort in neuroscience research with Novo Nordisk of Denmark and became Director of Neuroscience Research. Later he co-founded Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was VP and COO of Hypion, Inc., and CEO of COLucid Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jim used his unique combination of scientific and interpersonal skills to lead teams of talented researchers. His accomplishments include the development of novel treatments for sleep disorders and migraine. He was honored as a 2003 Distinguished Alumni by Purdue University. World traveled, Jim was well known in the scientific community and it started with his education in Greenfield. His interest in science was developed and peaked, driving him to be the best he could be.
His friend, Joey Johnson, remembers, “Jim and I went to Harris Elementary together. We were friends all through school at GC and were roommates our freshman year at Purdue University. Being away from home for the first time brought challenges to both Jim and I.” It also brought one of Joey’s fondest memories. “Forming and playing together in a rock band our freshman year, added to our academic challenges. Needless to say, our band didn’t mix well with our ability to study. When Jim’s parents saw his first semester grade point average, Jim’s dad created a large cardboard black bomb like you would drop out of a World War II airplane. Printed on the side in large numerals was Jim’s grade point average. His dad had it shipped to Purdue. As we gathered around the package expecting cookies or something, you can imagine the reaction as the bomb appeared in our dorm room! Academics was not a problem from that point forward.
“Jim was one of the kindest men I know. Even as a child, he was compassionate and caring. Even with his first semester bump in the road at Purdue, he went on to do great things in the pharmaceutical industry. He used his intellect for good and wanted to help others. He was raised by great parents who taught him that his purpose in life was to be generous and to make a difference in the lives of others. Frank and Meredith White are exceptional people who raised an extraordinary son. He was a great big brother to sister, Lynn. He was a great husband to Linda and a loving father to Jarrett. I can’t think of a more deserving person to be in the inaugural class of distinguished GC graduates.”
An ardent philanthropic supporter of arts, education, and local community organizations of his adopted home, Jim also enjoyed traveling, skiing, flying his plane, deep sea fishing, sporting events (Go Colts!), and the Indianapolis 500. Jim passed away from cancer in 2012.
Class of 1972 • Greenfield-Central High School
Kathy Dowling
Kathy Dowling is retired Greenfield-Central High School Guidance Counselor. Numerous people testify to the impact she has had on their lives and the lives of a multitude of students and community individuals over many years. She taught, coached, counseled, was Dean of Students and more during her 32 years at G-CHS. She is actively engaged in her community through various forums.
“Kathy has given and continues to give to her community and the families in it,” says Kristin Fewell. “She is the epitome of what an outstanding educator and community person should be.” Kathy has displayed a heart of gold and intense compassion for her students. She is described as having a loving firmness that for many students helped them to get on the right path.
Kathy has been the recipient of the Robert Albano Educational Service Award and 14 most influential educator awards. She has been actively involved in her community and continues to volunteer with schools. She has been recognized in the GC athletic Hall of Fame for coaching. She has also received the Gold Star Guidance Award and the James Whitcomb Riley Community Service Award.
Kathy serves as a board member for Hancock County Park & Recreation as well as the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation. She has been on the Hancock Regional Hospital Radiology Board as well as the Set A Good Example Foundation. Kathy volunteers with the National Kidney Association, competing in the Transplants of America “Olympics.” She was the top fund raiser for Team Indiana!
Says Kathy, “My Greenfield-Central family has had a huge impact on my life. As an educator, counselor, coach, school board member, and servant to my community, the mentors I have had during my education and career in this school system have influenced every aspect of my life. These include Buddy Busby, Bob Caldwell, Florence Molinder, Bob Albano, Don Jackson, Steve Bryant, and my sister, Chris Dowling to name a few. These mentors have instilled in me confidence, creativity, caring, and the values of balancing body, mind and spirit in young people to help them lead happy, successful lives.
“Without the sacrifices of Ted and Shari Jacobs and Rick and Susie Schoeff, I would not be here today. When I faced renal failure, my GC family came through twice as Ted and Rick each donated lifesaving kidneys to keep me alive. My Greenfield-Central family has always been there for me, and I hope that I have paid it forward and will continue to do so for this community. My life has been truly blessed!”
Class of 1989 • Greenfield-Central High School
Ty Wooten
Ty Wooten is the Education & PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) Operations Director for the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), in Alexandria Virginia. NENA is made up of over 7,000 members in 48 chapters around the world, and is dedicated to 911 policy, technology, operations and education issues. Ty oversees the education program as well as the development of international standards that are adopted and used by 911 and other emergency number systems around the world. He serves on the NENA Institute Board and is honored to work with local, state and federal agencies concerning 911 and public safety. Prior to his present position Ty has worked at various agencies around the state including as Director of the Hancock County Emergency Operations Center and the Emergency Communications Manager at Indianapolis International Airport. Ty has received recognition from the White House and Blue Angels Flight Team; been named Indiana EMS Commission Dispatcher of the Year; and received the Indiana NENA Pioneer Award.
Reflecting on his Greenfield education, Ty says, “Many of my favorite memories are during my time at Maxwell Middle School and Greenfield-Central High School. Many center on band and music. The lessons of leadership, discipline, teamwork, interpersonal relationships that I learned, are things that I use every day. Going away to band camp every summer was a highlight. Opportunities like marching in the Gimbles Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Philadelphia, to visiting New York City or doing a concert tour around Ontario, Canada sparked a desire to travel and explore new places and cultures. Mr. Robert Albano, Mrs. Terry Beagle, Mr. Jim Beaver, Mr. Jerry Bell, Mr. Buddy Busby, Ms. Cathy Clements, Mr. Scot Collins, Mrs. Nancy Herndon, Mr. Larry McBride and Ms. Gail Noland – these and so many more had such an impact on my life. They each masterfully taught the information, ideas and concepts of their respective fields. But more importantly, they each taught me about life and being a good person.
“A lasting memory was my participation as a student representative to the Set A Good Example Foundation.” Ty later served as President of GCSF. “When asked to serve as a student Board Member in 1988 to this new organization, I knew little about philanthropy or service to a larger cause. The guidance received and the examples set by people like Mr. Albano, Dr. Bob Erwin, Dr. Todd Kaminski and others had a deep and lasting impression on my life. Unknown to me at the time, those lessons pointed me down a path of service to the community. Those three leaders and others also sparked in me a desire to become a lifelong student of Leadership and Management, which has served me many times over in my professional life.”
Ty and his wife Keri Brennan will soon be moving to Washington D.C. He says, “To the current and future students of Greenfield Central Schools – the structures of your life will be built upon the foundations that you receive through these doors and within these walls. Dig deep and form a foundation that will let the structures of your life soar to the sky.”
Class of 1992 • Greenfield-Central High School
Stephanie J. Kinnaman
A Family Physician at American Health Network in Greenfield,Stephanie Kinnaman is active in church, volunteer community health education and service, and in Rotary. She serves as Indiana’s Rotary District 6560 Gift of Life Chair, an international humanitarian project, linking heart surgeons at Riley Hospital for Children with children needing life saving heart surgeries in third world countries. Stephanie’s undergraduate studies were at Notre Dame, where she graduated with honors. As she began study at the Indiana University School of Medicine, her dream was to return to her home community to serve.
Says Stephanie, “ I am honored to be working with my greatest role models in medicine, Dr. Tom O’Connor and Dr. Dean Felker, and before his retirement, Dr. Gary Stouder. It is a great privilege to care for the people of this community.” Stephanie has balanced her work and family life (she and husband Brian have three children) with a passion for volunteer service, in particular with Rotary International. “Rotary has enveloped many avenues to serve the local and international community in ways I could have never imagined as a student at G-CHS. I have served on the scholarship committee and relish the opportunity to meet many of the best and brightest seniors from GC every year in this process. In 2010, I had the amazing opportunity to be the Rotarian team leader for the first Vocational Training Team composed otherwise of health professionals from Riley Hospital for Children to Kampala, Uganda. This was the most amazing and eye-opening experience! We have been back to the Uganda Heart Institute yearly and plan another trip this October. I have written the grants as well as accompanied the team yearly. To watch the Institute grow and their staff improve, incorporating the skills and knowledge our team has shared has been so incredibly fulfilling. I also accompanied the team to Amman, Jordan this March – an amazing trip to the Middle East! Through the Gift of Life program we also receive children who have surgery at Riley from all over the world.
“As for my high school years at G-CHS, I have wonderful memories! I especially enjoyed Mr. Tillman Smith for all of my Chemistry classes; Mrs. Parido for her thought-provoking English and World Literature classes; Mr. Bill English and the amazing fun while learning leading up to AP Calculus tests; Mrs. Kristie Corn for freshman English. I loved Mr. Rhoades and Mrs. Powell and the amazing experiences of musicals!! That lit a fire in me that makes me still to this day appreciate the beauty of a musical and stage performances! I thank Mr. Buddy Busby for the wonderful memories of swim team, especially our 1991 CSAC team Championship! That brings me to a woman I have so much respect and love for as my diving coach – Ms. Kathy Dowling. She has served G-CHS in so many amazing and meaningful ways and I cannot think of a more deserving Alumni Hall of Fame honoree!
“Thank you so much for this honor to be included with such distinguished alumni. I can only hope to do more in the future which would make me more deserving.”
Class of 1995 • Greenfield-Central High School
James T. Broome
An Endocrine Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt, James Broome was Valedictorian at G-CHS. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, completing medical school at the University of Michigan and surgical residency at Vanderbilt. He has published numerous papers on his field and is active in multiple professional organizations. He serves his community as a soccer coach and through his church.
Truly honored to be named to the GC Alumni Hall of Fame, James says, “I am blessed to have had the opportunities provided through my school system and the fabulous teachers who prepared me for a life in the wide world outside of Hancock County. Greenfield-Central schools laid the groundwork for lifelong interests, goals, and aspirations. I remember fondly my time in Hancock County Children’s Theater which was followed up by my time in Pop Swing Chorus and every drama production I could work my way into. Jack Rhodes and his guidance gave me an interest and love of the arts which continues to this day. I went on to perform in the Harvard Radcliffe Gilbert and Sullivan Players, serve on their board of directors and produce two plays at Harvard. In medical school my interest in the theater found an outlet in the yearly medical school musical parodies. I found myself in leading roles as well as writing and producing the production my final year of medical school. Certainly this vigorous love of the theater traces its roots back to a single auditorium at G-CHS.
“I also participated in the foreign exchange program offered through the high school. I still vividly remember my time in Wiesbaden, Germany and the friends and connection I made. That trip instilled the confidence to explore new cultures and the eagerness to learn more about the world. I found myself taking these interests with me through an archeological dig in Askelon, Israel; a summer living in Naples, Italy; and jaunts throughout the great cities of Western Europe. As I write this, I sit in the airport poised to take an adventure to Helsinki, Finland. I know my love of travel finds its roots in that one high school exchange program.
“Finally, I know that I found my love of science in Greenfield. Ms. Sigler’s 6th grade science course at Lincoln Park all the way though my high school chemistry classes sparked a love of learning about the way our physical world works. I was offered the chance to shadow a local pediatrician, Dr. Lori Wean, and learned to love the application of that scientific knowledge to helping my fellow man/woman. That experience percolated in the back of my mind as I explored PhD programs and other “hard sciences” through my studies. But, that early foundation laid in the Greenfield school systems mentoring program has led me to my current career in medicine. Everyday, as I stand in the operating room, I know that without the opportunities given to me at such an early age, I may not be the man I am today.
“It truly is an honor to be inducted into this hall of fame and I remain grateful to the opportunities and influences that have propelled me to this very day. Thank you.”
Class of 2005 • Greenfield-Central High School
Paul Galbraith
Paul Galbraith is Pastor of Student Ministries and Missions at Brandywine Community Church in Greenfield and is actively involved above and beyond in the lives of community students.
Paul’s current passion and leadership to the young people in his life and his community began during his school years. Paul says, “My journey through Greenfield-Central schools was one filled with challenges, growth, enjoyment, and lessons learned, all of which helped prepare me to be a leader in college, my career, and in life. Being home schooled through 6th grade, my transition into GC schools was intimidating at first. However, I was blessed with great teachers like Mr. Scott Miller, Mrs. Jan VanKley, Mrs. Alice Snellenberger, Mr. Arnold Flannery, Mr. Jim Bradway, Mr. Jim Weaver, and Mr. Keith Ross, who helped me adjust and then thrive at Greenfield Middle School. At G-CHS experiences in the classroom, through clubs, and on sports teams provided a great foundation for my growth and development through high school and beyond. From Mrs. Jenny Bielefeld opening my eyes to current events around the world, to Mrs. Sharon Lime encouraging my passion for mathematics, to Mr. Brent Oliver investing in my leadership development through Student Leadership Academy, to the successes and failures that came through my basketball, baseball, and cross-country teams, every classroom, club, and team experience helped mold my character, passions, and direction for life.”
Paul has been recognized for his servant heart, beginning at Franklin College where he received the Doug Grant Student Service Award and Campus Impact honored him for organizaing Hurricane Katrina Relief Trips. Paul believes his time at Franklin College allowed him to put into practice leadership, learning, and service, further aligning the course of life he realized God was leading him to. Which brought him back to the Greenfield community. “Now the leadership skills, education, and experiences I learned in GC schools and beyond is allowing me to serve and impact lives from Hancock County to Haiti,” continues Paul.
Each year Paul has been making frequent trips to Haiti and other third world countries where he has organized the installation of water systems for villages without clean water – a common, and serious, problem in many parts of the world. He passionately raises funds and recruits volunteers to help in this quest. As a member of Habitat for Humanity he has assisted when disaster struck in the States. Closer to home “he takes every opportunity to impact the lives of young people,” says his nominator. “He coaches, participates in mentoring activities, regularly meets students at school, tutors, and has an unselfish attitude while leading and helping others.”
On his community involvement Paul comments, “I have been grateful for the opportunities to volunteer in the GC schools, coaching, leading Bible studies/FCA, sharing about my international experiences in Haiti and Israel, and helping tutor at GIS. These are all ways I hope to pass on the blessing GC schools and teachers have given to me, and I am excited to see the impact future leaders from GC will have on this community, country, and world.”