The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School District inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame on Friday morning, welcoming 1969 graduate Belynda “Bo” Frieden and long-time soccer coach Charlie Luse.
Frieden, a bus driver and community leader in performing arts, is completing her 50th year of service with the district.
“There are advantages to growing up in a small town, don’t take that for granted,” Frieden said to a crowd of supporters, as well as the Bellbrook High School class of 2023.
Freiden is well known throughout the community, being honored numerous times. In 2019 she was named the Ohio Bus Driver of the Year for her selfless dedication to the students and district. In 2002, she was the Bellbrook Citizen of the Year, and in 2019, she was the Grand Marshall of the Sugar Maple Festival Parade.
Before closing her remarks with a poem, Freiden said simply to the seniors in attendance, “Follow your dreams, be kind to everyone and show respect. You never know, you can be the one who changes the world.”
Frieden became licensed to teach baton and judge in baton competitions. What started as a hobby turned into a career for her as she was the director of the Bellbrook Eaglettes for over 30 years. Through her leadership and knowledge, many girls learned to twirl from a young age through high school. The Bellbrook Eaglettes won numerous titles in competitions at the state and national level, and they performed internationally. Freiden also coached the BHS Colorguard to many state, regional and national titles over several decades. In addition to her career as a baton and colorguard instructor, Freiden began driving a school bus for Bellbrook when she turned 21.
Luse, who began his coaching career in 1985 as an assistant coach, amassed 200+ career wins and made numerous contributions to Bellbrook Athletics. He still serves as assistant athletic director.
Under his leadership, the boys soccer team won 15 league titles. They were the district runners-up three times, district champions three times, and won a regional championship and went to the state final four in 1993. His teams had two undefeated regular seasons in 1993 and 2003. Luse was named Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2007. He was South Dayton Coach of the Year nine times and Dayton District Coach of the Year six times.
Luse attributed his success on the pitch to those who surrounded him both on the field and off. He honored his former assistant coaches, players and team moms, as well as his late-wife, Cindy and his two daughters.
“I surrounded myself with good people and my inclusion into this hall of fame is a reflection of that,” Luse said.
In addition to his success as a coach, Luse served the community in numerous ways, including chairing the school levy committee. He took student athletes to TOPS soccer and helped young adults with developmental disabilities. Charlie was the Athletic Boosters President for three years and was instrumental in the startup of the swim and dive team as a varsity sport.
Original source can be found here.
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