Newark City Schools

A Community of Opportunity and Learning

Alumni Spotlight

Newark High School and Newark City Schools have a proud tradition and many great alumni who have become successful in a variety of fields, and also give back to their communities in many ways. We are starting this Alumni Spotlight as a way of highlighting those alumni who are doing great things. These spotlights may include traditional feature stories, audio interviews, videos and more.

If you have suggestions for alumni to profile, please fill out this form and include contact information.

Profiles

Archived News

Datus Puryear, Class of 2007

Current occupation: Actor
High School activities: Choir, drama, football, basketball
College: Ohio Northern University, majoring in theater
Quote: About his choir teachers in high school: “Those people put something in me that I can’t quite define. They’re like family to me.” More +

Toni Gallagher, Class of 1983

Current occupation: Executive Producer for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills; author
High School activities: Compendium (newspaper), drama
College: Northwestern University, majoring in journalism
Quote: “I think I always realized I wanted to be more in the entertainment business. … The day after I graduated (from college), I moved to Hollywood.” More +

Willie Henderson, Class of 2013

Current Occupation (As of 2015): College Student
College: United States Naval Academy, majoring in Systems Engineering
High School Activities: Cross Country, Track, Basketball, Swimming
On receiving appointment to Naval Academy: "I was just very appreciative of Newark City Schools for being able to do that so well for me ... to help me get into the Academy and reach my goals." More +

Lee Kirkpatrick, Class of 2009

Current Occupation (As of 2015): Fashion Designer at Nordstrom's
College: Columbus College of Art & Design
High School Activities: Swim Team, Acting Ensemble, Yearbook
Advice for students: Don't be afraid to try different things while you're figuring out what you want to do. "If it takes five tries, I think that's fine." More +

Phil Frye, Class of 1989

Current Occupation: Realtor, with Century 21 Frank Frye Real Estate
College: University of Cincinnati
Community Involvement: Newark Kiwanis, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Angels of 1989
High School Activities: Bleacher Creature, Compendium (Student Newspaper), Cup and Chaucer
Advice for students: "Work hard and enjoy every day at Newark High School." More +

Jeff Hall, Class of 1974

Current Occupation (as of 2015): Newark Mayor

High School Activities: Class President
College: Nova Southeastern University; Ohio State University

Advice for students: "Stay involved and stay engaged."

More +

Teresa Fightmaster, Class of 1982

Current Occupation (as of 2015): Swim Coach
High School Activities: Swimming
College: Ohio State University
Advice for students: "Be open-minded and accept challenges." More +

Alumni Spotlight
Newark City Schools is looking for ways to highlight the many great Newark High School alumni who are making an impact in their community and careers. If you have suggestions, please fill out this brief form. You can also email the Community Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].

Alumni Spotlight Suggestion Name:

Briefly share about your suggestion (Graduation year; career; community involvement): What makes him/her a great person to highlight? Do you have contact information for him/her?

Your Name

Your email address/phone number

To validate your submission, please answer the following math problem: