Hardin Northern 2013 Hall of Distinction Inductees Announced

Hardin Northern, Dola, and Dunkirk have many outstanding alumni who have used their education and experience to become successful, positive contributors to society.  The Hardin Northern Hall of Distinction has been established to recognize and showcase outstanding graduates while giving current students solid examples of what they can accomplish in life from adults who sat in the same seats and walked the same halls as they do.  This year, the first year for this award, three have been selected for induction into the Hall.  These three individuals will be inducted as a part of the Hardin Northern Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, June 2 at 2 pm in the auditorium.  This year’s inductees are:

Gale Howard, 1912

Gale Howard, Dunkirk class of 1912, played a very important role in the early years of education in the Hardin Northern school system and he influenced the lives of many people in the Hardin Northern community. Over 275 friends and former pupils attended his retirement banquet to honor him.   He was born July 19, 1892 into a farming family and attended the one room school (Beech Grove) in Pleasant Township. Years later he would teach in this same school for seven years. He completed his college requirements at Ohio Northern University in Ada. In 1927 Howard began teaching in Dunkirk where he was also the principal for 17 years. He taught six periods and watched a study hall along with his principal’s duties. He also coached basketball.  Gale received his 50 year pin in the Masons in 1979. He learned two 3,000 word Masonic speeches (Apprentice and Master Mason Degrees). Several newspapers ran stories about him and the Dunkirk Town Council honored him with a “Gale Howard Day” when he turned 90!  He was a very modest man who always had a thirst for learning.

Tom McNutt, 1951

Tom McNutt, Dunkirk class of 1951, received his B. S. in Agricultural Education in 1955, and an M. A. in Agricultural Education in 1962, from The Ohio State University. In 1963, after teaching vocational agriculture at Belle Center and Dublin High Schools for seven years, Tom became a 4-H Agent in Franklin County.  He was promoted to Agriculture Agent, County Chairman and Professor at The Ohio State University. He retired December 31, 1988, with the title of Professor Emeritus.  He then served as NBC4 TV News Garden Expert for more than 20 years. From 1989 to 2004, he served as Executive Coordinator of the Ohio Council of Cooperatives. He also served as Executive Director of the Ohio Agricultural Council from 1990 to 2003.  Tom has received numerous state and national awards for his work with cooperatives, community service, public relations, leadership, horticulture management, and media work.  In 2003, he received the Cooperative Educator Award.  He has been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame, the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame, and the Dublin City Schools Hall of Fame.  He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of KaTaTim, Inc., a marketing and consulting company he created.  Over the years, Tom has written many magazine and newspaper articles.  In December 2009 he published a book, “Tom’s Green Thumb – Advice To Grow On In A (Mc)Nutt Shell”.  Even with all his accomplishments, Tom recognizes his greatest treasures to be his family.

Dean Pees, 1967

Dean Pees, Hardin Northern class of 1967, graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1972, then became an English teacher and head football coach at Elmwood High School.  He became the defensive coordinator at Findlay College where he helped the Oilers win a National Championship and two conference championships.  He spent a total of 25 years as a college football coach including stints at Miami of Ohio, the U.S. Naval Academy, the University of Toledo, the University of Notre Dame, Michigan State University, and the head coach at Kent State University. As a college coach, Dean won two MAC conference championships; one at Miami of Ohio and one at Toledo and went to Bowl games four straight years; 3 at Michigan State and one at Notre Dame. In 2004, he became the linebackers coach then defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. In 2010 he moved to the Baltimore Ravens and served as linebackers coach before becoming the defensive coordinator.  While in the NFL he has been a part of 7 divisional championships, 3 AFC championships, and three Super Bowls; 2004 and 2007 with the New England Patriots and 2013 with the Baltimore Ravens.  He has been a part of two World Championships, 2004 with the New England Patriots, and 2013 with the Baltimore Ravens.  Besides football, Dean is also an accomplished pianist and musician, a love he developed as a student at Hardin Northern.