Westlake Alumni Association Announce 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Class includes 4 Athletic, 2 Distinguished and 1 Honorary

The Westlake Alumni Association is proud to announce the induction of seven (7) new members into the Westlake Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2026 will be introduced on Friday, February 6, during the Westlake High School Boys Basketball game. The official Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 1, as part of Homecoming Weekend. Additional ceremony details will be announced at a later date.

This year’s inductees represent excellence in athletics, distinguished professional achievement, and lifelong service to the Westlake Schools community.

In the Athletic Category:

Colton Buffington: Colton’s name and the sport of tennis have become synonymous. This class of 2012 netter was a four-time Southwestern Conference Singles Champion; a three-time All-Sectional Honoree; a three-time All Ohio Honoree topped off with his State of Ohio Singles Championship in 2012. Compiling 39-0 record in 2012 and a career record of 151-9 Colton Buffington will forever be included in any conversation covering the high school tennis scene in the State of Ohio, much less Westlake High School.

Joe Craven: Joe, a 2011 graduate, became the first boy swimmer to earn a State of Ohio Championship. Joe won the 100-meter butterfly State of Ohio Championship in 2011 and was a National High School All American swimmer that year. This three-time state swimming qualifier currently holds five individual school swimming records coupled with three relay records. Along with his accomplishments in the pool, Joe Craven was a National Merit Semi-Finalist and is an Eagle Scout.

Jack Laraway: Jack is a proud 1978 graduate. This nine-letter winner earned three letters each in football, basketball and baseball. Jack earned SWC All Conference awards in all three of his chosen sports. In the 1977-1978 season, Jack Laraway became the Southwestern Conference MVP in basketball. That season, Jack led the Demons to a 12-1 conference record, coupled with an overall record of 17-4. Upon graduation from Westlake, Jack furthered his stellar athletic career at the University of Toledo playing football. In Jack’s final season at Toledo Jack was elected Captain while leading the Rockets to a MAC Championship.

Katie Wise Pederson: A 2000 Westlake grad, Katie put Demon girls swimming to the forefront. Katie was a four-time State of Ohio qualifier finishing in the top 8 at the State meet each of her four years. Her accomplishments at the State meet include a 4th place finish in the 100-meter freestyle, a 3rd place finish in the 100-yard butterfly in her junior year and a 2nd place finish in the 100-yard butterfly her senior year. In 2000 Katie missed qualifying for the United States Olympic Trials by a mere 0.1 seconds. Katie is currently serving as the Westlake Demons’ Swimming Coach.

In the Distinguished Category:

Michelle Colley Girard: The 1983 Class of Westlake High School is certainly proud to have as one of its members Michelle Colley Girard. Earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from Miami of Ohio, where she is on the Farmer School of Business Advisory Council. Michelle currently serves as Head of US, NatWest, CEO of NatWest Market Securities Inc. NatWest is a major retail and commercial bank based in the United Kingdom. Michelle has become a noted economic advisor analyzing developments in international trade and geopolitics. She is a regular speaker and commentator on radio and television, including CNBC, Fox Business, Bloomberg TV, and Yahoo Finance.

Dan Berkheimer: Dan is a 1981 graduate who returned to his alma mater to serve as a teacher and coach. Dan earned letters in Football, Wrestling and Track. In addition, he served as Co-Captain of the 1980 Southwestern Conference Football Champions. Dan’s 34-year teaching career saw him develop outstanding athletes in Volleyball and Track. His career included fostering 10 State of Ohio Field Event qualifiers while serving as an Assistant Track Coach, as well as producing 6 sectional volleyball championships while acting as the Demon Volleyball coach for 14 years. For his teaching and coaching efforts Dan was awarded the 2002 Bob Hersman Coach of the Year.

The Honorary Category

Len Siwik (posthumous): From 1961 through 1992, Len Siwik served the students of the Westlake School District. A teacher, a coach as well as a high school guidance counselor, Len Siwik always put his students first. His first role was as a Physical Education instructor as well as serving as 9th grade Football Coach and Basketball Coach. While teaching and coaching and raising his family, Len pursued his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. Teaching and coaching are only a part of the Siwik story as Len taught Driver’s Education, formed a touch football league, started a Learn to Golf Program and supervised elementary Saturday Morning Recreation. This teacher, counselor and coach is most deserving of his induction.

The Alumni Association is looking forward to a wonderful night celebrating the new inductees on February 6th and on October 1st. The public is welcome to attend both events. For more details, please contact Megan Moutoux (moutoux@wlake.org), Westlake Alumni Coordinator.