The Distinguished Alumni assembly celebrated the achievements of five selected notable Bexley graduates Monday, Nov. 21.
The assembly highlights alumni who have used their Bexley education to further their careers in inspirational and encouraging ways, said Chair of the Bexley Education Foundation Sarah Saxbe. The foundation receives 20 nominations and filters through them to choose the five who will speak at the high school each year, Saxbe added.
“We look for diverse personal and professional contributions of alumni who have followed their own unique path to success,” she said.
The speakers were Ellen Klages, a nationally recognized author; Bruce Meyer, a medical practitioner at Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Mary Dunham Auch, the regional president of PNC Bank; Stephen Kress, a world-renowned ornithologist and Todd Barkan, an internationally celebrated jazz musician and producer.
Upperclassmen gathered in the Schottenstein Theater to hear the speakers share their high school experiences that helped shape their future aspirations. Each speaker was introduced individually and handed an award before addressing the students.
Klages, Class of 1972, said Bexley taught her to be curious and use that curiosity to think creatively, which was encouraged by many of her teachers.
“If you’re curious, that’s going to take you far no matter what field you are going to be in,” Klages said. “Anything you are going to try to achieve, curiosity is your best friend.”
Meyer, Class of 1957, spoke fondly of his time at the high school, adding his children and grandchildren attended Bexley as well. He explained the education and experiences from Bexley provided him with valuable life lessons.
“I believe this has led me to my success in college, medical school, medical training, the care of children and the teaching of future teachers,” he said.
Auch, Class of 1991, expressed how delightful it was to be back at the high school once again. She spent a significant part of her speech reminiscing on a specific math teacher, Becky Manley, who she said inspired and encouraged her to become a leader in college and her career.
Kress, Class of 1963, discovered his love for birds while looking out the second-story window of Montrose Elementary School. His teacher asked if anyone would be able to identify a bird the class had spotted on the ground, and Kress sprung to action, quickly finding the bird identification book on the shelf and sharing his findings with the class. That specific event triggered his love for and interest in the study of birds.
“Keep trying if your goal is worth doing,” he shared with students. “Don’t be hesitant to take the less traveled path.”
Barkan, Class of 1964, said it was one of the most wonderful occasions of his life to come back to Bexley and be recognized as a notable alumnus. He shared stories of his life through discovering his love for music and where that led him in his career. Barkan ended his remarks with words of encouragement for students to follow their dreams.
“You all have to keep dancing to the song in your heart,” he said.
All the speakers shared messages of gratitude and thanks to Bexley for helping structure their careers.
“Thank you Bexley for giving me the foundation to let my curiosity lead me wherever it goes,” Klages said.
