Foundation for Saline Area Schools Announces 2018 Hall of Fame

The Foundation for Saline Area Schools announced its 5^th Hall of Fame class at its annual spring reception, held Thursday at Emagine Theatre.

This year’s induction class includes Deborah Budnik, retired social studies and special education teacher, Dr. Michael Jhung, alumni and a flu expert with the Center for Disease Control, David Johnson, retired social studies teacher, Betsy Marl, retired first grade teacher, Sandy Nadig, former board of education president and community leader, Robert Phillips, retired music teacher and founder of the Saline Fiddlers, Kenneth Sturm, founder of the Saline youth soccer program, and Sam Swartz, alumni and entrepreneur who co-founded Duke Cannon soap.

Budnik, Marl, Johnson, Nadig and Sturms were in attendance when the announcement was made. The eight members of the class will officially be inducted into the FSAS Hall of Fame at a banquet Sept. 15 at Saline High School.

Betsy Marl, a Saline High School graduate who taught second grade for 40 years in the district. She retired at the end of the 2016-17 school year, so it didn’t take long to name her to the Hall of Fame.

“Oh, my goodness, I was so surprised when (assistant superintendent) Curt (Ellis) called me. It is such an honor to be inducted into this group and I am so proud to be a member of this class in 2018,” Marl said. “I just appreciate everything Saline Area Schools has done for me and the foundation has done for me as a teacher, and what they do for the community. So, I am truly honored.”

Hall of Fame weekend begins with a tailgate at the football game Sept. 14. The class will also be honored at halftime in Hornet Stadium.

The Foundation for Saline Area Schools Hall of Fame was created to permanently honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding individual ability, leadership, character, personal drive and dedication in their service to Saline Area Schools and, by extension, the community of Saline. With a sponsoring partnership from Old National Bank, the Hall of Fame is permanently displayed near the auditorium in Saline High School - visible to students, teachers and guests more than 350 days per year.