ALAN J. MASCAK
1970 Graduate
Instructor/Major, USMC (Retired)
Nominated by: Tim Schmidlin ‘70

Alan Mascak attended Coy and Starr Elementary, Fassett Jr. High and graduated from Clay Senior High School in 1970. Alan was a member of Student Council, Bio-Phy-Chem Club, and President of his senior class all of which were forerunners to his achievements after graduation. 

In June 1975, Alan graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. Receiving a two-year scholarship, he enrolled in the 93rd Officer Candidate course with the United States Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. Commissioned in 1975 as a Second Lieutenant in the USMC Reserve, Alan reported to Camp Pendleton with the First Marine Division. From 1976 to 1978, he was promoted to First Lieutenant in the Regular Component of the USMC. In 1979, Alan did a tour of duty as an Aerial Observer with the Marine Observation Squadron Two (VMO-2) and in 1980, was promoted to Captain. 

In 1982, Alan was an instructor with the Communication Officer School and as Communication Support Platoon Commander was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal. He was promoted to Major in 1986. In 1989, he was selected as one of four officers for the Foreign Area Office (FAO) program. Alan then went on to advanced training, where in 1990; he graduated from the Russian Language Basic Course and served in East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and the Soviet Union.

In 1992, as a commanding officer, Alan led his Marines in their deployment for the “Operation Restore Hope” in Somalia, and served in 1993 as the Defense in the Republic of Armenia. Twice awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Alan closed his military career with 20 years of service and is now employed as a project manager/technical consultant with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Special Operation Command.

WILLIAM P. COONTZ
Teacher/Coach/Recreation Director Posthumously
Nominated by: Judy Coontz Coleman ‘61

William Coontz began his teaching and coaching career at Clay Senior High School in the early 1950’s. As coach of the varsity basketball team, assistant coach of football and wrestling, he led the teams to numerous winning seasons. Bill was named the first Oregon Recreation Director after serving a number of years in a volunteer capacity. He initiated the Oregon Day Parade; the Little Eagle Football program; began summer programs at all the elementary school playgrounds, and Junior Olympics at the high school stadium among other activities. His dream was for Oregon to have a lighted ball field and he encouraged City Council to allow the use of acreage behind the municipal building for that purpose. Bill not only started the diamonds from scratch, but also developed a portable concession stand, which is believed to be the first one in the country.

Bill was elected to Oregon City Council and served one term. His dedication to the community continued after teaching, coaching and starting the recreation program. The recreation fields are now known as the William P. Coontz Recreation Complex.