Jolene and Dan Greve were named the 2018 Mayfield City Schools Citizens of the Year at the Hall of Fame ceremony, September 13th. Below is the speech Superintendent Keith Kelly read to recognize their commitment and to name them our Citizens of the Year.
CITIZENS OF THE YEAR 2018: JOLENE & DAN GREVE
Part of what makes the Mayfield Schools so successful is
the involvement, commitment and volunteer effort by so many of our district
residents.
The impact that Jolene and Dan Greve have had in the
Mayfield Schools, Mayfield community and Highland Heights neighborhood where
they have lived for the last 23 years is far and wide.
But their volunteer efforts across the schools, with the Band Boosters, at their St. Francis Church parish and within the Hillcrest community occur almost unknowingly. They have helped to shape our schools and community for more than two decades, not for honors or accolades but because it is simply …who they are.
Volunteerism and community is as ingrained in them as green and white is rooted in Mayfield. They both attribute their volunteer ethic to two great family members. Dan’s father, a formative, local Boy Scout leader, and Jolene’s uncle, Mayor Ross DeJohn.
Dan Greve said, “I never viewed Jolene and I as not being involved. It’s what we do. It’s how we were raised and how we raise our boys. We are a team. Because if you want a great community, you have to jump in.”
For 23 years, the Greve Team have jumped in.
Jolene is serving her fourth year as the President of the Mayfield Band Boosters and previously served as the fundraising chairperson for the Band – as a result, over $34,000 was raised under her leadership for the Pride of Mayfield Band to provide new drums, sousaphones, uniforms and a trailer for away games.
And that is just the tip of Jolene’s iceberg. Most recently, Jolene is the JV Girls Tennis Coach, member of the Academic Boosters Board, Chairperson of the Highland Heights Park and Recreation Commission, and member of the Green Tie Gala Committee. She has also volunteered as a Mayfield Art Docent and served on numerous Millridge fundraising committees when their three sons were in elementary school.
She is the 1984 MHS class President and yes, she is
planning the 35th class reunion next summer.
Jolene reflects. "I came to Mayfield in the 7thgrade from Maple Heights. Mayfield became home to me. I didn’t know a soul, but I was welcomed and got involved. When I was in school, I couldn’t join enough clubs and committees. I know I would always give back to my beloved Mayfield. I am always grateful and always willing because Mayfield has given so much to me.”
Dan Greve mirrors his wife altruism. Admittedly, he says, “I support Jolene’s many, many endeavors.”
Despite the hours Dan invests in a successful career as an
account executive with Dell EMC, he prioritizes his time with his family and
the time he gives serving our schools and community.
Dan is the Band Boosters photographer, as well as the Dad
who runs food, cooks and serves at the Band Boosters concession stand.
He supports their Highland Heights community as a member of
the Economic Development Committee which reviews future development plans and
proposals in the city.
In addition, even though their boys, Joe, Michael and Anthony, are all in high school now, Dan has been the official Highland Heights Santa Claus for the last six years. He can be found every December in full Santa Claus regalia on the fire truck taking photos with Highland Heights families. With a hint of holiday mirth in his voice, Dan says, “I get so much more out of it than I could ever put in.”
The couple have been members of the St. Francis parish for 14 years where they also counsel engaged couples as part of the Pre Cana team. An early Happy anniversary to Jolene and Dan who will celebrate their 24 year anniversary on Oct. 22nd.
I would be remiss not to mention the leadership role Dan
played last year to help our 7th graders on their Chicago trip after
the touring company filed for bankruptcy. Dan began a Go Fund Me campaign for
the students and helped to raise $11,000 for our students to have that
memorable experience.
Authentic, humble and generous is who they are.
Principal Jeffrey Legan pointed out the Greve’s purchased a street sign at last year’s Green Tie Gala not to honor their family or to recognize themselves, but to pay tribute to our student Stevie Grieshammer.
“It’s just who they are. Jolene and Dan instinctively think about others first. They are always giving back to our students, our schools and our greater community.”
Personally, I would like to say to them, Jolene and Dan you epitomize the Mayfield Way. Every school district should be so lucky to have a couple like you.
Jolene and Dan on behalf of the Mayfield City Schools we name you our 2018 Citizens of the Year. We are grateful for you - grateful for your dedication to education, your Mayfield community and our Mayfield Wildcats.
Congratulations, Jolene and Dan. Thank you for all you have given to the “Mayfield Family.”