NHS and Hall of Fame Committee Lost A Long Time Member

William (Bill) Howell

HOWELL, William A. Bill age 77 of Dayton, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Bill attended Chapman College in Los Angeles, CA from 1951-1953, then he worked for the Downtown Los Angeles YMCA in community youth work. From 1953 -1955 he attended Upsala College, East Orange, New Jersey. While in East Orange, he established a branch of the YMCA in Livingston, NJ, and directed a camping program. From 1955-1959 in New Brunswick, NJ, he was the youth Director of the Livingston YMCA. From 1959-1960, he was the youth Director of the YMCA in Elkhardt, IN. From 1961-1994.


Bill taught English, Speech, and Drama for 33 years at Northridge High School. He founded the student run radio station WGXM. He was president of the Northridge Teachers Association and active in many community/school activities, including the Christmas Basket Project. He was one of the founders of the Northridge Hall of Fame; an accomplished writer & photographer; did special photography for Bostons Bistro and Pub, Kiwanis Club of Northridge, Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company and several other community organizations. Survived by his beloved wife of 21 years and many children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northridge Hall of Fame, c/o The Northridge High School, 2251 Timber Lane, Dayton, Ohio 45414

Note from Colleague:

The Northridge Community and Hall of Fame has lost a "force of nature" and  good friend. Bill Howell, a retired Northridge teacher, passed away yesterday, October 28, 2009. Visitation for friends and family will be this Sunday, November 1, 2009 from  4-6pm at Martin Funeral Home in Northridge. A memorial service will be led by Rev. Bobbie Predmore (Northridge grad & Hall of Fame member) at 5:30 at Martin's.
 
Those of you who knew Bill, will remember that he was a long time leader of the NTA.  In fact, Bill worked tirelessly for our professional teaching organization at the State and Local and even National levels. He was never shy in sharing his opinions and trying to talk teachers into doing more to shape the profession. More than any other individual, Bill's efforts influenced our Negotiated Agreement and NTA Constitution. Bill was a devoted "force" in furthering the Christmas Basket Project, NTA Scholarships and he was a founding member of the Northridge Hall of Fame.
 
Undoubtedly, his greatest contribution was his positive influence on Northridge students. I think you could say Bill ran the first unofficial 'alternate school' in Northridge. His influence in the classroom, drama events and in establishing and operating the Northridge Schools Radio Station was far reaching. Bills's name is consistently mentioned by Northridge graduates as being one of the most influential teachers they ever had. Many credit him as the teacher who kept them attending school and are on record as  saying Bill was all that stood between them and dropping out of school. At Hall of Fame Induction dinners, he is always mentioned by our graduates as being a positive influence.
 
Personally, as a young teacher, Bill made an impression on me in many ways. As an veteran educator , I now marvel at his dedication to our profession and our community.  As we work with children today,  I am reminded how influential each of us are to the student's in our care. Bill leaves big shoes to fill.
 
 
Mrs. Fox, EDMS Counselor