Gary made an impact on the lives of the students he taught in the Hamilton County Justice Center (jail). Having no juvenile program in existence, he was told to create one.  He taught incarcerated juveniles facing charges of murder, aggravated robbery, rape, and other indictments that bound them over into adult court.  These teenagers, ages nine to seventeen, were the “castaways”.  Gary came faithfully every day, designed the program, taught them, talked with them, made them realize they were somebody.  As some of his students commented, “When everyone else thinks you’re a zero and one man comes to see you every day, listens to you, sees you cry, teaches you to read,… his presence says, you are worthwhile, you are important, you are somebody special, It changes you.” 

Marian Alswager

Adult Education Coordinator

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office

Cincinnati is special for its pioneering spirit and rich culture, being the birthplace of the first major league baseball team (the Cincinnati Red Stockings) and home to the nation’s largest Oktoberfest. Its distinctive architecture, like the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the vibrant arts scene, and local culinary traditions such as Cincinnati chili, also contribute to its unique identity as the historic “Queen City”.