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McGuffey Society praises Beeghlys
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
Philanthropists Bruce and Nancy Beeghly received the Pioneer Award from the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society during a Founder’s Day celebration Friday.
The celebration was at William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School, the school named in honor of the creator of the McGuffey Reader, the first standardized reading text that was used by most schools in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century.
“It’s an honor for Nancy and I to be here today to accept this award,” Bruce Beeghly told the students at the event.
Education plays an important role in the world today, he said.
“Stay in school, do your best, and remember, what you’ve learned is something that no one can take away from you,” Beeghly said. “It will be a source of strength for you, your entire life.”
Richard Scarsella, society president, said the Beeghlys were selected because of their contributions to education, literacy and historic preservation.
Bruce Beeghly served on the Liberty Board of Education, Youngstown State University Board of Trustees and the Ohio Board of Regents for a combined 25 years. He is past president of Altronic Inc. in Girard and was active with the United Way of the Mahoning Valley, serving as board president and campaign chairman.
Nancy Beeghly, a Vindicator columnist for 12 years, worked as an English teacher at Boardman High School.
She said she’s always loved reading and remembers her grandmother reciting poems to her from the McGuffey Reader.
Two YSU buildings, Beeghly Hall, which houses the Beeghly College of Education, and the Beeghly Center are among nine college buildings around the country that bear the family name. Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, and The American University in Washington, D.C. also boast buildings with the Beeghly name.
The Founder’s Day event is presented annually by the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, which named and sponsors the school in honor of “America’s schoolmaster.”
Previous award winners include retired Ohio Sen. Harry Meshel, the Tony Lariccia Family, Gibby James, Helen Stambaugh, Janie Jenkins and Regina Reese.