Phyllis Marcus

Mrs. Marcus is an accomplished educator who dedicated her life’s work to enriching the lives of students around the globe. She was valedictorian of her class at Eldred (Pa.) High School, and later graduated with honors from Mansfield University.

In her time as a first grade teacher in the Olean City School District, Mrs. Marcus published a sequential phonics guide which was distributed throughout the nation for teachers, provided free tutoring with children of all levels in math and reading, and negotiated a significant grant to bring the Challenger Learning Center to the greater Olean area.

Following her retirement from the school system, Mrs. Marcus volunteered her time teaching at New Life Christian School, and continued to provide free tutoring for more than 25 children per week. She has helped several underprivileged individuals learn to read and write, and even mentored a teacher in South America so he could come to the United States and obtain his doctorate degree. Mrs. Marcus received the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Good News” Award in 2001, and was a six-time recipient of the region’s “Who’s Who” recognition.

Paul Preston
OHS Class of 1978

Paul Preston, a 1978 graduate of Olean High, is a non-profit executive who has spent the duration of his career assisting those in need.

During his tenure at DePaul, Inc. — which provides assisted living services for seniors; residential, rehabilitation and treatment services to individuals with developmental disabilities; and addiction prevention and support services — the company grew from a small mental health clinic serving the needs of children and adults in Rochester, New York to a multi-faceted agency providing care to more than 5,000 people annually in 19 counties in both New York and North Carolina. Mr. Preston began his tenure there as a live-in counselor in 1984, and his hard work and dedication later earned him a position as executive director and vice president.

Mr. Preston received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters in Counseling from St. Bonaventure University, and has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Long-Term Care Facilities.

Lisa Napolione
OHS Class of 1983

Ms. Napolione, a 1983 Olean High graduate and class valedictorian, is a successful research and development executive who has worked with some of our nation’s most valued products and corporations.

Lisa began her career as a scientist and engineer at Procter & Gamble, and progressed through a series of positions of increasing responsibility, up until being named research and development global general manager for the corporation. She then transitioned to senior vice president and global head of research and development at Novartis, a world leader in the research and development of products to protect and improve health and well-being.

Ms. Napolione is a team leader with United Way and committee member with the Every Child Succeeds Program, and works with several organizations to increase students’ interest and exposure to math, science and engineering. She graduated from Clarkson University as a biochemical engineer, served two terms on Clarkson’s Board of Trustees, and was honored with the university’s Most Prestigious Alumni Award in 2012.