Back row, from left to right: Tim Harman, Tim Doud, Norman Wagoner, and Greg Gibble. Front row, from left to right: Stephanie Bibler (wife of late honoree Scott Bibler), Lisa (Harger) Fear, and Mindy (Creighton) Truex. Not pictured: Lee Norris and a representative of the late Ann (Kindig) Allen.

AKRON — On Thursday night, Sept. 15, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation celebrated its Distinguished Alumni Class of 2016 with a dinner held at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. The class is made up of two groups, both of which are comprised of individuals who have led “successful and productive lives” since graduating.

The first group of Distinguished Alumni is made up of Greg Gibble, graduate of the class of 1978; Scott Bibler, graduate of the class of 1982; Mindy (Creighton) Truex, graduate of the class of 1983; Tim Doud, graduate of the class of 1988, and Lisa (Harger) Fear, graduate of the class of 1996. The second group, recipients of the Legacy award, is made up of a combination of graduates from Akron, Beaver Dam, Burket, Mentone, and Talma High Schools. Recipients include Ann (Kindig) Allen, who graduated from Akron in 1952; Lee Norris, who graduated from Beaver Dam in 1947; Norman Wagoner, who graduated from Talma in 1955, and Tim Harman, who graduated from Mentone in 1972.

The night celebrated the accomplishments of each of these alumni, and included both a dinner where honorees could mingle with their friends and family, as well as an interview with local radio personality Rita Price. Price kept the interviews light-hearted and fun, while also giving each honoree the opportunity to recognize his or her most valued educator. Family members spoke on behalf of the late Scott Bibler and Ann Allen, as well as Lee Norris, who could not attend. One of the most touching moments came near the end of the night, as Superintendent Brett Boggs thanked everyone for coming and added that honoree Ann Allen, who passed away last September, had nominated fellow honoree Tim Doud prior to her passing.

On Friday, Sept. 16,  each of the honorees spent the day with students at Tippecanoe Valley High School, giving presentations, touring the school, and enjoying lunch with the students. During halftime of Friday night’s football game, each honoree was presented with a plaque to commemorate their successes.