2023 INDUCTEES

Whether they are past Sidney High School graduates,
former staff members, or those who have had a significant impact on our community, the achievements of these inductees are a source of pride for Sidney City schools and our community.

The 2023 Hall of Honor inductees include Michael Lochard (SHS 1986), Jim McCracken (SHS 1974), Tony Wagner, and Farida Wiley (Orange Township School 1903).

Michael Lochard

Michael Lochard, a 1986 Sidney High School graduate, is president of Lochard Inc., a third-generation family business. He’s deeply involved in community development, serving on boards such as the Sidney/Shelby Economic Partnership, City Focus Group, and Habitat for Humanity. Mike also supports his alma mater through leadership roles with the SHS Athletic Boosters, Field Turf and Goffena Facility committees, and various school initiatives.

Jim McCracken

Jim McCracken, a 1974 Sidney High School graduate, was a standout athlete and record-holding wrestler. He continued his wrestling career at Urbana College before beginning a 35-year teaching and coaching career, primarily with Sidney City Schools. As Sidney’s varsity wrestling coach from 1979–2014, he earned a 315-113-4 record and numerous coaching honors, including induction into the Ohio Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. Beyond education, Jim has served as a 4-H advisor, Master Gardener, and donates over 1,000 lbs of produce annually to local food programs.

Tony Wagner

Tony Wagner began his career with Sidney City Schools in 1977 and spent 36 years teaching math, primarily at Sidney High School, where he also served as department chair, senior class advisor, and National Honor Society advisor. A beloved educator known for his “OBJ” chant, Tony also coached football and wrestling for over 30 years. He earned advanced degrees from the University of Dayton and was honored as Teacher of the Year by both the SEA and Board of Education. He continues to teach math at Lehman Catholic and Edison State.

Farida Wiley

Farida Anna Wiley (1887–1986), a Sidney native, became a renowned naturalist based at New York City’s American Museum of Natural History. Raised on a farm in Orange Township, she went on to become a leading expert on birds and ferns, authoring works like Ferns of Northeastern United States (1936). Known as the “Bird Lady of Central Park,” she led nature walks for decades and continued guiding them until age 94, inspiring generations of nature lovers.