The Ohio Department of Aging will induct ten older Ohioans into the state’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame at a ceremony on September 10 at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Since 1977, more than 500 Ohioans have been honored in the Hall of Fame for their significant accomplishments and for representing a positive image of aging.
The 2025 class—the largest since 2021—ranges in age from 62 to 103 and includes a social worker, a long-term care advocate, a community health champion, a volunteer firefighter, a guardian, a deacon, leaders in the aging field, a longtime public servant, and a physician who has become a social media sensation. This year’s inductees are Connie Blum of Dayton; May Juan Chen and Mary Ann Freedman of Akron; Joseph D. Fouss of Whipple; Margaretha CJ Grootjes of The Plains; Ernest Matthew Hight Sr. of Youngstown (posthumous); Denise C. Niese of Northwood (posthumous); Fran Ryan and Jean E. Thompson of Columbus; and Dr. Howard J. Tucker of Cleveland Heights.
“These 10 amazing inductees show the depth and breadth of what is possible from older Ohioans,” said AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy. “They are all truly deserving of this honor, and we are greatly looking forward to recognizing them in September.” The ceremony will be livestreamed through the Ohio Channel beginning at 1 p.m. on September 10.
Read the full announcement on the Ohio Department of Aging’s website.