Congratulations to our 2018 class of Alumni Hall of Fame!
Jack L. New, Larry J. Breese, Teresa Cooper Shook, Jeffrey A. Harris, and David H. Arland
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.
Class of 1941 | Greenfield High School
Jack L. New
Jack New is remembered as an “exemplary model of what a public servant should be.” A lifelong resident of Greenfield, Jack was a 1941 graduate of Greenfield High School and a 1948 graduate of Indiana University where he obtained a Political Science degree and was President of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. From 1943 to 1946, between high school and college graduation, Jack served in the U.S. Army in Europe and Japan during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star.
Jack began his dedication to public service in 1948. His son, Tom New says, “He was a major participant in every statewide election in Indiana from 1948 to 1980; and while he was a partisan Democrat, Dad always worked across the political aisle to find bipartisan solutions to our state’s problems. We could use that type of bipartisanship today.” Jack coordinated President Truman’s whistle stops through Indiana in 1948 and was largely credited with the white hat campaign for Governor Henry Schricker.
Jack served as Director of the Office of Price Stabilization for Indiana from 1951-53. He was Executive Secretary to Governor Matthew Welsh (1961-65). Jack was elected three times (1965-67; 1971-79) to the office of State Treasurer of Indiana where he was responsible for managing the finances of the state of Indiana. A candidate for Governor of Indiana in the Democratic Party primary in 1976, he later served as Chairman of the Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners in 1989-92. During the 1980s Jack was also an adjunct professor of Political Science at I.U.
Well known and well honored, Jack received numerous recognitions. Top among them was the Sagamore of the Wabash, an award given him by four Indiana Governors – Governors Welsh, Whitcomb, Bowen and Bayh. The Sagamore is conferred on men and women as a personal tribute to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or the governor – contributing greatly to our Hoosier heritage. Indiana University also recognized Jack with the Distinguished Alumni Award given by the School of Arts and Sciences in 1984, honoring alumni who have achieved significant recognition or accomplishment in their chosen field, community service, or university service.
At home in Greenfield, Jack owned and operated a small office furniture business. While his primary political focus was statewide, Jack also served his local community as a member of the Hancock County Council in the 1950s and was the keynote speaker at the Riley Days Mayor’s Breakfast on more than one occasion. He also took the time to strongly support Greenfield High School and Greenfield-Central High School athletics and extracurricular activities during his four children’s years in school. “He suffered through every one of my cross country and track meets,” jokes Tom.
Jack was a member of Bradley United Methodist Church, a lifelong member of the Greenfield American Legion #119 and the Greenfield Elks. Jack was married to his wife Corinne for 58 years. They had two sons, Tom and John and two daughters, Sara and Ann. They were also blessed with six grandchildren. Jack passed away October 14, 2008.
Class of 1968 | Greenfield High School
Larry J. Breese
Larry Breese has established a legacy in his community and most importantly in the lives of his children. “Our dad has been a role model not only to us, but to many of our friends. He has passed on his love of public service and his work ethic. Our dad has set an example for us on how to live our lives to the fullest,” said Corey Breese and Emily Ewing. Larry, in turn, attributes his work ethic and common sense to his parents, coaches, and Greenfield High School Band Director George N. Huntworth – who he terms “his most influential teacher.”
A 1968 graduate of Greenfield High School, Larry was a member of many clubs, played in the band, was Drum Major, and lettered in track and cross country which earned him a position in the 10:30 Club. Larry then attended Indiana State University.
Upon leaving Indiana State, Larry began a long-term career with Indianapolis Office Supply Company where he was a business manager and salesman. During his time at IOS, he became one of the leading salesmen, winning many trips to Europe as a reward for his productive efforts, and earning Salesman of the Year three times.
Serving others took several forms in Larry’s life. He coached basketball when his son was small, impacting and influencing young men’s lives. He began his service to the city of Greenfield as a volunteer fireman for 12 years. He was then elected to the Greenfield City Council, where he served a 4-year term. With the encouragement of Pat Elmore, Larry ran for Clerk-Treasurer and was elected to his first term. He went on to serve the citizens of Greenfield with experience, knowledge and wisdom for 20 years (1996-2016) as their elected Clerk-Treasurer until retirement.
During his second career as Clerk-Treasurer, Larry continued furthering his education and received his IMC (Indiana Municipal Clerk), CMC (Certified Municipal Clerk), IAMC (Indiana Association of Municipal Clerks) and the prestigious MMC (Master Municipal Clerk) in 2006.
Larry served on the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) Board of Directors, Legislative Committee as well as several others during his time in office. Larry served the Indiana League of Municipal Clerk-Treasurers (LMCT) as Secretary in 2006-07, Vice President in 2007-08, and was elected by his peers to serve as President of ILMCT in 2008-09. He began serving as a Trustee for the IACT Medical Trust in 2012.
Larry’s dedication, skill and proficiency were noticed and honored. In 2010, Larry received the Financial Excellence Award from IACT for his outstanding contribution and expertise in financial management. Before his retirement, Larry received the distinguished Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Pence.
Larry’s colleagues have said, “Larry Breese has served the citizens of Greenfield as well as those throughout the state of Indiana with integrity, dedication, loyalty, wisdom, and a vast amount of experience and knowledge gained through a lifetime of public service. He has been an outstanding example of how elected officials should approach their responsibilities.”
Larry continues to serve the citizens of Greenfield as a member of the Greenfield Board of Public Works and Safety, the Riley Old Home Society, and is on the Hancock County Election Board. A lifelong member of Kiwanis, Larry has also served as its President and was honored as a Kiwanian of the Year.
Larry married Roberta Hobbs Breese on August 12, 1972. They are the proud parents of the late Jon Christian Breese, Corey (Grace) Breese, and Emily (Terry) Ewing. Larry and Roberta have three granddaughters: Phoenix, Reagan, and Baylie. Larry’s family is very proud of all the work he has done and is still doing for our community. His dedication to the city of Greenfield has been inspiring.
Class of 1969 | Greenfield High School
Teresa Cooper Shook
Dedicated to demonstrating the importance of giving to others and the value of every person, Teresa Cooper Shook has had a tremendous positive impact on many lives through her teaching and her work as an attorney and activist.
Involved in every possible extra-curricular activity, Teresa graduated as part of the final Greenfield High School class of 1969. She completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Secondary Education at Southern Illinois University in 1979, followed by a Law degree at SIU. Returning to Indiana with her two sons, Teresa’s practice focused on family law. With a move to California (she passed the bar exam on her first try!), she continued in family law and social justice issues, representing underserved communities, advocating for youth and helping victims of domestic violence. A highlight was arguing a case before the California Supreme Court.
In 2000, Teresa relocated to Hana, Hawaii, where she lives today. Health concerns (and living in a remote area) altered her work focus and she turned to giving legal advice and teaching online. After retiring from law, she taught English/Literature and Social Studies overseas in Bali, Guatemala, China, Saipan, and Gabon. Teresa works with the local newspaper as a writer and editor.
Teresa’s nominators say, “She has opened the way for many women and others to realize their potential and ability to make a difference. Teresa is a strong, intelligent, educated and resourceful individual who works every day to make a change for the better.” In 2016-2017, Teresa became a catalyst for change in the U.S. and around the world. While respectful of the 2016 election results, she sensed a need to uplift those who were feeling the most discouraged. With her Facebook event inviting a few dozen friends to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, The Women’s March on Washington ignited. It spread like wildfire and brought more than 5 million people around the world together in Washington D.C. standing in solidarity for women’s rights and a fair, just and inclusive world. Another 600 marches were held around the country. As the founder and spark of this event, Teresa is overwhelmed with the positive impact it created. She is quick to note that a team of activists from across the country helped nurture the idea and caused it grow. Quoted in the Maui News in 2017, Teresa says, “I’m just anyone and anyone can make something happen. So don’t think it has to be up to someone else. No matter where you live, just do something. I had no idea this would be like this, but I did something.” Teresa continues to be involved in the women’s movement, recently beginning a “Talk Story” project to impact women and increase their own involvement in their community and nation.
Teresa has received recognition and awards in many arenas as the Founder of the 2017 Women’s March and Movement, on a local, state, national and international level. A few include The Common Good Forum and the American Spirit Award for Citizen’s Activism. Many newspapers and magazines (including Greenfield’s Daily Reporter) have recognized her accomplishments. She continues to be honored for her efforts on social issues.
As people clamored to know more about her, Teresa was asked about her idol or mentor. She said, “I had the same teacher for 5th and 6th grade. He always told me I could do great things and believed in me at a time in my life I needed someone to believe in me. He taught me to reach for the stars.” Mr. Robert Hilton had a lifelong impact on Teresa, and they kept in touch throughout his life. He and his wife even attended her law school graduation 13 years after her high school graduation.
“In general—growing up in Greenfield and having so many caring, dedicated teachers who went above and beyond (something I modeled when I taught) impacted my life for the good,” says Teresa. Her music teacher, Mr. Greenfield, also inspired her and opened up the world of songs and plays, teaching her to strive to be her best. She says, “He was wacky and unique and introduced me to a rich cultural world.“
Embracing a vast and intriguing world has continued to appeal to Teresa. A few of her adventures have included: tandem parasailing off an 8,000 ft. mountain; building rough log bridges over mud bogs in Alaska; and backpacking solo and with her younger son across the backwoods of Canada.
A lawyer, educator, world traveler, writer and adventurer, Teresa is the mother of two grown sons and Tutu (grandma) to four girls. Today, she continues her work mentoring women and youth, speaking at events on social justice issues, doing interviews on podcasts and social media, and is working on a book.
Class of 1970 | Greenfield-Central High School
Jeffrey A. Harris
“Jeff Harris,” says Kevin Horrigan, “is the classic story of a hometown boy who made good…but didn’t leave for greener pastures…instead, chose to stay and help right here in Greenfield.” And, help he has through numerous community service avenues, athletics, church and Greenfield-Central community schools.
Jeff was one of the students who made the transition from Greenfield High School to the consolidated Greenfield-Central High School, and became part of its inaugural graduating class of 1970. Six years later Jeff began his own business with a single chair he rented from Green Meadows Barber Shop. Since that simple beginning, he has become the successful, hometown small business owner of Ye Olde Head Shoppe. His family-friendly, full-service salon and spa has grown beyond a man and his scissors. It now includes ten stylists, three massage therapists, two nail technicians, and an esthetician, all working at a renovated home on State Street and welcoming any who step inside his door.
Along the way, Jeff got involved. He helped start the Greenfield Fast-Pitch Softball Association (GFSA) which still exists today. Jeff served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greenfield. He has served as a Trustee at Greenfield Christian Church and is active in its Men’s Ministry. He joined the Rotary Club of Greenfield where he has served on its Board of Directors as well as in other capacities including chairing the club’s “Apple Day” program. A program that recognizes the importance and significance of all employees of the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation as well as those at St. Michael’s School, Jeff expanded the distribution of apples beyond teachers to include all staff when he took leadership of this program. Jeff also facilitates the “Bell Ringers” program for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. All proceeds help fund the Sheriff’s Department’s “Shop with a Sheriff” Christmas gift program.
He has stepped up even more as he has focused on our community’s schools. For over 25 years, Jeff has run the 25-second clock (or other press box operations) for all home football games at Greenfield-Central High School. He is the assistant sponsor of the Rotary Interact Club at Greenfield-Central High School. Jeff helped raise multiple funds for the improvement of Greenfield-Central High School’s softball field and softball facilities. He spearheaded the project to help restore the basketball center circles from Hancock-Central and Greenfield High Schools. Both of these now hang on the wall outside the main entrance to Greenfield-Central High School’s gymnasium. Says Kevin, “Jeff believed by restoring and hanging these center circles, we would help preserve some of the historical and educational legacies of the four past high schools that eventually made up what is today Greenfield-Central High School.”
Jeff has been honored by his peers and community with the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2007 Businessman of the Year Award and the Greenfield Central School Foundation’s 2012 Todd Kaminski Community Service Award.
Kevin wraps it all up by saying, “Jeff Harris has positively influenced and touched the lives (to say nothing of the hair) of countless thousands of young and old here in Greenfield through his generous donations of his time…his talent…and his treasure.” Jeff is greatly honored by his nomination and acceptance into the Alumni Hall of Fame. He says he lives, “a very normal life.”
Jeff’s memories of his time in high school are vivid and sweet. He moved to Greenfield in 1967 and soon learned the new basketball coach, Joe Stanley, was none other than one of his teachers from his previous school. “Coach Stanley invited me to become the basketball manager. I was thrilled,” says Jeff. “The next two years were great years with the state’s leading scorer, Mike Edwards, along with some outstanding teammates.” Jeff’s school recollections could fill pages about games, trips, cars, the media frenzy that accompanied the team’s success, and the closeness he felt to the class of 1969 and that special last year at Greenfield High School.
Jeff and his wife ConnieJo, who has been the athletic secretary at G-CHS for over 21 years, are the parents of a son and daughter. Jeff adds, “I am very proud of G-CHS and what a great school we have in our community. My son and daughter both were athletes and graduates of G-C. I really believe growing up in Greenfield, getting a good education, and the opportunity to be in sports have helped shape them into them being successful adults.
Class of 1981 | Greenfield-Central High School
David H. Arland
Dave Arland says, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, in most cases. That’s certainly the case with me. I’m still doing the things I did in high school, just on a grander scale. Looking at where my career in communications has taken me, I can look back 40 years to the challenges we faced as students – promoting our shows and events, reporting on news and activities, and learning new technologies that would eventually transform the world.” Dave’s activities at Greenfield-Central High School catapulted him after graduation in 1981 to a BA in Radio and Television from Butler University in 1985.
Following stints as a reporter with WIBC and WIRE radio stations, Dave became Press Secretary for Indianapolis Mayor William H. Hudnut, III during his final term. Dave’s career turned international when he joined Thomson Consumer Electronics-RCA in 1991, where he was Director of Community Affairs and Vice President of Global Consumer Marketing. Dave led the public relations efforts to introduce mp3 music players, high-definition TV, and e-book readers to consumers throughout the U.S. and Europe. He also served as the company’s voice in Washington, testifying twice before Congress and helping staff of the FCC understand complex digital technology developments.
In 2008, as a broadcasting and electronics industry veteran, Dave started Carmel, Indiana-based Arland Communications, a full-service communications, video production, and association management firm. Today, his company has a dozen clients and a team of five professionals who work hard to help clients reach their audiences with communications that both educate and delight. Additionally, Dave serves as Executive Director of Indiana Broadcasters Association (Arland Communications is the organization’s association management firm). He is Secretary-Treasurer of the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations; a past-chairman of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers committee of the IBA; and a board member of WFYI Public Media, which operates WFYI Channel 20 and WFYI FM-90.
Dave’s community involvements are myriad. He has spent over 30 years mentoring young men who are members of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. In his role as a Master Steward, he travels throughout the Midwest counseling at fraternity chapters and providing educational programs. Other involvements include Greenfield Community Choir, Butler University Board of Trustees member, Holy Spirit Parish at Geist Cantor, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Actors Theatre of Indiana Board member, and the Carmel High School Band Boosters Pep Band.
Along the way, people took notice of Dave’s abilities and commitment to lead and serve. Dave was chosen to participate in the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series®, a 10-month Leadership Indianapolis flagship program bringing together 25 emerging leaders to learn about the issues that drive Indiana. He served the Butler University Alumni Association as President in 1996-1997. He was also a recipient of the Butler University Joseph Irwin Sweeney Alumni Service Award.
As Dave remembered many favorite teachers he made note of several. “Jerry Bell took over the band program to create the Cougar Pride, reinvigorating and modernizing the marching band and adding new technologies, new sounds, and a new approach that won awards and instilled pride. I’m grateful to Kathy Dowling for her guidance. That Greek and Latin Derivatives class with Mary Parido paid off later in life, as did the laser-focused Don Rickett and his efforts to win scholarships for dozens of students (including me.) Media librarian Ann Ruby looked the other way when I copied dozens of articles during research on free trade – an effort that won me a big college scholarship. Drama teacher Jack Rhoades poured his heart into our high school productions. Superintendent Gerald Essington named me to the Student Advisory Committee, an invaluable lesson in moderate and constructive feedback. But the most influential teacher during my high school years was Charlie Wright – the choral teacher whose love of both the sacred and the secular instilled in me a lifelong love of both the remarkable harmony of really good church music and the thrill of a great Broadway show.”
Dave and his wife Karen have one daughter and are musicians at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Indianapolis. On a side note, during college Dave was a Soda Jerk at Hook’s Historic Drug Store at the Indiana State Fairgrounds were he says, “It may not be obvious from the position description, but I learned a lot as a soda jerk about the importance of being focused on your customer. Plus, I make a mean chocolate soda – with whipped cream and a cherry!” Way to go, Dave!