Hall of Fame

2004 Hall of Fame

Front row: Don Harkness & Martha Seger. Back Row: Ron Reed, Patricia Japp (representing the Veterans) and Al Bush (representing Charles Forsythe).

Alumni

Charles E. Forsythe. Charles graduated from Milan High in in 1918. After his years at Milan, he became one of the most influential people in high school athletics in the state of Michigan and in the nation. Charles served our state’s athletic association for 45 years, including 32 years as executive director. He is considered the pioneer for leadership in athletic administration, and has authored several texts on athletics that are considered one of most important contributions in the history of high school sport. Charles only interruption in his career was his four years he served his country in World War II. He was honored in 1983 as a member of the National High School Sports Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Eastern Michigan Hall of Fame. Charles died on Dec. 19, 1968.

Martha Seger. Martha attended Milan Area Schools for nine years, including her first two years of high school in the late 40’s. After her years at Milan, Martha served her state and country through her work in economics. She served on several corporate boards, including Amoco, Comerica Bank, Xerox and the Providian Corporation. Her service to Michigan included an appointment by Governor Milliken as Commissioner of Financial Institutions in Michigan, overseeing more than 1000 banks and credit unions. In 1984, Martha received her highest honor, as she was appointed to the Federal Reserve Board by President Ronald Reagan. She was the first female appointed to a full 14-year term. In 1992, The University of Michigan bestowed the Alumnae Council Athena Award to Martha for her work in economics. She is a member of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame and was honored as Michigan’s Woman of the Year.

Don Harkness. While many graduates have left the Milan community for their successes, Don Harkness has stayed in Milan and made all the difference. Don graduated in 1953 from Milan High School. In those school years, Don was confronted with polio. He overcame this disease with a great attitude and approach. That same attitude and approach made Don into a successful businessman, as he became an owner of a plastics plant. He was a tireless worker and very supportive of his employees in the factory. Upon his retirement from the factory, Don has served his community in various roles. He has been a long-time member of the Saline Hospital Board and the St. Joseph Hospital Board. He also has been very involved in Milan Schools. He serves quietly and humbly, and focuses his work on high character.

Milan High School Veterans who lost their life in war

Throughout our country’s great history, the Milan community has had several families and individuals give the ultimate sacrifice in war. These Milan alums sacrificed their opportunity in this world to protect and maintain our American Freedoms. It is this service to our nation that has, and continues to provide countless Milan alumni the opportunities to pursue greatness. Since the existence of our school, this sacrifice in American conflict has been recorded. For this, Milan High School is proud to induct these veterans into the first class of the Milan Area Schools Hall of Fame.

These new members were honored with a student assembly and a community reception. Their legacy inspires of all us.