During a basketball game this winter, Bulldog fans check out the new interactive display at RHS.

Wall of honor recalls proud Bulldog history

Rossford High School Bulldogs of honor stand front and center in the main hallway of the new school.

Amid the state-of-the-art design and high-tech educational equipment, a wall of honor in the new Rossford Junior-Senior High School ensures that the heritage of the district remains a priority.

“This is something the community can be really proud of,” said Matt Thompson, communications specialist for the school district, who was tasked with gathering and uploading all of the historical information for the displays. “I think it inspires our students to do great things.”

The RHS Athletic Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni members are highlighted with biographies and photos for each of the inductees, which can be accessed through an index.

The Military Wall of Honor was fashioned in the same way, he said. Area residents are still invited to submit names, backgrounds and photos of veterans for Mr. Thompson to add.

“It’s important that we have a piece of the wall that honors and thanks our veterans,” he noted.

Mr. Thompson also created videos highlighting academics, art, athletics, clubs, drama, music and community service, which can be changed regularly.

Before the schools were closed by the governor due to the COVID- 19 virus, Mr. Thompson said he was pleased to see students and families browsing along the wall and interacting with the displays, especially during basketball games.

The wall of honor also includes glass display cases highlighting some classic RHS memorabilia, including the 1966 state runner-up basketball trophies.

“The foundation wanted this to inspire students,” Mr. Thompson explained, noting that the end of the videos pose the questions: “what will be next?” and “will you be next?”

The project was funded through the Bulldog Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded to create opportunities to enhance academic excellence for students attending Rossford Schools.

“The wall was intended to be a source of pride for the school and the community,” said Doug Miller, president of the foundation board.

“We also want the wall to inspire students to aspire to be like those represented on the wall. Through the photos, trophies, and interactive screens, the kids can see the accomplishments of those who came before them and allow them to set goals and dream of accomplishing those goals and being represented on this wall.”