2025 Seneca East Hall of Fame

ATTICA—This year, Seneca East Local Schools inducted its third annual Hall of Fame class Feb. 8, 2025. The Seneca East Hall of Fame was established to identify and honor, in a permanent manner, those individuals who have exhibited high ethical standards and integrity while achieving excellence in the former Attica, Republic, and Seneca Huron Schools and Communities, as well as our current Seneca East Local School and Community. "This was year three of our Hall of Fame and what an outstanding group of inductees it was once again," said Matt Schock, HOF chair. "I am most excited for the well-rounded group of inductees, some having had athletic success, some military contributions and achievements, some success in music and the arts, some a dedicated commitment to the district for decades, and some impacting our local communities in such positive ways." Schock went on to describe the induction ceremony, "listening to each of their individual stories as told by those who know them best at the Hall of Fame Banquet was extremely special. Everyone in attendance was able to see firsthand the impact these inductees made on the world around them and it was truly inspiring and motivating to the people in attendance." According to Schock, he and Jay Zeiter are co-chairs of a nine-member committee including seven others (Rick Bowerman, Doug Mason, Brad Powers, Jackye Ruffing, Andrea Saylors, Al Stephenson and Judy Watson) who know the district and its history very well. Schock said he hasn't officially added it up, but the nine-member committee likely has over 350 years of combined commitment to the District whether it be as students, employees, or community contributors. The successes recognized this year come from accomplishments as students, athletes, staff, community members and contributors. These individuals and groups have distinguished themselves by their first-class actions, outstanding achievements and exemplary contributions to the betterment of the Seneca East Local School District. The class of 2025 is an elite group and one that exemplifies Seneca East Local Schools. Inductees for the Class of 2025 include - Madelyn (Ritz) Hoercher - A 1974 graduate of Seneca East High School Madelyn was one of five females in a group that became the first female members of the Air Force Honor Guard. She served at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter. In her time as part of the Honor Guard, she also carried flags during the arrival ceremonies for a visiting General from the Netherlands, as well as fulfilling her assignment for the Death Watch at the National Cathedral for the funeral of General Daniel "Chappy" James, the first Black four-star General. Most notably of all, Madelyn was the first female member of the Air Force Honor Guard to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Madelyn received the Air Force Commendation Medal and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Madelyn continued her service in the Honor Guard until her honorable discharge in 1978. Richard "Keith" Lepard - A 1934 graduate of Attica High School, Lepard served in the U.S. Army for three years during WWII, earning five battle stars (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Ardennes) for his service. Lepard returned home and invested himself deeply into the Attica and Seneca East Community. Lepard contributed his time to the Boy Scouts, serving on the Boy Scout Committee for eight years and as a scoutmaster for two years. Lepard's community service extended further, as he served on the Board of Elections for 10 years, filled vacancies on the Village Council multiple times, was elected to two terms on the Board of Public Affairs and served as Attica's Mayor for four years. He also drove the school bus, assisted as a high school girls' softball coach at Seneca East for 15 years, and dedicated 29 years to the Attica Fire Department. Additionally, he served on the Library Board for 10 years, was a member of the Gideons of Seneca County for 20 years, and acted as chaplain for both the American Legion Post 260 for 30 years and the Blanchard Valley Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge Fritz Stressen-Reuter - Coach Stresen-Reuter, a Vietnam veteran, applied his military training to organize the first practices for the newly established football team at Seneca East in the fall of 1971. With no weight room and no football field at the school, practices took place at the Attica Fairgrounds, where the racetrack is now located. Coach Stresen-Reuter conditioned his players the military way, focusing heavily on running—lots of running. Through dedication, hard work, and a focus on teaching sportsmanship, he guided high school boys in learning the game of football. In his fourth of five years at the helm of the Tigers, while still playing all road games, Coach Stresen-Reuter led the Tigers to a Mid-Ohio Conference Championship. To this day, Coach Stresen-Reuter still returns to alumni functions furthering connections and building on the relationships he established with his former assistant coaches and players. Dana Willman-Leber - Dana Willman-Leber arrived at Seneca East as a student teacher in 1988 and never left. She always wanted to do everything "for the kids." Her marching band half-time shows became productions that made the students take ownership of their success, earning the title of "Tiger Pride." Four trips to New York City, marching in the Veteran's Day Parade, marching as the first HS Band in Heidelberg's new stadium, performing three times at The Ohio State University's Skull Session and introducing directors from Ohio State, Heidelberg and Tiffin Universities as guest conductors. She also enjoyed using creative props in her halftime shows, such as fire, a parachute, umbrellas, red rubber balls, swords, costumes, the "elephant" box, featured dancers, baton twirlers, flags, chain flags, blades and balloons. Dana's philosophy in educating her students was about the growth made along the way, becoming great musicians and even better people. The 1997 Girls 4x800 Meter Relay - Members of the 1997 girls 4x800 meter relay State Championship team were Abby (Phillips) Hensinger, Briana (Shook) Dean, Lindsay (Ranker) Slanec, and Kelly Elmlinger. These young ladies were the 1997 girls 4x800 meter relay state champions and were coached by Mr. Jeff Phillips and Mr. Dick Verhoff. Throughout the season they won every meet they entered as a foursome and helped lead the team to a League Championship, District Championship, Regional Runner-Up finish and a 9th place overall team finish at State.