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Boardman honors pair of alumni
By Ashley Luthern
A beloved orchestra director and inspirational professional baseball player are the first recipients of the Boardman High School Distinguished Alumni Award.
The plaques honoring Carol S. Clark, a 1957 alumna, and Dave Dravecky, a 1974 alumnus, were installed this summer on the new Alumni Wall outside of the high school gym. The Boardman Alumni Association was revived in January 2009, and this is the first year it presented awards.
“We thought it was important to find a way to engage and recognize some of the alumni. There are a lot of wonderful, talented alumni who have gone on to be very successful,” said Cheryl Tarantino, association president.
The association council reviewed the nominations for alumni who graduated at least 20 years ago and narrowed the selection to 10 alumni, Tarantino said. Then, current senior-class officers ranked them, choosing the top two.
“It was a tremendous honor and ... I was humbled by the selection of the students and those faculty that were involved in this award,” Dravecky said.
Dravecky played baseball for Boardman High School and went on to pitch for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.
His left arm and shoulder had to be amputated because of cancer.
Although his baseball career ended, Dravecky and his wife, Jan, founded Outreach of Hope Ministry, now called Endurance, in 1991 to offer encouragement to those suffering from cancer, amputation or serious illness.
“I look at my own journey, and it’s been hard for me to stay connected, but it doesn’t mean out of sight out of mind,” Dravecky said. “I’ve appreciated the years I was at Boardman High School. I have some incredibly fond memories.”
Dravecky’s fellow honoree also said she greatly appreciated the award.
“I was surprised that I received this honor, as there are a number of wonderful alumni from Boardman High School,” said Clark, who was described as a “role model” during her 27 years as orchestra director.
She added that the alumni association has been active.
“I know that the class reunions have been well-attended recently,” Clark said.
“Hopefully the alumni will be able to continue to support the endeavors of the high school and continue to be involved, especially those who still live in the area.”
Applications for the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award will be available in October on the association’s website, www.boardman-alumni.org.