Wall of Excellence
Lake Orion Community Schools has a rich history of achievement and success.
Those who have achieved high goals are recognized on the Wall of Excellence, which debuted in the fall of 2017 in the Lake Orion High School Commons.
A committee of administrators, teachers, and Board of Education members meets annually to sift through nominated candidates and decide on the group of inductees.
Each year, if there have been viable submissions worthy of induction, the class is notified and a fall ceremony is held to celebrate them
The Wall of Excellence recognized six inductees in its 2017 inaugural class: astronaut Dr. Andrew Feustel, Col. Daniel Choike (U.S. Marine Corps.), musician John Upton, teacher Blanche Sims, businessman Fritz Henderson, and martial arts champion Dr. Ronald Tripp.
The second class featured broadcaster Greg Bowman, Air Force commander James Ramirez, fashion designer Caroline Swierszczyk, and innovator, scientist, and entrepreneur Dr. Bo Zhao.
The third, in 2019, included businessman and engineer Dr. David Carlson, professional athlete Jeff Heath, and actress Cynthia Watros.
In 2020, despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lake Orion High School had a large number of nominations for the Wall of Excellence, with six alumni in its fourth induction class. The 2020 inductees include wheelchair racing record-setter Bob Gibson, professional golfer Tom Gillis, Disney/PIXAR artist Angela McBride, NBC News journalist Shannon Pettypiece, electronic musician Seth Troxler, and muralist and children's author Katie Yamasaki.
In 2021, the inductees included Kimberly Genkov (Duenow), an officer in the U.S. Army, author Frank Lessiter, and decorated World War II solider Orsel Dudley.
The 2022 class featured business CEO Tim Myers and college professor Dr. Eric Bartleink.
The most recent class was inducted in 2024 when entrepreneur Michael Henry and champion trapshooter Carl Chadwell were inducted.
Nominations for the next induction class are accepted until June 1. Here is the nomination form.
The school would like like to thank the sponsors who helped make the Wall of Excellence possible: Mike Macy MEEMIC Insurance, Kohl’s, Pine Tree Elementary, Dr. Ron Tripp and the Lake Orion Education Foundation.
Kimberly Genkov (Duenow) serves as an officer in the U.S. Army. She trained as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Kim joined the Army in 2008 following graduation from Oakland University. She has completed deployments to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2017, Kim achieved her doctorate in nursing practice from the Uniformed Services University and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing. She has co-authored two medical publications. In the Army, Kim provides behavioral health treatment, and supports clinical advancements through policy development, At LOHS, Kim’s favorite class was biology, and she enjoyed competing in varsity skiing.
Frank Lessiter is an author, editor, publisher, and entrepreneur. He authored three books, including Centennial Farm: How Six Generations Farmed the Land (detailing his family’s historic Baldwin Road farmstead.) He and his wife founded Lessiter Media, Inc. Frank has received many industry awards, including the top writing award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors, a Lifetime Service Award from the International Association of Professional Farriers, and was President of the American Horse Publications organization, At Michigan State University, he majored in Dairy Science. At LOHS, Frank participated in band, basketball, the 4-H Club and wrote for the school newspaper.
Orsel Dudley served in World War II and experienced live combat. In 1944, he left high school early, in good standing, to serve in the U.S. Army. He served on missions such as Ardennes, Rhineland, the Battle of the Bulge and other Central European campaigns. He was wounded in battle – twice—and received two Purple Hearts, as well as a Ribbon with Three Bronze Stars, American Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. In 2003, his son applied on behalf of Dudley to receive an honorary diploma, which he was granted on stage at the LOHS graduation ceremony.
