From left, East Palestine School District’s Distinguished Hall of Fame 2026 inductees DJ Yokley, Dalton Cope, Cecilia Wirks (representing Sgt. Robert Wirks), Shane Peterson, Alexandra Casi, Jim Young, Lori Montgomery-Cascio and Trevor Patterson. (Submitted photo)

EAST PALESTINE – The East Palestine School District’s Distinguished Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals and teams who have brought honor and distinction to the East Palestine School District. The Class of 2026 was recognized on Friday evening at a home basketball game vs. United Local and then during a luncheon which was held on Saturday:

The 2009 Boys 4×100 Meter State Champion Track Team.

This legendary team delivered East Palestine’s first-ever State Championship title in a relay event, demonstrating incredible teamwork and dedication. Members of the team include the following (plus their coach):

Dalton Cope. Dalton is a pivotal Group Leader at PTC Alliance, exemplifying professional excellence balanced with a deep commitment to family. Along with achieving the title of State Champion, Dalton was also a 3-year letterman for football.

Jeff Farkas. Jeff was a naturally gifted athlete, lettering in football and earning four years of letterman status in track. He set 2 records in track while at EPHS, and then went on to further his competitive running career at Ohio Wesleyan University. Jeff earned the rank of Eagle Scout with 33 merit badges and two Palms.

Trevor Patterson. A true multi-sport athlete, participating in track, soccer, football and basketball, Trevor earned 11 total varsity letters and achieved multiple league, district, county and NE Ohio honors.

Shane Peterson. A former starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, leading his team to the playoffs in 2009. He not only competed in the 4×100 at the state level but also in high jump and long jump. Shane attended Westminster and then went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University and now works as an outpatient therapist in Beaver, PA.

Coach Jim Young. Coach Young has given an incredible 46 years of service to the East Palestine School District football program and 36 years to the track program. He was instrumental in leading the 2009 State Champion relay team and continues to serve our community.

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Alexandra Casi, Class of 2002. In track, Alexandra won the State Championship in the Long Jump twice and holds five school records. On the golf course, she was a State Runner-Up and went on to earn LPGA Futures Tour status with three professional wins. Professionally, she takes pride in finding homes for over 1,000 dogs each year at the Humane Society of Highlands County in Sebring, Fla.

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Lori Montgomery-Cascio, Class of 1992. Lori has been seen as one of the great female basketball players to wear the bulldog jersey. A 3-time All-Ohio player, who was also recognized with multiple District, County and League honors. She still holds records that have been standing for 34 years. Lori furthered her education and basketball career at Edinboro University of PA, but is now giving of her time and talents when she photographs local athletes and other events, sharing with the community.

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DJ Yokley, Class of 2003. DJ was an all-conference catcher and the Voice of the Bulldogs helping to bring school spirit to life. He went on to earn his degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communications from Westminster College. DJ is the founder of Your Sports Network (YSN), a sports streaming company dedicated to showcasing local student-athletes and communities.

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Elma Sutherin. Mrs. Sutherin dedicated over 50 years to the East Palestine School District, beginning her teaching career in 1894 and later serving as the Junior High Principal for 22 years. Her profound impact is permanently recognized by the naming of the 1962 wing of the Elementary School in her honor.

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Sergeant Robert Wirks, Class of 1967. Sgt. Wirks was drafted into the US Army and arrived in Vietnam in 1970. He was tragically killed in action on September 25, 1970, just six days before his 21st birthday. A recipient of the Purple Heart, we are eternally grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant Robert Blane Wirks.