The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Samuel Rogolsky Inducted 1993 - Class of 1926
How many of the inductees can tout that they attended Woodward for seven years? Woodward Technical School, that is.
Not many people remember that Woodward Tech was also once a junior high school. That's when it was located on Michigan Street where the current main branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library now stands. Sam attended grades 6 through 12 as a student at Woodward Tech. He graduated in 1926, two years before Woodward High School moved to its current home at 600 East Streicher Street.
During his years at Woodward Tech, Sam played varsity football, making All-City Honorable Mention. He was also on the reserve basketball team.
Continuing his education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Sam graduated in 1930 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in education. He was a member of the University's varsity gridiron team and played intramural basketball.
Earning his Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1940 in education, business, and public health, Sam also attended the Army War College in Oxford University, Oxford, England.
Returning to Toledo, Sam saw a high school educator for the Sylvania School System. At Sylvania, he also coached football and basketball and served as dean of boys.
He transferred to Woodward, teaching physical education, American History, government, and civics. During his tenure at WHS, Sam held a special place in his heart for freshmen.
"In grade school, they were the king of the pen and when they came to high school, they were little rats," he joked. Taking freshmen under his wing, the transition into high school started on day one in Sam’s classroom. This included acclimating them to their surroundings. "I used to give them a tour of the building." Afterward, the freshmen were a little more confident. They learned where main points of interest were. . .like the cafeteria, Sam said. "The first couple of weeks I just let them get acquainted with high school."
Sam also believed in introducing youngsters to travel through a private venture called Tours of Youth. As director and sponsor with his late wife, Anne, he chaperoned high school and junior high students as they journeyed to Washington D.C., New York City, and various places throughout Ohio and Michigan.
Travel is also central to another one of Sam’s accomplishments. For 28 years, he was a basketball and football official. During his officiating days, Sam trekked throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and even Canada. He served as the President of Greater Toledo Officials for five years, Vice President of Northwest Officials for two years, and as a member of the National Professional Basketball Officials for five years. This earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame of Northwest Ohio Basketball Officials.
Sam's other activities include: *Director of Athletics and Swimming Coach for Glengary Country Club for three years; :*Director of Activities for the Toledo Jewish Community Center for five years;*Member of Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Alumni Association-president and vice president for two years in each office; *Life Member of National B'nai Brith Fraternal Lodge-elected warden for two years; and*Life Member of Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association.
Perhaps Sam is best known for spearheading an annual reunion luncheon for fellow Woodward Techies. Last year, he said about 50 alumni attended.
Sam proudly shares this evening with his two daughters, Janet and Elisabeth.