Two to be inducted as Clay High School Distinguished Alumni

        The Clay High School Athletic and Distinguished Alumni & Friends Banquet will be held Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6-10 p.m. at St. Michael’s Centre, 4001 Navarre Ave., Oregon.
        The evening will begin with fellowship at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a guest speaker at 8 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. two alumni – Michael Armstong and Robert Graham – will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
        Banquet tickets are $35 per person or $260 per table of eight, which includes dinner, an alcoholic beverage and one ticket to the home football game on Sept. 13. A cash bar will be available. Reservations are required by Friday, Aug. 30.          To order tickets, visit https://www.payschoolsevents.com/events/details/32743 or pay by phone with a credit card by calling Chris Walendzak at 419-693-0665, ext. 2001.
        • Michael Armstrong is being honored as a business owner, Oregon Schools Foundation founder and philanthropist. Graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1976, Armstrong was a head chef on the East Coast before returning to Oregon in 1980 to start Michael’s Gourmet Catering, Inc. He grew the business to be one of the most respected catering operations in NW Ohio, providing memorable wedding receptions to generations of Clay High grads and others. He also operated a café/bakery at Front and Main streets in East Toledo where he employed many of Oregon’s children over the years, giving them a head start in their careers.
        He donated regularly to local organizations throughout his 40+ year career. When he decided to retire, he sold his business to another Clay grad, Kyle Timofeev. Since his “retirement,” he continues his charitable activities, sharing his baking skills with many organizations, including St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He helped feed more than 7,000 meals to different charities and food banks through 419 Cares. His Facebook page is filled with examples of his generosity.
        Armstrong was instrumental in founding and supporting the Oregon Schools Foundation.
        • Robert Graham, owner of Tri County Tire Inc. in Oregon, is being lauded for his commitment to his community.
        Over the 31 years of his leadership, he has demonstrated a profound dedication to supporting those around him, providing opportunities for individuals facing personal challenges. Notably, he has hired employees who were homeless and living in shelters, offering them not only employment but also the support needed to rebuild their lives.        His generosity extends to numerous college students, whom he employed while accommodating their academic schedules, ensuring they could pursue their education without financial strain. Graham has also consistently offered financial assistance and flexible time off for those in need.
        He also finds way to help and accommodate customers, looking for ways to assist those in need.
        His philanthropic efforts are widespread in the community, as he regularly contributes to school functions, sporting events, and charity fundraisers with financial and gift donations.