03/04/2026
Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Hall of Honor Class of 2026
Congratulations are in order for the Xenia Community Schools Foundation Hall of Honor Class of 2026! Four new members will be honored this year. The Twenty-Eighth Annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, 6:30 PM at Warner Middle School. The dinner will be preceded by the Twelfth Annual Silent Auction for Grants beginning at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $45.00 each and are available at the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is located at 334 W. Market Street. Call: (937) 372-3591 for more information.
The Xenia Community Schools Foundation invites the community to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees:
Gary Allen, XHS Class of 1982 - Military Service, Law Enforcement, Public Servant, Youth Mentor
Gary Allen has been dedicated to service throughout his adult life and career. As a student at XHS, he split his time between class, wrestling and working at McDonald's. Post high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He served his country in the US Army as part of the 101st Airborne Division and the Ohio National Guard.
Gary completed advanced leadership training at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. He spent most of his career in law enforcement, joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1988, He served for 32 years before retiring with the rank of Major. Mr. Allen served in a variety of posts during his career. He held many executive leadership positions including: Commander of the Ohio Investigative Unit, District Commander, Post Commander and Major of the Office of Criminal investigations. Gary also provided security for several Ohio Governors and served as a security liaison for over ten years during the Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding Classic. He was selected as Post Trooper of the year three times.
Gary Allen served as a volunteer for youth for seven years while serving on the board of the Ohio After School All Stars. The group is dedicated to providing “transformative out-of-school experiences for nationwide low income youth to help narrow the gap”.
Gary is currently serving in the position of Chief of Operations at the Ohio Industrial Commission.
Garry Cohn, XHS Class of 1973 - Broadcaster, Emcee, Role Model
Garry Cohn, both a Xenia native and XHS graduate, is proud to represent his hometown where ever he goes.
He focused on English, Journalism and Music in high school and worked at WGIC-WBZI while attending high school. He is now in his 53rd year in radio, having worked at stations across the country including WSM Radio Nashville (The Grand Ole Opry Station).
He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in Religious Education and a Doctorate of Ministry in Psychology from Faith Bible Theological Seminary.
Garry has worked at radio stations cross the country including as host of a nationally syndicated radio show heard in 150 markets. He has been nominated as DJ of the Year by Singing News Magazine, Cash Box Magazine, Music City News and Gospel Voice Magazine and as Syndicated Radio Show of the Year with “Inside Gospel”music program and “Southern Gospel Up Close” music program.
He is Editor in Chief of Gospel Voice Magazine in Nashville and has served on boards and committees with such organizations as: Southern Gospel Music Association and the Southern Gospel Music Guild, and on several country music boards in Nashville, as well as, the Gospel Music Association in Nashville and the Ohio Gospel Musical Association.
Garry is a role model for making one's dreams, focus and hard work a lifelong career reality.
Joshua T. Cousins, XHS Class of 2006 - Student Athlete, USAF Academy, Successful Businessman, Role Model
Joshua T. Cousins was a multi-faceted high school standout. He achieved academic success graduating in the top ten percent of his class, was an athletic standout playing three sports and served as a wide receiver in football, earning three varsity letters. He exhibited his leadership skills as a member of the National Honor Society and a Student Council officer.
Post high school, he attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and played a standout role as a wide receiver.
Joshua went on to a 12 year active-duty Air Force career after earning his commission.
He rose to the rank of Major and held numerous elite assignments. He earned multiple top-level commendations and recognition as one of the best officers in the Air Force.
Josh continued on his leadership path, once he finished his military service, at Nike, Inc. where he succeeded in moving forward enterprise transformation initiatives. He continues to exhibit a commitment to service, excellence and innovation.
He is a true role model for current and future Xenia students, and members of the Xenia Community.
John Richard Smith, XHS Class of 1966 - Businessman, Community Philanthropist
John Richard Smith played football and baseball at Xenia High School. He was inducted, as part of the 1964 WOL District Champion Football Team, into the Xenia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He went on to play baseball at Bowling Green University.
His career included jobs as a train Brakeman/Conductor in Greene County, Manager of the Cast Away Club, Greene County Deputy Sheriff and, ultimately, in 1984, as founder and President of Buckmann's Harley Davidson in Xenia.
In that role, he began ongoing philanthropic activities that flourished in support of multiple local organizations. Buckmann's sponsored the Rocky Thomas student academic/athletic achievement award scholarship at XHS for many years and the Greene County Community Health Foundation through the Rusty's Ride Fundraiser by raising funds for holiday gifts for needy children. For over 20 years, he supported the Golden Age Senior Citizens by providing financial support through the HOGS (Harley Owners Group) group which held motorcycle raffles to raise funds, In addition, for 18 or more years, he supported Xenia Rotary through the Rotary Rides to Ripley fundraiser, along with Muscular Dystrophy fundraisers.
John Richard Smith passed away on December 26, 2022. He is missed by many in the Xenia community and is a role model for helping others in his community.
The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is dedicated to enriching the academic pursuits of all students, faculty and staff within the Xenia Community Schools. The Foundation has provided grants for classroom enrichment programs and scholarships from donations and investment income of the Foundation for more than thirty years.
