CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2013: WAYNE FARINACCI
Presented by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keith Kelly
Part of what makes the Mayfield Schools so successful is the involvement, commitment and volunteer effort by many of our district residents.
When we decided who would be the most deserving of the 2013 Citizen of the Year award, we looked no farther than a man who has been a Mayfield Wildcat every day since 1956.
Since he started his education at Oakville Elementary School in the sixth grade, Wayne Farinacci has been dedicated to Mayfield Schools for 57 years as a student, athlete, graduate, teacher, principal, retiree and the first and only Mayfield High School Alumni Association President. Wayne founded the Mayfield High School Alumni Association in 1980 and has dedicated his time and talent to this organization – it is considered one of the best high school alumni groups in the United States.
Wayne’s contributions to Mayfield have literally been his life’s work.
Instead of giving a speech explaining everything Wayne has given to the schools and community over nearly six decades, I’m going to read what his friends have written about him.
Friend since Little League, James Shelby writes,
“In 1980, Wayne founded the Mayfield Alumni Association which is considered one of the most successful organizations of its kind in this country. He is tireless in promoting the causes of the Alumni Association, which, due to his love of his community are more related to the betterment of the district than to just social opportunities for its graduates. He is probably the most vocal and effective ambassador for and promoter of the Mayfield City Schools community.”
Wayne’s fingerprints can be found on every Alumni project, promotion and pastime. He provides the annual tailgating party for alumni and friends before the homecoming game, raises thousands of scholarship dollars for deserving Mayfield students, began the Mayfield Alumni Texas Hold Em Tournament which raises in excess of $25,000 annually. And he’s not done yet.
Friend and fellow alum Frank Brown writes,
“You could say Wayne is a good will ambassador for the Mayfield City School system and he is always promoting the Mayfield City Schools. Through his leadership, the MHS Alumni Association has provided financial assistance tot eh Great Readers program, English theater, the band and athletic groups, After Prom and much more. The association has provided nearly a quarter of a million dollars to many of Mayfield’s finest students through scholarships. Wayne is the champion of a noble cause.”
In addition to his dedication to the Mayfield Alumni group, Wayne also is a dedicated educator. He graduated from Mayfield in 1963 and went on to earn a degree in Education from Kent State University. He worked as a special education teacher in the Chardon School District before he came to Mayfield to do the same. While teaching, he earned his administrative certification and was named an Associate Principal for Curriculum at Mayfield High. He served in that educational leadership role until he retired in 1998.
Friend Lyle West writes,
“Wayne is indeed the organizational glue which has allowed our Alumni Association to achieve its many successes. Additionally, when the school district requests a new levy, Wayne uses his networking and organizational talents to help insure Mayfield remains a top notch district.”
Wayne has not only left a lasting mark with the Mayfield High School Alumni Association, he is also the founder and acting board member of Club Molisani which hosts the Cleveland International Bocce Challenge during the Mayfield Heights Unity Days.
Friends Bud & Alice Nihiser write,
“There’s an old saying which goes, ‘When you need something done, give it to a busy man to do.’ This certainly is true in Wayne’s case. Family and public service are his top priorities.”
Wayne on behalf of Mayfield City Schools we name you our 2013 Citizen of the Year. We are grateful for you - grateful for your dedication to education, your Mayfield community and our Mayfield Wildcats.
Congratulations Wayne and thank you for all you have given to the “Mayfield Family.”