Mr. Chas Myers is the recipient of the 2026 Gene Stechschulte Award. Mr. Myers is well known as the longtime band director of Kalida Local Schools, touching the lives of hundreds of students over the years. 

Rita Iliff and Jacob Litwiller both nominated Mr. Myers for this year’s award. Those nomination letters can be found below. Upon notification, Mr. Myers was emotionally surprised, and very honored to be recognized and extremely appreciative for being selected by the committee.

Chas and his wife, Beth, have an impressive track record at Kalida, continue to live in Ottawa and are involved in many activities around the area. He is especially proud of his band alumni and is thrilled anytime he has the opportunity to catch up with them.  His legacy is evident in many aspects of their lives, much like that of Gene Stechschulte and the lives he touched.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Chas Myers for the Gene Stechschulte Award. As the current band director at Kalida Local Schools, I have had the privilege of working closely with Chas for nearly a decade, and I can confidently say that his unwavering dedication to our students and community makes him an exceptional candidate for this honor.

Chas retired from his position as band director after many years of service, but his influence continues to resonate throughout Kalida's music department. His contributions during his tenure were immeasurable, and he played an instrumental role in not only fostering musical excellence but also in shaping the character and confidence of his students. Under his guidance, countless students developed a love for music, and many went on to achieve great success in their personal and professional lives.

Since his retirement, Chas has remained a constant and positive presence in our schools and community. His commitment to Kalida's students has never wavered; he continues to provide individual lessons, feedback, and mentorship to our students. Chas has a unique ability to connect with the current generation of students, many of whom are children and grandchildren of those he taught during his tenure. His warm, approachable nature, combined with his vast knowledge and experience, makes him an invaluable resource for our students. The kids look forward to interacting with him, and he continues to inspire them, just as he did with those who came before them.

Chas's ongoing work with the Kalida Wildcat Marching Band is one of the most remarkable examples of his continued dedication. Even after retirement, he has poured countless hours into drill and visual design, consulting, and mentoring both students and staff. His creative input and experienced eye have helped shape the visual identity and overall success of the program in recent years. Chas's ability to balance tradition with innovation has strengthened our marching band and provided our students with unforgettable experiences on and off the field. His encouragement and feedback continue to elevate the program to new levels of excellence.

In addition to his work in music education, Chas has also made significant contributions to the Kalida community through his involvement with the Putnam County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. His dedication to service and his belief in helping others are just another example of the positive, selfless influence he has had on our community. Whether he was volunteering his time to assist with home builds or organizing efforts to help families in need, Chas's commitment to improving the lives of others has been truly remarkable.

Chas's impact goes far beyond just music education. He is a model of integrity, respect, and citizenship. He consistently acts as a mentor, not only to students but also to fellow educators, always offering guidance, encouragement, and a cheerful attitude. His positive influence extends throughout Kalida, both in and out of the classroom, making him a beloved figure in our community. Chas embodies the qualities that the Gene Stechschulte Award recognizes: a positive, enthusiastic mentor who supports the growth of our youth and promotes the values that make Kalida such a special place.

It is without hesitation that I recommend Chas Myers for the Gene Stechschulte Award. His ongoing commitment to the students of Kalida, his dedication to fostering confidence and pride, his service to the community, and his embodiment of the values of integrity and respect make him a truly deserving candidate. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and friendship he has provided me, and I am certain that Chas's impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Thank you for your consideration of this nomination.

Sincerely,

Jacob Litwiller

Band Director

Kalida Local Schools

I am nominating Chas Myers for the GeneStechschulte award. Chas began his Kalida career as a band and choir teacher in the summer of 1976 and retired at the end of the 2002-03 school year. He actually taught six out of the seven of Gene and Mary Jane's kids. He may not have planned to finish his career in Kalida, but the support he got from people here made him want to stay. Like Gene, he became a Kalida legend. He shares many of Gene's qualities. He is very friendly and will talk to anyone. He was very dedicated to his work in helping the kids of Kalida. He wanted students to have fun in band and choir, but he also encouraged them to be the best they could be and be involved with many different activities and sports. He made the students feel as if they were part of a big family.

Many students and parents still talk about how much they enjoyed going on the band trips. Under his leadership, the KHS marching band won many awards and received many superior ratings. This tradition of excellence still continues today. Chas continues to help with the band by writing marching band drills, helping percussion students, and judging band shows. He, like Gene, is very respected. Many former students still consider him one of their favorite teachers.

Besides helping the kids of Kalida, Chas is like Gene in another way. He makes his faith a huge priority. He is an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He served multiple terms on his church council, including serving as the Clerk of the Session. He also directs their church choir and has done so for many years. He even had the Kalida Marching Band perform inside Kalida St. Michael Church because he knew that faith was a big part of his students' and their parents' lives, too.

Chas has also used his time and talents to help the people of Putnam County. After the major flooding of the Blanchard River in 2007, he was actively involved in coordinating volunteer groups who came to Ottawa for many months. At the same time, he and some other people worked to establish a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Putnam County, which finally happened on March 1, 2009. Chas served as Volunteer Executive Director until a grant enabled them to hire a director.

Kalida may not have been his hometown, but he wanted the very best for Kalida. I feel he is very deserving. Because of this, I hope you consider him to become the next recipient o f the Gene Stechschulte award. My kids and grandkids have also been involved in the band.

Thank you for your consideration.

Rita Iliff