First-ever Onaway ?Alum of the year? to be named

What makes a successful person? Money? Position? Prestige? Happiness? Respect? Opinions differ, but when a person reaches the top of his chosen field, helps others, and is admired by many, most would call that person successful.

The Onaway Area Schools Alumni Association began in January of this year to identify people who attended the local school system and went on to better-than-average success.

The Association plans to choose one person each March as Alum of the Year. (OASAA president Peg Herring admits that) ?Alum? is a slang term, chosen because it applies to either male or female. Otherwise there would be an Alumnus of the Year or Alumna of the Year, a bit too much Latin for clarity and simplicity.

Nominations were sought from the OASAA membership in the first two months of 2008. In March, the board met and considered seven excellent candidates. They made their choice and contacted the person, who accepted and expressed his hope that he will be able to accept the award in person.

In April he was interviewed by phone, and the information garnered will result in several articles in upcoming issues of the Outlook. Readers will discove

r who the first Alum of the Year is, read about his life in Onaway, and learn what he and others believe contributed to his success.

A brief ceremony at the Alumni Tent right after the parade on the Fourth of July will present the Alum of the Year to the community. Tom Moran of Moran Iron Works is designing and creating a trophy to be presented to honoree at that time. Later, a tribute to the Alum of the Year will be set up at the school to be viewed through the ensuing twelve months. A plaque, also located at the school, will record the 2008 honoree and succeeding Alumn of the Year selections as well.

By honoring eminent Onaway graduates, the OASAA hopes to show what small-town people can do to contribute to the world, using the strong foundation that their supportive community has given them.