2021 Inductees
Rustin Davis
Class of 2002
Rustin Davis is the son of Rusty and Christy Davis of Negley, Ohio. He graduated from Beaver Local High School in 2002. Rustin was Valedictorian, Co-Captain of the Varsity Soccer team, and Vice-President of his class Freshman through Senior year. After high school, he attended The Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama with a specialization in Production Management and Stage Management in 2006. Rustin graduated from CMU with College and University Honors and received the Norman Apell Award, the West Coast Drama Alumni Clan award, and was selected as an Andrew Carnegie Society Scholar.
Rustin’s love of film and television was cemented at the age of 10 when Jurassic Park was released in theaters. Upon graduating from Carnegie Mellon, Rustin moved to Los Angeles, California to work in the film and television industry. He began his career working as a production assistant to meet the rigorous qualifications needed to become a member of the Director’s Guild of America. Rustin’s childhood dream of one day sitting in a dark movie theater and seeing his name scroll across the screen was achieved in 2009 when he worked on ANGELS & DEMONS starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard. In 2014, upon finishing the necessary requirements, Rustin became a proud member of the Director’s Guild of America. For the past five years, he has been working as the 2nd 2nd Assistant Director on Netflix’s GRACE & FRANKIE starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston. Rustin runs base camp for GRACE & FRANKIE, which means he works closely with and manages the actors, makeup, hair, and costume departments and oversees the process of getting the actors ready to film each day; along with various other duties.
Rustin has worked on over two dozen film and television projects in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Oahu. Besides GRACE & FRANKIE, other notable projects include all six seasons of COUGAR TOWN starring Courteney Cox, Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, and Tom Ford’s NOCTURNAL ANIMALS starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams. While running base camp on season 2 of TVLand’s NOBODIES in 2017, Rustin was given the opportunity to work in front of the camera when he was offered a recurring guest star role for four episodes. This role allowed him to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Rustin was honored to be chosen this year as the Beaver Local High School 2020 Commencement Speaker. Rustin is incredibly humbled to be able to live his dream on a daily basis and looks forward to being able to go back to work with his GRACE & FRANKIE family once it is safe to do so.
Chief Master Sergeant Ernest W. Jones
Class of 1982
Chief Master Sergeant Ernest W. Jones is the Chief Enlisted Manager, 729th Air Control Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah. He leads 370 personnel in mobilization, deployment and employment of 83 million dollars of tactical vehicles, ground support equipment and Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems providing the Joint Force Air Component Commander with a rapid reaction theater Control and Reporting Center. This enables command and control of joint air operations through surveillance, identification, weapons control, theater missile defense, battle management and theater communications data links during worldwide contingencies.Chief Jones grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio and entered the Air Force in March of 1987. His background includes work within the Air Force Intelligence Agency, Communications Squadrons, Air Control Squadrons, Air Communications Squadron, Air Support Group, Mission Support Group and Contingency Response Wing. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the Group Superintendent, 90th Mission Support Group, F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. His assignments include bases in Mississippi, Nevada, Alaska, Idaho, Guam, California, Wyoming and Utah.EDUCATION1991 Noncommissioned Officers Preparatory Course (non-residence) 2001 Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Distinguished Graduate, Goodfellow AFB, Texas 2003 Associate's Degree in Electronic Systems Technology, CCAF2004 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (non-residence)2007 USAF First Sergeant Academy Additional Duty Symposium, Andersen AFB, Guam 2007 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Gunter Annex, Maxwell AFB, Alabama2010 Senior Enlisted Joint PME (non-residence), National Defense University, Norfolk, Virginia ASSIGNMENTS1. March - May 1987, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas 2. May - November 1987, Student, Ground Radio Maintenance, Keesler AFB, Mississippi 3. November 1987 - August 1990, Ground Radio Specialist, 2069th Communications Group, Nellis AFB, Nevada 4. September 1990 - August 1991, Air Traffic Control Radio Specialist, 5071st Communications Flight, King Salmon Airport, Alaska 5. September 1991 - September 1994, Ground Radio Maintenance Repairman, 354th Communications Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska 6. October 1994 - October 1999, RF Systems Maintenance Craftsman, 381st Intelligence Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska 7. October 1999 - June 2004, NCOIC, Ground Radio Systems, 726th Air Control Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho 8. June 2004 - February 2005, NCOIC, Base Communications Systems, 366th Communications Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho 9. February 2005 - February 2007, Operations Chief, Mission Systems Flight, 36th Communications Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam 10. March 2007 - May 2007, Communications Superintendent, 615th Contingency Response Wing, Travis AFB, California11. May 2007 - October 2009, Superintendent, Mission Systems Flight, 60th Communications Squadron, Travis AFB, California12. October 2009 - February 2012, Superintendent, 611th Air Communications, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska13. March 2012 - September 2012, Group Superintendent, 611th Air Support Group, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska14. October 2012 - December 2014, Group Superintendent, 90th Mission Support Group, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming15. December 2014 – March 2017, Superintendent, 729th Air Control Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONSMeritorious Service Medal with one silver oak leaf clusterJoint Service Commendation Medal Air Force Commendation Medal with one silver oak leaf clusterArmy Commendation Medal Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf clusterArmy Achievement MedalCombat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf clusterNational Defense Service Medal with one service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one service starIraq Campaign Medal with two service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNuclear Deterrence Operations Service MedalAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and three oak leaf clustersSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one service starOTHER ACHIEVEMENTS2001 726th Air Control Squadron Noncommissioned Officer of the Year2001 726th Air Control Squadron Maintenance Technician of the Year2003 366th Operations Group Noncommissioned Officer of the Year 2004 366th Fighter Wing Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Annual Award winner 2005 36th Air Base Wing Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Annual Award winner2006 36th Air Base Wing Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter2008 Air Mobility Command’s Communications and Information Annual Award winner2010 Headquarters, Eleventh Air Force Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Annual Award winner2010 Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson General John P. Jumper Annual Award winner 2010 North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Senior Enlisted Member of the Year2013 President, F. E. Warren Chiefs and Sergeants Major GroupEFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTIONChief Master Sergeant April 1, 2012
Judge Megan L. Bickerton
Class of 1999
Born and raised in East Liverpool, Ohio, Megan is the daughter of Janice Forsythe, a retired Beaver Local Schools teacher, and the late Dann Forsythe, a former steel worker at Weirton Steel and Beaver Local Coach. A graduate of the Class of 1999, Bickerton was valedictorian, class president and student council president. She was also a three-sport letter winner as a member of the soccer, basketball and track teams. Bickerton continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating Cum Laude in 2003. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology she earned her Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law in 2006. While attending Ohio Northern, she was an American Bar Association National Appellate competitor and served as an executive board member of the Moot Court. In her law school years, Bickerton worked as a judicial extern for the Honorable Joseph Niemeyer of Hancock County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas. She was also employed by Drake, Phillips, Kuenzli and Clark as a law clerk where her research focused on bankruptcy, real estate and criminal law. Megan was admitted to the Ohio Bar in November of 2006. Bickerton began her career as a prosecuting attorney in Medina County. She was assigned to Juvenile Court handling all juvenile felony and misdemeanor cases in the county. While in Medina County, Megan also handled felony cases in the Medina County Court of Common Pleas and argued appellate issues in the 9th District Court of Appeals. In 2011 she returned home to Columbiana County and joined the Columbiana County Prosecutor’s Office. She was assigned to the criminal division in the Columbiana County Municipal Court, handling misdemeanor, traffic and felony preliminary hearings. Megan was then assigned to the felony criminal division handling cases in the Court of Common Pleas. While with the Columbiana County Prosecutor’s Office, Bickerton argued before the 5th, 7th, and 8th District Courts of Appeals. Megan previously served as the Village of Lisbon solicitor. She was hired by the Village to this role in 2015 and resigned upon taking the bench in 2019. In November of 2018, Bickerton was elected Judge of the Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas, the first female in the Court’s history to be elected to the seat. Bickerton assumed the bench on January 1, 2019 and currently presides over criminal, civil and domestic relations cases.Involved in a variety of community and civic organizations, Bickerton currently serves as President of the Beaver Local Schools Foundation, a non-profit foundation that raises scholarship funds for graduating seniors. She is a member of the Calcutta Rotary club, the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Megan resides in St. Clair Township with her husband, David, and their son Wesley.
David C. Hawkins, Colonel, US Army (Retired)
Class of 1962
Dave is the son of the late Glen and Mary Hawkins of New Waterford, Ohio. He grew up near Rogers, Ohio, attended Rogers Elementary, Clarkson Middle and Beaver Local High School, graduating in 1962. He attended Ohio University for one year and then enlisted in the US Army. During the following 31 years of military service and 17 years with the Raytheon Company, he had the honor and privilege of serving the United States in a wide variety of positions of great trust and responsibility. Dave started his career with Air Defense Missile assignments in Nike Hercules Missile units in Germany, Los Angeles and Seattle. During this time, he rose through the ranks to Staff Sergeant, then Chief Warrant Officer, finally receiving a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1971. His following assignments included Platoon Leader in a HAWK missile unit overlooking the DMZ in South Korea and a special assignment during 1983-84 to organize, train, and field the Army’s first Patriot Missile Battalion. He developed the Patriot system training standards for all following Patriot units that ultimately provided combat ready air defense for worldwide deployment and combat in two Gulf Wars. He commanded a Patriot Missile Battalion in Germany in 1987-89 and in 1990 was selected as the US National Representative to NATO’s 4th Allied Tactical Air Force. As Chief of Training, he managed the preparation for NATO combat certification of all US Army Air and Missile Defense units in Central Germany, significantly improving their readiness state.In a parallel career path in Middle East security operations, he served with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (Palestine) in 1977-78 as a UN Military Observer, responsible for monitoring, reporting, and investigating cross border violations along the Israeli - Lebanese border. He was appointed the Administrative Officer for the UN Israeli-Lebanese Military Armistice Commission in Beirut, Lebanon. In 1985-86 he studied Arabic at the Defense Language Institute and then was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency as manager for the intelligence collection activities of Defense Attaches in Egypt and Israel. His last Army assignment was as Director, Air Defense Battle Lab. He led “Skunk Works” type weapons system development, building a collaboration among major US weapons developers to design and field a new weapons system, the “Linebacker”, which gave battlefield protection from artillery and small arms for soldiers providing air defense protection to forward battle forces. After retiring with the rank of Colonel, he joined the Raytheon Company, spending the last 12 years of his career with Raytheon as the Director of Engineering and Program Manager for their test center at White Sands Missile Range, NM. His team refined hardware, software, and missile flight capabilities to improve the combat capabilities of US and other nation’s air and missile defense forces. He retired from Raytheon in 2012.Dave completed his B. A. Degree in Sociology at St. Martin’s College in 1973. While at St. Martin’s he helped organize and was elected the first President of the St. Martin’s Veterans Association.From 1980-82, he attended the US Army Command and General Staff College and simultaneously graduated from the University of Kansas receiving a M. A. Degree in Middle East, Soviet and Russian History.Dave is a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University and Raytheon’s Program Management College programs as well as various military leadership and technical programs.During his career, he served in command and staff positions at the Platoon, Battery, Battalion, Brigade, Major Command and Department of Defense level.Decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, UN Medal and Parachute Badge. Dave met and married Maria (Ria) in 1966 while stationed in Germany. They have 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. Dave and Ria live in the sunny Southwest just outside of El Paso, Texas.
Brian McKenzie, Chief of Police
A graduate of the Class of 1986, and a lifelong resident of Calcutta. Brian is married to Kelly (Williams) McKenzie, also a member of the Class of 1985 and a current Beaver Local teacher, they have 2 sons Bryce and Kaden, who both attended Beaver Local.Brian has been a police officer since July 1990, first starting his career at Liverpool Township Police, then transferring to St. Clair Township Police in November 1991 to the present day.Working up through the ranks at St. Clair Township starting as a part-time officer until he was hired to a full time position. During his career, Brian became the first K-9 Unit in St. Clair Township. In 2003 Brian was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to detective. In 2017 he was promoted to Chief of Police. Brian has been on the Beaver Local Board of Education twice, most recently elected in November 2019 for four years. He has been a member of the Calcutta Rotary since 2015, and a member of the Elk Lodge #258 since 2010. Brian coached Beaver Local Middle School football, Beaver Local Little Beavers Football, and youth soccer. Since 2014 Brian has been a member of the Columbiana County Football Officials and refereed all levels of football from youth to High School. He loves the outdoors and spending time with his family .
2019 Inductees
Robert A. Cain, DO
Class of 1980
Robert A. Cain, DO, FACOI, FAODME, currently serves as the Associate Dean for Clinical Education at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this role he has oversight of business development and relationship management for clinical experiences associated with undergraduate and graduate medical education (GME).
As part of his GME related duties, he functions as the Chief Academic Officer for the Ohio Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education (CORE), a statewide medical education consortium. Prior to this university appointment he served as the Director of Medical Education (DME) at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio (2006-2014) and as the director of the internal medicine residency program at the same facility (1999-2007).
Over the past two decades he has served on a number of local, state, and national committees, task forces, and boards in a variety of roles, including the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Council on Postdoctoral Training Institutions (COPTI), AOA Council on Postdoctoral Training (COPT), American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) Council on Education and Evaluation, ACOI Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators (AODME) Board and Executive Committee, the AOA Blue Ribbon Commission on Osteopathic Medical Education, the
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) UME-GME Task Force, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Osteopathic Principles Committee.
Awards include the Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators Leadership Award (2014), Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Master Clinical Faculty (2011), Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Standard of Excellence Award (2009), and the ACOI Teacher of the Year (2004).
As a specialist in pulmonary medicine, Dr. Cain operated a private practice in Dayton, Ohio from 1994-2008. He is a 1980 graduate of Beaver Local High School in Lisbon, Ohio, a 1984 graduate of Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, 1988 graduate of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, a 1989 graduate of the traditional rotating internship program at Firelands Community Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio, a 1992 graduate of the internal medicine training program at Brentwood Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and a 1994 graduate of the pulmonary medicine fellowship program at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He completed Midwestern University’s Costin Institute for academic leadership in 2009. The American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) recently recertified him in pulmonary medicine (2018).
Gail Burton Foreman
Class of 1979
Gail Burton Foreman is the daughter of the late Frederick and Virginia Burton of the Old Fredericktown Road. Gail graduated from Beaver Local High School in 1979. She grew up in the Calcutta/Fredericktown area enjoying the woods and tub area surrounding her home. While at Beaver Local she was a member of the track team, sports editor of the school newspaper, and the president of the conservation club.
After graduating, she attended Kent State University and majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Upon completing her degree, Gail acquired a position as a Loss Prevention Investigator then moved into the position of a Workman’s Compensation Investigator and other Law loss related jobs for Giant Eagle Corporate. Realizing the education deficits through her investigations, Gail decided to enter the field of Education. She fell in love with education at Youngstown State University.
She received her BS and then her master’s in Special Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education certifications. Gail began her teaching career at Leetonia High School and achieved Highly Qualified Status. While at Leetonia, Gail Coached Girls Softball, assisted with Volleyball and went on to become the Athletic Director. After she gave a professional development presentation in South Carolina, Gail was approached by then Superintendent Gary Norris and was asked if she would be interested in a position with Sarasota County Schools in Florida in 2005.
Gail continued to be recruited by Sarasota County schools and in 2007 accepted the job offer and moved to Bradenton, Florida where she now resides with her wife of 28 years, Patricia Cummins, and with their two dogs, King and Queenie.
As Gail began her new position at Booker High School she quickly began to realize once again the importance of her role as an educator. She taught struggling and unmotivated students Math and English. The students and Gail began developing trusting relationships and they soon began to flourish academically. The switch had been flipped and it has been in the ‘on’ position ever since. Gail is well known on the forty-seven-acre campus as a mentor to students and other teachers, is the Sarasota County Teachers Union representative and holds a seat on the executive board. Gail provides regular professional development to staff in the school district. She advises Student Government, Student Activities and the Gay Straight Alliance. She also coached Softball and is part of the Renaissance Team. In her current teaching position Gail has a full day. She teaches two units of U.S. History, AICE Psychology and Sociology which are college level classes through Cambridge University, Cambridge England. Gail is also part of the Law Academy teaching Criminal Justice and Criminology as a magnet program at Booker High School. Gail also represents the school district in a variety of community programs with her beloved students. Of recent was the Boxer Institute on Racism and Intolerance.
Gail and her wife are also the guardians to Gail’s two cousins, Vivian and Linda, of whom also reside with Gail and Pat as well as Vivian‘s dog, Roxy.
Gail arrives at school at 6:15 a.m. to meet students in need of tutoring, food, clothing or just a hug and leaves when their needs are met. Gail is constantly working to ensure the homeless in her classes are fed, computers are secured, clothes and college tuition are secured through scholarships, grants or because of student need qualifications.
Gail and Pat also ensure that students whom are unable to pay for their cap and gown and senior trips don’t go without (secretively). During Thanksgiving and Christmas you can find any number of students and their families at Gail and Pat’s house for dinner and love. There are always gifts, laughter and holiday cheer shared around a fire after a family meal.
Gail and Pat currently have several graduates in college they assist and plan to continue to do so in the future. Gail’s students from Leetonia and Booker High School leave her as graduates and then become her friends and family of which she is most proud. Gail is listed in Who’s Who among American Teachers several times, received Teacher of the Year 2009 and in 2012 and continually is nominated yearly. “I am in it for the outcome not the income and my babies know it. I expect their best and I get it.” I am proud to be an educator. “I am very blessed every year to spend 180 instructional days with the future.”
Keith Meredith
Class of 1981
Keith is a 1981 graduate of Beaver Local High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati in 1986 and later his Pharmacy Doctorate from the University of Florida.
Keith began his pharmacy career working as a staff pharmacist at various retail and hospital pharmacies, eventually advancing his hospital pharmacy career by working as the Director of Pharmacy at East Liverpool City Hospital for twelve years. He followed that with six years as the Director of Pharmacy at Salem Regional Medical Center. In 2013, Keith was appointed to his current position as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Salem Regional Medical Center. He is responsible for overseeing several clinical departments including Pharmacy, Laboratory, Rehab Services, Cardiopulmonary and the Medical Imaging Department.
Service, education and family are important to Keith. Upon graduation from college, he returned to our community and has been very active in the Beaver Local School system. He served on the Board of Education from 2001 to 2012 and as Board president for five years. Since 2015, he has been an active member of the Beaver Local Schools Foundation, working to raise money for scholarships for Beaver Local graduates. In 2017, Keith was appointed to the Board of Trustees for Eastern Gateway Community College.
Keith has been very active in the Destination Imagination program at Beaver Local and has coached DI teams for ten years, with two of his teams advancing to the Global Tournament. Keith has represented Beaver Local as host and as a Site Director for two Regional DI tournaments and this year’s State DI Tournament.
In 1986, Keith married his college sweetheart, Heidi, also a pharmacist. Together they operate a 116 acre farm almost within sight of Beaver Local’s beautiful new school. He considers his greatest achievement as being successfully raised by his three daughters: Emily, Claire and Laurel. All three are Valedictorian/Summa Cum Laude graduates of Beaver Local.
Brent McConnell
Class of 1983
Brent McConnell, a 1983 Beaver Local High School graduate, grew up in Negley and served 20 years in the US Air Force, retiring in 2004.
During his early career as a Korean Cryptologic Linguist he was trained in Korean and Chinese language for work at intelligence sites in the US and overseas. Commissioned a US Air Force officer in 1993, he completed Intelligence Officer training for assignments that included foreign intelligence organizations, the National Security Agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and retired from the military on 2004.
He currently serves as Chief, International Policy for the Defense Technology Security Administration in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and is responsible for international weapons negotiations on behalf of the Pentagon. He leads the office responsible for ensuring US weapons shared internationally are in the best interest of US national security and he has received personal recognition for his work with India, Israel, Korea, Ukraine and the Philippines.
Often attending school at night after a full day’s work plus a part-time job, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland, Master’s Degree from The George Washington University and attended the Universities of Hawaii, Virginia and Harvard. He twice received the Pentagon’s Defense Exceptional Civilian Service medal, the US Air Force’s Top Senior CiviliAward, and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award. Brent devotes much of his time to serving in his church and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Brent gives tremendous thanks to the love of his life, Im Sun, for her sacrifice, devotion and wisdom. Brent and Im Sun recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and are the parents of Brandon, a Department of Homeland Security cyber systems engineer and Joshua, a college student and Air National Guard cyber operations member. Brent’s parents, Shirley and Robert Kontnier reside in Negley and his father Larry resides in East Liverpool.