Academic Hall of Fame

see also Alumni News; Athletic Hall of Fame

2005 Hall of Fame

2005 Hall of Fame
Front row: Phil Barnes, Mark Hawkins, Kathryn May, Christine McMullen (accepting for Richard), and Marie Falk (accepting for George Falk). Back row: Dennis McComb, Ron Mercier, Tom Gephart, Sue Kanitz, Ron Reed and Warren Hale (all committee members and/or presenters).

Former Students

Richard E. McMullen. Richard was born in Milan in 1926 and has lived in Milan most of his life. He is a 1943 graduate of Milan High School. He dedicated his adult employment to years of teaching journalism, English and creative writing at five different schools. He has written over 800 poems which have appeared in nationwide publications. He also had several books published, including Chicken Beacon in 1975, Trying to Get Out in 1981, Like Heaven in 1993 and Not Only Love in 2005. On November 13, 1993, he was declared the first, and to date, only official Poet Laureate of Milan. Richard’s motivation for poetry came from his high school creative writing teacher, who noticed his talents for writing. For Richard, his writing comes as natural and urgent as a song or sculpture... “It’s like a compulsion,” he said. “I have an idea, feeling or dream and I write it down. I think everyone has it in them, probably the only difference between myself and a non-writer is that I put my thoughts on paper.”

George Falk. George was born in 1920 and graduated from Milan High School in 1938. George was a member of the “Lost Battallion,” a group of soldiers that were held as prisoners of war for more than three years during World War II. These soldiers and their story were the basis for the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai. During his years as prisoner, he was only able to receive mail from his family once, and only have four pre-coded postcards sent home. He kept a picture of his family hidden from Japanese guards during his years as prisoner. He and the fellow prisoners completed the Death Railroad, a stretch of rails from Thailand to Cambodia that ran for 250 miles with only basic tools such as picks and shovels. George passed in 1982 at the age of 62. His words about his experience speak to the character taught here in Milan: “I don't have any hatred today,” he said. “You don't gain anything by hating...I appreciate the little things in life...” Upon his release from Japan, he returned home to Milan, and in his words, “I had dreamed for years about jumping up on that back porch and hollering for Mom and Dad...and that’s what I did.”

Mark Hawkins. A graduate of 1977, Mark currently serves as one of the top financial executives of Dell Corporation. Mark, as a vice president of finance at Dell, leads a worldwide finance department that oversees billions of dollars in spending in addition to supporting Dell’s Operating Council. Mark attended Michigan State University as an undergrad, and the University of Colorado as a graduate student (M.B.A.). Mark started his career at Hewlett Packard. After several years, HP sent Mark to Harvard Business School. Mark graduated from the Advanced Management Program and was selected as a graduation speaker by his fellow classmates. While continuing at HP, Mark was recruited by Dell. He jumped at the opportunity and was a part of the company’s continued rise to success. Mark has traveled the world—whether it’s the Red Sea, the Great Wall of China, or Europe. He is also an accomplished marathon runner, completing such races as the Boston Marathon.

Former Staff members

Kathryn May. Kathryn served the Milan Area Schools from 1968 to 1996 as a teacher and administrator. Her first few years were spent as an elementary teacher at Allen and Jones schools, but she quickly moved into administration when she became the assistant principal at Paddock in 1972. Twelve years later, she became the principal of Paddock, the position from which she retired in 1996. During her tenure, Paddock School underwent major building renovation and made incredible strides in student service. As one of her former staff members commented, “Kathryn had the ability to make a good situation out of a negative one. She helped us persevere through the disruptions with dignity and laughter.” Kathryn was always a gracious lady who cared about her teachers and students. “Paddock Pride” became the a reality under her leadership. She worked to instill in her students the desire to become life-long learners. Many students remember her as the smiling face that welcomed them at the door during their elementary years. Parents admired her for going beyond the norm time and time again as she found ways to help students—regardless of the challenge or need.

Phil Barnes. Phil served the Milan Area Schools for 30 years, from his his start in 1964 to his retirement in 1994. He first joined the staff as an Elementary assistant principal. During these years, he gave of his time for the enrichment of his students, whether it was Saturday morning basketball for elementary students or other activities. In 1966, he became athletic director for the district, and in 1977 added community director duties as well. From 1977 through 1994, Phil generally was responsible for both areas, managing more than 35 teams and 400 games a year while also administrating an active community education program. In all this time, Phil treated everyone with respect and care, and was a role model for staff, coaches and students of the school. He administrated the program with dignity and dedication, and even in retirement, continues to give back to his school and to the athletic program. Barnes wants to give credit to his department heads: Leanna Soltis, Lois Beaumont, and Louise Kerns as well as coaches such as Ron Dingman, George Genyk, Ron Mercier and many more for making both departments a success. Barnes also served as a college football referee for 20 years in the MAC and the Big 10, working games and training young officials in Europe as well as the U.S. He also worked the first football game ever played in China and has served as a supervisor of college football officials for Division II.

Mission Statement

It is our goal to recognize Milan Area School students and employees that have distinguished themselves by their contributions in their field of work/study, to their individual communities, and to society as a whole. By providing these positive role models to our current students, they will understand the positive impact MHS has made on individuals from our community in the past. This inspiration will provide hope and relevance to our current students in their areas of studies as well as extra-curricular opportunities.

Process

Each year the Hall of Fame committee will induct up to five members to the Hall. At least one induction will be from each of the two main categories.

Standards

There is a wide range of candidates for the Hall of Fame. The committee will make the final decision on the number of inductees, and on the reasoning of choice. The Hall of Fame is not established to exclude individuals, but to honor them. Therefore, any induction choice will be considered appropriate.

Nominations

Nomination forms (see below) will be provided through normal means of distribution. Anyone may submit a nomination form. All nominees must meet the categories listed above. A nomination form will be good for two years.

Nomination Process

Each board member will review the nomination forms. At the first session, each board member will select five nominations for the board to review. From this session, the board will take the selected nominations for deeper review. At a second session, the board will discuss and vote for selections to the Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame committee

The committee has seven members. Each committee member serves for four years. The initial committee will have two members that serve for three years, three that serve for four years, and two that serve for five years to begin the rotation. Applications to the committee will be accepted. Voting for committee members will be publicized in the Milan News-Leader and conducted by write-in votes. The principal, or his/her designee, will always be a non-voting member of the committee. One member will be a staff member from the school. The school will house the history of applications and nominations.

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame plaques are located in the hallway heading to the Events Rotunda. Inductees will be given a plaque, and a plaque will also be placed on the hallway. The hallway plaque will include year of induction and a photo.

The committee has the right to rescind Hall of Fame status at any time. For more information, contact Milan High School Principal Ron Reed at 734-439-5000.

Nomination Forms

Alumni nomination form (PDF)
Staff nomination form (PDF)

Milan Area Schools