2024 Distinguished Alumni
The THSAA selected eight alumni for the distinguished alumni award. The distinguished alumni award is a prestigious honor given by THSAA to recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved significant success in their careers, made notable contributions to their communities, and/or demonstrated exceptional service to their alma mater. At the 2024 All-School Reunion, eight alumni were honored at a dinner where the awards were formally presented to eight THS graduates including Gene Calabrese, Stacie Grant Call, Colonel Robert Chadwick, Nicole Davis, Robert Daniel ‘Dan’ Gescheider, Christine Cattrell Hargrave, Brandon Reese, and Maureen Wherry Taggart.
Gene Calabrese-Class of 1945
Gene Calabrese was born on February 24, 1928, in Toronto, Ohio, where he has lived his entire life. He is the son of the late Sam and Anna Calabrese and was one of seven siblings, all of whom have passed. Gene graduated from Toronto High School in 1945 at the age of 16 and went on to earn his degree from The Ohio State University in 1948, where he played both football and baseball. After graduating, Gene joined the Air Force, serving for four years and achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1958, he founded Calabrese Homes & Property Development and Management Company, through which he built and developed over 1,000 housing structures in the Ohio Valley. The company continues to thrive today, under the leadership of his daughter, Mara Calabrese. Gene is a devoted member of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Toronto, Ohio. In 1961, he married his first wife, Frances Calabrese, who passed away in 2005. Together, they had two children, Mara and Bruce. In 2010, Gene married Dorothy Leasure Calabrese, and the couple still resides in Toronto. Dorothy has three children, one grandchild, and one great-grandchild. Gene is a passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins as well as a dedicated Ohio State Buckeyes supporter. He has held season tickets for the Steelers since 1960.
Stacie Grant Call-Class of 1988
Stacie Grant Call is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 33 years of experience as a registered nurse. Her diverse career has spanned various healthcare settings, beginning with extensive work at the bedside in medical intensive critical care (MICU) before transitioning into management roles. Stacie's professional journey has encompassed hospital education, nursing management, academic education, and executive leadership positions. Currently serving as the Market Chief Nursing Officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health for Mercy Health Youngstown and Mercy Health Lorain in Ohio, Stacie oversees nursing operations across multiple facilities, including community hospitals, critical access centers, free-standing EDs, and a Level 1 trauma center. In her role, she oversees over 2000 nurses and an annual operating budget of over 200 million. Her previous roles include Chief Nursing Officer at a 220-bed community hospital and Director of Cardiovascular Services/Marketing and Business Development. Stacie's dedication to education is evident in her academic background, having completed her undergraduate studies at Franciscan University and earning her MSN from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner. She brings a wealth of knowledge in advanced assessment, pharmacology, and patient care across diverse settings. In addition to clinical work, she also serves as an adjunct professor at Purdue Global University where she is also completing her doctorate in nursing practice. Outside of her professional achievements, Stacie relishes a rewarding personal life alongside her husband, Dale, who shares her nursing background. Together, they take pride in their accomplished children, Luke and Hannah, both registered nurses contributing their skills at St. Elizabeth’s Youngstown Hospital. Stacie finds delight in cultivating vibrant flower gardens and embarking on travels, capturing cherished moments along the way. Her dedication to healthcare excellence, coupled with a deep passion for education and family values, solidifies her standing as a revered leader and empathetic caregiver within the healthcare community.
Colonel Robert Chadwick-Class of 1974
Bob Chadwick graduated from Toronto High School in 1974. During his senior year he was a 1st Team All-Ohio Football player and received the Larry Herdman Scholar Athlete Award. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. Bob played on the freshman Army football team until injured. In June of 1978, he received a Bachelor of Science and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander in the 194th Armored Brigade at Fort Knox, KY. In July of 1987, Bob was assigned to the Pentagon where he worked in the Army Artificial Intelligence Center and the Armored Systems Modernization Office. In 1991, Major Chadwick was assigned to the 1st Armored Division in Germany where he served as a Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, Brigade Operations Officer, and Division Planner. In 1995, Lieutenant Colonel Chadwick assumed command of the 64th Forward Support Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). While in command, his battalion deployed to Kuwait with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division in support of Operation Intrinsic Action. After command, Bob served as the Quartermaster Branch Chief responsible for the worldwide assignment of over 3,100 logisticians. In his last Army assignment, Bob served as the Director of a 4 Star Commander’s Staff Group where he supported numerous initiatives to transform Army logistics and modernize the US Army’s Industrial Base. Colonel Chadwick retired in 2003 after a 25-year-active-duty-career. He is a graduate of the Army War College and the Naval Postgraduate School. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (8 Awards) and the Bronze Order of the De Fleury Medal. After his retirement from the Army, Bob continued supporting the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps as a member of the MITRE Corporation and Science Applications International Corp (SAIC). Bob and his wife (Abby) have been married for over 46 years and reside in Parkville, MO. They have two adult children (Ashley and Andrew) and one grandson (Ethan).
Nicole Davis-Class of 2005
Nicole Davis is a 2005 graduate of Toronto High School and credits her small-town roots with helping her gain the confidence to pursue her long-term goals. “Growing up in a small town really shaped my sense of community and sharpened my desire to not only take care of my neighbors, but to always pursue opportunities to give back,” said Davis. Given her current career and activities, Nicole is doing just that.
Nicole completed a Bachelor’s degree in 2009 before continuing her education with a Master of Business Administration in 2016, all while working full-time. Nicole knew that she wanted to pursue a career where she could make a difference in helping people navigate life’s transitions. Upon joining Park National Bank as a Trust and Wealth Advisor, she realized that she could make a real and lasting impact on her clients’ lives. Nicole is passionate about helping her clients ensure their legacy for not only the “now,” but for future generations. She also takes great joy in finding opportunities to educate clients and her community about financial literacy. She is often requested to speak on the importance of financial wellness to community organizations and educational institutions. In addition to her role at the bank, Nicole taught as an adjunct professor of business at a local university. She currently runs a small business helping individuals with career development and readiness and works with businesses to leverage social media content. As a part of her “giving back” mindset, Nicole is also very active in her community. She serves as a board member for Fairfield County College Bound, the Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, and the Salvation Army. In addition, Nicole is a steering member for the Young Professionals organization and a member of Women’s Giving Circle. Nicole’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed in the community. She was honored as Fairfield County’s 2018 Young Professional of the Year, and most recently chosen for the 2023 class of Columbus Business First's "Forty Under 40” in Columbus, Ohio. In her “spare time,” Nicole enjoys long weekend getaways with family and friends, a relaxing yoga class and a good cup of coffee! When asked what advice she would give to those just starting out, she simply said “Always look for opportunities to help others. You never know what impact you might have on someone else’s life, and you never know how that may help you in your own journey.”
Robert Daniel ‘Dan’ Gescheider-Class of 1990
Dan was a part of the THS graduating class of 1990. He went on to Bethany College in Bethany, WV earning his Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in Fine Arts, with a minor in History. After college, he joined the United States Army attending the Defense Language Institute to earn his Iraqi Dialect Certificate and Diploma in Modern Standard Arabic. While serving his country, he directed live environment training and provided translation guidance to many United States Soldiers. He was stationed in Fort Gordon, GA; Monterey, CA; and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, however his travels did not stop there. Once out of the Army, Dan taught native Arabic speakers English in various countries documenting his travels along the way. He explored ancient ruins, international landmarks, and saw the Seven Wonders of the World. He traveled and worked in countries such as China, Egypt, Germany, and many Middle Eastern countries. Preceding his sudden, tragic death in June of 2023 Dan graduated from Northern Arizona University earning his Master of Arts Degree in Anthropology with a 4.0 GPA with a concentration in Archeology. While in school, he conducted a research project in Western Belize focusing on the studies of Ancient Maya Rituals and Caves. After he graduated, Dan worked for PaleoWest, LLC as an archeology field technician, where he passed away conducting research in Kaibab National Forest. Dan lived his life to the fullest, never taking a single moment or experience for granted. Doing his best to always find a way to teach, help, and experience everything he could, never seeking gratification for any of his accomplishments.
Christine Cattrell Hargrave-Class of 1965
Christine Cattrell Hargrave is a third generation graduate of Toronto City Schools. Her grandfather, John W. Metcalf graduated from THS in the late 1920’s. He left Toronto to study medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where he met and married Lizetta Zies, an opera singer. John and Lizetta’s daughter, Barbara, married Bob Cattrell. Their first child is a daughter, Christine. From the roots of music and medicine, Christine’s abilities both as a musician and as a thinker were developed. Today she is president of Cattrell Companies, Inc., a nationally certified woman-owned construction business started by her grandfather in 1939 and still serving the tri-state area today. She continues to represent her family, generations of THS successful scholars, as Trustee Chair of the THSAA Foundation and its selection committee for over thirty years. “This is the school of my heart and soul, where I got the fundamentals to be a musician, a career-woman and a business owner and, ultimately, someone who is able to give back.” “With leadership like Carolyn Motter Walker and Linda Joy McFerren, I have been privileged to work with the foundation side of our Alumni Association to provide over $1,000,000 to date in scholarship funds for graduating seniors. I thank and honor those who have gone before me to keep open this pathway to success for our graduates.”
Brandon Reese-Class of 1991
Brandon K. Reese, Esq. is a 1991 graduate of Toronto High School. He is an attorney and certified public accountant who resides in Wintersville, Ohio with his wife Sara, and children Olivia, Bubby, and Brady. Brandon graduated from Kent State University in accounting and served as a Senior Auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick in Cleveland before attending the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University. After joining the Ohio bar, he returned to the Ohio Valley, and has been practicing for over 20 years and serving as principal to NCI-Nursing Corps, who provides nationwide medical services to construction and industry. He is a licensed instrument pilot and President of the Jefferson County Regional Airport Authority where he has served for over 20 years. Brandon is a proud Red Knight, and thankful for the Toronto community that equipped him to build a life of achievement and service.
Maureen Wherry Taggart-Class of 1988
Maureen Wherry Taggart, a proud member of the THS Class of 1988, has dedicated thirty-two years to the Toronto City School District. She is notable for being the district's first female high school principal and superintendent. Her career is marked by a commitment to service and community well-being. Maureen is an accomplished grant writer, securing millions in funding to enhance Toronto City Schools. Her key achievements include establishing Jefferson County's first school-based health center, overseeing the construction of Toronto Elementary School, initiating an on-campus Associate’s Degree program at Toronto Jr.-Sr. High School, managing the renovation of the Red Knight Athletic facilities, and leading the district through the COVID-19 global pandemic. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Maureen is an active community member. She serves on the boards of the Helping Hands Food Pantry and the Toronto High School Alumni Association. She is a member of the Toronto Kiwanis Club, Franciscan University Advisory Board, and Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Sorority of Women Educators. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa Award for Excellence in Education, the 2019 Buckeye Association of School Administrators Exemplary Leadership Award, and a 2022 Woman of the Year nomination by the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club. Maureen resides in Toronto with her husband, Fred (Class of 1990). The couple has a daughter, Erin (Class of 2014). She values the support of her family and is grateful for board members, mentors, administrators, teachers, and staff who have guided and encouraged her throughout her career.