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 2026 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, 2026.
Hardin-Houston Wall of Honor Members
Inducted December 6, 2025
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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 2025
David L. Boggs
Inducted December 6, 2025David Boggs is a 1951 graduate of Spencer High School in Spencer, WV where he was also co-captain of the football team. Mr. Boggs earned his degree in education from Marshall University in 1955. He, along with several other college classmates, was recruited for a teaching position in Champaign County which initiated his move to Ohio. His initial teaching job in Champaign County was also where he met his future wife, a secretary with the county Board of Education. After teaching for 7 years at Christiansburg-Jackson Mr. Boggs accepted a position at Houston High School where he spent the remainder of his 30 years in education teaching American and World History as well as Driver’s Education – both during the school year and over the summer.
During these 23 years, he instilled the importance of understanding the history of America from its founding to current events as well as the history of the world from ancient civilizations to the modern era – and he made it interesting. He was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher in 1983 for having winning students, either individually or as a team in the American History State Scholarship Test for 10 years. During his tenure the National Honor Society chapter at Houston was renamed in his honor having been an advisor. He taught countless numbers of Houston graduates how to drive responsibly through the school’s Driver Training program (one of whom he recently saw and mentioned he had “never had an accident”). Students may remember a golf tee with golf ball perched atop of it on the dash – and efforts to not dislodge the ball due to too sharp of a turn or too quick acceleration.
As a teacher and advisor Mr. Boggs demonstrated the importance of dependability, commitment, honesty and always doing everything to the absolute best of your ability. The students at Houston expressed their appreciation and respect during his 23 years by dedicating the yearbook to Mr. Boggs in 1965, 1969 and 1985.
After retiring from teaching, a family friend and president of one of the local banks asked him if he could ‘help out’ as a courier for a bit as an existing courier had recently left. The ‘helping out’ turned into a second career of more than 28 years, with Mr. Boggs not fully retiring until well past his 80th birthday. In his free time, he has continued a hobby he began in his 20’s on family genealogy. That 70-year hobby has resulted in a database of more than half a million names, the aggregation of 9 volumes of obituaries from his hometown newspaper and the completion of 6 books.
Dave Couchot
Inducted December 6, 2025
Dave Couchot is a 1986 graduate of Houston High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and began his career in engineering, quickly distinguishing himself through innovation and leadership. His outstanding performance led to his selection for the prestigious Arvin Scholar Program, during which he attended the University of Notre Dame and earned an Executive MBA in Finance, graduating with honors.
Over the years, Dave built an impressive career in the manufacturing and chemical industries, leading multiple organizations to record growth and earning recognition for his ability to build strong teams and deliver results.
In 2018, Dave founded FluoroFusion Specialty Chemicals in North Carolina, with a mission to advance environmental sustainability within the refrigerant industry. As President & CEO, he has championed the development and adoption of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, promoting innovative alternatives that are safer for the planet. Dave holds seven U.S. patents for his work in next-generation refrigerants and is recognized as a leader in using reclaimed materials to produce new, environmentally responsible refrigerants — processed across FluoroFusion’s nationwide Carbon Reduction Centers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dave is deeply committed to mentoring and developing people. His passion for innovation, integrity, and environmental stewardship continues to inspire those around him and shape the future of the industry.
Dave resides in Mason, Ohio, with his wife, Lori. They have three sons — Justin (wife Kristyna), Conner, and Evan (fiance Mikenna) — and one grandson, Eliot. In his free time, Dave enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and playing golf.
Dr. Ellen Harshman
Inducted December 6, 2025
After graduating from Houston High School in 1963 (class valedictorian), Ellen McCorkle Harshman, Ph.D., J.D. held positions in elementary (Vandalia-Butler Public Schools) and higher education (Wright State University and Ohio Dominican University). Moving with husband Carl to St. Louis in 1972, she joined Saint Louis University. A recognized leader at SLU, she held a number of positions in the academic and student development divisions. She was appointed Dean of the John Cook School of Business in 2003 (now the Chaifetz School), following roles as Senior Vice Provost and Interim CIO. She served as dean for a decade. In 2013, she was appointed Chief Academic Officer and served in that capacity until her retirement from full-time roles at SLU in July 2015. She continued her service from July 2015 to February 2019 leading the planning for Saint Louis University’s 2018 bicentennial celebration, after which she fully retired.
Ellen earned her undergraduate degree (summa cum laude) at Miami University, master’s degree at Wright State University, and doctorate and law (cum laude) degrees at Saint Louis University. She was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1992 and keeps her law license current.
Over her career, Ellen received many awards recognizing her teaching and service as a faculty member and academic leader. As a member of the management faculty, she taught legal environment of business, business law, management, and business ethics. She is the author of numerous refereed articles. Among the areas in which she has written and presented papers and programs are leadership development, legal and ethical issues in business and employment, and higher education leadership.
Active in the St. Louis region, Ellen was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the area’s “Most Influential Business Women.” She was selected by the Business Journal six times over a decade as one of St. Louis’ “Most Influential Leaders.” She is also a recipient of the CORO Leadership Award and was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Leaders and the Saint Louis University School of Law Order of the Fleur Leis.
She has served in numerous civic and professional organizations, most recently on the boards of directors of: Post Holdings, Civic Pride Foundation, St. Louis Archdiocesan Council of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and Webster University Board of Trustees. She is a member of the St. Louis Forum, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Executives in Residence, and Women Corporate Directors. Her work to advance business and management education in colleges and universities, domestically and worldwide, has gained her professional recognition and taken her around the world as a mentor, consultant, and evaluator.
Ellen and Carl live in Clayton Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, and have 2 sons, Todd and Ryan, and 2 grandchildren, twins Toby and Sylvia.
Elaine Laughlin
Inducted December 6, 2025Tonight, we honor a woman whose presence shaped generations of Hardin-Houston students—a teacher, artist, and friend who gave her heart to this school district. Ms. Laughlin, affectionately known as “Lainer,” was a proud 1974 graduate of Houston High School who returned to her alma mater to leave a legacy that will be remembered for decades to come. For 28 years, Elaine taught 7th and 8th grade social studies and art, bringing history to life and helping students discover their own creative voices. But her impact went far beyond the classroom. She poured her time and talent into nearly every corner of student life. Ms. Laughlin served as a cheerleading coach, student council advisor, and organizer of countless Homecomings. She assisted with the school play, coached junior high and assistant varsity girls’ basketball, and served as an assistant girls track coach. Always willing to open the world for her students, she even chaperoned two overseas student trips.
Among her many accomplishments, Elaine was especially recognized for her remarkable “Barn Project.” This celebrated collection of student artwork was displayed at the Piqua Mall Art Show, the Ohio State House, and the Ohio State Fair—a testament not only to her artistic vision but to her belief in showcasing the talents of her students. In the 2002–03 school year, Elaine received the prestigious Golden Apple Award, a reflection of the excellence, dedication, and compassion she demonstrated every single day. Her influence lives on not only in the hearts of the countless students she taught and advised, but also through an annual scholarship created in her honor, ensuring her spirit continues to lift up Houston students just as she always did.
Tonight, we proudly induct the late Ms. Elaine Laughlin into the Hardin-Houston Wall of Honor—a place fitting for a woman whose life was defined by service, creativity, and an unwavering love for her school and community. Her legacy is woven into the story of Houston High School, and it will continue to inspire for generations to come.
