2003 Inductees

Whether they are a past Sidney High School graduate,
a former staff member, or someone who has had a significant impact on our community, the achievements of these inductees are a source of pride for Sidney City schools and our community.

Judge Joseph D. Barnes (SHS 1888) distinguished jurist, local historian, community leader and philanthropist graduated from Sidney High School in 1888. After passing the state bar exam, he began a legal practice locally that lasted 17 years before being elected Shelby County Common Pleas Court Judge. He also was on the bench of the Second District Court of Appeals, in Dayton. He and his wife planned the Raeburn E. Barnes Trust Student Loan Program which still serves Shelby County students today.

Lewis A. Blackford (SHS 1959) educator and community leader, graduated from Sidney High School in 1959. He began his work in education at SCS as a business education teacher; served as wrestling and football coach, guidance counselor & later as assistant principal at SHS followed by principal of Bridgeview Middle School. Blackford held a variety of administrative positions before becoming the only SHS graduate to hold the post of Superintendent of SCS. Blackford created the SCS’s Hall of Honor.

Richard Cromer (SHS 1937) an art teacher in the SCS from 1949 until his death in 1979, was a man devoted to art, to the lives of his students & to the community. He left his impact on the community as well as the classroom with his paintings in many classrooms in the city’s schools, at Amos Memorial Library and at Wilson Memorial Hospital.

William M. Dodd (SHS 1967) helped create a magazine of worldwide influence, developed professional, nonprofit marketing campaigns and formed his own company to support environmental & philanthropic organizations across the U.S. and around the world. A SHS honor student who took part in many extracurricular activities also earned eight varsity sports letters and set the school’s discus record.

Sharon Eikenberry (SHS 1974) devoted her life to the Sidney/Shelby County arts community profoundly touching the lives of thousands of young people and adults with her skills and love for the performing arts. In 1980, she opened Sharon’s School of Dance in downtown Sidney. She directed and choreographed ballets, musicals and other variety shows as well as wrote original ballets.

Dr. William C. VonMeyer (SHS 1955) established an international record as a creative research scientist, geneticist, successful writer and humanitarian. He and his wife founded the Pendleton Foundation for Cancer Research. An award winning golfer in high school and college, in 1981 won the Wisconsin Glen Miller Open in Madison.