Colonel Harry Ray Jr, Educator 1986–2003

Colonel Harry D. Ray Jr. brought a distinguished military career to Olympic High School, where he served 17 years as Senior Army Instructor of the JROTC program. A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, he served 26 years in the U.S. Army and earned two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star for valor, and the Purple Heart. At Olympic, he grew the JROTC program from 96 to 366 cadets, making it the largest corps in CMS. Under his leadership, it was named an Honor Unit with Distinction for 13 years. He also served as CMS Director of Military Instruction and helped revise the national JROTC curriculum. His leadership shaped hundreds of cadets into confident young leaders and citizens.

Julie Blackwelder, Educator 1987-2018

Julie Blackwelder dedicated 31 years to Olympic High School, where she served as chair of the Health and Physical Education Department. She coached volleyball for 15 years and helped with the softball, basketball, and boys’ volleyball programs. She also ran Olympic’s graduation ceremonies for more than 15 years. As sponsor of the Buddy Club, she brought students together to take part in the Special Olympics. Since retiring, Julie has remained a familiar face at Trojan games. She serves as a first responder alongside the head athletic trainer, runs the play clock at football games, and assists referees and visiting teams at basketball games. Her devotion to Olympic and its students has never stopped.

Dan Fesperman, Alumni Class of 1973

Dan Fesperman, a 1973 graduate of Olympic High School, is an acclaimed novelist and former foreign correspondent. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, he reported for papers including the Charlotte News and the Baltimore Sun, where he covered three wars and served as chief of the Berlin bureau. His first novel, Lie in the Dark, won the British Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Award for best first novel. His later work has earned the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and the Dashiell Hammett Prize, and his novel Pariah was named a New Yorker Best Book of 2025. His novel Safe Houses has been adapted into an Apple TV series. Classmates may remember him best for his Howard Cosell impressions on the morning announcements.

James Sweet, Alumni Class of 1986

James Sweet, a 1986 graduate of Olympic High School, is the Vilas-Jartz Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has taught for more than two decades. After earning his BA and MA from UNC-Chapel Hill and his PhD from the City University of New York, he wrote four books, including one that won the 2012 Frederick Douglass Prize. In 2020, he was elected President of the American Historical Association, the largest organization of historians in the world. He is also an award-winning teacher who has coached football at Madison West High School for ten years, where he tutors and mentors students. His dedication to learning reflects the curiosity and character he developed at Olympic.

Joe White, Educator 1966-1979

Joe White was the second person hired at Olympic High School when it opened in 1966 and served as its first athletic director and coach. Over his tenure, he became a cornerstone of the school’s athletic and academic community, coaching multiple sports and mentoring generations of students. His leadership extended beyond Olympic, as he later served as Chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board, helping to shape education policy across the county. Known for his integrity, steady guidance, and deep commitment to young people, Coach White’s legacy continues to inspire excellence at Olympic and throughout the Charlotte region.

Larry Wells, Educator 1969-1992

Larry Wells spent over two decades as Olympic High School’s band director, where he built a legacy of musical excellence and student empowerment. Under his leadership, the Olympic marching band achieved widespread recognition and became a source of pride for the school and its community. More than a music teacher, Larry created a space where students felt seen, supported, and inspired to pursue their passions. His influence lives on through the many alumni who credit him with helping shape their confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging.

Beatrice Thompson, Alumni Class of 1973

Beatrice Thompson, a 1973 graduate of Olympic High School, is a trailblazer in broadcast journalism and one of Charlotte’s most respected voices in media. She was the first African-American woman to anchor a television newscast in Charlotte and has spent decades informing and uplifting the community through her work in radio, television, and public affairs. Beatrice has received numerous honors, including the esteemed Crystal Award from The National Association of Broadcasters, and remains a powerful advocate for equity, education, and civic engagement. Her career is a testament to Olympic’s legacy of excellence.

Mike Shildt, Alumni Class of 1986

Mike Shildt, a proud alumnus of the Class of 1986, has built a remarkable career in Major League Baseball. He is the former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres. Known for his leadership, integrity, and strategic excellence, Mike was named National League Manager of the Year in 2019. Beyond his achievements on the field, he has remained a humble and dedicated supporter of youth development, mentoring players and coaches across the country. His success reflects the values of hard work and character he developed during his years at Olympic.

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.