Circleville Alumni Association Honors Grads Past and Present
Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC Adult Education…
(Circleville) – Circleville HS Alumni Association Achievement Hall of Fame inducted five new members over the weekend and three 2025 graduates were awarded scholarships.
New Hall of Fame inductees are:
Robert M. Johnson Class of 1948
Betty Leist Wolford- Class of 1958
Jane Wiggins Shaw- Class of 1968
Christine Nelson Williams- Class of 1974
Adam Logan- Class of 2000
Robert M. Johnson ‘48
Robert M. Johnson, a proud Circleville native and CHS Class of 1948 graduate, has a rich history of academic, professional and community achievements. During high school, Bob participated in the Canteen, Hi-Y Club and Epsilon Mu Sigma. He was on the Scholarship Team all four years and demonstrated leadership in athletics, arts and student committees. Bob graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952 with a pre-medicine major, actively engaging in fraternity life, chemistry club and ROTC. Following graduation, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War, retiring as a reserve officer. While serving his country, he met and married 2nd Lt. Marilyn “Cookie” Cook. In his professional career, Bob initially worked with C.F. Replogle Co. before founding two successful businesses, Contractor & Industrial Supply Company and Contractor & Industrial Builders. Later, alongside his children, he expanded into R/P Johnson Inc. and Four J Properties, offering diversified services in construction, property management and real estate. His ventures significantly contributed to economic growth in Ohio and beyond. A pillar of the community, Bob’s contributions are extensive and enduring. He served as a president or founding member for several organizations, including our own Alumni Association, YMCA, Historical Society and Airport Authority. His leadership extended to the Circleville School Board, Red Cross, and various civic and economic initiatives. Bob was recognized as Rotary Young Man of the Year and remained a longstanding Rotary member, exemplifying “Service above Self.” Bob and Marilyn both passed in 2024. They are the parents of all CHS grads Virginia Johnson Davis’73, Kathleen Johnson Sassa ’75, Paul Johnson ’78, Eric Johnson ’80 and Patricia Johnson Rothe ’83.
Jane Wiggins Shaw ‘68
Jane Wiggins Shaw, a 1968 graduate of Circleville High School, has dedicated her life to her community through a remarkable career as a volunteer and advocate for historical preservation. As the 2024 President of the Clarke-May Museum and a trustee of the Canal Society of Ohio, she has tirelessly worked to preserve and promote the rich history of Pickaway County. She played a key role in petitioning the National Registry to recognize the Southern Section of the Ohio and Erie Canal and has contributed significantly to the creation of Canal Park in the area. Her commitment extends to reorganizing the Clarke-May Museum, where she completed an inventory of all artifacts. Because of her efforts, the museum is now well organized into thematic sections. She continuously promotes activities at Mt. Oval, another key historical site in Pickaway County. Her passion for history and education is evident in her long-standing role as a 4-H advisor and as a prominent speaker about the importance of monarch butterfly conservation across Ohio. In fact, she is known as the “Monarch Lady” as she travels around the state encouraging the importance of planting milkweed and sharing beneficial information for maintaining these precious butterflies. Recognized for her impactful efforts, Jane was nominated as Pickaway County’s Volunteer of the Year in 2022. Jane continues to do educational programs. She has worked tirelessly to debunk the myths and rumors associated with the Underground Railroad moving slaves to Canada. With her research she now has found documentation that establishes places and people involved. Achievement Hall of Fame recipient Barry Adams said in his endorsement: “Jane’s efforts as a volunteer in these many arenas help make Circleville a better place to live. “Her passion and enthusiasm for these projects is infectious and she gets many others involved in these causes. She grew up in this community and has spent her life helping to keep it an amazing place to live and work”.
Betty Leist Wolford ‘58
Except for several years when she was working in the banking industry, Betty has devoted much of her life to community service. Not one to embrace public recognition for her achievements, it’s hard to ignore her professional contributions and power of perseverance. At Circleville, she concentrated on her studies, sang in choir and was president of National Honor Society. Her work ethic earned her a position in the school office where her efficiency caught the attention of principal J. Wray Henry. He recommended her to a local bank president for a job. Within a few days of graduation, she was a 17-year-old working at the Second National Bank. During her career, Betty mentored others, a role she embraced with pride and enthusiasm “Just as I did with our children, I stressed the need for honesty and hard work in our lives which accomplishes positive results “ said Betty. After retiring as a Banking Officer from Ohio National Bank, Wolford was hired as Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, Pickaway County. In that position she quickly learned to be successful assisting non-profit organizations, one must recruit many volunteers to assist with projects. The fundraisers 3 on 3 Basketball and Relay for Life were started in the county under her leadership. As an active member of Community United Methodist Church, Betty serves in many areas. She was a member of PICCA, Circle of Caring, Friends of the Library, serving as president of each. Presently she serves on the board for Hands for Disabled. She received the Service to Mankind recognition from Sertoma in 2009. In 2021, Betty organized a group of volunteers to establish The Corner Closet, a free clothing store. This project is greatly supported by many volunteers and used clothing donations from our county. In 2025, the Corner Closet continues to provide this service based on her strong founding leadership.
Christine Nelson Williams ‘74
Christine Nelson Williams is a distinguished professional and community leader whose life journey exemplifies excellence in education, career achievements and service to her community. A 1974 graduate of Circleville High School, Christine excelled academically, graduating with honors. Reflecting on those who made a difference to her success, she credits high school english teacher Meg Bower Lares for teaching her how to write and organize her thoughts and the positive encouragement from guidance counselors Doris Gillespie and Dick Fisher. She pursued higher education at the University of Tennessee and the Ohio State University, earning a BA in Political Science summa cum laude in 1978. Christine’s remarkable 40+ year career in retail management includes key leadership roles at Federated Department Stores, Madison’s, Kohl’s and Tween Brands/Justice. Notably, she spearheaded Tween Brands’ first e-commerce platform, managed international partnerships and led strategic merchandise planning for a $1 billion enterprise. Along the way, she mentored those around her, helping them to reach their goals and learn for themselves what made them happy and fulfilled. Beyond her professional life, she has devoted her time and expertise to community service. She served for 15 years on the Circleville City School Board, including terms as president where she played a pivotal role in consolidating schools and developing a new educational campus. Additionally, she contributed to the Circleville City Schools Foundation, leading record-breaking fundraising efforts. As Chair of The Ohio State University Fashion Retail Studies Advisory Board, she has bridged academia and industry, enriching student experiences and fostering future talent. Her consulting work since 2015 includes strategic planning and development for businesses and nonprofits. Her dedication extends to personal causes, such as raising over $25,000 for cancer research through Pelotonia. Christine and Steve are the parents of CHS graduates Amanda ‘01, Kimberly Wallace ‘04 and Tara Whitten ‘14 and grandparents to four grandchildren.
Adam Logan ‘00
Adam Logan, a 2000 graduate of CHS, was an average student. He concedes school did not come easily to him. Due to working long hours, he was often late for school and sometimes slept through some classes. He was most engaged when working with his hands and seeing a project through to completion. Looking back, he wishes he had attended vocational school during high school. While at Circleville, Logan participated in soccer, football and wrestling. He holds a school record for a 52-yard field goal in football. He was class president for three years and a member of Student Council. At the same time, he ran a lawn care business, Mighty Fine Outdoor Operations, which employed several classmates. He sold the business to a competitor before leaving for college. Logan received a football scholarship to the University of Indianapolis. However, after a year, he decided college was not the right path for him and started another business. That business grew into FORJAK Industrial, which provides industrial blasting and coatings, architectural painting and concrete restoration. Starting in his parents’ garage, Logan faced a series of challenges as he built the company. FORJAK evolved into a multimillion dollar enterprise employing over 90 people and is still growing. The company has worked with national firms and the U.S. military, earning strong vendor performance ratings. Outside of work, Logan is involved in his community. He has served as a homeowner’s association president and quietly supports charitable initiatives. In 2023, he transitioned FORJAK into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, offering long-term financial opportunities to employees. His collaborations with colleagues, including his sister Katie Hedges and wife Kelly, reflect shared values of perseverance and dedication. Katie nominated her brother because “he epitomizes what it means to maximize achievement through lifelong learning, hard work and steel resolve..I’m indebted to him for all that he has taught me – both in business and in life.”
2025 Scholarship Recipients:
Maddux Bigam will attend Northern Kentucky University and study biology. Jack Sorrell will attend University of Rio Grande and study history. Isaac Williams will attend Lake Superior State University to study geology.
The Alumni Association has been awarding scholarships since 2006.
