The Indian Lake Board of Education presented the 2026 Indian Lake Schools Distinguished Alumni Award to two men who have made significant impacts in the world of science during their regular April Board of Education meeting recently.
Board of Education members and Dr. Underwood were proud to honor Mr. Randy Kelly and Mr. Mike Kinnan.
Indian Lake Class of 1977 graduate Randy Kelly was surrounded by friends and family for the ceremony. After beginning his career at the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Randy rose to become a global authority in crash-test technology. He later started his own business in the industry. Kelly credited his family and many members of the Class of 1977 for his success. He remains a proud Laker, now cheering on six grandchildren who attend Indian Lake Schools.
He said, "With crash test dummies, I think my kids didn't know what I did with those for 20 years! But I got to travel the world and it was a great opportunity and a blessing."
Indian Lake Class of 1966 graduate Mike Kinnan served as a NASA scientist for 41 years, leading the malfunction investigation laboratory and managing planetary payloads for missions to Mars and Jupiter. Kinnan joined the awards night via Zoom from his home near NASA in Titusville, Florida.
He said, "I've got a lot of fond memories of my high school years at Indian Lake and especially my ninth grade science teacher, Bill Davis. He is probably responsible for me deciding to join NASA after I graduated from college."
Davis, a former ILHS Science teacher, was also at the ceremony.
Learn more about Mr. Kelly and Mr. Kinnan below.
In his report, Superintendent Underwood recognized several ILHS athletes who earned state recognition in their winter sport including Ke'Shawn Blackwell (wrestling), Jordan Henderson (wrestling), Avery Pequignot (basketball), Annie Rapp (wrestling), Brandon Riffell (wrestling) Brodey Reisinger (basketball)
and Christopher Timms (wrestling).
The board approved several supplemental contracts for the 2026-27 school year and hired two new teachers who are Indian Lake alumni, Callie Notestine for ILMS Intervention and Isaac Roby for ILHS Science.
Finally, board members approved the retirement of two longtime Indian Lake employees. Mrs. Deb Metzger is leaving after 27 years as an ILHS paraprofessional and ILHS Secretary Mrs. Lisa Beale is retiring after 20 years. We wish them the very best!
The Indian Lake Board of Education will meet again on Monday, May 18 at 5:30 pm in the board office.
Randy Kelly Induction
It is a privilege to present James R. “Randy” Kelly, a member of the Indian Lake High School Class of 1977, for induction into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
A natural leader during his time at Indian Lake, Randy served as Class President and FFA President while earning varsity letters in basketball and cross country. These formative years built a foundation for a remarkable 46-year career dedicated to automotive and aerospace safety—a journey defined by a singular commitment to saving lives.
After beginning his career at the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Randy rose to become a global authority in crash-test technology. As Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for Robert A. Denton, Inc., he expanded the reach of life-saving sensors and crash-test dummies across Europe and Asia. A true advocate for safety, Randy held a U.S. patent for side-impact testing and shared his expertise with the world through appearances on PBS, Today, and Sport Science. He concluded his professional chapter in 2024 as a co-founder of EUROAMERICA-LLC, leaving a legacy of innovation that has prevented countless injuries worldwide.
Since returning home to Logan County, Randy’s devotion to the "Laker" spirit has only grown. He serves as the 2026 President of Behind the Badge, supporting the Logan County Sheriff’s Department, and mentors the next generation through the United Way Lunch Buddies program at Indian Lake Elementary. Whether he is volunteering or cheering on his seven grandchildren from the stands, Randy wears the Indian Lake name with immense pride. His life of integrity and service stands as a shining example of the excellence this award represents.
Mike Kinnan Induction
It is an honor to present Mike Kinnan, a member of the Indian Lake High School Class of 1966, for induction into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
Voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by his peers, Mike lived up to that promise through a stellar 41-year career with NASA. After earning his Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, Mike joined the Kennedy Space Center in 1971. His expertise spanned critical roles, from conducting failure analyses in the Malfunction Investigation Laboratory to managing planetary payloads for missions to Mars and Jupiter.
Mike’s leadership was pivotal to the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. As a Payload Manager, he was a fixture in the Launch Control Room during countdowns, and as Manager of the Space Station Integration Office, he worked daily with astronauts and international partners from Russia, Italy, and Japan. His extraordinary contributions earned him some of NASA’s highest honors, including the prestigious Astronaut Silver Snoopy Award and multiple Exceptional Service Medals.
Since retiring in 2012, Mike has dedicated himself to his family and his faith, serving his church, pursuing a chaplaincy certification, and even sharing his joy of movement as a ballroom dance instructor. Mike Kinnan’s journey from Indian Lake to the heights of space exploration serves as a powerful inspiration to us all.