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Class of 2025 Inductees

Dr. Jane Howell-Sites

Dr. Jane Howell-Sites has dedicated more than three decades to advancing the safety, healing, and healthy development of vulnerable children and families. Grounded in her expertise in child development, early childhood education, child welfare, parent education, and disability studies, Dr. Sites has built innovative, evidence-based programs that address the complex realities of trauma, abuse, and loss in children’s lives.

Early in her career, Dr. Sites recognized the devastating impact of violence and maltreatment on young children, leading her to conduct research and secure critical funding to develop therapeutic interventions for those affected. She is the founder and longtime director of the Therapeutic Interagency Preschool (TIP) Program, created in response to the tragic deaths of two preschool children in county custody. Designed as a comprehensive community “safety net,” TIP provides wrap-around services for children with histories of abuse and uncertain custody.  Over its 31-year history, TIP has delivered nationally recognized outcomes and has been replicated across Ohio and Pennsylvania.

TIP was named Ohio’s Most Effective Early Mental Health Program in 2006, and in 2018, the National Head Start Association recognized TIP as Head Start’s most effective response to the opioid epidemic’s impact on children and caregivers. Dr. Sites most recently served as Clinical Director of the Post-Traumatic Healing Center within the Division of Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

A respected educator, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Sites has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels, published extensively, and served on numerous state task forces and advisory boards. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to children’s rights, safety, and healing, inspiring generations of professionals and families alike.

Charles A. Wiley

Charles A. Wiley’s life work reflects an extraordinary commitment to service, justice, and the empowerment of youth, families, and communities. Beginning in his early twenties as a Youth Advisor with the NAACP, Charles quickly emerged as a trusted mentor and advocate, guiding young people in leadership and civic engagement.

He co-founded the Black Positive Brothers and Sisters Organization, including BPB Youth 501(c)(3), to provide structured mentoring, community outreach, and family support. His advocacy reached a historic milestone in the early 2000s when he served as a principal plaintiff in the landmark collaborative racial lawsuit against the Cincinnati Police Department, a case that resulted in transformative reforms in policing, accountability, and community relations.

Charles has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership and courage, including the WCPO Profiles in Courage Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. “Keeping the Dream Alive” Award, multiple community recognitions from Lincoln Heights, and the Key to the City. He is also an award-winning author of To God Be the Glory: This Is My Story Growing Up Black in America, and We Were Born to Win, both of which are celebrated for their inspirational impact.

An entrepreneur, Charles founded Y.P. Home Technician Remodeling, earning an A+ BBB rating, and later established Let’s Get It Productions, a nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment, re-entry support, senior services, and community outreach. Through his programs, creative resources, and unwavering leadership, Charles Wiley continues to inspire hope, restore dignity, and strengthen communities.

Kiah Clingman

Kiah Clingman is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, director, and performer dedicated to telling stories that elevate unheard voices and illuminate overlooked truths. A proud alumna of Princeton High School and Howard University, Kiah credits Princeton City Schools with laying the foundation for her academic excellence, artistic discipline, and sense of belonging.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and double minors in Theatre and History, Kiah transitioned from federal consulting at Deloitte to pursue storytelling full-time through her production company, KiahCanProductions. She has since produced more than 30 award-winning short films screened at major festivals worldwide.

Kiah served as lead producer on the feature film Color Book (2024), developed through the Tribeca/AT&T Untold Stories Program, and supported by a $1 million grant. The film premiered at Tribeca, earned international acclaim, received multiple jury and audience awards, and garnered two NAACP Image Award nominations. Her work has been recognized by institutions including Sundance Collab, the Southern Producers Lab, and Reimagine ATL.

In addition to producing and directing, Kiah has appeared on screen, including a guest role on Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt. Her upcoming projects continue to explore women’s health, social justice, and community storytelling. Guided by her motto, “telling the stories others are afraid to tell,” Kiah remains a dedicated mentor and advocate for emerging filmmakers and underrepresented voices nationwide.

Lawrence Charles Hawkins III

Lawrence Charles Hawkins III embodies leadership, service, and lifelong Princeton pride. A graduate of Princeton High School (Class of 1993), his early involvement in athletics, student government, music, and the arts shaped the well-rounded leader he would become. Serving twice as class president and later as student body president, Lawrence developed the leadership foundation that continues to guide his public service.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wittenberg University, where he was a four-year varsity football letter winner and team captain, and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, receiving multiple academic and advocacy honors. Lawrence has also enjoyed success in media and entertainment, earning Emmy Awards for his work as a co-host of children’s television programming.

Professionally, Lawrence has built a distinguished legal career as a prosecutor and private attorney, representing clients in criminal defense, personal injury, probate, and contract law. His commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom through extensive service on legal and civic boards.

In public service, Lawrence has served as Mayor of the City of Springdale, a long-standing City Council member, and chair or member of numerous municipal boards and commissions. He is also a sixth-degree black belt and owner of Yoseikan Cincinnati Karate Dojo, mentoring students in discipline and character.

Lawrence Hawkins’ career reflects a deep commitment to leadership, integrity, and community service—values rooted in his Princeton education.

Tom Benjamin

Tom Benjamin’s distinguished career exemplifies service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to both community and alma mater. A proud Princeton graduate, Tom pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, building a career defined not only by professional excellence but by humanity, courage, and inclusion.

Serving with the Glendale Fire Department and Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, Tom rose through the ranks to leadership roles, including Captain and Assistant Fire Chief. Over his career, he earned numerous commendations, including Officer of the Year honors, a Medal of Honor for Courage, and recognition for securing critical federal grants that enhanced firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities. He also founded and commanded departmental Honor Guards and served as Deputy Director of the Ohio Firefighter Assistance Team, helping families across Ohio navigate the unimaginable loss of a firefighter killed in the line of duty.

In retirement, Tom has devoted extraordinary energy to giving back to Princeton City Schools. Through decades of volunteer leadership with PTAs, levy committees, music boosters, and the Princeton Education Foundation, he has helped raise funds, launch scholarships, modernize programs, and strengthen Princeton Pride.

Whether protecting lives as a firefighter or strengthening schools as a volunteer leader, Tom Benjamin’s legacy is one of quiet courage, selfless service, and deep loyalty to the community that shaped him.

Gabriel Ransenberg

Gabriel Ransenberg is a nationally respected librarian, educator, and community builder whose career reflects a deep commitment to youth development, literacy, and inclusive access to resources. Since 2014, Gabriel has served with the Austin Public Library, advancing innovative programming that bridges generations, cultures, and communities.

As a Librarian II, Gabriel has mentored teen and adult interns, created impactful youth programming, and launched initiatives such as the GrandPals Program, connecting senior citizens and preschool children through creative engagement. His work extends to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, refugees, and youth in juvenile detention by securing funding, technology access, and educational resources that promote opportunity and dignity.

Gabriel is the creator and host of “The Van Show,” an author interview series producing dozens of conversations annually and preserved through the Austin History Center’s Oral History Archive. He has also partnered with schools, hospitals, and community organizations to expand early literacy, storytelling, and arts-based engagement.

He holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in Film from Columbia College Chicago, blending storytelling with service throughout his career.

Through creativity, compassion, and collaboration, Gabriel Ransenberg has transformed libraries into vibrant community hubs, empowering individuals of all ages and backgrounds to learn, connect, and thrive.

Karen Williams is a seasoned fundraising and development professional with more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As the Founder of SPARK Philanthropy (SPARK), Karen empowers nonprofits to maximize their impact and achieve long-term success.

As the first and only Black woman-led fundraising consulting firm in Cincinnati, Karen is a trailblazer in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fundraising profession.

Karen's distinguished career is marked by her exceptional leadership in guiding development and advancement teams for organizations such as the National Speaking of Women's Health Foundation, Monster.com's Diversity Leadership Program, TriHealth's Spirit of Women, St. Vincent de Paul, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati and the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.

Through SPARK, Karen advises nonprofits across the country on philanthropic giving and partnering with boards and leadership to drive fund development and governance initiatives. With a successful track record in strategic planning, major gift programs, corporate giving, and capital campaigns, Karen has raised more than $50 million for both private and public philanthropic campaigns.

Her volunteer roles exemplify Karen's commitment to community involvement as a founding member of the Princeton High School Education Foundation and her active engagement as a board member with various organizations, including WordPlay and the D.A.D. Initiative, A Picture's Worth, Women of Cincy, and Ursuline Academy.

Karen is a proud graduate of Princeton High School, Class of 1995. She received her undergraduate degree from Ohio University and holds an advanced degree in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy. Karen is currently working toward her certification as an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional.

Vada A. Stephens, II is a dynamic public servant and community leader who made history in 2023 when Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece appointed him as her Chief of Staff, making him the youngest person to hold this position in Hamilton County.

As Chief of Staff, Vada has been instrumental in implementing Commissioner Reece's groundbreaking agenda focused on improving the lives of thousands of Hamilton County residents. His work encompasses critical initiatives including affordable housing, the 513 Relief Bus, the Cincy Black Music Walk of Fame, and securing funding for veterans and senior citizens.

A proud Princeton High School Viking and Miami University graduate, Vada distinguished himself as a student leader during his academic career. His impressive political experience includes two congressional internships at the federal level—serving in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate—and selection as a fellow with the White House under the Biden-Harris Administration. He is currently furthering his education as a fellow at Harvard Law School.

Vada's commitment to community leadership continues through his role as President of the Southwest Ohio Young Black Democrats for the 2025-2026 term. Under his previous leadership, the organization hosted more than 15 community engagement events, raised over $5,000, launched the innovative "Double Check Your Voter ID Campaign," and conducted virtual trainings reaching over 100 participants. His team registered hundreds of voters, organized multiple canvassing activities, and initiated the "Black Votes Matter" social media campaign targeting young voters. The organization has seen a 40% increase in membership and expanded its Executive Board to nine members, strengthening its representation within the Hamilton County Democratic Party.

A multi-talented individual, Vada holds degrees in Music Performance and English. He is a trained vocalist who balances his political career with his artistic pursuits. Vada is also an active member of the Urban League Young Professionals, further demonstrating his dedication to community service and professional development.

Vada was recognized by the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio in the 2024 Class of Affrimed Honorees. His commitment to empowering young voices in politics continues to create positive change throughout Southwest Ohio.

"Tradition Never Graduates" 

Nominate notable alumni who have been outstanding in their professional accomplishments or have made significant achievements benefiting their local or global communities. Thanks to the Princeton Education Foundation and the Princeton Alumni Association for sponsoring these awards. 

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

The Princeton High School Distinguished Alumni have made a unique contribution in one of the following six categories: Arts/Humanities, Business/Industry, Community Service, Education, Public Service, Special Recognition. A person should have received recognition on one or more of the following levels: International, National, Regional, and/or Local. This recognition is a celebration of what the person has accomplished over time. Only graduates of Princeton High School are eligible for this award. This award can be given posthumously in the event the nominee has deceased.

DISTINGUISHED EMERITUS AWARD

The Distinguished Emeritus Award is reserved for former staff and administrators of the District who have made a profound impact on the lives of our Vikings. Traits exhibited by these outstanding staff & administrators reflect their character and morals as educators and a genuine compassion for their students as human beings. This award can be given posthumously in the event the nominee has deceased.

FRIEND OF PRINCETON

The Friend of Princeton award is reserved for community and/or business partners who have gone above & beyond in their loyalty to and support of the Princeton City Schools. This is our way of helping the District thank our incredible community for their unwavering and continued support.

NOMINATION FORM

A person who wishes to nominate a Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Emeritus, or Friend of Princeton shall complete and submit the nomination form by CLICKING HERE. In the event the applicant is deceased or unable to complete the application, a family member or representative may complete the application form.