The Cambridge City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce the induction of four outstanding individuals to the 2022 class.
The purpose of the organization is to recognize and honor those persons who, through their performance and achievements, reflect credit on Cambridge City Schools, so that present-day students may identify with the past and establish goals for the future.
This year's inductees are David Brian Bennett, class of 1978; James and Loretta (Griffith) Moss (James, class of 1950; Loretta, class of 1953) and Gunnery Sergeant James Speedy, class of 2009.
DAVID BRIAN BENNETT
David Bennett was a member of the Cambridge High School Class of 1978. During his high school career, he was a member of the Symphony and Stage Bands, Brass Choir, Solo & Ensemble, the Jazz Band and the Symphonic Chorale. He was an active member of the Key Club and served as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary/Treasurer for the Ohio District of Key Club. He was a varsity letter winner in Football and Track and was a member of the Varsity C Club. He also worked part time at Fred Raymond’s, men’s clothing store.
Upon completion of high school, David attended Bowling Green State University where he graduated Cum Laude, with a BS degree in 1982. While at BG, Dave was active in many societies involving history, political science and education. He was the President of the College Republicans and active in various political campaigns in Northwest Ohio.
Following his graduation from BG, he attended Capital Law School. He served as President of the Student Bar Association and Student Representative to the Faculty Senate. At graduation he received the Dean’s Award for Service in the Law School and received his license to practice law in the State of Ohio, the United States District Court. He graduated from Capital in 1985.
In 1985, David returned to Cambridge where he started his law practice and became a partner in the law firm of Knowlton and Bennett. David served on the Cambridge City Council from 1990-1992 and again from 1994-2015. He served on the Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation Board of Trustees, the Architectural and Design Commission and the Cambridge Alliance for Progress. He is a member of the Guernsey Lodge #66 Free and Accepted Masons; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cambridge, Thrice Potent-Master 2018-2020; a 33rd Degree Mason; served on the Zane State College Foundation Board of Directors 2017-2022; Elder, First Presbyterian Church; Guernsey County Education Assistance Grant Board member; Cambridge Alumni and Friends Endowed Education Fund Board of Trustees; Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Member from 2002-2005; Cambridge Rotary Club, Past Board Member and Paul Harris Fellow; Cambridge Area YMCA, Past Board Member; Guernsey County Republican Party, Chairman, Executive Committee 2010-2014; Guernsey Council Republican Club, Past President 1986-1988.
From 2000-2003, David served as President of the Guernsey County Bar Association and was District 15 Representative to the Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors. He also served as President of the Ohio State Bar Association. In 2014, David was elected as Judge of the Guernsey County Common Pleas Court, Probate/Juvenile Division and was re-elected in 2020. He is currently active in the Ohio Juvenile Judges Association; Ohio Probate Judges Association; Ohio Judicial Conference; Judicial Advisory group; Member of the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on the Rules of Superintendence and a member of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
David’s nominator stated “David has always strived to be the “next generation” of leaders in the community, giving back to the town he loves, being a part of Cambridge’s success, and to make our City a great and proud one. He never waivered from those personal and professional desires from the first day he stepped inside CHS on Clairmont Ave. in the fall of 1973. His leadership, actions and service to Cambridge is second to none and his actions have made his dreams a reality.”
David resides in Cambridge with his wife Debbie. They have 2 children, Michelle and Stephanie and one grandson.
GUNNERY SERGEANT JAMES SPEEDY
James Speedy was a member of the Cambridge High School Class of 2009. During his high school career, James was a member of the Cambridge High School Band.
Upon graduation from CHS, James then enlisted into the United States Marines Corps and went to “Boot Camp” at Parris Island, South Carolina. His first Duty Station was at Quantico, Virginia, after which he was assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina once again. This time, to become a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. Through successful Drill Field Tours, James trained several recruit Platoons minting in excess of 700 new Marines. Once his Drill Instructor Tour was complete, James was ordered back to the Fleet Marine Force for service at the Marine Corps Air Station New River, near Jacksonville, North Carolina. He then reported for duty with VMM-261, a Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Osprey Squadron.
During his thirteen years of dedicated service, James was highly decorated. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, three Navy Achievement Medals, The Global War on Terror Medal, The National Defense Medal, the NATO Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Artic Service Ribbon, The Naval Sea Service Ribbon, The Drill Instructor Ribbon, and he earned the coveted Aviation Crew Wings. On March 8th, 2022, while on his second deployment, James was serving as the Aerial Observer on an Osprey Aircraft when it crashed in Norway. The aircraft call sign, Ghost 3-1, crashed with all four Marines who were on board perishing.
James leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife, Chyanne. They have a beautiful little girl, Emory Speedy. He was truly an amazing son, brother, and father. During his short life, James left a lasting impression and positive impact on all those he met. He was a remarkable leader and person and was respected by Junior and Senior Marines alike. James had plans to return to his hometown, Cambridge, after his retirement from the Marines Corps. Once relocated home, he intended to complete his degree in history and become a teacher and give back to his community by starting a program to help troubled youth in the area to give them different outlets and guidance. He specifically spoke about creating a skate park to help teach skateboard which he was exceptionally good at. He believed skateboarding helped him overcome obstacles and accomplish any goal he set out to meet.
James spent his life serving and keeping the country safe.
JAMES AND LORETTA MOSS
James Moss was a member of the class of 1950 and Loretta (Griffith) Moss was a member of the class of 1953.
During his high school career, James was active in Key Club, one of six original founders and officers of the Cambridge High School Key Club; member and officer of the Hi-Y Club; Drummer for the marching and pep bands; Junior Class Vice-President; Red Cross Council; Torch Club and Key Club Basketball and a school reporter. Loretta was active in the CHS Glee Club and Choir; Dramatics Club; Reporter Staff; Y-Teens; Red Cross Council; Cheerleader; National Honor Society; Homecoming Queen Attendant and Girls Athletic Association.
Following graduation in 1950, James attended Muskingum College; he was a graduate of the Boy Scouts National Camping School & National Aquatic School as well as a graduate of the Lincoln Chiropractic College. James also served on Cambridge City Council from 1970-1971.
James and Loretta have made a career of involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. James served on staff at Camp Zane and Camp Philmot; served as Professional Scouter – District Executive Zane Trace Council, Muskingum Valley Council; District Executive for Dan Beard Council (BSA, Cincinnati, Ohio); Member of the Advisory Board of the Boy Scouts Muskingum Valley Council; James was a doctor of Chiropractic Medicine from 1955-1957; Co-owner of Mister Softee Ice Cream Franchise in Cambridge and Nationwide Insurance Agent in Cambridge; He is a lifetime member of the Unity Presbyterian Church; a former member of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and a Volunteer Fundraiser for the Salvation Army. His awards and honors are many – including: God and Country Award (Presbyterian Church & BSA); Eagle Scout Award (BSA); Wood Badge Beads Award (BSA); Silver Beaver Award (Boy Scouts Highest Volunteer Award); Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow (BSA); Salute to Scouting Award; 65 Years Pin for Volunteer Services to the Boy Scouts; The “Scoutmaster” Award (BSA); Nationwide Insurance Star Award for Top 10 Mutual Funds Status; Nationwide Insurance Group Insurance Sales Star Awards; Nationwide Insurance President’s Awards.
Loretta is also a lifetime member of the Unity Presbyterian Church; she was given the ”God and Service” award from the Presbyterian Church, USA; she was active in Guernsey County Junior League; Cub Scouts Den Mother & Merit Badge Counselor; Presbyterian Deacon & Sunday School Teacher; Co-owner of Mister Softee Ice Cream Franchise; First Female to serve on the Muskingum Valley Council Executive Board (BSA); Vice Chairman of the Boy Scouts Forest Trails District; Served on the Trinity Parish-Cambridge Presbyterian Churches; Owner and Manager of House of Loret Knitting & Sewing Shop; Ran a Boy Scout Clothing Closet Program from House of Loret, recycling uniform items for local Scouts; Member of the Cambridge Ambassador Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce; She was also a member of the Architectural Review and Design Commission; A Member of Embroiderers Guild of America; Member of Cambridge Singers. Her awards include: Wood Badge Beads Awards (BSA); Silver Beaver Award (Boy Scouts Highest Volunteer Award); Salute to Scouting Award; 35 Years Pin for Volunteer Services to the Boy Scouts; Merit Badge Counselor for the Textiles Merit Badge.
Jim & Loretta are interested in helping others grow and succeed. They are a passionate and highly motivated couple that continues to work in their community to provide more and better services, especially in Scouting, medical hardship, and purposeful lives. Much of what they have accomplished has been in joint effort that strengthened their resolve and purpose in live. The Mosses have keenly focused their entire lives to contribute to their community, to raise a family with Christin values, to volunteer their skills and expertise to others, to lead others to becoming contributing citizens, to further the values and morals of the Scouting movement and to be models for others to emulate without personal gain or accolade.
The Cambridge City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Committee consists of: Sharon Cassler, Chair; Dave Wilson, Rocky Hill, Bill Cowgill, Sadie Williams, Heath Hayes, Jodi Neff, Dan Coffman, Bob Mascolino and Dave Peoples.
The inductees will be recognized at halftime of the Cambridge Bobcat Football game, Friday, August 26th. The official induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 27th at 11:30 a.m. at the Cambridge High School Auditeria. Friends, family members, past inductees and school officials are invited to attend. Cost of the lunch is $15 per person and reservations are a must and need to be made by August 19th
Please contact Sharon Cassler at 740-439-2640 to make your reservation for the luncheon.