Garrett High School

Where Character Counts!

Dr. David Lankard moved to Garrett in August, 1950 where he started in the 8th grade at Garrett High School, feeling at home right away. He was in band throughout his school years, graduating in 1955 and entering Purdue University that Fall. 

College years included stops at Indiana University (BS Geology 1959), University of Illinois (MS Ceramics 1965), and Ohio State University (PhD Ceramic Engineering 1970). Professional life began in 1965 in the Construction Materials Group at The Battle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio. In 1978 he started his own small company, Lankard Materials Laboratory, in Columbus, working as a forensic engineer in the Construction and Building Materials field. 

David's career has focused on forensic engineering investigations in the field of Building and Construction Materials. His work has led to the publishing of over 50 articles in technical journals in the US and Europe, and the development of 10 US patents. In the 1980's he was elected a Fellow in the American Concrete Institute and the American Ceramic Society. Past normal retirement age, he has had the good fortune to be able to continue working (2018) at his still satisfying and challenging trade.

Over the years David has been involved in Big Brothers, Hospice Volunteering, Life Coaching, and for the past 40 years he has led sing-a-longs for the folks in retirement communities. He and his wife Pam live in Clintonville, Ohio, in the Columbus area where they are very content as home-bodies.

Joe Myers graduated from Garrett High School excelling in music and art. Relocating to Arizona brought him notoriety as an innovative guitarist using alternate turnings and extended technique. Performing there earned him experimental artist of the year in 1991 and Best of Phoenix soloist/performer in 1993, 95, 97, and 99. 

From the mid 1990's he has self-produced and release 5 solo studio albums, created music for film and dance, received critical acclaim, and has been a support act for numerous national touring artist. He performed with notable names, such as Todd Rundgren, the Beach Boys, Stephen Stills, Daniel Lanois, Warren Zevon, and many others. Myers created original scores for the Maida Withers Dance Ensemble and performing live at the World Premiere of "Silent Enemy" at the 1996 Santa Fe Film Fest. Some of Myers' noted New York City performances took place at Lincoln Center, Village Jazz Fest, the Living Room and The Bitter End. 

Mr. Myers now lives in beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina after two decades in Phoenix and a wonderful two-year stint in New York City where he lived in the historic Hotel Chelsea to record his most recent album. Raising a daughter with down syndrome has led Myers to work with programs such as Easter Seals, Down syndrome Network, Gigi University, and became an advocate for children and adults with special needs. He has held performances and volunteered for over the past 30 years. 

Joe would like to thank teacher Mark Ober for his support of the arts at Garrett High School.

George M. Pearson, a Garrett native graduated from Garrett High School in 1948 special recognition in football and basketball. After high school, Mr. Pearson served in the military as a Marine he fought in Africa, Puerto Rico, and North Korea where he was involved in the famous Chosen Reservoir Campaign. For his service, Staff Sergeant Pearson received The Good Conduct Medal, The Korean Service Medal and The United Nations Humanitarian Medals and a Presidential Unit Citation.

He then received a Bachelor's Degree in business from Ball State and a Master's in Education from Saint Francis College. He completed additional studies at numerous universities. Mr. Pearson had experience in Michigan, Florida and Indiana schools in the areas of teaching, coaching, counseling and administration.

George Pearson was Assistant Principal at Garrett-Keyser-Butler School system from 1960-1966 and from 1985-1990 as Guidance Director. He was also a deacon at the First Church of Christ, served on the City of Garrett Park Board, and was a member of the Garrett-Keyser-Butler School Board for two years. Much like George, multiple members of his family have been involved in the Garrett Community and School District. George M. Pearson passed away in 1994 after losing his fight with cancer.