Hardin-Houston Local School
Wall of Honor
The Hardin-Houston Local School Wall of Honor was created in 2019 and is designed to recognize and honor notable Hardin-Houston alumni, former staff, and community members who have had a lasting impact on the Hardin-Houston Local School through their achievements, performance, or impact on the school and community. By recognizing these accomplishments, we hope to inspire future generations.
We are now accepting nominees for the 2024 class of the Hardin-Houston Local School Wall of Honor. Nomination criteria can be found in the bylaws. Nomination forms are available at this link. Nominations for the 2024 class will be accepted through September 1, 2024.
Hardin-Houston Wall of Honor Members
Inducted December 14, 2024
Click here for photos of the induction ceremony. Our sincere apologies for the lower quality photos as someone messed with the camera settings without the knowledge of the yearbook photographer.
Inducted December 9, 2023
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Inducted November 25, 2022
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Inducted November 26, 2021
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Inducted December 6, 2019
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Wall of Honor Inductees 2024
Tony Frierott
Inducted December 14, 2024Mr. Frierott graduated from Minster High School in 1964, setting the foundation for a distinguished academic and professional journey. After earning degrees from the University of Notre Dame and John Carroll University, he returned to the world of education, where he made an indelible impact on generations of Hardin-Houston students and staff alike.
His career in education began with two years in the history classroom, then a three-year tenure as principal at Houston High School, before taking on the role of superintendent at Hardin-Houston School District, where he served with distinction for 27 years. During his time as superintendent, Tony led numerous initiatives that transformed the district, ensuring its continued success and growth. Among his many accomplishments, Tony successfully passed a critical levy to construct the 1978 high school gymnasium, which provided a state-of-the-art facility for students and the community. Additionally, he advocated for a levy to add classrooms at Hardin Elementary, addressing the district’s expanding enrollment needs. His leadership also resulted in one of the county’s first school district income tax levies, which helped secure the district’s financial stability for years to come.
As an advocate for innovation in education, Mr. Frierott hired the district’s first technology director, integrating computers into the curriculum and ensuring that Hardin-Houston students had access to the technology needed to thrive in the modern world. His commitment to maintaining a positive financial position allowed the district to focus on growth and success, both academically and athletically.
Tony was also instrumental in overseeing the revitalization of the district’s athletic programs, including the first major renovation of the high school baseball field. He helped introduce golf as a sport, further expanding the opportunities available to Wildcat students and providing them with a well-rounded athletic experience.
Through his visionary leadership, Tony left a lasting legacy on the Hardin-Houston School District, one that has shaped the educational experience for countless students. It is with great pride and admiration that we honor Mr. Tony Frierott, whose remarkable career has set a high standard of excellence for future generations to follow.
Bill Pellman
Inducted December 14, 2024Bill Pellman graduated from Houston High School in 1961, where his academic promise and dedication laid the foundation for an outstanding career. He went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education at The Ohio State University, graduating in 1965. With a strong passion for learning and teaching, he began his career in education as a high school teacher, instructing students in French and English.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Bill took the next step in his journey by earning a Law Degree from Loyola University. His legal career began at the prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech, where he worked with cutting-edge technology and had the honor of meeting Vice President Spiro Agnew during his time there. This experience not only expanded his professional horizons but also allowed him to contribute to some of the most innovative projects of the time.
Following the completion of his law degree, Bill took on a significant leadership role, overseeing a team of 500 attorneys for the Los Angeles County Counsel. His leadership and legal acumen played a key role in managing complex legal matters and providing expert guidance to one of the largest county governments in the nation.
Currently, Bill is an integral part of the esteemed law firm Nossaman LLP, where he continues to make a profound impact. As a trusted advisor, he assists local governments in navigating legal challenges and supports them in a wide variety of ways. His deep understanding of law, coupled with his commitment to public service, has made him a vital resource for communities and governments throughout the region. His journey from Houston High School to becoming a respected legal professional reflects the values of excellence, perseverance, and leadership. We are proud to recognize him for his outstanding achievements and for the enduring impact he has made in his field.
Jeff Replogle
Inducted December 14, 2024It is with great pride and deep appreciation that we recognize Jeff Replogle as an esteemed inductee into the Wall of Honor. Over the past 35 plus years, Jeff has been a steady presence within the Hardin-Houston School District, showing exceptional dedication to the community, the students, and the district’s continued success.
As a 9 1/2-year member of the Hardin-Houston Board of Education, including four years as Board President, Jeff has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the district. His leadership and commitment to the betterment of education was key in helping pass a crucial school levy, ensuring the continued growth and improvement of our schools. Beyond the boardroom, Jeff has dedicated countless hours to supporting school activities. For 20 years, he served as the volleyball and basketball scorebook and scoreboard operator, providing vital support for these athletic programs. He also volunteered regularly in the concession stand, creating a sense of community spirit at school events. His passion for sports extended to coaching, where he spent six years coaching junior high and high school softball, as well as many years coaching children in the Hardin Ball Association, fostering the development of young athletes in our community.
In addition to his work in athletics, Jeff contributed to the extracurricular life of the district. He chaperoned the high school marching band at parades, ensuring that our students had the guidance and support needed for a memorable experience.
As a proud graduate and class salutatorian of Houston High School in 1980, Jeff has always been dedicated to excellence. After a successful career in accounting, he retired after 30 years as a manager at Honda, a testament to his work ethic. Today, Jeff continues to serve the district as a substitute teacher at both the Upper Valley Career Center and Houston High School, further investing in the future of the community.
Through all of these endeavors, Jeff has exemplified the very essence of dedication, service, and commitment to the Hardin-Houston School District. His contributions, both seen and unseen, have had a lasting impact on the students, faculty, and families of this district.
John Willoughby
Inducted December 14, 2024Mr. John Willoughby is a proud graduate of Willard High School, class of 1980, and a distinguished alum of Miami University, where he not only earned his degree but also showcased his talent as a basketball player. After completing his college career, he returned to his roots in education and athletics, where his impact would only grow stronger with each passing year. For 31 years, John was a mainstay of Houston High School, serving as a business and accounting teacher. His passion for teaching went beyond the classroom, as he instilled valuable life lessons in his students, preparing them for the world beyond high school.
His role at Houston High School extended far beyond the classroom. For three years, he served as the athletic director, overseeing the school’s athletic programs. But it was on the basketball court that Coach Willoughby truly became a household name. As the varsity boys’ basketball coach for an incredible 30 years, Coach Willoughby became the winningest coach in the school’s history with 342 career wins. His longevity in the game earned him the distinction of being second in longevity among all Shelby County coaches. Under his leadership, the team captured two county titles, were runners-up six times, and earned six district championships. But perhaps most notably, in 2011, he led the team to a regional title and their sole state tournament appearance, a testament to his exceptional coaching ability and the resilience of his players. Throughout his career, Coach Willoughby’s teams repeatedly competed at the highest levels, with three of those teams losing to the eventual state champions.
In addition to his time at Houston High School, Mr. Willoughby continues to serve the broader educational community. Currently, he works for the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center, still committed to helping students and schools across the county. But his passion for coaching remains strong, as he continues to guide the varsity boys’ basketball team at Sidney High School.
Tonight, as we honor Mr. Willoughby, we recognize not only his coaching and teaching achievements but his legacy of mentorship, discipline, and perseverance. His contributions to the lives of countless Wildcat students and athletes are immeasurable, and his influence will be felt for many years to come. It is with great pride and respect that we induct Mr. John Willoughby into the Wall of Honor, an acknowledgment of his outstanding service to this school district and his ability to pass on his love of basketball to his players.
