By Paula Pyzik Scott
On Saturday, January 20, the Ada High School Alumni Association (AHSAA) hosted a reception to induct two graduates in the school’s Hall of Honor. Two individuals were recognized as the association caught up with a delay caused by COVID public gathering restrictions.
Danny W. Hassell, a 1975 graduate, and Michael Elliot, a 1977 graduate, were presented with duplicate plaques of those installed in the hallway adjacent to the school cafeteria.
The program was emceed by AHSAA president and K-12 Assistant Principal Britton Devier, who provided the following biographical information and encouraged attendees to nominate individuals–graduates and non-graduates–who have provided outstanding service to association objectives, served with distinction in their profession or community, and tangibly expressed loyalty to their alma mater. (See below for AHSSA contact information.)
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HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEE DANNY HASSELL
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hassell concluded his distinguished 28-year career with the United States Army in June 2007, leaving an indelible mark through diverse and challenging assignments across the globe. Serving is the Deputy Director of the Facilities Sector for the Gulf Region Ovision, Corps of Engineers, in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006 and 2007.
Danny devoted over twenty years to the North Carolina Army National Guard, steadily advancing through positions of increasing responsibility. His final National Guard assignment involved a challenging fourteen-month combat tour with the 30th Engineer Brigade in Iraq. Serving as an engineering team leader, he provided invaluable contributions to architectural, construction, and engineering missions throughout northern Iraq.
A 1975 graduate of Ada High School Dan went on to study at Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Design degree in 1979, he holds a Master of Architecture degree from Clemson (1981) and a Master of Landscape Architecture (2009) from North Carolina State University.
Lt. Col. Hassell's military honors include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Recognized with the Bronze Order of the DeFleury Medal in 2005 for outstanding contributions to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, his legacy is firmly rooted in a commitment to service and excellence.
Today, he is the proud owner and founder of ArcLand Designs in Salem, South Carolina, where his leading expertise in landscape architecture continues to shape master planning, museum site development, and memorial design. Danny Hassell stands as a testament to his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. Please join me in welcoming Dan to the Ada Alumni Hall of Honor.
HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEE MICHAEL ELLIOTT
Mike Elliott's journey began here in Ada where after graduating from Ada High School in 1977, he pursued higher education at Ohio Northern University, earning a pharmacy degree in 1982. Returning to Ada in 1985, Mike dedicated his professional career to pharmacy, leaving a lasting impact through his service until his retirement in 2021. For most of his career, Mike contributed significantly to the local community, working at Peper Drugs and Rite Aid.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mike actively engaged in community service. His involvement with the Ada Chamber of Commerce was marked by the revival of the annual Town and Gown Banquet.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Mike served on the Ada School Board for an impressive 26 years from 1990 to 2016, which also included service on the Apollo School Board. His commitment to community welfare was evident as he played vital roles in passing levies to support the school district and actively contributed to the planning and construction of the new school and auditorium.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mike was named to the All-Ohio School Board in 2007 and received a nomination for the Neil Pohlman Award of Excellence in Education in 2016.
Together with his wife, Michele, a long-time science educator at Ada, the couple generously volunteered for numerous events, making significant contributions to the music, athletic, and academic boosters.
In 2017, Mike and Michele relocated to Sylvania to be closer to their daughters, Ada alumni Meredith ('02) and Megan ('07), as well as their grandchildren Jack and Zoey. Mike Elliott's legacy is not only evident in his professional achievements but also in his unwavering commitment to community service and the betterment of Ada High School. Join us in celebrating Mike Elliott's induction into the Ada Alumni Hall of Honor.
The printed program invited invited alumni to provide contact information at tinyurl.com/AdaAlumniDirectory/ It also provided a link for Scholarship Fund donations: paypal.me/AdaAlumni/
Special recognition of classes: 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018.
AHSAA OFFICERS
President - Britton Devier
Vice President - Neisha Hermiller
Secretary - Kristin Salyer
Treasurer - Shawn Christopher
Membership Chairs - LeAnn Pryor and Kim Bowermen
CONTACT
[email protected]
419-634-2746, ext. 1083
