Xenia Community Schools Foundation Releases Virtual Hall of Honor Induction Video

August 29, 2020, was the official induction date for this year’s five inductees into the Xenia Community Schools Hall of Honor. For the first time in the twenty-two-year history of this annual event, however, the XCSF did not host a Dinner and Induction Ceremony. Limitations on public gatherings and indoor events, which have extended well beyond the originally projected timeframe, led to, first, a postponement and then to the cancellation of the event. This year’s five inductees will be recognized at next year’s Hall of Honor ceremony. A virtual induction video was produced: https://vimeo.com/452913216 to provide a meaningful recognition of the inductees. Their recognition plaques will be installed in the entranceway of Xenia High School. The inductees have received their proclamations and awards. Their achievements and the role they will play in inspiring future generations of students at Xenia High School and within the Xenia Community are not diminished by the lack of an in-person celebration. Four of the five inductees are Xenia High School graduates, and one is a long-time educator.

Reverend Gary G. Chapman, XHS Class of 1981 is being inducted as a Veteran, Pastor and Community Servant. Reverend Chapman attended Xenia schools for twelve years, where he was Student Council President and lettered in both Basketball and Track, and went on to graduate from Central State University. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, promoted to First Lieutenant and was honorably discharged in 1992. He recently celebrated his 25th year, serving with dedication and commitment, as pastor of Xenia’s Zion Baptist Church. He has served as an Intervention/Prevention Specialist for Xenia Community Schools providing insight and guidance to at-risk youth. He has touched the lives of incarcerated men at the MonDay Community Correctional Institution and is now the Operations Manager at Jeremiah Tree House, a facility for men in recovery. Rev. Chapman has held leadership positions in the Ministers and Deacons Institute for the Western Union Baptist District Association, African American Ministerial Alliance of Greene County, East End Community Organization, Golden Age Senior Citizens Center, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Xenia Area Association of Churches and Ministries and the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership. He is a person of strong faith and courage who serves as a role model for students and community members, as he renders care and demonstrated citizenship in the community. Reverend Chapman is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He is married to Faith Wainwright Chapman, a counselor at Warner Middle School, and they have three children: Mahogany, Malachi and Daniel.

Fred William (Ted) Forbes, XHS Class of 1954, is being inducted as an Architect, Engineer, Civil Servant and Community Leader. Fred Forbes attended the University of Cincinnati and earned a BS degree in Architecture. Later, he attended the University of Dayton Department of Civil Engineering and completed all required degree courses. Mr. Forbes was presented the” Exceptional Civilian Service Award” in 1966, approved by the Secretary of the Air Force, for his pioneering research work in Aerospace Expandable and Modular Structures. This was one of many recognitions for his work in this area. He worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base from 1964 through 1972, held several positions and authored and presented over thirty technical research papers in his area of expertise. He then opened his own Architectural and Engineering firm in Xenia where his firm designed hundreds of projects. Fred Forbes was appointed to an advisory committee of 21 citizens after the 1974 tornado which was known as the “Spirit of 74”. The group met weekly and reported to City Commission periodically. He was active in the Xenia Living Arts Council, the Chamber of Commerce and successfully applied, on behalf of the City, for a Yearly Economic Development Grant. Mr. Forbes has been the recipient of architectural design awards, management awards, professional engineering and design awards and has been a member of a number of clubs and organizations.

Charles R. Purvis is being inducted as an Educator and Role Model. Charles Purvis came to work for Xenia Community Schools as a first-year teacher at Central Jr. High School in 1959 and decided to make Xenia both his home and the place to raise his family. He held a variety of positions during his twenty-eight-year tenure with the District. These included: History teacher, assistant principal and principal at Central Jr. High, Head of Federal Programs, Director of Personnel and Title I. He also served, until his retirement, as Assistant Superintendent from 1983-1987. Mr. Purvis coached football, basketball and track, in addition to starting a variety of new activities such as girls drill team, drama and a 9th grade choir. He was instrumental in obtaining an expedited insurance settlement for the District after the 1974 tornado, and he checked on students and staff in the various buildings daily while they were housed in other districts. He has been described as a visionary who wanted to be on the cutting edge of new technology. Charles Purvis has remained extremely active after retirement, as a transportation director in another district, racing horses and even began a mowing business. He has been active in his church in a variety of capacities and was part of the Buckeye Baptist Builders. He served on the Ohio Disaster Relief Team and built an elementary building in Uganda. He remains active serving his community.

Roger D. “Rock” McColaugh, XHS Class of 1967 is being inducted as a Businessman, Volunteer and Role Model. Rock McColaugh was a lifelong resident of Xenia and attended Xenia Schools, where he earned multiple letters in Wrestling and Track and Field. He then attended Central State University and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1970. He was the President of the McColaugh Funeral Home. He joined his father in business in 1970 and assumed control when his father passed away in 1998. Under Rock’s leadership, the McColaugh Funeral Home became one of the leading funeral providers in Greene County. He was known for his compassion, humility, and good nature. Rock helped thousands of people in the community in their greatest time of need. He participated in the annual Xenia High School Mock Accident, fundraising efforts for the Xenia Community School Foundation, campaigned for Xenia School levies and engaged in numerous other volunteer efforts such as the YMCA membership drive and the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. As a member of Faith Community United Methodist Church, he served on numerous committees and joined a mission trip to Guatemala. Rock was also on the Executive Board of the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce. He worked on several fundraisers for Greene Memorial Hospital, volunteered with high school Track and Field meets and was active with the Easter Seals Day Camp. He was a long time Xenia Rotarian, served as past president, was a Paul Harris Fellow, annually ringing the Salvation Army bell for Rotary at Christmas and helped with the Fourth of July Fireworks. He sponsored and coached numerous youth soccer, baseball and basketball teams. Rock McColaugh was a role model for hard work, community engagement and service. He passed away on March 16, 2020, and is being inducted posthumously.

David Thompson, XHS Class of 1989, is being inducted as a Leader, Community Development Advocate and Role Model. David Thompson attended Xenia schools from 1976-1989. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1993 with a degree in Recreation Administration. He practically grew up at the YMCA and has devoted his professional career to working at various YMCAs including Toledo (Branch Executive), Xenia (CEO of the Greene County YMCA Association) and Coffman Family YMCA (Group Vice-President). David was instrumental in facilitating the merger of the Greene County YMCA and the YMCA of Greater Dayton in May 2008. His leadership was key to the success of the REACH (Recreation, Education, Activity, Community Health) Project, a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Dayton, Kettering Health Network, the Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center, Clark State Community College and Central State University. The successful opening of the new complex in early 2019 resulted in more than doubling of membership at the YMCA and brought new vitality, consolidated resources and pride to the Xenia Community. David joined Rotary in 1997 while living in Toledo. He has been a member of the Xenia Rotary Club since 2005. David’s Christian faith guides his service within the YMCA, the community and church. He is a wonderful example of a Xenia Community Schools graduate of tremendous character and ability.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. For information about the XCSF, please visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check us out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or call the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591 and leave a message for Barbara Stafford or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..