If you ride Bus 18, you know how much the kids love Mr. Strine! Brett goes above and beyond to make every student feel safe, welcome, and cared for on their ride to and from school. His kindness and positive attitude make a big difference in our students’ day 💙🧡
Thank you, Mr. Strine, for the way you serve our students and families every single day!
Educator. Community leader. Author. Lifelong learner. These are just a few of the many hats Dr. Sandra K. Powell has worn throughout her career—and she’s left an impact in every role.
After graduating from Galion High School in 1972, Sandra earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from Bowling Green State University and later her Ed.D. from Lehigh University. Her path in education began in the classroom, teaching in South Carolina, New Jersey, and right here in Galion.
Her journey then took her to Pennsylvania, where she led Newspapers in Education programs, developed curriculum, and trained literacy volunteers. She later served as School/Community Relations Director for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, helping guide communications and strategic planning for schools across the state.
In 1996, Sandra returned home to Galion, serving as Principal of Dawsett Elementary before becoming Assistant Superintendent and later Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Federal Programs for Galion City Schools. Even after her retirement in 2015, her commitment to education continued as a Curriculum Consultant until 2021.
Beyond her professional work, Sandra has given countless hours of service to her community. She currently serves as Chair of the Galion Community Foundation and is active with the Northwest Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ and Galion First United Church of Christ. Her leadership and service have been recognized throughout her career, including receiving the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce’s SITAWE Award.
Today, Sandra and her husband, Mark, enjoy traveling and spending time with family. They are especially proud of their sons—Matt (and his wife Kate) of Clintonville, OH, and Eric, who is currently serving at Fort Belvoir, VA.
We are proud to shine a spotlight on Dr. Sandra K. Powell, a Galion Tiger who continues to make a difference in education and in her community. 💙🧡
Charles “Chuck” Neal, son of Charles and Ruth Neal, is a proud 1970 graduate of Galion High School. During his time at GHS, Chuck excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic field. He served as a class officer, attended Buckeye Boys State, was a member of the National Honor Society, and became the first recipient of the prestigious William F. Unckrich Scholarship.
Athletically, Chuck earned eight varsity letters—three in football, two in basketball, and three in baseball. As a senior, he captained both the football and baseball teams, earning Honorable Mention All-NOL honors as a defensive back and First Team All-NOL honors as a shortstop. His leadership and skill were recognized with the coveted GHS Athletic Award Plaque.
After graduation, Chuck pursued higher education, earning a B.S. in Education from The Ohio State University and an M.A. in Education from Bowling Green State University. Now celebrating his 52nd year in education, he has served students with distinction at Colonel Crawford Schools (11 years), Galion High School (25 years), and Plymouth High School (16 years) as both a teacher and school counselor.
Chuck’s impact extended far beyond the classroom through his coaching career. Over 33 years of varsity football, he guided teams to four NCC championships and three NOL championships, while also coaching basketball, track, and softball. His dedication to students earned him the Martha Holding Jennings Award in 1988–1989, recognizing his excellence in teaching and counseling.
Family has always been at the heart of Chuck’s life. He and his wife, Maureen, have been married for 40 years and raised three children: Eric, Amy, and Lauren (Neal) McCray, who is married to her husband Chad. Chuck is a proud grandfather to Mackenzie and Nathaniel. He also celebrates the love and support of his siblings: Linda; Pam Hayes and her husband Dan; and Gary and his wife Brenda.
Reflecting on his journey, Chuck expresses deep gratitude for the friends, mentors, colleagues, and—most importantly—the students who have shaped his life. He takes the greatest pride in seeing the accomplishments and successes of the young people he has taught, counseled, and coached.
His advice to today’s students is simple yet powerful:
Commit to the Task. Maintain a Positive Attitude. Live with No Regrets.
Our school Clothes Closets help students in need stay comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. We are currently looking for new or gently used items in the following sizes:📍 Donations can be dropped off at any Galion City Schools office during school hours.
💙 Thank you for helping us support our students and keep them warm, comfortable, and ready to succeed!
We are proud to recognize Galion alumnus Charles “Chuck” Barnett, Jr., who graduated from Galion High School in 1975 and recently made a generous donation of his book, Traveler’s Guide to Ship Museums, to our library.
During his time at GHS, Chuck was active in Cross Country, Wrestling, Track and Field, Senior Choir, Boys Glee Club, and the Drama Department. After graduation, he went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration (1979) and participated in Naval ROTC. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps, serving from 1979–1985. His service included time aboard the USS Detroit (AOE-4) and the USS South Carolina (CGN-37), as well as at the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), where he continued his career until his retirement in 2018.
Chuck also continued his education, earning an A.S. in Computer Science from Columbus State Community College (1986) and an M.B.A. from Central Michigan University (1992).
When asked what advice he would share with today’s students, Chuck said:
👉 “Set your goals and work toward them. Additionally, find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”
We are grateful for Chuck’s generosity and proud to call him a Galion Tiger! You can find your own copy of his book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Did you know? Having a regular bedtime makes it easier to wake up at the same time each morning—and that consistency helps students arrive at school on time and ready to learn! ⏰✨
Let’s build healthy routines together for stronger attendance! 💙🧡 #AttendanceMatters #GalionTigers
🎉 Celebrate 40 Years of Tiger Pride! 🎉
Join us as we honor the 40th Anniversary of the 1985 State Championship Galion Tigers with a weekend full of celebration!
🏈 Friday, Sept. 26 (Vets)
During halftime of the Galion Tigers’ home football game vs. the Highland Fighting Scots, we’ll recognize the members of the legendary 1985 team for their historic victory and lasting impact on our community.
🎬 Saturday, Sept. 27 – Galion Community Theatre and Elks
Doors Open: 12:30 PM
Kickoff (Replay): 1:00 PM
Admission: FREE & open to the public!
Festivities continue with the watch party where fans and alumni can relive the unforgettable moment. A full replay of the 1985 championship game will be shown beginning at 1pm.
Enjoy opening remarks from legendary Coach Lee Owens, grab a signed copy of his new book “The Spirit of a Team”, and relive the magic of the championship game on the big screen.
🍻 After the Theater Replay..
Keep the celebration going at the Galion Elks Club Watch Party for the Ohio State vs. Washington game! "This anniversary is about more than football" said the organizers. "Its about honoring the teamwork, dedication and the community spirit that made 1985 such a special year for Galion"
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVG3gzJKp/
Let’s pack the theatre and honor the teamwork, dedication, and Tiger spirit that made 1985 unforgettable. 🐯💙🧡
🎉 Celebrate 40 Years of Tiger Pride! 🎉
Join us as we honor the 40th Anniversary of the 1985 State Championship Galion Tigers with a weekend full of celebration!
🏈 Friday, Sept. 26 (Vets)
During halftime of the Galion Tigers’ home football game vs. the Highland Fighting Scots, we’ll recognize the members of the legendary 1985 team for their historic victory and lasting impact on our community.
🎬 Saturday, Sept. 27 – Galion Community Theatre
Doors Open: 12:30 PM
Kickoff (Replay): 1:00 PM
Admission: FREE & open to the public!
Join us where fans and alumni can relive the unforgettable moment. A full replay of the 1985 State Championship game will be shown on the big screen. Enjoy opening remarks from legendary Coach Lee Owens, grab a signed copy of his new book “The Spirit of a Team”, and relive the magic of the championship game on the big screen.
🍻 After the Screening of the Big Game
Keep the celebration going at the Galion Elks Club Watch Party for the Ohio State vs. Washington game!
Let’s pack the theatre and honor the teamwork, dedication, and Tiger spirit that made 1985 unforgettable. 🐯💙🧡https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVG3gzJKp/
Your 2025–2026 Yearbooks are now available to order! 🎉 Head over to galionschools.org
today and secure yours.
📕 Please note: 2024–2025 Yearbooks are expected to arrive next month. Thank you for your patience, Tigers! 🐯💙🧡
#GalionTigers #Yearbook #Memories
