Medina High School honors 4 Distinguished Alumni
Honorees include Dr. Warren Blount, Michael Royal, Nelda Toussaint and Mary Woodruff
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Royal, assistant superintendent of Mooresville, N.C. School District and a 1997 graduate of Medina High School, accepts his Distinguished Alumni Award in ceremonies Thursday. Looking on at right is school principal Michael Cavanagh.
MEDINA – Four extraordinary individuals were honored at ceremonies Thursday afternoon at Medina High School with induction to the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
Honorees were Dr. Warren Blount, a 1963 graduate of Medina High School; Michael Royal, a 1997 graduate; Nelda Toussaint (posthumously), 1947 graduate; and Mary Woodruff, 1965 graduate.
The program began with a welcome from Michael Cavanagh, High School principal, followed by introduction of honorees by the school’s Student Government officers.
“Today we honor four individuals who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their community and/or chosen career,” Cavanagh said. “Listen to their stories and I am sure you will agree they are quite inspirational.”
Next, Lilah Class led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the A’Cappella Select Ensemble under the direction of Rachel Trillizio singing “Sawubona.”
The audience at Medina High School’s Distinguished Awards Ceremony Thursday afternoon was entertained by the A’Capella Select Ensemble, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio.
This was followed by an overview of the awards presentation by Christopher Mulcahy Jr., who explained the Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the school and community and to serve as an incentive for the current student body.
“The people we honor today are proof we are all capable of achieving greatness and truly making a difference in society,” Mulcahy said.
The Distinguished Alumni awards were established in 2003. To earn this honor, a person nominated must be a current or former member of the school community who has graduated at least 10 years ago and who has achieved one of more of the following: achieved excellence in their chosen career, made outstanding contributions to their community or profession, or made an outstanding contribution to humanity as determined by the Distinguished Alumni Committee.
“What we find quite interesting is the diversity among our honorees,” Mulcahy said. “They have definitely left their mark in society, whether it is right here in our hometown or in places throughout the world.”
Each honoree was presented with a plaque, and a second plaque will be displayed in the hallway leading from the cafeteria toward the agriculture room.
The late Dr. Warren Blount’s nephew accepted his Distinguished Alumni Award at ceremonies Thursday afternoon at Medina High School.
Madelyn Elliott introduced the first honoree, Dr. Warren Blount, whose award was given posthumously and accepted by his nephew Travis Evans.
Dr. Blount embodied the virtues of character, patriotism and grit throughout a lifetime of extraordinary service, which began as a member of the United States Marines, third Forces Reconnaissance Battalion. Serving three tours of duty during the Vietnam War, Blount displayed immense bravery during the Battle of Khe Sanh and the Tet Offensive. His gallantry in the face of conflict earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Purple Heart, the Naval Commendation Medal, Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross.
After his military service, Blount became a highly skilled surgeon’s assistant in cardiac vascular surgery. His career in Michigan saw him assist in more than 6,000 open-heart surgeries and transplants. He furthered his education at the Michigan University College of Human Medicine, completing a residency in emergency medicine to expand his capacity to care for those in crisis.
He concluded his career in Tallahassee, Fla., where he served 17 years as a practicing emergency physician at the Capital Region Medical Center. Known for his unwavering compassion and dedication, he treated every patient with the same steadfast resolve he showed as a Marine. He remains a shining example of the heights a Medina alumnus can reach through hard work and a heart for service.
Evans also described the suffering Blount endured because of Agent Orange – first having his right leg amputated and finally succumbing from Agent Orange at the age of 78. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery.
“He was a fantastic individual and a compassionate surgeon,” Evans said.
The next honoree, Michael Royal, was introduced by Ava Blount, who said Royal has built a distinguished career defined by academic excellence and leadership.
“A member of the National Honor Society and a record-setting athlete in the 4×400 relay, Royal carried his Medina work ethic to the Mooresville Graded School District in North Carolina,” Blount said.
Since 2001, Royal ascended from an award-winning mathematics teacher and principal of Mooresville High School to chief operations officer, where he oversaw more than $100 million in construction projects, and currently serves as assistant superintendent of the school. His visionary leadership in digital learning and student growth earned him the 2016-2017 Administrator of the Year Award and led to his appointment as interim superintendent in 2022.
In addition to his administrative success, Royal is a legendary figure in North Carolina athletics. One of only five coaches inducted into the Mooresville High School Athletic Hall of Fame, he led his teams to a staggering 39 team titles and six state championships. Most notably, his 2007-08 boys’ teams achieved the historic “Triple Crown,” winning state championships in cross country, indoor track and outdoor tract, a feat unmatched by any other boys’ program in state history.
Beyond the scoreboard, Royal’s contribution to humanity is seen in his devotion to his brother, Corey. By running marathons for Team Spina Bifida, Royal turned personal loss into a mission of hope, raising vital funds and awareness in Corey’s memory.
In spite of his deep roots in Mooresville, where he has been honored by Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow and an active community volunteer, Royal remains a “Mustang” at heart. Inspired by the civic example of his father Craig Royal, Michael frequently returns to Western New York to support the Buffalo Bills and participate in local races. Whether he is mentoring students, guiding a district of 6,000 pupils or honoring his brother’s legacy, Michael Royal exemplifies the character and grit of a Distinguished Alumnus. He resides in Mooresville with his wife Mary and two daughters, continuing a life of service that makes his hometown proud.
Royal said he was humbled to be standing before the audience as a member of the Class of 1997. He also paid tribute to his grandmother Sheila Royal who had passed away last year.
“Twenty-nine years ago on this stage I graduated and received my diploma,” Royal said. “There were five teachers who made an impact on me, my coach, Jack Kiebala, Maria Biano, Steve O’Dea, Ed Weider and Cynthia Kiebala. I see them as the architect of my character, and I am honored they are all here today.”
Royal added, “The race is not always to the swift. It is to those who keep running.”
In conclusion, he added, “As we approach National Teacher Appreciation Week, please know you are appreciated.”
Jeff Toussaint, left, and Jennifer Cardone accepted their mother Nelda Toussaint’s Distinguished Alumni award posthumously from Medina High School principal Michael Cavanagh.
Nelda Toussaint was introduced by Izabella Garcia, who called her “a woman of remarkable intellect and determination.”
Toussaint graduated at the age of 16, then went on to earn a degree in fine arts from Syracuse University. Returning to her hometown, she applied her meticulous organizational skills to the management of her family’s farm and multiple local law offices. For more than seven decades, she remained a pillar of the Medina community, balancing her professional acumen with a deep-seated commitment to civic duty. Whether managing complex finances or serving as an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, she moved through life with a grace and precision that earned her the enduring respect of her peers.
Toussaint’s most profound legacy lies in her unwavering advocacy for local education. For more than 20 years, she served as a vital member and president of the Medina School Board, steering the district through decades of growth and change. Her passion for the schools did not end with her formal tenure; she continued to serve on the budget committee and attend meetings well into her nineties. Beyond the boardroom, her leadership extended to the Medina Memorial Hospital’s Association of Twigs and the Woods Creek Pony Club, reflecting a lifetime mission to enrich the social and educational fabric of the village she loved.
To all who knew her, Toussaint was a portrait of vitality and spirit. An adventurer at heart, she traveled the world, notably riding a camel across the Sahara at the age of 89. Yet, her greatest pride was found closer to home in the achievements of her grandchildren, for whom she never missed a performance, game or graduation.
Nelda Toussaint’s life was a master class in active citizenship and family devotion. Through her decades of leadership on the school board and her tireless volunteerism, she exemplified the very best of the Medina spirit, leaving behind a community that is stronger and more vibrant because of her dedicated service.
Her children, Jennifer Cardone and Jeffrey Toussaint, accepted her award posthumously.
“Mom would be so honored,” Jeffrey said. “She volunteered her time to many organizations, but serving on the School Board was something she was very proud of.” She followed her father Laverne Beeton, who served 16 years on the School Board.
“Education was her great interest and the Medina School Board was her passion,” Jeffrey said. “She went until she couldn’t go any more. She would be humbled by this award. Service was a labor of love for her.”
Jennifer said her mom was born during the Depression and never did things for the accolades. She fought fiercely for agriculture and music, which were usually the first things cut in tight budgets.
File photo: Mary Woodruff, coordinator of the Hometown Heroes effort in Medina, is pictured in May 2019 with banners of showing the late Vincent Cardone and Mitchell Mason, a member of the Navy.
The final Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was Mary Brennan Woodruff, who was introduced by her grandson Brennan Woodruff.
His grandmother has dedicated her life to enriching her community and empowering others, Brennan said. Her distinguished 35-year career in education at the Royalton-Hartland School District was marked by a versatile mastery of teaching, ranging from elementary classrooms to specialized middle school mathematics.
Beyond the classroom, Woodruff served nine terms as union president and chairing the district’s Professional Council. Her commitment to her peers and her students established a standard of excellence that remains a benchmark for educators in the region today.
Woodruff’s impact on the local landscape is perhaps most visible through her visionary leadership of the Medina Hometown Heroes project. Inspired by a family tribute to her father-in-law in his hometown, she launched the program in 2019 to honor the military men and women of Medina. With meticulous attention to detail and profound empathy for grieving families, Woodruff has coordinated the placement of more than 410 banners throughout the village. Her tireless work has transformed the streets of Medina into a living gallery of gratitude, ensuring the sacrifices of local veterans are never forgotten.
In 2012, Woodruff made history by becoming the first woman elected to the Ridgeway Town Board in its 200-year history. Now serving her third term, she remains a steadfast advocate for her constituents and a vital member of the Decorate Medina Committee. Recognized by the Orleans Hub as an Outstanding Citizen, Woodruff embodies the spirit of a Distinguished Alumna. Her journey from a Medina student to a barrier-breaking leader and community guardian serves as an enduring inspiration to the entire Medina area.
Mary Woodruff, a 1965 graduate of Medina High School, shares her appreciation at being chosen recipient of a Distinguished Alumni award.
Woodruff was touched by her grandson’s introduction, and honored to be nominated as a Distinguished Alumna.
“I am humbled,” she said “It was a wonderful surprise.”
She acknowledged her family and friends in attendance, saying “I am so truly thankful for the presence of my family members, close friends and all of you who are connected to me.”
Her class was the largest class to graduate from MHS, she said.
She praised Medina’s mayor, village clerk and DPW workers who supported the Hometown Heroes program and helped with displays and removal of banners.
“All of you were influential in who I am today,” Woodruff said.
She addressed the youth who are “adults of the future,” saying they will accomplish great goals and build stunning careers, just as she did.
She shared her journey beginning with education, teaching at Royalton-Hartland, as a representative of her town board and director of the Hometown Heroes Banner project.
Her secret, she shared, is “Fill your path to success with people who will be there for you, so others can gain from your actions. Consideration of others is a mighty goal.”
Woodruff also addressed students in the auditorium, a percentage of whom will pursue success by joining the armed services.
“You are the future ‘freedom fighters,’” she said.
She shared the story of Glen Stewart, who at the age of 15, changed his birthday so he could enlist during World War II. His daughter was in the audience Thursday.
She spoke of other heroes, such as those who fought in Vietnam, which inspired her to take on the Hometown Heroes program.
“Our village has displayed more than 600 banners since 2019,” Woodruff said. “Those banners revealed information that was sad to read, MIA, KIA. The banners teach us empathy.”
She added the Hometown Heroes banners has been one of the most supported projects the village and towns have experienced. People come from other states to visit in the summer so they can see a family member’s banner, which claims this family member is a hero.
One of those heroes and the reason she started the Hometown Heros Program is Sgt. Willis Burr Woodruff, a World War II serviceman and her father-in-law. His courageous action provided food for starving villagers.
“Sports figures and pop stars get labeled ‘heroes,’ but servicemen and servicewomen are the true heroes,” Woodruff said.
Nominations are welcome for future honorees to the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Click here to see an online form. Nominations are due to Michael Cavanagh by July 31.
Members of the Distinguished Alumni Committee are Michael Cavanagh, chair; Allissa Dunham, Lawrence Fox, Susan Holland, Karen Jones and Mollie Mark.
Shared Decision Making Committee members are Teagan Balaban, Joseph Byrne, Michael Cavanagh, Sara Cinquino, Alissa Dunham, Sara Flansburg, Amy Fuller, Theresa Gobeli, Connie Heschke, Nicole Homme, Karen Jones, Mollie Mark and Debra Tompkins.
