Oxford Academy announces new alumni honorees for Hall of Distinction
(Submitted photos)
OXFORD – The Oxford Academy and Central School District takes great pride and honor in announcing the 2022 honorees for its Hall of Distinction. Congratulations to Pamela Chesebro (1977), Dr. Craig Reynolds (1982), Terry Stark (1966), John Jackson (1986) and Thomas Loughren (1970).
These honorees have made a variety of outstanding contributions either to the broader community by making a difference in the lives of others, to their profession through achievement in their chosen fields, and/or to the school while accomplishing significant achievement as a student at Oxford Academy.
On Friday, July 29, these prominent members of the Oxford Academy and Central School extended community will be celebrated at a social/dinner and an award ceremony opened to the general public.
At 5 p.m. there will be a social and sharing of memorabilia from honorees. There will be an exhibit table where to share high school memorabilia. The committee will provide an exhibit table of past honorees and some artifacts pertaining to the “Academy” a power point on the past history of the school.
At 5:30 dinner will be served catered by Nina’s of Norwich. Tickets are $30 per person; $20 for youth under 16. Past Honorees and invited guests of this year’s ceremony are welcomed – contact Michele Rice at the district office at (607)843-2025 or Carl Koenig at (607)244-8432.
At 7 p.m. the public ceremony and presentation of honorees will take place.
The Oxford Academy Hall of Distinction Coordinating Committee encourages community members to make a nomination for inclusion into the Hall of Distinction. Criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Oxford Academy website at www.oxac.org (click on the “District” tab and then “Hall of Distinction”). Nominations are due by November 1 of each year.
Pam Chesebro – Class of 1977
Pam Lashway Chesebro is a person who quietly goes about serving her community and takes joy in knowing that her work makes a difference in people’s lives. Pam started working at the Oxford Soup Kitchen In January 2017 with inside seating serving 25 people the first week which rapidly grew to 75. When the COVID 19 pandemic struck in 2020, Chenango County Catholic Charities reached out to her and asked if the soup kitchen could make lunches for the community and they would arrange for them to be delivered to those in need. In April 2020 Pam, and her loyal group of volunteers, stepped up to the challenge and began to serve 4 lunches per week in addition to two night time meals they were already serving, providing 200 meals each time. The noon time meals continued until September of 2020, however, two night time meals were continued until June 2021. During all of that time only 1 meal menu was served more than once! Presently the kitchen serves 200 meals per week on Thursday’s, with 80 of those being delivered to the homebound. All of these meals are made from scratch.
Pam is a communicant of St. Paul’s in Oxford and serves as their treasurer as well and serving on Altar Guild and Vestry. Her connection with St. Paul’s was key to the re-opening of the Oxford Soup Kitchen after illness made it impossible for the prior volunteer to continue.
After 40 years of service she retired in April of 2019 as a Principle Clerk in charge of the Medicaid and Private Pay Billing for the four NYS Veterans Homes. Pam is currently employed by Catholic Charities of Chenango County and manages the Roots & Wings division, which is their food pantry and thrift store. She has devoted her life to helping others in the communities she serves and plans to continue to do so until she no longer is able.
Dr. Craig Reynolds – Class of 1982
A 1982 graduate of Oxford Academy and Central School, Craig was a standout athlete in three sports that he participated in. In football, Craig started his varsity career four games into his freshmen campaign and lead the Blackhawks to a 25 – 6 record over his career. Craig quarterbacked two undefeated Blackhawk squads (1979 and 1981.) As a point guard for Oxford, Craig was an All-Sus and Evening Sun All County player and scored 755 points. On the diamond, Reynolds was an exceptional short-stop and helped to lead the Blackhawks to a Section IV title. While doing all of this Craig graduated valedictorian of his class and decided to attend Cornell University to work on his career in medicine.
Furthermore, Dr. Reynolds was recognized in 2014 for all his athletic accomplishments during his high school career by being selected for inclusion into the Section IV Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. Reynolds stated that all of his coaches and teachers at Oxford provide him with many life lessons with hard work being the most important. Coach Tony Abbott had this to say about Reynolds, “Craig was a very athletic and intelligent quarterback. He was like having another coach on the field. He certainly played a large role in the success of all of the athletic teams that he participated on.”
Following graduation from Cornell University in 1986, Craig attended Upstate Medical School. Dr. Reynold graduated from Upstate Medical School in 1990 with honors in anatomy and pharmacology and in the top 10th percentile on the National Medical Boards part 1. In 1991, he did a surgery internship at the Upstate University Hospital. Dr. Reynolds became part of medical history at the Upstate Medical Center by providing anesthesia service for the first awake craniotomy. His resume includes serving as Staff Anesthesiologist at Auburn Community Hospital from 1996 to 2004. Subsequently, he commenced work at Upstate University Community Campus as Staff Anesthesiologist from 2004 to present. Furthermore, he is Chief of Anesthesia at the North Country Orthopedic ASC and the Central New York Fertility Center. Dr. Reynolds was also instrumental in establishing the Regional Block Clinic at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialist Outpatient Surgery Center.
Dr. Reynolds stated that his philosophy about being a doctor was simply that he was going to make his profession as a doctor benefit the community that he lives in.
Thomas Loughren – Class of 1970
Tom Loughren started his career in law enforcement as a cadet at the Chenango County Sheriff’s office in 1971 under the watchful eye of Sheriff Joseph Benenati, who would have a lasting impact on Tom’s career in the field of law enforcement. In 1972, Loughren joined the Chenango County Police Department at 20 years of age and eventually worked his way up the ranks to being Sheriff of Chenango County in 1992. He attended Mohawk Valley Community College receiving many credits in the field of police science and graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.
As the County Sheriff, he served 21 communities and supervised the County Correctional Facility, County 911 Communication Center, the Civil Department, and the County Emergency Management Center. Additionally, he directed all law enforcement activities of patrols, K-9, snowmobile and navigation patrols and worked on numerous investigations that helped to ensure the safety and well-being of all the people in the county.
Loughren started Camp Thompson as a residential facility located in Smyrna for approximately 250 to 400 boys and girls in the county each summer.
Following his term as Sheriff, Loughren journeyed to Miami, Florida to assume the position of Chief of Police of the Miccosukee Police Department. There he managed a force of 60 and operations for all law enforcement and security of 3 separate federally regulated Indian Reservations of the Miccosukee Indian Tribe. His work included overseeing a resort and gaming facility. While serving in the Miccosukee Police Force, he was named the Miccosukee Police Department Officer of the Year.
Tom came back to Chenango County in 2011 to become Chief of Security for Chobani. There he headed the planning, training, hiring and implementation of a new full-service Corporate Security Force. In 2013, Loughren became the commissioner of the New York State Commission of Correction. As commissioner, he oversees and regulates state prisons, county jails, secure juvenile facilities and local police department lock ups, including facilities within the city of New York.
Terry Stark – Class of 1966
Terry Stark grew up here and graduated from Oxford Academy in 1966, after which he was quickly drafted into the US Army. He earned the rank of Sergeant, and was on active and reserve service for 6 years. While in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Terry was on the Mobile Riverine Force of the 9th Infantry Division. His service later found him in Fort Knox, Kentucky; Nuremberg, Germany; and the Norwich, NY Reserve. Terry’s awards include the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Amy Commendation Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, Unit Citation, and more.
Upon returning to Oxford, Terry graduated from BCC and started work with Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals/Procter & Gamble that continued for 20 years. At this time he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Business at Utica College of Syracuse University.
Following Procter & Gamble, Terry’s professional achievements included new opportunities at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield where he advanced to Corporate Vice President of Human Resource Services. He later worked with the 2004 US Presidential Campaign on local planning and voter turnout for Central Florida counties.
Terry also served on the Oxford Village Board for 10 years before being elected Mayor. Now in his 20th year leading the village.
Terry led stewardship over a number of capital projects completed or now in progress, including water well development, the Main Street bridge replacement, wastewater plant upgrade, a water main improvement project, and riverbank erosion revetments.
Other benefits to the community included his collaboration with the local Farmers Market Group on Farmers Market Site Development. His commitment to village green space also includes springtime planting for parks and planters, and supported upgrades to Lafayette Park.
Other kinds of Terry’s community service include his 41-year membership in the Oxford Rotary Club, annual organizing of Oxford Alumni Association reunions each summer, and membership in the American Legion.
John Jackson – Class of 1986
The power and importance of education is well known to John A. Jackson, an Oxford Academy member of the Class of 1986. While a student, John was a member of the National Honor Society and a Student Council Officer. He also earned accolades as a student-athlete, including Sus-League Most Valuable Player, Most Outstanding Basketball Player in Chenango County, and First-Team League All-Star. JJ then played basketball collegiately at SUNY Delhi where he received Academic All-American status.
John transferred to Cornell University to earn his B.S. in Animal Sciences, and worked at the Cornell University Large Animal Hospital as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. A keen interest in the sciences led to further study at SUNY Cortland where he earned his master's degree, an M.A.T. in Biological Science Education, and Life Sciences teaching certification.
His inspired teaching career started at New Berlin, now the Unadilla Valley Central School District, and includes Adjunct Professorship through SUNY Albany and Tompkins Cortland Community College. John teaches biology, biotechnology/microbiology, genetics, anatomy/physiology and more in both high school and concurrent college courses.
Notably, John was selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program, a vibrant network of outstanding public school teachers who share a passion for STEM learning and collaboration. In this capacity, he’s led presentations at Binghamton University, SUNY Oneonta, and SUNY Cortland while working with students who aspire to teach science, technology, engineering, and math to the next generation of STEM leaders.
For his efforts and dedication to youth, John was recognized as an Honorary Member of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council as an Outstanding Educational Leader and Mentor. He was named the UVCS Teacher of the Year, MAC League Coach of the Year, and NYS Class C Assistant Coach of the Year, and also received both Scholar Recognition and Excellence in Environmental Education Awards.
– Information from Oxford Academy
These honorees have made a variety of outstanding contributions either to the broader community by making a difference in the lives of others, to their profession through achievement in their chosen fields, and/or to the school while accomplishing significant achievement as a student at Oxford Academy.
On Friday, July 29, these prominent members of the Oxford Academy and Central School extended community will be celebrated at a social/dinner and an award ceremony opened to the general public.
At 5 p.m. there will be a social and sharing of memorabilia from honorees. There will be an exhibit table where to share high school memorabilia. The committee will provide an exhibit table of past honorees and some artifacts pertaining to the “Academy” a power point on the past history of the school.
At 5:30 dinner will be served catered by Nina’s of Norwich. Tickets are $30 per person; $20 for youth under 16. Past Honorees and invited guests of this year’s ceremony are welcomed – contact Michele Rice at the district office at (607)843-2025 or Carl Koenig at (607)244-8432.
At 7 p.m. the public ceremony and presentation of honorees will take place.
The Oxford Academy Hall of Distinction Coordinating Committee encourages community members to make a nomination for inclusion into the Hall of Distinction. Criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Oxford Academy website at www.oxac.org (click on the “District” tab and then “Hall of Distinction”). Nominations are due by November 1 of each year.
Pam Chesebro – Class of 1977
Pam Lashway Chesebro is a person who quietly goes about serving her community and takes joy in knowing that her work makes a difference in people’s lives. Pam started working at the Oxford Soup Kitchen In January 2017 with inside seating serving 25 people the first week which rapidly grew to 75. When the COVID 19 pandemic struck in 2020, Chenango County Catholic Charities reached out to her and asked if the soup kitchen could make lunches for the community and they would arrange for them to be delivered to those in need. In April 2020 Pam, and her loyal group of volunteers, stepped up to the challenge and began to serve 4 lunches per week in addition to two night time meals they were already serving, providing 200 meals each time. The noon time meals continued until September of 2020, however, two night time meals were continued until June 2021. During all of that time only 1 meal menu was served more than once! Presently the kitchen serves 200 meals per week on Thursday’s, with 80 of those being delivered to the homebound. All of these meals are made from scratch.
Pam is a communicant of St. Paul’s in Oxford and serves as their treasurer as well and serving on Altar Guild and Vestry. Her connection with St. Paul’s was key to the re-opening of the Oxford Soup Kitchen after illness made it impossible for the prior volunteer to continue.
After 40 years of service she retired in April of 2019 as a Principle Clerk in charge of the Medicaid and Private Pay Billing for the four NYS Veterans Homes. Pam is currently employed by Catholic Charities of Chenango County and manages the Roots & Wings division, which is their food pantry and thrift store. She has devoted her life to helping others in the communities she serves and plans to continue to do so until she no longer is able.
Dr. Craig Reynolds – Class of 1982
A 1982 graduate of Oxford Academy and Central School, Craig was a standout athlete in three sports that he participated in. In football, Craig started his varsity career four games into his freshmen campaign and lead the Blackhawks to a 25 – 6 record over his career. Craig quarterbacked two undefeated Blackhawk squads (1979 and 1981.) As a point guard for Oxford, Craig was an All-Sus and Evening Sun All County player and scored 755 points. On the diamond, Reynolds was an exceptional short-stop and helped to lead the Blackhawks to a Section IV title. While doing all of this Craig graduated valedictorian of his class and decided to attend Cornell University to work on his career in medicine.
Furthermore, Dr. Reynolds was recognized in 2014 for all his athletic accomplishments during his high school career by being selected for inclusion into the Section IV Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. Reynolds stated that all of his coaches and teachers at Oxford provide him with many life lessons with hard work being the most important. Coach Tony Abbott had this to say about Reynolds, “Craig was a very athletic and intelligent quarterback. He was like having another coach on the field. He certainly played a large role in the success of all of the athletic teams that he participated on.”
Following graduation from Cornell University in 1986, Craig attended Upstate Medical School. Dr. Reynold graduated from Upstate Medical School in 1990 with honors in anatomy and pharmacology and in the top 10th percentile on the National Medical Boards part 1. In 1991, he did a surgery internship at the Upstate University Hospital. Dr. Reynolds became part of medical history at the Upstate Medical Center by providing anesthesia service for the first awake craniotomy. His resume includes serving as Staff Anesthesiologist at Auburn Community Hospital from 1996 to 2004. Subsequently, he commenced work at Upstate University Community Campus as Staff Anesthesiologist from 2004 to present. Furthermore, he is Chief of Anesthesia at the North Country Orthopedic ASC and the Central New York Fertility Center. Dr. Reynolds was also instrumental in establishing the Regional Block Clinic at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialist Outpatient Surgery Center.
Dr. Reynolds stated that his philosophy about being a doctor was simply that he was going to make his profession as a doctor benefit the community that he lives in.
Thomas Loughren – Class of 1970
Tom Loughren started his career in law enforcement as a cadet at the Chenango County Sheriff’s office in 1971 under the watchful eye of Sheriff Joseph Benenati, who would have a lasting impact on Tom’s career in the field of law enforcement. In 1972, Loughren joined the Chenango County Police Department at 20 years of age and eventually worked his way up the ranks to being Sheriff of Chenango County in 1992. He attended Mohawk Valley Community College receiving many credits in the field of police science and graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.
As the County Sheriff, he served 21 communities and supervised the County Correctional Facility, County 911 Communication Center, the Civil Department, and the County Emergency Management Center. Additionally, he directed all law enforcement activities of patrols, K-9, snowmobile and navigation patrols and worked on numerous investigations that helped to ensure the safety and well-being of all the people in the county.
Loughren started Camp Thompson as a residential facility located in Smyrna for approximately 250 to 400 boys and girls in the county each summer.
Following his term as Sheriff, Loughren journeyed to Miami, Florida to assume the position of Chief of Police of the Miccosukee Police Department. There he managed a force of 60 and operations for all law enforcement and security of 3 separate federally regulated Indian Reservations of the Miccosukee Indian Tribe. His work included overseeing a resort and gaming facility. While serving in the Miccosukee Police Force, he was named the Miccosukee Police Department Officer of the Year.
Tom came back to Chenango County in 2011 to become Chief of Security for Chobani. There he headed the planning, training, hiring and implementation of a new full-service Corporate Security Force. In 2013, Loughren became the commissioner of the New York State Commission of Correction. As commissioner, he oversees and regulates state prisons, county jails, secure juvenile facilities and local police department lock ups, including facilities within the city of New York.
Terry Stark – Class of 1966
Terry Stark grew up here and graduated from Oxford Academy in 1966, after which he was quickly drafted into the US Army. He earned the rank of Sergeant, and was on active and reserve service for 6 years. While in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Terry was on the Mobile Riverine Force of the 9th Infantry Division. His service later found him in Fort Knox, Kentucky; Nuremberg, Germany; and the Norwich, NY Reserve. Terry’s awards include the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Amy Commendation Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, Unit Citation, and more.
Upon returning to Oxford, Terry graduated from BCC and started work with Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals/Procter & Gamble that continued for 20 years. At this time he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Business at Utica College of Syracuse University.
Following Procter & Gamble, Terry’s professional achievements included new opportunities at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield where he advanced to Corporate Vice President of Human Resource Services. He later worked with the 2004 US Presidential Campaign on local planning and voter turnout for Central Florida counties.
Terry also served on the Oxford Village Board for 10 years before being elected Mayor. Now in his 20th year leading the village.
Terry led stewardship over a number of capital projects completed or now in progress, including water well development, the Main Street bridge replacement, wastewater plant upgrade, a water main improvement project, and riverbank erosion revetments.
Other benefits to the community included his collaboration with the local Farmers Market Group on Farmers Market Site Development. His commitment to village green space also includes springtime planting for parks and planters, and supported upgrades to Lafayette Park.
Other kinds of Terry’s community service include his 41-year membership in the Oxford Rotary Club, annual organizing of Oxford Alumni Association reunions each summer, and membership in the American Legion.
John Jackson – Class of 1986
The power and importance of education is well known to John A. Jackson, an Oxford Academy member of the Class of 1986. While a student, John was a member of the National Honor Society and a Student Council Officer. He also earned accolades as a student-athlete, including Sus-League Most Valuable Player, Most Outstanding Basketball Player in Chenango County, and First-Team League All-Star. JJ then played basketball collegiately at SUNY Delhi where he received Academic All-American status.
John transferred to Cornell University to earn his B.S. in Animal Sciences, and worked at the Cornell University Large Animal Hospital as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. A keen interest in the sciences led to further study at SUNY Cortland where he earned his master's degree, an M.A.T. in Biological Science Education, and Life Sciences teaching certification.
His inspired teaching career started at New Berlin, now the Unadilla Valley Central School District, and includes Adjunct Professorship through SUNY Albany and Tompkins Cortland Community College. John teaches biology, biotechnology/microbiology, genetics, anatomy/physiology and more in both high school and concurrent college courses.
Notably, John was selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program, a vibrant network of outstanding public school teachers who share a passion for STEM learning and collaboration. In this capacity, he’s led presentations at Binghamton University, SUNY Oneonta, and SUNY Cortland while working with students who aspire to teach science, technology, engineering, and math to the next generation of STEM leaders.
For his efforts and dedication to youth, John was recognized as an Honorary Member of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council as an Outstanding Educational Leader and Mentor. He was named the UVCS Teacher of the Year, MAC League Coach of the Year, and NYS Class C Assistant Coach of the Year, and also received both Scholar Recognition and Excellence in Environmental Education Awards.
– Information from Oxford Academy
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