2010 Wellsville Legend Nominees Introduced

Tuesday - June 22: Introductions of the nominees to be inducted into the Class of 2010 Wellsville Legends were held last night in front of the "old high school". The Legends will be inducted Friday evening, July 2 at 8:30 P.M. in ceremonies in the 4th Street Square. Members of this year's class will be featured in the parade preceding the induction ceremonies. In keeping in theme with this year's 5 Year All-Class Reunion all members of this years class was involved in the education of Wellsville's youth, active in the Alumni Association or contributed in community efforts for our young citizens.

This year's class includes Dr. Frank Rivelle, Johnny Albaneso, Bob Grimm, Richard & Betty Prince, Kenny DeLauder, Howard Gilger, Paul Blevins and James Shephard.

Shephard was instrumental in the Alumi Activities Committee buying the Alumni Center on 3rd St. Dorothy Shepherd said "everyone told him he was nuts" when he first brought up the idea. Undaunted by the negativity Shepherd forged ahead and the Center is a lasting tribute to all WHS Alumni and to Jim himself. Shepherd was member of the Class of '49.

Another alum instrumental in acquiring the building and renovating it was Kenny DeLauder. DeLauder tells us the building was purchased in 1991. Renovations began in 1993 and it is now an attractive banquet hall in addition to being WHS Alumni headquarters. DeLauder is President of the Alumni Activities Committee and a member of WHS Class of '45.

Paul Blevins started his career in education in 1975 and semi-retired in 1998. While working as a police officer in East Liverpool Mr. Blevins got his degree in education and later his administration certificates. He came to Wellsville in 1995 as an Assistant High School Principal and in 1996 was selected to be the School District Superintendent. Blevins is still active in the education field teaching law enforcement classes at Kent State.

Howard Gilger was a graduate of Magnolia High School's Class of '54. His education career spanned 36 years with the last 29 in the Wellsville system. He started at WHS in 1968. He was a Government Studies & Economics high school teacher and was an active participant in Wellsville's sports programs. He coached Jr. High basketball for nine years, Varsity football for 12 years, Track for 25 years and was the Athletic Director for 12 years. Gilger retired in 1997.

Bob Grimm was a very active in community affairs. Retiring from Crucible Steel in 1982 Grimm in his spare time was a City Councilman, a member of the Board of Education and a trustee on the Buckeye Water District Board at the time of his passing. In addition to all that he found time to coach Little League, Jr. High & High School football. His high school sweet heart, Gail, said they were married for over 52 years. Grimm was a member of the WHS Class of '53.

"Doc" Rivelle is an almost retired dentist that was also a very active community member. Following his Army service that included time in the Korean Conflict he went through the Academy and was a State Highway Patrolman. In 1960 he enrolled in "The Ohio State" and earned his degree in dentistry. He hung his shingle in Wellsville in 1966 and practiced for many years. He served on many state, county and local boards too numerous to mention here. He served 20 years on the Wellsville Board of Education with 10 of those as Board President. He also served on the Robert Bycroft Board, the CC JVS Board and the Kent-East Liverpool Advisory Board. To this day he is still on staff at EL City Hospital and an examiner for the N.E. State Region Dental Board. Rivelle is a member of WHS Class of '50.

Dick and Betty Prince were both teachers in the Wellsville system. Betty was a much loved elementary music teacher who's life was cut short when struck down with cancer. She was a Kentucky native who made the ville her home after marrying. Husband Dick served many years as the Wellsville Band Director for the elementary, Jr. High & High School. Before retiring he went back to school for his classroom teaching certificate and taught at the elementary level. Prince retired in 2005 after 33 years in the Wellsville system. He is a WHS Alum.

Rounding out this year's class is the late Johnny Albaneso who is probably best known for his restaurant called Johnny's Lunch. John's legacy includes many involvements in community affairs and was the founder of the Wellsville vs. Wellsville annual series of games between Wellsville, OH and Wellsville, NY. With his sponsorship the Junior Tigers from the two communities played football games in whichever city's turn it was to host the event. John never failed to step up to the plate when asked to donate to this or that cause that benefited Wellsville youth.

In the picture above, from the left in front, representing the late Jim Shepherd is son Scott and Jim's bride Dorothy, Gail Grimm and Doc Rivelle. In the back row from the left, is Paul Blevins, Howard Gilger, Kenny DeLauder & Dick Prince. In separate photos is Betty Prince and Johnny Albaneso in a vintage 1940s picture. John is in the back with his hand on the counter.

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