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Jillian Allison receives 2025 Hall of Honor scholarship

By Alec Keller

Students, families, staff members and board of education officials gathered on Saturday evening, Jan. 3, in the Ada High School cafeteria to celebrate Mike Lenhart and David Lusk as the newest inductees into the alumni association’s Hall of Honor.

Two plaques were unveiled and placed along the wall inside the school’s south entrance, commemorating the men’s accomplishments and recognizing their years of outstanding service to the district.

The evening also included recognition of Ada graduate Jillian Allison, the 2025 Hall of Honor scholarship recipient. Allison is a freshman at Ohio Northern University, where she is pursuing degrees in communication, media and management, along with double minors in social media and design production and entertainment.

Allison shared that during her first year at ONU, she worked on the crew for the university’s fall musical and plans to continue her involvement by serving on the crew for the spring production.

David Lusk was introduced by colleague Christina Bowden, who highlighted his long and accomplished career in education. A Lima native, Lusk graduated as valedictorian from Lima City Schools in 1976, leading a class of 519 students. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with high distinction from Ohio Northern University before completing a master’s degree at the University of Findlay.

During his career at Ada, Lusk taught a variety of science disciplines, served as science department chair and advised numerous student organizations. His service included 40 years as Quiz Bowl advisor, 30 years with Student Council and 25 years with the National Honor Society. He also spoke of his one-day stint as a tennis coach, filling in during sectionals.

Bowden recalled arriving at Ada in 2000, when Lusk had already been teaching for two decades. She described him as a mentor and a supportive colleague who played a major role in shaping her career.

“I feel like Dave taught me what quality teaching is like,” Bowden said.

When Lusk took the podium, he shared a story from the day he handed over responsibility for Student Council to Chanda Smith. When she asked what to do if it rained during homecoming festivities, Lusk—after 30 years of planning the event—simply replied, “I don’t know. It never rained.”

He thanked his family for their encouragement and quoted former superintendent Sam Beckley, who once said, “The most important people in the district are the bus drivers.” Lusk noted that bus drivers are often the first faces students see in the morning and the last they see at night.

Turning attention to fellow inductee Mike Lenhart, Lusk emphasized Lenhart’s dedication to student safety.

“What is the number one priority in this district?” Lusk said. “To keep our kids safe. No one put that priority at a higher level than Mr. Mike Lenhart. If you ever rode a bus in this district even for one day, thank that man.”

Lenhart was next introduced by middle and high school principal Dr. Dan Lee. Lenhart is an Ada High School class of 1973 graduate. 

Mike spent 21 years with Westinghouse/Sundstrand in Lima, where he tested military and domestic aircraft generators. He later returned to his alma mater to serve as Maintenance, Grounds and Transportation Supervisor at Ada Schools for 25 years.

Mike considered one of his most memorable achievements to be his involvement in the planning and construction of the new Ada school building, a three-year project completed in 2008. He continues to serve the district as an assistant maintenance supervisor. 

Lee fondly recalled one time seeing him working in preparation for a polar vortex, checking every faucet in the building and making sure it was slowly running to prevent the pipes from freezing. He added that his level of dedication earned him a special distinction on the school’s radio system with the callsign “The Purple Badger.”

“I was 40 years old, going to lose my job, and I needed one,” Mike said. “My wife told me about this job and I come out, applied for it, and interviewed with Mr. Beckley. Truly, I thank him. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him taking the chance on me. So, Sam, thank you.”

Lenhart also thanked the student helpers who assisted with preparing the building and moving materials from the old school. 

The reception concluded shortly before the Bulldog boys basketball team took the court against Delphos. Many of those in attendance moved from the ceremony to the gymnasium, including Lenhart and Lusk, who were recognized at the game.

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