By KIMBERLY LEWIS

News Leader Editor

One, a zoologist, has had dinner with the Queen. Another inspired his students to greatness. A third has devoted 30 years to public service. Two have had extensive military careers, with one returning to serve a school district and another having just moved to corporate life.

Their accomplishments are varied, but their lives and contributions have been exemplary. It is their accomplishments that have earned them the honor of being added to the Minerva Alumni Hall of Fame.

The induction, sponsored by the Minerva Education Association and Alumni Association, was held June 21, at Minerva United Methodist Church.

Approximately 123 people heard Lynn Molen introduce the inductees, Col. David R. Wolf, Gordon E. Evans, James B. Waller, Dr. Todd A. Crowl and William R. Mease, recounting their accomplishments.

Col. David R. Wolf retired from the U.S. Army in 2007, after 29 years. After thanking his family and nominators, Wolf noted, "We live in challenging times," and cited the global war on terrorism, global warming and a domestic economic crisis.

"What can we do? There is no silver bullet, no overnight solution. We can promote education and giving scholarships to Minerva students. All of this is important to the strength of our society," Wolf said.

Wolf thanked a multitude of teachers, noting Robert Gallina's requirement to memorize birds was useful when he had to memorize military planes.

After reciting the chorus of Garth Brook's "Pushing Up Daisies," Wolf pointed out that this moment was the important dash between the birth and death dates on the stone. "Do for the students what you are doing for these students," he said.

Gordon E. Evans served in the U.S. Navy for several years, before returning to Carrollton to serve on the board of education for 12 years. "I humbly accept this. Thank you," Evans said in his brief acceptance speech.

James B. Waller, retired from Timken, has served as mayor for 16 years and on council for 14 years. Visibly moved by the presentation, Waller admitted he would not have believed he had been selected if he had not seen the official heading on the letter.

Waller thanked his family and those who suggested he serve on council. "I've always considered it a privilege (to serve the village)," he said. "I have not had a bad day since I started. Some have not been so good, but there is no such thing as a bad day."

"I've enjoyed everything about it and would do it again. It is not a one-person job. I have had the privilege to work with great people. I have learned a lot. I learned how to listen and how to treat people," he said.

"I have learned when to keep my mouth shut and when to open it. I'm still trying to refine that," Waller said with a laugh.

Dr. Todd Crowl, a zoologist and professor, has recently joined the National Science Foundation and is a member of a multitude of committees. "I have given 300 lectures in 40 countries and I have never been more nervous than I am right now," admitted Crowl.

"I have been amazingly lucky to do what I do. If I have accomplished anything it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants," he said. He noted his parents encouraged him to "do anything and try everything."

Like Wolf, Crowell noted the world is changing and "we are facing interesting times." At the National Science Foundation, Crowell will "try to understand those changes (in the environment)."

"There are a lot of changes coming down the road. Education is where to start," he said.

William R. Mease served as superintendent of Plain Local Schools and as assistant superintendent of Stark County Schools before his death in 2003. His wife, Cindy, accepted on his behalf. "His passion really got going when he entered public education," she said. "He would want to be here to congratulate the others."

"Bill was always doing what's best for the kids. He would have liked this because this is really the idea and championing what is best for the kids," she said.

Association President Robert Gallina gave the welcome. Mr. Ralph Norman gave the invocation and benediction.

Treasurer Ruth Betz introduced the Hall of Fame members present. She also announced the following scholarship recipients: Emily Sluss, scholarship in honor of Mary Kelly Wolf; Doug Granger, in honor of Joseph William Deagan; and Holly Herstine and Andrew Burman, in memory of Larry P. Gram.

Vice President Dorothy Jenkins presented the following classroom grants: in memory of Janette McAvoy McClave, Barbara J. Kandel; and in memory of Ruth and John A. Grunder, Jr., Lindsay Mann, Kimberly Shipbaugh and Danielle Hawk.