The Ottawa community's love affair with Ottawa Township High School's notable alumni will be conducted this year on Valentine's Day, Saturday, Feb. 14.

That evening, a banquet and ceremony will be at the school to honor the nine individuals who will be installed into the OTHS Hall of Fame. Additionally, inductees will be introduced at the OTHS basketball game the prior evening.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2006 by the OTHS District 140 Educational Foundation, Inc. The focus of the Hall of Fame is to recognize excellence in achievement while a high school student, after leaving OTHS, or a combination of both.

Further, honorees may or may not have attended Ottawa High but were significant and accomplished contributors to OTHS. Also considered are OTHS teams or groups.

As a result of a nomination and selection process, the inductees are:

George Willy: Willy served OTHS from 1942-1967 as a faculty member and administrator. He became assistant principal, serving under Principal MacRae Shannon in 1954 while continuing to teach an advanced wood shop class.

During his tenure as an administrator, the titles of the assistant principal and principal were changed to principal and superintendent, respectively. He delayed his retirement to serve for two years as interim superintendent following the death of Superintendent Shannon.

Willy attended the Nebraska State Teachers College at Peru, Neb., earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1924. In 1941, he received a masters degree from the University of Nebraska. He played football in high school and his skills drew the attention of a local businessman who offered to pay for his tuition, books and fees if he would attend the Nebraska State Teachers College and play football there.

As he began his career in 1924, first as a teacher and later as principal in Wilber, Neb., he continued playing football in Nebraskas semi-professional, barnstorming leagues in the 1920s and 1930s.

Val Van der Meer: Van der Meer was one of the founders of the OTHS Booster Club and was a longtime and avid supporter of the school, its students and its athletic programs. He also was committed to the people of Ottawa and the surrounding community. He was instrumental in helping former students and others find employment in the area, taking a special and personal interest in each one. He was committed to sportsmanship and citizenship, regardless of school or community affiliation. For many years he attended all of the OTHS athletic events, both home and away.

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OTHS 2015 Hall of Fame inductees announced