A Chef, A Surgeon, An Executive: Strongsville's Honored Alums

STRONGSVILLE, OH — The Strongsville Schools have announced this year's class of Strongsville High School Distinguished Alumni. The class includes a healthcare executive, a noted surgeon and college professor and a well-known chef.

Thomas Laub, Dr. Steven Houser and Jonathon Sawyer will be inducted into the SHS Distinguished Alumni group on April 17. The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will include a ceremony honoring the three men. That event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Recreation Center.

Tickets for the event are already on-sale. Folks interested in attending can purchase tickets through the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce, either by phone at 440-238-3366 or on the Chamber's website (www.strongsvillechamber.com). Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased before 12 p.m. on April 13.

Meet the Inductees

Thomas Laub, class of 1964, is a retired Medical Mutual of Ohio executive. He held several different positions with the company and contributed to the strategic vision and long-term successes of Medical Mutual of Ohio. He has been a long time supporter of the Strongsville community, volunteering his time both in the schools and throughout the city.

Dr. Steven Houser, class of 1985, is a surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology at MetroHealth Medical Center. He is also an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Case Western Reserve University. Houser has been a president of both the Northeast Ohio Head and Neck Surgery Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. He continues to mentor young doctors and provide patient care.

Finally, meet Chef Jonathon Sawyer, class of 1998. Well-known to Northeast Ohioans, Sawyer's restaurants include Trentina, Noodlecat and The Greenhouse Tavern. All of his restaurants are operated under the "Team Sawyer" brand. In 2015, Sawyer won a prestigious James Beard award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. He is also a tireless supporter of local agriculture and sustainable businesses both in Northeast Ohio and around the nation.

Photos from Strongsville Schools; First photo: Jonathon Sawyer; Second: Tom Laub; Third: Dr. Houser