1996 - Thomas Madzy
GRINDSTONE AWARD
1996

 

Thomas
Madzy
Educator ... coach ... motivator ... counselor ... friend and devoted family man. These strengths have characterized the service-filled life of Thomas Madzy, winner of the Grindstone Award as Citizen of the Year for 1996.

It is the meaning behind these words, and Tom's personal dedication to them, that truly measure Tom Madzy's contributions during his many years of service to youth, to education and to the community. His molding of young lives in the classroom and on the playing field and his successes in motivating youth were materially aided by the enthusiasm that stems from Tom's personal trademark "Always be the best you can be. "

Tom has been a teacher and a coach all of his adult life. Born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, he received his early education there. He then graduated from Findlay College in 1961. He made such a mark there (in spite of his size, 5'6", 203 pounds), that he became the college's assistant football coach. He moved on as a math teacher and football and track coach at a small Ohio high school. 1963 brought Tom and his wife and his growing family to Berea, where he launched a notable 30-year career as a coach and faculty member and administrator, first at Midpark and then 26 years at Berea High School.

Tom Madzy's successes as a winning football, baseball and track coach have alone been enough to gain him a place in many education Halls of Fame. He was Coach of the Year eleven different times during his years in Berea schools. But, during his career, as well as in his recent retirement, Tom can take equal pride in knowing that he has, both in the classroom and in the locker room, provided motivation and a strong positive influence on the many young men whose lives he has touched. He has given them valuable lessons in discipline, in courage and in sportsmanship to help them to be better athletes, better family members and better citizens. Tom believes in good role models-and is one, on all of life's playing fields.

But Tom was not just a coach and teacher. He was-and is- a counselor, mentor and father-figure. Currently, he is a leader in volunteer efforts to provide activities and opportunities for students in the difficult middle school years.

Dedicated, committed and responsive to needs, Tom Madzy, the 30th winner of the Grindstone Award, truly represents the Award's ideal of "making Berea a better place to live".
Presented April 12, 1997 Harley Hotel, Middleburg Heights