KENMORE HIGH SCHOOL
WALL OF FAME 2003

Left to right:    Mayor Don Plusquellic, Tim Owens, Norma Summerville,
  Etta Mae Smith, Sam Salem, Dave Heideman

The Inaugural Inductions of the Kenmore High School Wall of Fame was held September 13, 2003. The purpose of the Wall of Fame is to recognize individuals who were both outstanding students and accomplished individuals. The following individuals are the first inductees to the Wall of Fame.

Cliff Battles graduated in the class of 1927. Cliff played football and basketball at Kenmore. He went to college at West Virginia Wesleyan where he starred in football and the classroom as a Phi Beta Scholar. He was a candidate for a Rhodes Scholarship. Cliff played in the National Football League for the Boston Braves, the Boston Redskins, and the Washington Redskins. He earned All-NFL honors three times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. In the business world, Cliff retired from General Electric as a customer relations executive. He passed away in 1970.

Bill Heideman, from the class of 1959, played football, basketball and track at Kenmore. He won the 880 State Track Event with a record time. After graduation, Bill attended the University of Akron where he was named top male athlete two years in a row. Bill is remembered as a great teacher and coach. While at Buchtel High School, he coached the track team to 14 straight City Series Championships. For his yearbook ambition, Bill wrote, "Go to college and participate in sports, learn to be a coach, then be a good one." Bill definitely fulfilled this ambition. Bill passed away in 1994. Dave Heideman accepted the award for his father.

Tim "Ripper" Owens graduated in 1985. He was a member of the Madrigals and Select Choir, a sign of things to come. In 1996, Tim flew to England to audition for the lead singer of the heavy metal band, "Judas Priest". He got the job. In 1997, the "Judas Priest" CD "Jugulator" was released with Tim as the lead singer. It was nominated for a Grammy in 1998. Also in 1998, Tim was awarded "Vocalist of the Year" and "Best Live Performance" by Burn Magazine. Tim has toured all over the world including the Olympic Stadium in Greece. Whenever he gets the chance, Tim promotes Kenmore, now Kenmore promotes Tim "Ripper" Owens.

Mayor Don Plusquellic is a member of the class of 1967. While at Kenmore Don quarterbacked the football team earning All State honors. He also played on the basketball team. Don attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from the Bowling Green State University School of Business. He then earned a law degree from the University of Akron. The future mayor served on Akron City Council for 13 years and has been mayor for 17 years, the longest serving mayor in the city's history. He is also the chairman of the advisory board of the U. S. Conference of Mayors. He has been honored by the Wall Street Journal for local leadership.

Sam Salem graduated from Kenmore in 1945 where he was a member of the National Honor Society and High-Y Club. Sam went on to graduate with distinction from the University of Akron and also earned a masters degree from Case-Western Reserve University. He retired as manager of Communications and Publications of Loral Defense Systems (formerly Goodyear Aerospace). Sam served on the Akron School Board from 1972 - 1999, the longest all time service record, never missing a regular meeting. In January 2000, Highland Park grade school here in Kenmore was renamed Sam Salem Elementary School.

Etta Mae Smith was a cheerleader, choir member, participant in school plays and talent shows while a student at KHS. A professional dancer, Etta Mae opened her own dance studio, which has become a Kenmore "institution". She has danced on both the stage and T.V. Etta Mae was President of Dance Masters of Ohio and is currently on the board of directors of Dance Masters of America. She has given back to the high school over the years as a choreographer for musicals and as a cheerleader advisor.

Norma Summerville, from the class of 1933, attended KHS during the Great Depression. She wrote the class poem for graduation. As a mother of nine, Norma began an office supply and furniture company out of her home while her husband worked at Seiberling Rubber. She was a pioneer for women in the business world. Norma was the first woman member of the five state regional buying groups. Mrs. Summerville is a benefactor for many organizations. She has made and donated over 1,000 quilts to different groups. Here at Kenmore we know first hand how much of a benefactor she really is. The Norma Summerville Scholarship is awarded to four graduating young ladies from KHS. The program is ten years old.

Dr. Ron Williams is a 1964 graduate of KHS. He was President of the National Honor Society, winner of the Manhood Award, lettered in football, basketball, track, and cross-country. He earned All State honors for track. After high school, Ron earned Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry and then a master's degree in geology. He was a science teacher at Buchtel High School. He left teaching to become a medical doctor, doing his residency in family practice. Dr. Williams has been in family practice for twenty years. He also spent four years as a medical missionary in Haiti. Dr. Williams was unable to attend the inaugural ceremony..