NOMINATIONS
Do you know an educator or an alumnus of Olympic who has made outstanding contributions to our school, its community and beyond? We invite you to nominate them for the Order of the Trojan!
Nominations for 2025 close on May 31, 2025.
Order of the Trojan
Celebrating the individuals who have made significant contributions to our school and broader community.
The Order of the Trojan, initiated by the Olympic High School Foundation, is a recognition program to honor those who have profoundly impacted our school and the wider community. Through this initiative, we aim to annually recognize the exemplary contributions of two educators and two alumni who embody the spirit of excellence and service that defines Olympic High School. The educators selected have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering the intellectual and emotional growth of students, significantly enhancing the educational experience at Olympic. Meanwhile, the honored alumni have made noteworthy achievements or contributions that reflect positively on the school, serving as role models for what can be accomplished with an education from Olympic.
Selection Process
Nominees for this prestigious recognition are put forward by the Olympic High School community each spring, highlighting individuals whose actions and achievements resonate with the school's values and aspirations. This inclusive nomination process ensures that the honorees are chosen from a diverse pool of candidates, each with their own unique contributions to the school's legacy. The selection is meticulously carried out over the summer by the Foundation and previous inductees of the Order of the Trojan, ensuring that those selected for induction truly represent the pinnacle of excellence and dedication to the school and its community.
ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY
The culmination of this process is celebrated at an Induction Ceremony each fall, where the new inductees are formally welcomed into the Order of the Trojan. This event not only serves as a platform to honor their achievements but also to inspire the current students and the broader Olympic community. The names of those inducted are engraved on the Order of the Trojan sculpture, which stands prominently in the school's lobby. This permanent recognition serves as a testament to their lasting contributions to Olympic, reinforcing the sense of unity and pride within the Olympic family and encouraging ongoing support and engagement with the foundation's efforts to enhance the educational landscape at Olympic High School.
2024 Order of the Trojan Inductees
Dave Johnson, Educator 1968-2009
Coach Johnson dedicated 41 years to Olympic High School as a math teacher and coach, leading various sports, including football and baseball. As athletic director from 1986 to 1998, he played a key role in enhancing the school’s athletic programs and served as president of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association in 1991-92. In recognition of his lasting impact, Olympic named its football stadium in his honor.
Mike Realon, Educator 2003-2022
Mike served as an educator at Olympic High School from 2003 to 2022. He played a pivotal role in aligning education with local industry needs and championed experiential learning through apprenticeships and industry partnerships, enhancing students' career readiness. Mike was instrumental in establishing the advanced manufacturing lab at Olympic, earning recognition from Microsoft as one of America’s top innovative educators for his transformative approach to public education.
Bruce Dye, Alumni Class of 1973
Graduate of the Class of 1973, Bruce’s pivotal challenge pledge in 2013 was instrumental in the creation of the Olympic High School Foundation; he offered a substantial donation if a foundation was established and could match his contribution. His commitment and generosity helped establish the foundation, making a lasting impact on the future of Olympic High School. A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bruce continues to make significant impacts through his business ventures and charitable efforts in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and beyond.
Charles Beatty, Alumni Class of 1980
An alumnus from the class of 1980, Charles was the first chairman of the Olympic High School Foundation. He has built a career helping clients create legacies through strategic financial planning. A passionate philanthropist, he supports numerous causes, including the Olympic High School Foundation and various community organizations. Charles is recognized for his commitment to giving back and enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor activities, and enjoying life on their family farm.