OXFORD - The Oxford Academy and Central School District will recognize the 2025 honorees for its Hall of Distinction on Friday.

Congratulations to Dr. Linda Powell, Class of 1981; Ann P. (Lewis) Hodge, Class of 1973; Gary M. Eldred, Class of 1971; and Dr. Kay Marshman, Class of 1960.

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.

The induction ceremony begin with a 6 p.m. social hour with presentations starting at 7 p.m. in the Oxford Middle School auditorium.


Kay Marshman: Class of 1960

Kay was born and raised in Oxford and her family has always played a large role in the educational process in Oxford. Her father, Baumes Marshman, served on the Oxford Academy’s Board of Education for many years and helped to develop the Marshman farm. The farm, Tiger Lily, is six generations old and has served as a “dairy farm of distinction” in the state. Kay’s mother, Mildred, was an outstanding teacher at the Academy and helped to teach and develop many Oxford youths. There is no doubt that her family was very instrumental in directing Kay into the career path that she chose.

Dr. Marshman was very active in many activities during her career at Oxford. She was in National Honors Society, Student Council and the Civil Defense group. In addition, she participated in chorus and band for four years. She was selected to be in the All-State Area Bank and was in NYSMMA for three years as well as being in All State Chorus in her senior year. Kay was also given the honor to participate in the annual Syracuse Citizen Conference. Furthermore, she was a hall monitor and worked as the subscription manager for the “Blackhawk” yearbook.

Kay graduated from Oxford in 1960 and continued her education at Buffalo State where she graduated from in 1964 with a teaching certificate in Elementary Education and Orthopedically Handicapped. Kay’s first job was the teaching of reading in first grade in the Rochester area. It was as a teacher that Kay began to understand the importance of reading in everyone’s life and how vital it was for everything that we do in life. Moreover, Kay stated that her education and family in Oxford taught her, “how to build a caring community whether in her first-grade classroom, her graduate classroom, her staff in graduate school, or working with faculties solving issues of governances that occur in college administration.” In 1971 Kay would receive her Master’s degree in reading from Appalachian State University and three years later obtained her Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from the University of Georgia. The following year Kay would join the staff at Nazareth College in Rochester in the department of education. Her teaching experience at Nazareth included teaching college freshmen reading and study skills. She would later become a professor in the area of teaching and preparing juniors, seniors and graduate students in a variety of courses for a career in education at all levels. During the years of her college career, Marshman would go on to be the Chair and Dean in the Education Department at Nazareth. Furthermore, Dr. Marshman would later become the Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies and retiring as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. Additionally, Kay’s illustrious career included being the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies. As the leader of the Graduate Studies program, she fostered courses in art and music therapy, the clinical doctorate program in physical therapy, and building an outstanding M.A. degree program in the Liberal Arts. Her leadership skills demonstrated her dedication in providing students at Nazareth College with a relevant and meaningful education.

As a faculty member she was elected to the prestigious position as the Chair of the Faculty and would be recognized by her fellow faculty members with the Distinguished Faculty Award. In addition, Dr. Marshman would receive the Women of the Year for Altrusa. The Altrusa Award is presented to women in recognition who have demonstrated determination, innovation, and leadership in their careers. She was selected as “Educator of the Year by Phi Delta Kappa” and secured the Distinguished Colleague at Nazareth College Award. Dr. Marshman has been on the Board of Directors for the Cerebral Palsy and the Hope Hall School which employs a holistic approach to learning nurturing the mind, spirit and body of each of its unique learners.

Dr. Kay Marshman has given much to her students at Nazareth College and the world of education. Kay is known by her colleagues and friends as, “ever the teacher.” The Oxford’s Hall of Distinction is honored to recognize her for the many accomplishments in the field of education at all levels. She serves as a beacon to all students pursuing a career in educating and giving and caring for others.

Gary M. Eldred: Class of 1971

Gary is a 1971 graduate of Oxford Academy and Central School. As a senior Gary was selected as the president of his class, was a member of two league championship teams – cross country and basketball, won the league championship in the mile, and was deemed the 1971 Athlete of the Year for Oxford Academy. In addition, during his high school career he would be the Fort Hill Post 376 representative to Boys’ State, played in the Blackhawk band, and be a vital part of his football, basketball and track and field teams. All of this certainly pointed to greatness in his life following Oxford. Gary has indicated that he was greatly impacted by numerous teachers and mentors. He pays special recognition to his basketball coach Ben Nelson whose life lessons covered more than sports. Additionally, he credits Carol Grimes (Niederer) who influenced him to go on to college and “Mom & Pop” Souders who were wonderful teachers whose love of teaching helped so many Oxford students over the years. He also was inspired by Al Doyle’s dedication to physical education and coaching. Eldred noted that the small-town values that were established in Oxford served him well in his professional career later in life.

Gary would attend Herkimer County Community College and earned an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and subsequently earned his bachelor degree from Slippery Rock State University in 1976. Gary’s work experience encompasses a career that has taken him to all parts of the world and the United States. He has worked in the position of project control, project control manager, site project controls, and site project control lead. Gary has worked with the Dravo Corporation - Pittsburgh, Parson Corporation - Charlotte, Healy Company – Chicago, IT Corporation – Pittsburgh, Jacobs Engineers – Greenville, Tampa, Tucson, London, UK, El Jadida, Morocco, Shaw Group Inc. – Shanghai, China, Fluor Daniel Corporation, Juncos, Puerto Rico just to mention a few.

In Shanghai, Gary worked for one year as risk manager in a 10-billion-dollar project that involved the building of two nuclear power plants facilities. Furthermore, he was the project control manager overseeing the United States embassy projects in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Kingston, Jamaica for one year. These particular jobs required him to have the highest security clearance possible from the Department of State. Another project took him to Iraq to work on the $ 500 million Iraqi Rebuild Electricity Project. This project resulted in Gary receiving the Fluor Hugh Coble Award for Project Excellence. His work in El Jadida, Morocco involved a $ 500 million project with a phosphate mining project for seven months. In Nome, Alaska, Eldred lived and assisted the United States Army Corp of Engineers in the removal of contaminated drums of hydrocarbons that were left as a result of past wars. The drums were located at twelve local sites and were causing medical problems to the Native population. His most recent work has had him working with the Tampa Airport Authority overseeing the renovation of the Tampa Airport. His resume is extensive, varied and demonstrates the degree of excellence of his work.

In retirement, Gary has been active in Cape Coral government, volunteer at the Cape Coral Hospital in the emergency room, Meals on Wheels, Gulf Coast Humane Society, Cape Coral Caring Center and Pug Rescue of Florida and Georgia. His wife, Marne, and he have traveled throughout the states and world.

Even with all of his accomplishments and travels, Gary pays tribute to what Oxford Academy and the community of Oxford has taught him. Those things include setting goals, working hard, and dedicating yourself to the job. Moreover, the importance of being considerate and treating people with respect. He maintains that these are values that will serve you well throughout your life. With great admiration and honor, we are delighted to welcome Gary to the Hall of Distinction of Oxford Academy and Central School.

Ann P. (Lewis) Hodge: Class of 1973

Ann P. (Lewis) Hodge is a proud and distinguished 1973 Oxford Academy alumna. While in high school, she participated in many activities, each enhancing the school community and culture. She was a member of the clarinet section in the school's award-winning band and sang in the chorus. In addition, Ann brought her own kind of sparkle to the cheerleading squad and helped on the “Blackhawk” yearbook staff with the marketing. Furthermore, she was also a member the drama club and the ski club. Additionally, Ann served as the class treasurer, worked in the Senior play and was actively involved with the Class of 73's joyous 50th reunion.

After high school, Ann studied nursing at the Wilson School of Nursing in Johnson City, NY where she excelled. After her nursing school graduation, she became employed locally, spending most of her career at the New York State Veteran's Home in Oxford. During her time there, she advanced to become Nurse Administrator and augmented her education to become certified in gerontological nursing. Additionally, Ann earned expertise with wound care and infection control. All of this contributed to the New York State Veteran's Home obtaining many excellent evaluations pertaining to the caliber of care that they provided their patients.

In 2010, Ann was the recipient of two most prominent accolades. On December 15th, the New York State Senate proclaimed "Ann Hodge Day". This proclamation recognized Ann as an exceptional employee with the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Ann would also be presented the Nurse of Distinction Award at a ceremony at the New York State Veteran’s Home by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch. Hodge would be one of two recognized in the Southern Tier for this honor. This award recognized Ann as an outstanding nurse and citizen, going above and beyond in the care of residents, and sharing techniques to enhance the care of residents. As part of receiving this award Ann was honored with a formal proclamation in the New York State Assembly.

Equally impressive has been Ann's contribution to our community, post-retirement. Of special note has been her dedication in the height of the COVID pandemic and continues to this day. Ann has worked with the Chenango County Public Health Service and has volunteered her services at many vaccination clinics, here in Oxford, as well as other places throughout Chenango County. Her courageous acts in the early days of the COVID pandemic helped to save countless lives. Ann has also stepped in to provide her expertise with Chenango County Behavioral Health. Speaking on behalf of the many people that Ann has helped in her career, we would like to express our gratitude and admiration to Ann for her dedication, kindness, compassion, and health care in your vocation. You have made tough times easier for many.

Furthermore, she was actively involved with working with several "Honor Flights," which is a free program that makes it possible for veterans from World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War to visit Washington, D. C. and view the nation’s capital and the memorials that commemorate their service to the country.

For all the outstanding involvement with the COVID vaccination program in her community and the remarkable work that she has done at the New York State Veteran Home in Oxford and all of her other contributions to her profession and community, the Oxford Hall of Distinction committee is privileged and honored to select Ann P. Hodge to the school’s Hall of Distinction.

Dr. Linda Powell: Class of 1981

Linda (Small) Powell had a standout high school career in many areas. She was a very good athlete and played three varsity sports (field hockey, basketball and softball) each year of her high school career. Dr. Powell credited participation in sports as an excellent avenue for her to learn to be part of a team. She remembers specifically when her field hockey team would play under the lights on the football field because playing there was considered off limits to female sports. In addition to sports, Linda was very active in the band and started playing the cornet in 5th grade. She still picks up the cornet to play and actually played in a polka band when her family lived in Odessa, Washington. The Sherburne Pageant of Band was another event that was a memorable experience for her. Additionally, Linda was very active in her school and community growing up. She was a member of the Student Council and served as class president in her Senior year. Furthermore, she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in both Academic Challenge and the French Club. Moreover, Dr. Powell played a large role in her community as a youth growing up in Oxford. She was involved in her Church group, Girls Scouts, softball youth league, the Oxford Fire Department, woman’s golf league, a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the pool, and even played one year on the boy’s Babe Ruth baseball team. Dr. Powell indicated that there were many teachers at Oxford who were exceptional educators but Mrs. Grimes was one of her teachers that made a significant impact on her life. Mrs. Grimes (Niederer) fostered Linda’s love of the French language. She recalls that in 8th grade her French class had pen pals in France and for the last 40 years she has kept in touch with her pen pal. The families have even exchanged their daughters to give them the experience of living in another country and culture.

Following high school, she attended Holy Cross College graduating in 1985 and completed her Doctor of Medicine in 1989 at the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse. In 1992 she completed her Family Practice Residency in Casper, Wyoming. Dr. Powell received the Washington Rural Health Award Outstanding Practitioner Award in 2002 which honors individuals in the field of rural health who have dedicated their time and talents to improve the health and well-being of others. She has medical licenses in Wyoming, Washington and Idaho and she has had medical experience in several areas of medicine which includes working in an emergency room, a hospital clinic, and the assisted living area. In addition, she was the Chief of Staff for the Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center and was on the Clinical Faculty at the Washington Medical School. Presently, Dr. Powell is working as an attending physician, and the Chief of the Medical Staff of the Steele Memorial Medical Center in Salmon, Idaho.

Dr. Powell has stated that she enjoyed growing up in small communities and has elected to work in such an environment as a doctor. Both Odessa and Salmon are similar to Oxford and provide her with a sense of belonging and the feeling that her contributions to her community are meaningful.

After 24 years and all of her children graduating from Odessa High School, Linda and her husband, Steven, moved to Salmon, Idaho. Steven is now a retired helicopter mechanic who worked at the local air field and for Air Idaho Helicopter in Salmon. Her son Zach and daughter Kira are graduates of the Colorado School of Mines with degrees in mechanical engineering. Zach works in the aerospace industry and Kira is in marine construction in the Caribbean. Gwen, the youngest child, is a graduate of Red Rocks Community College in Denver and works in the IT field. Steven and Dr. Powell enjoy hiking, golfing, e-biking and enjoying the view of the mountains on their deck (the Continental Divide is a part of this beautiful view).