Hall of Distinction Inductees
Thursday, September 28, the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association celebrated at the Hall of Fame Village our 2023 Hall of Distinction class. The Hall of Distinction is a very prestigious honor given to outstanding Alumni or Plain Local Schools contributors.
The Plain Local Schools Alumni Association Hall of Distinction honors alumni and other individuals in our community who have distinguished themselves personally and/or professionally, have contributed time and talent to the Plain Local School District and have exemplified the education and moral values that are respected by their community and school system.
2023 Inductees:
- Jim Adkins, Class of 1965, Teacher and Musical Director
- David Coleman, Class of 1979, National speaker on relationships and leadership
- Joshua Poole, Class of 1994, Humanitarian, Catholic Relief Foundation Madagascar Country Representative
- Bryan Rice, Class of 1984, President of Rice’s Landscapes Redefined
- Kevin Rice, Class of 1985, Vice President of Rice’s Landscapes Redefined
More information about the nominees:
Jim Adkins: Jim is a graduate of Wickliffe High School and Indiana and Kent State University. While in High School, he participated in Band, Boy Scouts, and was chosen for the Cleveland Institute of Music Program. He was recognized as a Top 25 Teacher while working at Plain Local Schools as the High School Band Director from 1986-2003. He was the Plain Local Fine Arts Director from 2003-2006. During his career at Plain Local, he inspired his music students with great work ethic, resulting in numerous musical competition awards both in Marching and Concert Bands. John also served for 6 years as a Board Member for the Plain Local Schools Foundation Board. Jim is currently the Musical Director and Board Member of the New Horizons band. The Professional Music Organization provides grants nationwide, and encourages adults how to play an instrument. Many GlenOak graduates have participated in this program, and were encouraged to play an instrument they did not play in high school. Approximately 500 adults have participated in this band, and each year New Horizons Band performs concerts locally in NE Ohio. Nominated by John Bikis and Roxane Binkley
David Coleman: David is a 1979 graduate of GlenOak High School and Bowling Green State University. While in High School, he
participated in Young Life, Student Council class officer and Vice President, Yearbook, Homecoming and Graduation volunteer,
leadership training events, and a business trip to NYC with the incredible teacher Ray Harding. He was also a Varsity Baseball, Basketball and Golf member. David is highly committed to charitable events including the Board of Directors for Big Brothers-Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati, and a Tour Guide/Volunteer at the Cincinnati Zoo. David is known worldwide as “The Dating Doctor.” He is a highly sought after coach, speaker, entertainer, radio and TV personality and product endorser. He is the only speaker to ever win the National Entertainer of the Year Award and was honored by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA) with their Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Entertainment. He received a National Service Citation from President George Bush, and has been a spokesperson for many National brands. Nominated by John Namey
Joshua Poole: Josh is a 1994 graduate of GlenOak High School and a graduate of American University, graduate classes at Ohio University and Peace Corps. While in High School, Josh participated in basketball, baseball, swimming and water polo, Drifters, Musicals, Drama, and Student Government. He was awarded the Canton City Mayors Award for Community Service, and was chosen as a Representative for the March of Living Program, the Holocaust Educational Program in Poland and Israel. He participated in the B’nai Brith Youth Organization from 1991-1994 and was the Regional Treasurer – International. For the past 12 years, Josh has been employed with Catholic Relief Services, currently serving as the Country Representative for CRS Laos and Myanmar, where large-scale development and relief projects are supporting communities across various sectors like
education, health and nutrition, water & sanitation, agriculture and livelihoods and emergency response. While he has earned various awards through his overseas career, he is most proud of his three children and the opportunity to give back to those in need. Nominated by RJ Van Almen
Bryan Rice: Bryan is a 1984 graduate of GlenOak High School and a graduate of The Ohio State University. While in High School, Bryan participated in Track and Cross Country. Upon graduation, Bryan joined his father, Tom, at Rice’s Nursery & Landscaping, a family business started by his grandfather, where Bryan restructured and managed the Garden Center for 25+ years. He became President in 1996. He was a Board Member and President from 2000-2004 of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association. There, he developed a strong network with fellow business owners and collectively met with political leaders to address concerns and the needs of the Green Industry in Ohio. Bryan currently serves on the advisory board for Buckeye Council, Boy Scouts of America, and was honored along with his brother Kevin with the Good Scout Award. He also serves on the advisory committee for the GlenOak Horticulture program and is currently the Chairman of the Aultman Health Foundation Board of Directors. He has been married to Tracy for 27 years, and their son JT is a junior at John Carroll University. He loves the outdoors, fly fishing, hiking, traveling in their RV, and exploring our country. Nominated by Suzi Lantz
Kevin Rice: Kevin is a 1985 graduate of GlenOak High School and a graduate of Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University, where he also participated in the Sigma Chi Fraternity and a member of the Ski Club. While in High School, Kevin participated in Track and Cross Country and Ski Club. Kevin is a Registered Landscape Architect, VP and co-owner of Rice’s Landscapes Redefined. He and his brother Bryan are the 3rd generation of the family business. Kevin’s role is working with various commercial, industrial, mechanical and specialty residential clients to design and implement their landscapes. They have won 62 state awards and one national award. He is a Master Ohio Certified Landscape Technician with the Ohio
Green Industry Assn. Kevin is formerly a member of Arts in Stark annual fund campaign and Stark County Library Foundation Board, and Canton City Schools IlluminARTS program. Kevin, his brother Bryan, and the business have been supporters and have volunteered with the Aultman Angel Auction, Mercy Medical Center, Stark Parks, Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award, and various other organizations. Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, snow skiing, watching his kids at sporting events and outdoor adventures. He loves vegetable gardening, growing hops, woodworking, and various construction
projects including Habitat for Humanity. Nominated by Suzi Lantz
Contact the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association at foundation@plainlocal.org