Distinguished Alumni 2023

JAMES ANDREWS | ADMIRAL KING | 1987

James “Jim” Andrews is a 1987 Admiral King High School graduate. During his years at Admiral King, Jim was a member of the Ski Team (yes, we had a ski team!) and won an award as the best skier. Jim shared that he loved the friends he made at Admiral King, whom he has stayed in touch with for many years since he graduated.

Jim said, “It didn’t matter who you were. You were accepted!”

Following high school, Jim attended Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Science with a minor in business.

Almost anyone who’s lived in Lorain for the past 30 years knows about the Jackalope Lakeside at the Oasis Marina. Many don’t know that Jim got his start as a dishwasher in Vail, Colorado. At 26, without any investor capital, a 13.75% SBA loan, and a dream, Jim opened Jackalope’s on May 1, 1996.

Through a great deal of personal sacrifice, prayers, luck, and the support of the people of Lorain, He was able to remain in the business for 27 years. Much of his success he attributes to his father for coaching him through the tough times as an entrepreneur.

Jim has recently reinvented his business and runs Lake Erie Steak and Seafood at the Oasis Marina. Jim is currently studying to become a sommelier. When he isn’t running his business, he is an avid skier and hiker and enjoys time at Kelly’s Island.

JACK BRADLEY | LORAIN HIGH | 1967

Jack Bradley graduated from Lorain High School with the Class of 1967.

One special memory that Jack has of Lorain High was that he helped to set up a senior versus faculty basketball game near the end of his senior year. The stands were filled as they did battle with the coaches and teachers. He believes that was how lasting friendships between students and faculty were made. Also, in high school, he was the vice president of his senior class. He was voted Most Sincere and participated in student council, various clubs, organizations with the school, and intramural sports.

Following graduation, Jack earned an associate degree from Lorain County Community College, a bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University, and Juris Doctor Degree from Cleveland State University. He utilized these degrees throughout the years while teaching fourth grade at Emerson Elementary School in Lorain for five years, practicing law in Lorain for 43 years, and holding the office of mayor of Lorain since 2020.

Some of Jack’s honors and achievements include being named Soldier of the Year for the 112th Engineering Battalion, being nominated for Soldier of the Year for the State of Ohio, being approved by the Ohio Supreme Court as a representative of the Lorain County Bar Associate; welcoming President Joseph Biden to the City of Lorain (first time serving president has visited our city); was one of five mayors invited to speak at the National Brownfield Conference in Oklahoma City in 2022; and was invited to the White House to participate with nine other Ohio Mayors regarding the impact of the Biden/Harris administration in our cities.

Jack and his wife, Deborah, have been married for 51 years. They have one daughter Jaclyn and a granddaughter Roma. Jaclyn was inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame with the inaugural class in 2018.

CARL CICERRELLA | DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR | 1970-2005

Carl Cicerrella was a lifelong resident of Lorain. He graduated from Admiral King High School in 1965.

In high school, Carl enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a drummer in his band “The Lonely Hearts.” They played and entertained around Lorain County, at family holidays, and for special occasions. He continued his education at Bowling Green State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in Comprehensive Science in 1970. During his tenure as a teacher, he completed his master’s degree in School Administration.

Mr. C, as his students best knew him, taught Science and Chemistry at Southview High School in Lorain for 35 years. He developed and taught the Integrated Science Program for Magnet Students curriculum. Mr. C also was the advisor to Key Club from 1995-2005. During this time, they won seven national awards for the abundant amount of community service the Key Club provided. He and the Key Club supported Carol’s Kids and Camp I.D.E.A.S, which services children with special needs. While teaching, he enjoyed attending all events and tutoring students. He remained dedicated to students and staff even after his retirement. He supported his colleagues on the Principal’s Advisory Board for numerous years.

He further advocated for the children of Lorain and the Lorain Schools by running for the school board. At his initial attempt at running for office, he won and was the first retired teacher in years to win a position on the school board. Unfortunately, Carl’s untimely death in 2006 ended his tenure on the board.

He was married to his wife, Anna, for 34 years. Together they have three children—Monica Rapitis, Carl Michael, and James Cicerrella- and two grandchildren. His grandchildren earned Dr. Cicerrella Scholarships for Outstanding Community Service in the Lorain High School Key Club—Alex Cicerrella in 2016 and Ashley Cicerrella in 2017 as an honorary member as a graduate of Avon High School.

Mr. C advocated for his students and served as a mentor to many. He had a wealth of stories to share from his life and worked to establish meaningful connections with each of his students. Carl Cicerrella stood for many things, but there are two he believed in the most:

Never be afraid of accepting a challenge.
Do what you can to make a difference.

JAY FERGUSON | ADMIRAL KING | 1973

Jay Ferguson, Admiral King Class of 1973, has spent a lifetime in Lorain and feels fortunate to call it home.

Growing up, Jay had two of the best role models possible in his parents. Both were very committed to serving the community and helping wherever they could. Dad was a Scoutmaster for 26 years and was awarded over 100 Eagle Scout badges in his troop. He also served the students of Lorain with a lengthy career in education. Mom was always supportive, whether behind the scenes with the scouts or joining the International Festival committee.

Following graduation from Denison University and a seven-year retirement in his 20s, Jay returned to Lorain and went into the family business, education. His 30-plus years in Lorain Schools included everything from substitute teacher to Assistant Superintendent, but it was in the classroom that Jay’s most enjoyable days were spent. Memories of teaching include the many relationships with students that turned into friendships following graduation.

While teaching, Jay was recognized by the district in its Celebration of Excellence and was nominated by students for Who’s Who in American Education six times. Jay was also nominated for Presidential Award for Math and Science Excellence in 1994.

Jay entered administration, becoming the Building Administrator at Admiral King in 1999 and the Principal at Southview High School in 2002. Many of Jay’s best memories are from Southview and the time spent with the outstanding staff there. He even met his wife, Mary Jo Ferguson, at Southview. Jay then moved into a central office position for a few years.

Unfortunately, working with “adults” wasn’t Jay’s favorite thing; and he returned to the classroom to finish his career. Jay retired in October 2014 and returned to Lorain High in January 2015 as a tutor and long-term substitute. Today, nine years into retirement, Jay completed this school year as the Assistant Principal at Oberlin High School.

As the years passed, Jay tried every day to live up to the example set for him growing up. He urges all of you to remember and live by a favorite quote from his favorite athlete, Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important except in its impact on other lives!”

LT. COL. RANDY JAVIER GARCIA | LORAIN HIGH | 1994

Lieutenant Colonel Randy Garcia is a 1994 graduate of Lorain High School.

Randy was an average student at LHS but did enjoy intramural sports. He does recall the day he met Kristi Babich in Mrs. Langenderfer’s Algebra class and happily celebrates twenty-five (25) years of marriage this year.

Following graduation, Randy spent several years trying to figure things out and realized that the military would provide the direction he needed. In October of 1998, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, which allowed him to attend college at the University of Tampa as a result of an ROTC Scholarship. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.

Soon, he plans on attending the Naval War College, where he will work towards receiving a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Randy’s military education is extensive, as evidenced by completing Officer Basic Course, Captain’s Career Course, Resident Command and General Staff Officer, and the Advanced Operations and Warfighting Course. He is the recipient of the “9A” proficiency Designator, the highest recognition for professional excellence in the Army Medical Department, and the Order of Military Medical Merit.

Lieutenant Colonel Garcia’s decorated career included a position in Battalion S-4, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II; Company Commander, where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; Battalion Commander, Regional Contracting Center deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve; deployed to Romania & Poland in support of Operation European Assure Deter Reinforce; and just completed a successful Battalion Command of the 923rd Contracting Battalion, Fort Riley, Kansas.

LTC Garcia is a below-the-zone selectee for promotion to Colonel.

Randy’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (8 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Volunteer Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon (Bronze Star Device), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the South-west Asia Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal (1 Campaign Star), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 7), the Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, and the Army Recruiting Basic Badge.

LTC Garcia and his wife Kristi are proud parents of Jayden (30) and daughter Alliyah (26) and currently reside in Fort Riley, Kansas.

CLIFF GERMAN | ADMIRAL KING | 1967

Cliff German has many special memories from his Admiral King High School years.

He was involved in many activities such as band, choir, musicals, plays, teacher aide, and teacher assistant. He set a school record for service award points and received seven varsity letter awards in sports. He also earned numerous All-Conference and All-Ohio Awards in baseball, football, and wrestling.

Upon graduating in 1967, Cliff continued his education at Miami of, Ohio (Oxford, Ohio) and earned his degree in 1971. He also completed many business and education courses throughout the years.

After graduation, Cliff returned to Lorain and coached at Irving Junior High School. They won their first football championship in 35 years! He has been an announcer for all sports at Vermilion High School for the last 40 years. He has announced all-star meets in every sport in Cleveland and around northern Ohio. He has been a teacher, a coach, and a promoter of numerous sports, including wrestling, for the last 55 years.

His support of the area continues as a member of the Vermilion Kiwanis, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce (Board Member), Vermilion Athletic Booster Club (Past President, VP), Lorain Sports Hall of Fame (Past President), and Vermilion Amvets, Eagles, and VFW member. Cliff was inducted into two Sports Hall of Fame—Lorain Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and Vermilion Hall of Fame in 2005.

Cliff German has been the Chief Executive Officer for German’s Villa Enterprises for 40 years. Still, he finds time outside his business to substitute teach, announce sporting events at Vermilion Public Schools and surrounding areas, and participate in many civic and community groups.

Cliff resides in Vermilion with his wife, Nancy. During the 53 years that they have been married, she has been so supportive and nurturing in all his endeavors. They had three children together—Leah, John, Mike, and ten grandchildren.