The Lockport High School Foundation will host its annual Distinguished Alumni induction ceremony Aug. 19 at the LHS auditorium. Seven graduates will be honored for their professional and civic contributions to society.
A reception in the foyer will begin at 6 p.m. and the induction ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m. All community members are welcome.
Judy Arlington
Judy Arlington graduated from Lockport High School in 1985. She is a distinguished NCAA Division III All-American student-athlete, accomplished coach, and dedicated community leader whose impact spans athletics, education and service. A standout at SUNY Cortland, she was an 8-time All-American in cross country and track and field, finishing as the 1989 NCAA Division III National Runner-Up and contributing to a national championship team. She will be inducted into the Cortland Athletic Hall of Fame this fall, honoring her athletic abilities and contributions to her community. She continued her success post-collegiately as a top competitor in the Western New York running community, earning honors such as Buffalo News Female Runner of the Year. In recognition of her contributions to sport and community, Judy was inducted into the Western New York Running Hall of Fame in 2018.
Judy has devoted more than 30 years to serving individuals with special needs, working with organizations including People Inc., Autism Services, Geneseo ARC, and the Lockport City School District, where she currently serves as a Transition Coordinator Consultant. She has made a lasting impact in collegiate athletics as a coach at Medaille College and Daemen University, mentoring student athletes and helping elevate programs to conference and national prominence.
While her athletic and professional achievements are significant, Judy is most proud of her leadership in the community. As Past President of the Kenan Center Board of Directors and current Co-Chair of the Kenan Civic Arena capital campaign, she is helping to lead a transformational project that will create a welcoming space for all. The Kenan Civic Arena will serve as a place where the community can gather, connect, and grow, leaving a lasting impact on Lockport for generations to come. She also volunteers at the All Saints Food Pantry and serves on the Community Outreach Committee for Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union.
Judy’s heart and commitment to giving are evident in everything she does, leaving a lasting mark on the people and communities she serves.
Judy continues to live in Lockport with her husband David. She loves spending time with her two daughters, Margaret and Hannah, her son David, and two grandchildren, Sophie and Benjamin, and her entire family.
Christopher Arnold
Christopher Arnold graduated from Lockport High School in 1972. He has been a lifelong resident of Lockport. He was fortunate to have two loving parents who instilled in him the importance and value of working hard, making a difference, giving back and being kind. His father was an extraordinary role model and mentor. Christopher began his illustrious work life at 12 as a Union Sun and Journal paperboy. He later worked at various jobs—a clerk, farm worker, cleaning assistant, and seasonal labor for the LCSD. He worked for the LCSD in one role or another since he was 17, beginning as a seasonal laborer. He was a part-time assistant custodian, custodian, school counselor, grant writer, assistant principal, principal, Title IX Officer, civil rights officer, educational consultant, and crisis counselor. He was one of three administrators to be nationally certified by the Glasser Institute. Christopher also facilitated the development of the first crisis intervention plan for the LCSD. He has served and held office on the following community boards — LSFCU, LCTV, Rotary, EAP, Wyndham Lawn, and Happy Times Daycare.
In senior high school, he was Chairman of The First Presbyterian Interfaith Youth Group. As an adult, he became a Resource Leader and photographer for the group. He served as a Deacon, Elder, Chairman of Christian Education, and taught Parent Effectiveness classes at First Presbyterian Church.
Christopher is blessed with two amazing children, Zachary and Autumn, and five grandchildren—Gabriel, Eden, Jesse, Asher, and Josephine. He enjoys reading, photography, creative writing, boating, bicycling, walking, working out, attending concerts and festivals, listening to music and spending time with his family and friends.
John Lloyd
Brigadier General John Lloyd graduated from Lockport High School in 1986. He is a senior U.S. Army leader and engineer officer who joined the Army after graduation from Lockport Senior High School in 1986. He left for basic training on August 19, 1986, which also happens to be the date of today’s ceremony.
He has served in multiple assignments and deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has held positions across the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Most notably, he was instrumental in the response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, restoring power to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and most recently supporting the recovery of four soldiers killed in Lithuania.
John commands the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division, leading over 2,600 military and civilian professionals across ten states and a $4 billion infrastructure portfolio supporting communities, resilience, and the Joint Force. Previously, he commanded the North Atlantic Division, overseeing 3,700 personnel and nearly $6 billion in programs across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, including a $1.2 billion Civil Works program and USACE’s largest Military Construction and international programs in FY24.
A native of Lockport, John earned his commission through ROTC at Cameron University in Oklahoma and holds a master’s degree in Joint Campaign and Strategic Planning from the National Defense University.
John and his wife, Stacy, have built their life around service, family and adventure across 19 moves and multiple global assignments. They are the proud parents of two incredible children and grandparents to five amazing grandchildren.
Hank Nevins
Hank Nevins graduated from Lockport Senior High School in 1966. He began an amazing career as a broadcaster at age 16 as a color commentator for local sporting events on local radio.
After graduating from Graham College in Boston, he volunteered for service to his country in the U.S. Army. He served in a combat zone in Vietnam with the American Forces Vietnam Network, where he delivered sports and news to our troops.
Hank joined WGR in 1971 and WKBW in 1974. He returned as General Manager of WLVL in Lockport in 1980. His talents took him to host a morning show and manage a station in Albany, New York. He has hosted shows on WBEN, WKBW, WGR and WLVL.
In 1998 Hank transitioned to Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Lockport Memorial Hospital.
He played a key role in the return of WKBW’s “KB” comeback music format from 2003-2006.
Hank was awarded the NYSBA “Outstanding Newscast” Award for work at WLVL in 2022.
Hank has been the voice of our community for many years.
Hank has volunteered for numerous community groups including the United Way, the Eastern Niagara Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Niagara Media Advisory Board, Diocese of Buffalo Media Advisory Board and the WNY Planned Giving Consortium.
Hank is still the news director at WLVL.
Hank is definitely a “Lockport treasure.”
Michael O’Malley
Michael O’Malley graduated from Lockport High School in 1970. From there he went to Niagara University and received a BS Degree in Travel, Hotel, Restaurant & Club Administration. He then went to Georgia State University and received a CMAA-Certified Club Manager Curriculum designation.
Spanning 46 years, he has been working in Club General Management, Resort & Convention Food & Beverage Management, Hospital Dietetic Department Director & Restaurant Management in the Northeast United States.
Mike’s community involvement has been with the Lions Club of Lockport in many positions, including 1st Vice President, President, Treasurer & Sight Fund Chairman. Committee Participation in Finance, Scholarship, Fundraising & Special Events, LCSD Student Vision Screening, Sight Preservation, Diabetes & Avenue of Flags, Publicity & Promotion.
He also volunteers with:
Hopeful Ways Eye Care Mission—Nicoya, Costa Rica 2026. Feed More WNY Volunteers with home-delivered meals 2015-present. Erie Canal “Clean Sweep.”
Mike has received many awards including:
Melvin Jones Progressive Award 2024, Melvin Jones Fellow Award 2022-2023, Lions Past District Governors Leadership Award 2022-2023, Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award 2020-22, Testimonial of Sincere Appreciation Lions Club of Lockport 2020-22.
Mike is the eldest of seven siblings of John and Mary Ann (O’Hara) O’Malley. He was married to Sandie (Metzger), who passed away on Feb. 3. He has a daughter, Megan (Robert) Lease.
Rachel Slowey
Rachel Slowey graduated from Lockport High School in 1999. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia in 2003, Rachel relocated to Tampa, Florida.
Rachel is a business development and strategic partnership executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning technology, workforce solutions, and enterprise growth. Rachel has led enterprise growth initiatives across global markets, serving in executive leadership roles supporting Fortune 100 and 500 organizations throughout the United States, EMEA and APAC regions. During her years in the technology sector, she volunteered with the International Assoc, of Microsoft Channel Partners, serving as President of the Tampa Chapter and later being selected to sit on the Global Board representing the United States as one of only ten members nationwide.
Rachel has been named one of the Top 100 Staffing Leaders to Watch for three consecutive years and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Tampa.
At the age of 37, Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer, a life-changing experience that inspired her to found The Giving Girls, a Tampa Bay nonprofit dedicated to supporting and uplifting those facing difficult times. Through advocacy, mentorship, and community outreach, she has focused on spreading positivity and strength to help others prevail through adversity with dignity and grace.
Today Rachel is building her coaching and personal development platform Slowey Strong, centered around helping others “master how to show up when life takes control away.” Through resilience, mindset and dignified strength, she hopes to empower others navigating uncertainty, illness, and life-altering challenges.
Rachel credits the values instilled by her family, community, and hometown upbringing as the foundation of the grit, integrity, and perseverance she carries with her every day.
Robert Tanis
Robert Tanis graduated from Lockport Senior High School in 1958. While attending the University of Rochester, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. That appointment led to a storied career of patriotic service as a naval pilot.
After eight aircraft carrier landings, he received the coveted “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator. He was deployed as part of Air Group VS-37 on the aircraft carrier the USS Hornet, CVS-12. This group supported troops in Vietnam through submarine detection and support for the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. He served two deployments and during this time Bob received the following medals: Vietnam Service Medal with three stars, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Medal with two stars.
While on deployment, he was honored to make the 89,000th landing on the USS Hornet since being placed into service during WWII. Bob was inducted into the group of Naval Aviators known as the Double Centurions. This recognizes making 200 landings on the USS Hornet as the Pilot-in-Command. He actually made 250 day and night landings on the Hornet.
At this point Bob decided he could still fly airplanes by working for Northwest Airlines and be home most of the time with his family. Bob was married to Reva Szur a classmate for 40 years until her passing in 2003. Bob has a daughter and a son.. He eventually joined Texaco as a talented lubricating engineer working on iron ore mines, paper mills, and hardboard plants. He eventually ended his professional career as an engineer at Emery Industries, where he retired after 23 years.
Bob is still an active pilot flying a Cessna 183 for pleasure. He now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife Eileen who was also one of his 1958 classmates.