Robert Westrick

1985 Graduate

Marine Archaelogist

**Nominated by:William L. Bolander **

Rob is a 1985 graduate of Clay High School. He is a registered professional marine archaeologist and has been the lead author on over 350 scientific reports submitted to various government agencies. There are less than 200 professional marine archaeologists in the world, of which only very few specialize in deep-water exploration. Rob is one of those few with the qualifications and experience to work in that field.

Rob has worked on some of the most important shipwrecks in the world, including Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge, the U-166, the Titantic, the 1715 Fleet, and a dozen different World War II shipwrecks and many others. He has been the guest speaker as numerous events at museums, historical societies, Rotary clubs, etc. He has presented at conferences around the world. He has authored a dozen books on the subject and published hundreds of articles. He has received recognition and awards for his professional work.

Rob served as the lead archaeologist on a shipwreck called the "7,000-Foot Wreck." At the time it was the deepest historic shipwreck ever discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. He is the project archaeologist for 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels, LLC. The 1715 Fleet disaster was one of the deadliest and most impactful events in maritime history. In 2015, Rob and his group recovered 351 gold coins. The find included eleven rare coins known as "Royals", perfectly round coins made specifically for the King of Spain. Prior to this discovery there were only a handful of such coins known to be in existence. The find was valued at 4.5 million.

In honor of his daughter, Rob is a mentor with a non-profit organization called "Maddie's Footprints." He helps couples who have experienced the loss of an infant death. He has helped and inspired many families in their community through this outreach work.

Rob has been actively involved in Boy Scouts of America, the Down Syndrome Association of Louisiana, the Knights of Columbus, their church and coaching.

Michael Snyder

1956 Graduate

Firefighter

**Nominated by:Karen Manthey & Family **

Mike is a 1956 graduate of Clay High School. He retired after 43 years on the Oregon Fire Department and during those years of service also became District #2 Fire Chief. Upon his retirement the City of Oregon Proclaimed October 1, 2002 as “Mike Snyder Day”.

Mike volunteered for over 25 years putting flags on the graves of deceased Oregon Fire Fighters by driving to cemeteries all over the City of Oregon and surrounding areas to place the flags before Memorial Day then also remove the flags after Memorial Day.

Mike was instrumental in opening the Oregon Fire Fighter Museum. He volunteered his time forover 3 years. He is a Trustee and the current Treasurer for the Oregon Fire Fighters Museum.

Mike volunteers as a Knights of Columbus member. His ranking is a 4th Degree Sir Knight. He received the Blue Coat of the Year Award for 2014-2015. This award is given to a Knight that is involved in Law Enforcement or Fire Service for their dedication and service to the community. He arranges to have members serve a free breakfast at the East Toledo Senior Center for Veterans on Veteran’s Day, he arranges for the KOC members to help with several events at the Sacred Heart Home for Aged, he worked with KOC members in getting two Ultrasound Machines for unborn babies at two area clinics.

Mike has also served on several committees at the East Toledo Senior Center. He currently serves as President of the Participant's Council. He has volunteered to work on electrical, plumbing and internet issues the senior center has had.

He volunteers at Sacred Heart Church to take communion every week to shut ins. He volunteers so much, the current Priests call him “Mr. Sacred Heart”. He is a Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, Server when needed.