Class of 2008

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Hall of Fame Inductees

Tracy Blackburn Leek, Athlete (Class of 1992)

Tracy Blackburn Leek's career centered around cheerleading and track. Tracy received the Freshman Award in track. Her sophomore year, she received the High Point Track Award and qualified for Regions in the 400 meter dash. Her junior year, Tracy won the East Palestine Track League in both 200 and 400 dashes. Tracy was also the Tri-County League MVP and qualified for State competition. Tracy received Southern Local's High Point Track Award. Tracy earned three varsity letters in and still and still holds the school record in the 400 - 60.8 seconds.

Phil Maher, Contributor (Class of 1944)

Phil Maher was considered an excellent player in both football and basketball. Statistics available for the era in which he played are sketchy, but he did receive the Senior Award and All County Award in basketball. Phil also deserves to be mentioned as a contributor. He served seven years on the Southern Local Board of Education. Phil was the chairman of the committee who in 1963 built the football field. They started the project in March and completed the project in September, the night before the first football game. When the REA turned on the lights that evening, the entire community came out to see the miracle. Individuals, groups, and businesses paid for the entire project. The ladies mowed the grass with push mowers.

HOF Class of 2008
Front Row: Phil Maher and Susan Temple Black Back Row: Diana Scarry Pitts, Tracy Blackburn Leek, Jenee Hickman Pajak

Jenee Hickman Pajak, Athlete, (Class of 1992)

Jenee Hickman Pajak was a three year letterman winner in both volleyball and basketball. Jenee led teams to impressive victories and led all players with impressive statistics. In volleyball, she broke three school records - Most Spikes (675), Most Aces (42), and Most Dinks (186). As captain her Senior year, Jenee led the team to a Sectional Championship and a District Championship. Jenee was named to 1st Team TCL and 1st Team All County as well as receiving the Southern Local MVP Award. In basketball, Jenee led the team in scoring (10.5 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg). Jenee was named 1st Team TCL and 1st Team All County.

Diana Scarry Pitts, Contributor (Class of 1979)

Diana Scarry Pitts dedication to Southern Local, she receive the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Award. During her high school career, Diana was a varsity cheerleader and cheered on the football teams to two TCL titles. Diana's contributions now are still in the athletic arena as she is actively involved with the athletic boosters in any capacity needed. Diana also keeps score for the varsity home games. Diana was involved for several years with the Little Indians program as a cheerleading advisor, treasurer, and organizing the concession stand. Diana is on the HOF Committee and plans the HOF breakfast. Diana is also secretary of the Salineville-Southern Alumni Association and helps with the Alumni dinners.

Susan Temple, Athlete (Class of 1975)

Southern Local girl's sports begin with Susan Temple. In the early 1970's, girls sports were organized as a club - the Girls Athletic Association. Susan was one of the young ladies to make a name for herself. Susan received the Foul Shooter Award at 92%. Susan's junior year when she averaged 18 ppg in 14 games scoring 264 points. Susan again received the Best Foul Shooter Award (90%) as well as MVP for Southern Local and the Lions Invitational. Susan was named to the first team Lions Invitational All Star Team. Susan's senior year, she upped her average to 19 ppg in 14 games for 271 points. In volleyball Susan's senior year, the team went 12-1 and won the Leetonia Tournament.

 

Information/Records accurate at the time of Induction.