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2024 Honorees

Jack Reed
John (Jack) Kirkendall Reed - Class of 1970

Raised in Chenango Bridge, Reed graduated from Oswego State in 1974 with a degree in social science. For 12 years in governmental and corporate positions, he wrote speeches for elected officials and judges and was appointed to the Presidential Internship Selection Committee under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. His rewarding journey as a social studies teacher and coach then began.

While earning his master's at Oswego, Reed embarked on a legendary coaching career. After a string of second-place finishes in cross country at Marcellus and track titles at Jordan-Elbridge, he racked up five New York state cross country titles at Skaneateles while winning 93 consecutive meets over 15 years (1993-2007). His teams also strung together an unmatched 10-year Section III cross country championship winning streak (1994-2003).

During his 22-year coaching career, Reed’s cross country teams were also New York state runners-up three times and finished in third place another six times.

Under Reed's guidance, 45 cross country runners were named All-State, including an Athens Olympian.

The track and field record books at all three schools were revamped.

His teams also won five state titles in the outdoor 4x800 meter relay.

Reed is the author of "Back to the Front" (2008) and "Been Dead Already" (2011). He is co-author/editor of "Once We Played, Now We Teach" (2005), a collection of athletic essays written by Jordan-Elbridge staff for school charities.

Reed authored more than 800 newspaper articles and was published in USA’s Track Coach Magazine and the NCAA News. He was also a sought-after speaker at coaching clinics.

He is also a multiple-time winner of Coach-of-the-Year honors in Section 3 and was twice named Teacher-of-the-Year.
Reed was named All-STAC in cross country under Hall of Fame coach Robert McDaniel.
Roger Shaller Photo
Roger Shaller – Class of 1971

As the youngest of four children (all graduates of Chenango Valley), Roger Shaller attended CV from kindergarten through twelfth grade. His elementary years were spent at Port Dickinson School. He remembers all his teachers there but was especially fond of his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Haley, who got him started; his second-grade teacher, Mrs. Moore, who emphasized the importance of reading; and Mrs. VanGorder, who taught him discipline and order.

Upon graduating from the sixth grade, Shaller attended Chenango Valley Junior High School where he met many new friends. Many of these friends would have children who became friends of his two daughters through high school at CV. From age 12 until age 17, he worked as a paper carrier delivering the Evening and Sunday Press. This cut into his involvement in after-school activities but helped him develop a strong work ethic. He became a lover of history, much of this being brought out by his favorite teachers, Mr. Marble and Mr. Banks. Because of the impression they both laid upon him, he even toyed with the thought of becoming a history teacher!

Following high school graduation, Shaller attended Broome Community College majoring in Liberal Arts. While at Broome, he followed in his brothers’ footsteps and became a volunteer firefighter with the Port Dickinson Fire Department. This led to a part-time job with the Village Police Department answering phone calls, dispatching police officers, and driving fire apparatus to alarms. He then decided that law enforcement was his calling and switched his major to Police Science. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree at Elmira College.

While attending Elmira College, Shaller took several law enforcement civil service exams. One of these exams resulted in his being called for an interview with the City of Binghamton Police Department in 1974; this was the start of his career in law enforcement that spanned 34 years. Starting out as a patrolman, he worked his way up through the ranks to sergeant and was promoted to captain in 1990. Assignments ran the gamut – patrol, records and crime prevention, sergeant, captain of patrol and detectives, as well as internal affairs.

After a few years living in Binghamton, Shaller moved back to his hometown of Port Dickinson with his wife Mary and two daughters, Danielle and Jessica. Both daughters have since graduated from Chenango Valley High School, attended college, and become teachers. Danielle Mahakian, a special education teacher, works in the Binghamton City School District, and Jessica Williams teaches at Port Dickinson Elementary in the Chenango Valley School District. Shaller owes much to his wife and daughters who supported him through a satisfying but sometimes difficult career in law enforcement.

In 2008, upon retiring at the relatively young age of 55, Shaller reactivated his status with the Port Dickinson Fire Department and is presently serving as Fire Company President. He is a member of the Broome County Wildlands Search & Rescue Team as well as the Broome County Animal Rescue Team. His love of history has resulted in his appointment as Port Dickinson Village Historian alongside his lifelong friend, 1965 CV graduate Bob Blakeslee. He also serves on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals. His hobbies include fishing, gardening, visiting Civil War battlefields, and studying genealogy. Results of his genealogy research have solidified his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. He has shared his love of volunteerism with his daughters as they have helped him with rescue dog transports, walking dogs at the Broome County Humane Society, and working at the Special Olympics.

Shaller is honored to be recognized by the Chenango Valley Alumni Association. He is grateful for the community he was raised in, all he learned through his experiences, and the opportunity to give back.
donald belcher photo
Dr. Donald C. Belcher, CAPT USPHS (retired), Class of 1976

Dr. Donald C. Belcher, CAPT USPHS (retired), began his educational journey at Chenango Bridge Elementary School before attending grades 7-12 at Chenango Valley. His sisters, Leigh and Michele, also attended CV and are currently dedicated to enriching the lives of children in Broome County. Dr. Belcher found inspiration in several influential faculty members, including Ms. Najla Farhart, Mr. David Dixon, Mrs. Margaret Knox, Mr. William Weckel, Mr. Edward Banks, and Mrs. Marilee Johnson.

Dr. Belcher holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Elmira College, a master’s degree in quality assurance from California State University, a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, and a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania. He furthered his expertise in forensic odontology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Dr. Belcher has shared his knowledge as an adjunct instructor at Pasco-Hernando State College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Tufts University.

His career in dentistry began with providing care to families in Pennsylvania and New York. In 1993, he was commissioned by the U.S. Public Health Service and detailed to the U.S. Coast Guard (CG) where he provided dental care to uniformed personnel at five duty stations. Dr. Belcher's contributions extended beyond routine care; he served as a forensic odontologist in the aftermath of both 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, offering solace to the families of victims.

As the CG’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Belcher managed the entire dental program, overseeing 168 personnel in 30 clinics. His leadership roles included Chair of the CG’s Quality Improvement Division, Dental Deputy in the Department of Defense, and member of the Health & Human Services Oral Health Coordinating Committee. His accolades include a Senior Clinician Dental Award, Chief Professional Officer Exemplary Service Award, and two Crisis Response Service Awards, among others recognizing his significant contributions to well-being and oral health advancement in the nation.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Belcher dedicated his time to various volunteer efforts, including membership in the Lions Club, serving on a Head Start Board, leadership in the Boy Scouts of America, volunteering in the PTA, and participating in the Meals on Wheels program.

Dr. Belcher and his wife Liz are proud parents of four children—Kristen, Craig, Nicole, and Brian—and delighted grandparents to three grandchildren—Kaylin, Riley, and Harper. They currently reside in Ocala, Florida, where Dr. Belcher enjoys activities such as jogging, swimming, and kayaking, reflecting on a life of service enriched by the support of his family and his communities.
Matthew McMahon
Dr. Matthew McMahon - Class of 2000

Dr. Matt McMahon was raised in Hillcrest, NY, by his parents Mary and John McMahon. Dr. McMahon graduated from Chenango Valley High School in 2000. During his time at Chenango Valley, he was actively involved in clubs and sports. Playing sports was a passion of his, lettering in football, wrestling, and baseball in addition to being a member of the club hockey team. Academically, he was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 15 of his class.

It was sports that led Dr. McMahon to pursue his career in physical therapy. During the first practice as a sophomore on the wrestling team, he suffered a fractured leg. Engaging in rehabilitation for his fractured leg sparked his interest in physical therapy.

In the fall of 2000, Dr. McMahon started his collegiate journey at Ithaca College. During his time on South Hill, he was a two-year starter on the Ithaca College football team while pursuing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Clinical hours led him to Rochester, Fredonia, and Texas. Despite his journeys, he returned to Binghamton after graduating from Ithaca College in 2005. Dr. McMahon is level III certified for vestibular/balance rehabilitation. He also carries certifications in LVST for Parkinson’s Disease and TPI, which is geared toward strength and conditioning for golfers.

While working as a physical therapist, Dr. McMahon has worked at UHS (2005-2010), Southern Tier Physical Therapy (2010-2017), Riverview Nursing Home (2017-2018), and currently at Fyzical Rehabilitation and Balance Center/Riverside. He is co-owner of Fyzical/Riverside with Thomas Flannagan. Fyzical is a locally owned and operated physical therapy franchise that specializes in balance and vestibular impairments. Fyzical originated in Florida and is among the top physical therapy franchises in the nation, with 430 clinics nationwide, three of which are located in the Southern Tier. Fyzical/Riverside opened its doors in August 2020 at 34 Front Street, Binghamton, NY, on the campus of Roberson Museum in the Carriage House.

Working in the community where he grew up gives Dr. McMahon great joy. Being able to help his clients achieve their rehabilitation goals in order to improve their quality of life gives him a great sense of satisfaction.

Currently, Dr. McMahon resides in Chenango Bridge with his wife, Caitlin Collins McMahon. Caitlin went to Chenango Forks and also graduated from Ithaca College. She currently works as an Occupational Therapist at James G. Johnston located in Johnson City, NY. Dr. McMahon and Caitlin have twins, Brody and Avery. He stays active in the community as a board member of Chenango Valley Little League and can be found coaching youth sports or in the crowd cheering on his son and daughter.

Dr. McMahon would like to thank his parents and his wife for their support. He would also like to highlight coaches and teachers like Mr. Schutt, Mr. Zanot, Mr. Tidick, and Mr. Green for their guidance and interest in him while he was a student at Chenango Valley. Without their guidance and motivation, and the support of all the people he has come in contact with, he wouldn’t be who he is today. He looks forward to many more years serving clients and raising a family in a community that he loves.