2024 Night of the Stars honorees

Interested in nominating a honoree for our 2024 Night of the Stars? We begin accepting nominations January 1st, 2024.  Please choose to nominate online or print the fill-in PDF (DUE BY APRIL 1st, 2024). Nominations received after April 1st will be considered for the following year's recognition. Nominations prior to April 1st will not be considered for future recognition unless you submit the nomination form again each year.

One of the highlights of the Night of the Stars is a silent auction. The list of 2024 silent auction items will be coming soon. Click here to see last years silent auction items.

2023 Distinguished Alumni honorees

We are very excited to announce the 2023 honorees and honoring the the graduates who have distinguished themselves in many diverse fields of endeavor after leaving Milford High School. The 2023 Night of the Stars Honorees are:

Upon graduating from Milford in 1973, Cindy Farley earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from The Ohio State University in 1978 and studied Midwifery at Emory University earning her Master’s Degree in 1981. She returned to The Ohio State University and earned her PHD in 1999. During high school, she was influenced by English teacher, Howard Ferguson, who inspired in Cindy a passion for social justice and community service as well as academic excellence.

Dr.Farley was awarded a faculty residency in the fall of 2019 at Oxford University in England. There she engaged with British midwives and midwifery students. She has been a tireless and devoted clinician and educator working to improve the health of women and their families. She currently serves as a part time, per diem midwife for Pomerene Hospital, a rural hospital in Millersburg, Ohio, serving Amish and Mennonite women as well as the general population.

Dr. Farley recently retired from full time teaching but still consults on legal cases, teaches part time as an adjunct professor, works per diem in clinical midwifery and engages in collaborative international research.

Dr. Farley is a prolific writer co-editing 2 textbooks, authored over 20 professional articles and written over 20 chapters in books. She is recognized by professional organizations and colleges through many awards and honors.

Dr. Farley resides in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and has a son, Kyle, and a daughter, Katy. 

Doug Flora graduated from Milford High School in 1990 where he was involved in a myriad of activities from playing tennis to working on the Reflector. Doug excelled academically.

Dr. Flora received his Medical Degree from The Ohio State University in 1999. He served his Residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he al received his Fellowship.

Dr. Flora lost his mother at a young age to Cancer. He also had cancer as an adult and survived. These events helped him decide on the specialty of Oncology. His brother (another Milford graduate) is also an oncologist. His certification includes the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Doug now serves as the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services and the Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Endowed Chair in Oncology at St. Elizabeth Hospital. You may have seen him prominently featured on their television commercials promising “I’m right here”.

Cincinnati Magazine has awarded Doug the Top Doctor in Hematology and Oncology for fifteen consecutive years. He is a member of numerous boards including The American Cancer Society, the Association of Community Cancer Centers and the Kentucky Society of Clinical Oncology.

Proactivity, along with intentional leadership is the credo of Galen G. Gordon, MHS Class of 1994. He identifies as an ambassador of Cincinnati, hospitality professional and West End community leader. Galen’s journey began in the community of Madisonville until is parents, both natives of Clermont County moved to Milford as he was entering third grade.

Galen’s leadership skills began to emerge during his junior/senior high school years. He credits experiences he gained as a Teen Counselor at MJHS that inspired him to co-found LAUNCH Cincinnati, a program teaching inner-city youth to become innovative thinkers. Galen took full advantage of everything MHS had to offer, whether on the stage or athletic fields. His contagious enthusiasm served him well.

Galen’s post secondary path led him to continue his education at Wilmington College. A successful career in real estate kept Galen in Warren County for the next 8 years until a recession shut down the housing market, forcing him to rethink his goals. His overwhelming desire to experience urban life in a larger city setting would be a life changer and has led to a successful sales and marketing career in the hotel industry.

Galen’s dad taught him as a youngster that if you wish to make an impact, you can’t stand on the sideline. That encouragement inspired him to become a member of the West End Community Council where he has played a huge role in the planning and development surrounding the TGQ Stadium. 

Galen’s current title is Director of Sales and Marketing. Kinley Hotel Cincinnati. Formerly he was Sports and Entertainment Manager at the Hilton, Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.

Vince Klusty graduated from Milford in 1981. After graduation he formed Klusty Sign Associates Inc. He has become a leader in the sign industry with over 35 years of expertise in sales, design, build, installation and maintenance solutions for on-premise signs and lighting.

Vince graduated from Antonelli College in Cincinnati, Ohio with a degree in Commercial Art. After gaining several years experience working for local sign companies in Cincinnat. He started his first company in 1988.

Vince has a true passion for quality design. His background in art coupled with his extensive experience with zoning, manufacture, and install translates to sign designs that enhance the customers’ brand image and adhere seamlessly to local zoning requirements.

Overseeing each project from conception to completion, Vince brings a particular focus on building relationships with customers and vendors alike that is unrivaled in the local market.

Vince started his newest venture, Sign Vault, LLC in 2021. Sign Vault is an innovative web-based company that captures the expertise gained in his 35 year career of designing with zoning code in mind.

Throughout David’s years in Milford, he was involved in baseball and football. After Milford, he attended Defiance College and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He then continued his education at Xavier University where he received his MBA.

David began his military service in January 1978 when he was commissioned into the United States Marine Corp. as a 2nd Lieutenant. David attended Naval Aviation School in Pensacola, Florida and was awarded his “Wings of Gold” in 1981. The “Wings of Gold” signify the completion of aviation training and hard earned membership in the close knit naval aviation community.

While stationed in Kaneohe, HI he flew helicopter gunships off aircraft carriers all over the world during his deployments in defense of our nation. David is a highly decorated, now retired Navy Commander.

Following his military career, he began a second career in the wine and food industries where he is a successful and gifted salesman earning him Regional Sales Manager of the Year from Anchor Food Company in 2003 & 2004.

Sergeant Paul Lane is a pillar in the Milford Miami Twp. Community. Paul has served as Sergeant for the Milford Police Department where he has faithfully served for 21 years.

Starting as a Patrol Officer, Acting Supervisor, D.A.R.E. Officer and Police Detective Paul was promoted to sergeant in 2015. Sergeant Lane is the recipient of the TOP Criminal Investigator Award from the Clermont Country Citizens Law Enforcement Association, the Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year, and the Milford Police Department’s Larry Oaks Memorial Award.

Paul graduated from Milford High School in 1992 and continued his education at University of Cincinnati. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UC and is a graduate of the Supervisory Training Education Program (STEP) and the Police Executive Leadership College (PLEC). Sergeant Lane serves as the grand administrator, the cruiser recording custodian and supervisor of the Crime Scene Unit.

Big hearted and generous, Sergeant Lane takes care of the needs of people in the community.

Paul has met the needs of others in numerous occasions even while on duty by buying meals, Christmas trees, paying for a motel stay for the homeless, running a food drive and many other selfless acts. Officer Lane genuinely cares about others. He is an active member of the Milford Kiwanis Club, supports his community and fellow workers by attending new officer ceremonies, city special events, holiday gatherings and outreach programs regardless if he is on duty or not.

Previous DISTINGUISHED Honorees

2022 Distinguished Honorees

Melinda Adams • Class of 1989

Lauren Cooper • Class of 2004

Daniel Mack • Class of 1978

Gary Payne • Class of 1967

Geoff Pittman • Class of 1979

Debbie Taylor Reinhart • Class of 1967 (President's Award)

Roy Verley • Class of 1969

2021 Distinguished Honorees

Ken Lowe • Class of 1979

Kim Striley Kunkel • Class of 1980

Tom Fallon • Class of 1984

Kevin Frye • Class of 1984

William Bresser • Class of 1994

2020 Distinguished Honorees

Jean Ackermann • Class of 1957

Mike Biller • Class of 2002

Ed Humphrey • Class of 1962

Sherry Jones Malott • Class of 1988

Eric Zamudio • Class of 2010

2019 Distinguished Honorees

Dave Demaris • Class of 1963

Thomas Hieronymus Towhey • Class 1977

Nancy Meyer • Class of 1979

Robert (Bob) Battig • Class of 1979

Malinda McCorkle McReynolds • Class of 1982

Joesph Kuethe • Class of 1986

Stephenie L. Bates • Class of 1994

2018 Distinguished Honorees

Karen Quick Wikoff • Class of 1984

President's Award

Al Singleton • Class of 1967

Tom Synan • Class of 1985

Betty Jane Taylor Red Leaf Collett • Class of 1958

Joyce Rinckhoff Snell • Class of 1948

2017 Distinguished Honorees

Joseph Fitzwater • Class of 1942

Kitty Johnson • Class of 1963

Jim Douglas • Class of 1974

Chuck Ingram • Class of 1978

Whittney Williams Brady • Class of 1986

Donald Jamey Mills • Class of 1990

Aaron Strait • Class of 2011

President's Award

2016 Distinguished Honorees

Dr. Michael D. Barnett, Jr. • Class of 1991

Joseph J. Braun • Class of 1991

Mark "Markiplier" Fischbach • Class of 2007

Capt. Kimberly I. Miller • Class of 1988

Robert Nugent • Class of 1985

Joshua Shaw • Class of 1995

Lt. Col. Joseph E. Siberski • Class of 1985

2015 Distinguished Honorees

Mary Elizabeth Early Hardesty • Class of 1947

Jim Parker • Class of 1957

Dr. Renee Wormack Keels • Class of 1964

Susan Lewis Donovan • Class of 1979

Tracy Teague • Class of 1981

Dr. Chris Wolverton • Class of 1991

Travis Cobb • Class of 1991

Earl Tutt & Lois Cutlip Lambert • Foundation Educators' Award

2014 Distinguished Honorees

Dow Rogers • Class of 1941

Dr. Walker Eugene Fesmire • Class of 1947

John Cooper • Class of 1966

Melissa Noakes Borger • Class of 1981

Joe Cadle • Class of 1981

David Shepherd • Class of 1981

Tom Watson • Class of 1993

Katie Marie Broecker • Class of 2000

Sarah Elizabeth Curry Rathel • Class of 2001

2013 Distinguished Honorees

Adrienne Evans Windley • Class of 1981

Barry Bonnell • Class of 1971

Dan Caldwell • Class of 1989

Gary Knepp • Class of 1972

George "Buddy" Siemering • Class of 1963

John Vilardo • Class of 1981

Michael Banks • Class of 1969

Stacey-Ray Simcox • Class of 1992

Tony Freeman • Class of 1977

William Willenbrink • Class of 1977

2012 Distinguished Honorees

Jeff Lykins • Class of 1978

Jim Terrell • Class of 1983

Garold Shaw • Class of 1948

Roger Preston Smith • Class of 1968

Dr. Jeffrey Book • Class of 1992

Major Gen. Melvin L. Burch • Class of 1967

Tricia Ross • Class of 1986

Capt. John L. Foote (posthumous) • Class of 1938

Capt. L. John Speidel (posthumous) • Class of 1964

Ronald E. Porter (posthumous) • Class of 1964

2011 Distinguished Honorees

Fred Applegate • Class of 1963

Dr. Keith Forwith • Class of 1982

Dr. David Harrison • Class of 1980

Judge Ralph Hill • Class of 1942

Napoleon McCallum • Class of 1981

Judge John McDermott • Class of 1964

Dr. Peter Schultz • Class of 1974

2010 Distinguished Honorees

Rick Blackburn • Class of 1960

Mike Cutlip • Class of 1959

Jo Ann Fley • Class of 1948

Bill Platt • Class of 1962

Zach Strief • Class of 2001

Paul Ward • Class of 1963

Night of the Stars pictures