Celebrating Past and Present Excellence at Tri-Rivers: Outstanding Alumni and Lautenslager Distinguished Service Award Ceremony Held March 20, 2025

Celebrating Excellence at Tri-Rivers!

Last night, we had the honor of recognizing outstanding alumni and distinguished community partners at the 2025 Tri-Rivers/Lautenslager Distinguished Service and Outstanding Achievement Awards Dinner. The evening was a celebration of the incredible contributions made by individuals who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, dedication, and service to their communities.

Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients:

• Tracy Carlyle – Nominated by Dennis Swartz
• Chuck Deem – Nominated by Rob Cowell
• Kathleen Clemons-Keller – Nominated by Lora Troutman
• Megan Burris Koeppel – Nominated by Emmeline Kelly
• Melissa Kundrat – Nominated by Tammi Cowell

Distinguished Service Award Recipient:

• Marion-Crawford Prevention Program – Nominated by Molly Clapper, with Jodi Galloway accepting the award

 Tracy Carlisle Honored as Outstanding Alumnus

Tri-Rivers Career Center recently celebrated the achievements of its distinguished alumni, with Tracy Carlisle receiving special recognition for his outstanding contributions to the community and the restaurant industry.

Nominator Dennis Swartz highlighted Carlisle’s journey, recalling his early days in the Meat Cutting and Processing program at Tri-Rivers before moving into the Agribusiness program. During his time as a student, Carlisle was actively involved in the school’s FFA chapter, which was recognized as the top FFA chapter in Ohio and received national accolades.

After graduating, Carlisle built a successful career in the restaurant industry, starting with a well-known establishment in downtown Ridgewood. He later expanded his business, opening another successful location on State Route 23 in Delaware before moving his operations to the Marion. His current restaurant, Carlyle’s, has become a local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and its famous pies.

“The only problem,” Swartz joked, “is that Tracy needs to build a parking garage because his restaurant is always packed.”

Carlisle, in his brief but heartfelt remarks, credited his wife as a key factor in his success. “I have to be honest—a lot of my success is not because of myself, it’s because of my wife,” he said, expressing gratitude for the honor.

Tri-Rivers continues to celebrate the accomplishments of its alumni, recognizing those who have made a lasting impact in their fields and communities.

 

Chuck Deem Honored as Outstanding Alumnus

Tri-Rivers Career Center recently recognized Chuck Deem as an Outstanding Alumnus for his exceptional leadership and service in emergency response and public safety.

Nominator Rob Cowell shared his unique professional journey with Deem, recalling how their roles have evolved over the years. When Deem was hired in 1996, Cowell was already a lieutenant with the Marion City Fire Department. As both advanced in their careers, Deem eventually became Cowell’s boss as Fire Chief. Now, with Cowell serving as the city’s Safety Director, their professional roles have come full circle.

Deem, a 1996 graduate of Tri-Rivers’ partnership program with Marion General Hospital, began his career by taking EMT and firefighting courses at the career center. Rising quickly through the ranks, he was promoted to lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and, in 2017, Fire Chief of Marion City. He has also served as president of the North Central EMS Council and was a past board member of the IFF Local 379.

His dedication to public safety and emergency response has had a lasting impact on the community, from improving training programs to advocating for first responders. “His leadership, mentorship, and ongoing efforts to enhance emergency medical services exemplify the values instilled at Tri-Rivers,” Cowell said.

In his brief acceptance remarks, Deem expressed gratitude to Cowell for the nomination and to his wife for her support. He also shared a personal reflection on how a simple Tri-Rivers flyer changed the course of his life.

“When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life,” Deem recalled. “I originally planned on joining the military, but that didn’t work out. Then one day, I received a flyer in the mail about an upcoming EMT program at Tri-Rivers. That flyer made a difference in my life—it led me to my first EMT class and set me on the path to where I am today.”

His story serves as a testament to the impact of career and technical education and the opportunities it provides for students to find their calling.

 

Kathleen Clemons Keller Honored as Outstanding Alumnus

Tri-Rivers Career Center recently recognized Kathleen Clemons Keller as an Outstanding Alumnus for her dedication to education, leadership, and community service.

Nominator Lora Troutman highlighted Keller’s journey, recalling her time as an Office Secretary student at Tri-Rivers. During her senior year in 1982-1983, Keller served as a senior officer for the school’s TRO-EAA chapter and participated in various competitions that showcased her skills.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Troutman spoke about Keller’s deep faith and commitment to serving others. “Kathleen’s unwavering faith in God is a true testament to who she is. She will not be deterred from what she knows she is called to do,” Troutman said. “Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to the youth in our community have made a lasting impact. Kathleen, you are a true friend and inspiration to me.”

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Keller reflected on the full-circle nature of her journey. “I think about my life and the journey I’ve been on,” she said. “I graduated from Harding High School, worked there, attended The Ohio State University, worked there for 14 years, and now I’m back at Tri-Rivers—not just as an alumna but as someone who gets to help others grow and reach their next step.”

Keller expressed gratitude to her colleagues, supervisors, and family members who joined her for the celebration. “It’s been a rewarding experience, and I thank my family—my husband, my son who is here, other son in Virginia, and my grandchildren—for celebrating this moment with me,” she said.

Tri-Rivers continues to recognize alumni who exemplify dedication, leadership, and service, and Keller’s story serves as an inspiration to current and future students.

 

Megan Koeppel Honored as Outstanding Alumnus

Tri-Rivers Career Center proudly recognized Megan Koeppel as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Alumnus Award for her exceptional contributions to nursing, leadership, and mentorship.

Megan, a graduate of multiple Tri-Rivers healthcare programs, was honored during a special ceremony attended by her family, colleagues, and faculty members. She was joined by her parents, Sharon and Jeff Morris, her husband, Anthony Koeppel, and their children, J. Balvin and Eva.

Presenting the award, Emmeline Kelly, Director of Health Care Education and Public Safety Service Programs at Tri-Rivers Career Center, reflected on Megan’s journey from student to respected nursing leader. “I have had the privilege of knowing Megan in many capacities—first as a dedicated student, and now as a colleague and supervisor,” Kelly said. “Watching her grow into a skilled and compassionate nurse has been truly inspiring.”

Megan’s educational path at Tri-Rivers began in 2016 with the Patient Care Technician program, where her dedication earned her the prestigious Judy Louise Norris Award. She then completed the Practical Nursing program in 2018, followed by the LPN-to-RN program in 2020—all while balancing full-time work and raising a young family.

Now a registered nurse and clinical lead at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, Megan is known for her professionalism, high standards of patient care, and leadership. Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing staffing shortages, she remained steadfast in her commitment to exceptional patient care. “She always puts her patients first, offering compassionate and personalized support while leading her team through adversity,” Kelly noted.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Megan is deeply dedicated to mentoring the next generation of nurses. As a mentor for nursing students, she provides hands-on training, shares real-world experiences, and fosters confidence in future healthcare professionals. Many of her students credit her guidance, patience, and encouragement as instrumental in their transition from classroom learning to clinical practice.

“Megan’s success is a testament not only to her own perseverance but also to the incredible faculty and staff at Tri-Rivers, who shape future healthcare professionals,” Kelly added.

Megan’s journey is far from over—she plans to further her education while continuing her full-time career and raising her family. “This next step will not only expand her knowledge but also enhance her ability to lead, mentor, and advocate for patients and colleagues,” Kelly said.

In her acceptance speech, Megan expressed gratitude for the impact Tri-Rivers has had on her life and career. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a nurse until my senior year of high school,” she said. “I am so grateful I chose Tri-Rivers because it shaped me into the nurse I am today. I look forward to continuing to work with Tri-Rivers, mentoring upcoming nurses, and making a difference in the world.”

Tri-Rivers is honored to recognize Megan Koeppel, a remarkable alumna whose dedication, leadership, and passion for nursing continue to inspire those around her.

 

Melissa Kundrat Honored as Outstanding Alumnus

Tri-Rivers Career Center proudly recognized Melissa Kundrat as an Outstanding Alumnus for her professional accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to her community.

Melissa, a 1985 graduate of Tri-Rivers’ Data Accounting and Processing program, was an active member of Business Professionals of America (BPA) during her time at the career center. Her education provided her with a strong foundation in business, preparing her for a successful career in the financial sector.

She began her career at Fulfillment before moving on to Fahey Bank and later Chase Bank, where she started in 2007 as a part-time teller. Through hard work and dedication, she advanced to Branch Operations Lead, a role in which she excels today. She is widely respected for her financial expertise, exceptional customer service, and commitment to educating clients on money management and fraud prevention—one of those clients being Tri-Rivers itself.

Beyond her professional success, Melissa has demonstrated a deep commitment to her community. She was an active PTO member in the Pleasant Local School District, supporting students, families, and educators while her children were in school. Additionally, her involvement in her church highlights her dedication to faith, service, and helping others.

Nominator Tammi Cowell praised Melissa’s contributions, stating, “Her leadership and generosity—both professionally and personally—make her a role model for current and future Tri-Rivers students. She embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and community engagement.”

In accepting the award, Melissa expressed gratitude in her signature humble style, saying, “Thank you for this opportunity. Keep up the good work, and keep those kids growing.”

Tri-Rivers is proud to celebrate Melissa Kundrat’s achievements and the lasting impact she continues to make in her profession and community.

 

Marion-Crawford Prevention Program Receives Distinguished Service Award

The Marion-Crawford Prevention Program was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing their dedication to improving the well-being of local students. The award was presented to Jodi Galloway, who accepted the honor on behalf of the program, with Molly Clapper nominating her for the recognition.

In her nomination, Molly Clapper praised Galloway for her pivotal role in supporting the recent social-emotional learning standards introduced by the state of Ohio. As part of a collaborative effort, Galloway helped create a Wellness Day for students, where they participated in various health and wellness seminars, focused on developing positive relationships, mental health strategies, and emotional resilience.

“It was a heavy lift, but Jodi came alongside us and helped us every step of the way,” Clapper said. “She not only helped us organize the event, but also brought in experts to teach the curriculum. We are so grateful for her support and dedication to our students and community.”

In her acceptance speech, Jodi Galloway shared her enthusiasm for the growing partnership with Tri-Rivers. “I’ve been in this building more in the past couple of months than in the past few years,” she joked. “It’s exciting to see how we’ve expanded our programming and services, and we’re thrilled to have Tri-Rivers as a great partner. The work we’re doing here is making a difference, and it’s a privilege to be part of it.”

The Marion-Crawford Prevention Program continues to make significant strides in supporting mental health and wellness for students in the region, and this award highlights the ongoing positive impact of their work in the community.

 

These honorees represent the best of Tri-Rivers, exemplifying hard work, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Their achievements inspire not only the next generation of students but also the entire Tri-Rivers community.

A huge thank you to Chef Stalnaker, Chef Hamm, and our talented Culinary Arts students for preparing a delicious meal and making the evening extra special. We also want to express our gratitude to our board members and everyone who continues to support Tri-Rivers and our mission.

Congratulations again to all of our award recipients! Your dedication and achievements are truly inspiring, and we are so proud to call you part of the Tri-Rivers family.