Glen Burnie High School will expand its Wall of Honor with seven inductees at a ceremony on Thursday, for a total of 40 impressive Gopher alumni.
The wall honors graduates who have gone above and beyond in their careers or community service, while demonstrating superior character and integrity.
The school's hope is that the wall will motivate and inspire existing students as they consider their futures.
•Victor Fleegle, a 1951 graduate, served in the Navy during the Korean War. After serving two years on an aircraft carrier, Fleegle attended and graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Engineering. Fleegle began a 42-year career with insurance firm RCM & D as a trainee, and retired as its senior vice president.
While mentoring colleagues, Fleegle established the firm's expertise in hospital professional liability, helping the company to become one of the 75 largest insurance and risk management firms in the country. F
Fleegle also has been active in community and church events, and has served as Commodore of the Maryland Yacht Club and as a board member of the Gulf Harbour Royal Palm Yacht Club in Fort Myers, Fla.
•Winifred "Winnie" Johnson Maher graduated with the class of 1961. In 1977, Maher opened Maher's Florist.
In addition to running a successful business, Maher is a dedicated volunteer. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, and was honored with the organization's 2008 presidential achievement award. Maher is an original member of the Pasadena Business Association, which has served the community in many ways, including providing over $175,000 in scholarships.
Maher participated in a program at GBHS called The Next Step, served on its Business Advisory Board, chaired a fundraising effort aimed at beautification of the school's campus, and has been an active member of the Class of '61 reunion committee.
•Louis Kamm is a 1962 graduate, who was involved with Modern Music Masters, Canto Chorus, and All-State Chorus. Kamm graduated from Towson State Teachers' College where he earned a bachelor's degree elementary education. He began his teaching career at Glendale Elementary school teaching fourth and sixth grades, and was promoted to principal in 1971. He went on to earn a master's degree from Towson, and certificate of advanced studies from Johns Hopkins University. After serving as principal at several other schools, Kamm was appointed principal of Marley Elementary in 1977, racking up nearly 20 years as a principal. He earned several awards for his service to Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
After retiring, Kamm served as a home and hospital teacher for a deaf child, as well as a substitute principal. He mentored new principals, and was a supervisor of student teachers from Salisbury University. Kamm also founded a scholarship at Severna Park United Methodist Church which has provided financial aid to over 50 students, helped to rebuild homes in impoverished areas, and coordinated the Kindness Kitchen. Kamm's philosophy is "no man is a failure who has friends."
•William "Bill" Turc Sr. is a 1963 graduate. After graduation, Turc put himself through law school by working numerous jobs. He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Baltimore in 1969, and worked with Baltimore attorneys until he opened his own, Glen Burnie-based practice in 1974. Turc remained in Glen Burnie for 40 years.
Turc gives back to his hometown by providing plenty of pro bono counsel for individuals in need. He also volunteers at the Glen Burnie Carnival, Take Back Our Streets, Pasadena Business Association, and the Stoney Creek and Roland Terrace Democratic Clubs. His interest in politics prompted him to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates for District 31 in 1986. He also served as chairman of the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee, and assisted with elections for 50 years. Turc has served as co-chairman for Class of '63 reunions for 30 years.
•Ashby "A.D." Shanks graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1964. He earned bachelor's degrees at Towson University in education and business. In 1969, Shanks volunteered for military service, where he completed Army Artillery Officer Candidate School and served as a lieutenant and platoon leader. Shanks is a decorated Vietnam veteran.
For 42 years, Shanks has been a highly successful businessman with three world-class companies. He earned national recognition for personal and team performance at Xerox before making a career change to join Legg Mason as a financial adviser. Shanks has worked in the financial services industry as a manager and adviser for 30 years, and is currently a senior vice president at Wells Fargo.
Over the years, Shanks has trained and mentored many aspiring young professionals. Early in his professional career, he committed to volunteerism and philanthropy. He has served the community as a member of many service organizations, including the Jaycees, VFW, United Way Tocqueville Society, and as the charter president of the Jacksonville Optimist Club. Shanks is a past board member and treasurer of the Towson University Foundation Board and the Career Advisory Board at Stevenson University. Shanks is a long-time member and leader at Immanuel Episcopal Church in Glencoe, MD.
•Charles Day has been a familiar face at GBHS for a long time. As a student, he was very active in several drama productions, was inducted into Tri-M National Honor Society of Music, served as president of the French club and was a member of the National Honor Society. Upon graduation in 1968, he attended the Sorbonne in Paris and Frostburg State University, where he earned bachelor's degrees in French and secondary education. Day went on to earn a master's degree from Towson University in secondary education with a certification in reading.
In 1972, Day began his 40-year teaching career at GBHS. He taught French, English and reading, and served as the department chairperson for 27 years for the World Languages department. Day has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a scholarship from the French Embassy to continue his studies in France in 1985, Educator of the Month for Anne Arundel County Public Schools in 1987, the Phi Eta Sigma Award from Frostburg in 1989, A+ Teacher in the Maryland Gazette in 1999 and the North County Chamber of Commerce Educational Excellence Award in both 2006 and 2012.
Recently retired, he is very active in his church and in the community. Day's selfless devotion to GBHS is part of the school's strong foundation.
•Lynn Goodwyn Williams graduated with the class of 1970. She was very active as a student, serving as a member and officer in the Student Advisory Council as well as the prom committee, Girls Athletic Association, Modern Music Masters, Chorus, Cheerleading, French Club and the Future Teachers of America.