Ben Davis High School Adds New Names to Alumni Wall

(Pictured Above) MSD Wayne Superintendent Jeff Butts; Lawrence Robert Booher, Jr.; Jackie Scott (widow of Donald Howard Scott); Bruce Scott Boyer; Ryan Vaughn; Kristi Lee; Dennis Tackitt; Brigadier General Daniel J. Orcutt; Kevin Britt (accepting on behalf of Lauren Holiday); and Principal Sandra Squire.

The Alumni Wall at Ben Davis High School has eight new names, which were added in a ceremony at the school Saturday, April 15.

The Ben Davis High School Alumni Wall recognizes graduates who have demonstrated a high level of achievement in their field, or who have made significant contributions through achievement, service, or leadership.

Individuals are added to the Alumni Wall every other year. The selection committee consists of the Ben Davis principal, a current teacher, a retired teacher, a guidance department representative, a student government leader, an Education Center representative, and an alumnus representative.

The following individuals have been added to the Ben Davis Alumni Wall for 2017:

Lawrence Robert Booher, Jr. graduated in 1956 and has made significant contributions to the local, state and International Lions Club. This includes working as president ofthe Speedway Lions’ Club and governor of the Indiana Lions District 25. Mr. Booher was the state council chair in 1985 and was a delegate to the International Convention for eight years.  Mr. Booher was given a key to the city by Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut in 1986.

Bruce Scott Boyer graduated in 1965 and went on to earn his bachelor of arts with a double major, his master’s degree, and then his Juris Doctor degree. Mr. Boyer eventually became judge for the 6th judicial circuit court in Pasco and Pinellas County, Florida. Judge Boyer closed roughly 1500 cases per year and his decisions were rarely reversed on appeal.

Lauren Holiday, whose maiden name is Lauren Cheney, graduated early in 2006. Ms. Holiday is an American professional soccer midfielder and forward, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She also played in the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Kristi Lee graduated from Ben Davis as Theresa Gibson in 1978. She is the longtime news director of The Bob and Tom show, a nationally syndicated radio program, and is responsible for delivering newscasts during the show. Ms. Lee got her start on Ben Davis High School’s radio station, WBDG.

Brigadier General Daniel J. Orcutt graduated from Ben Davis in 1987.  He was a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 and earned several degrees over the years. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2015 and in 2016 became the new vice commander for the First Air Force, Air Forces Northern, ACC, at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.

Donald Howard Scott graduated in 1952 and went on to make a positive mark on the world as a botanist, plant pathologist, photographer, author, father and grandfather.  Dr. Scott received a scholarship to Purdue University in agriculture economics. Purdue hired him in 1968 as an assistant professor of botany and plant pathology. He was later promoted to full professor. Dr. Scott is listed in American Men and Women of Science.  He passed away in 2005.

Dennis Tackitt graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1973 and currently works as the MSD of Wayne Township’s chief financial officer. Mr. Tackitt earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from IUPUI and his master’s of business administration from Butler University.

Ryan Vaughn graduated in 1996. He went on to graduate from Wabash College and Indiana University’s School of Law. Mr. Vaughn served as a deputy prosecutor for four years. In 2014, he was named Indiana Sports Corp President.  Prior to that position, Mr. Vaughn served as chief of staff for Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, and as a city-county councilor.