Former Bulldog makes new digital sign a reality

Graduate announces donation during commencement speech

June 11, 2015

By J.T. Whitehouse   , The Town Crier

The Poland Seminary High School classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015 collectively saved the funds raised in their respective years for the purchase of a digital sign to be installed at state Route 170 and Dobbins Road.

The hope was for a digital sign that would display messages and could be easily altered and updated.

''The cost of the sign is around $26,000,'' said Ruth Riley, PSHS librarian. ''The three classes almost raised half the money needed.''

After commencement last week, the sign was as good as sealed after the commencement speaker announced he was kicking in the balance.

The speaker was Eric Spiegel, president and CEO of Siemens USA. Spiegel was a 1976 PSHS graduate who went on to graduate from Harvard University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

He also serves as director of Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc., is vice chair of the education and workforce committee at the Business Roudtable, and is a member of the President's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Steering Committee. He also co-authored the 2009 book ''Energy Shift: Game-changing Options for Fueling the Future.''

In his commencement speech, Spiegel spoke about the importance of giving back to the community, and to show he practiced what he preached, he announced he would fund the balance of the new sign.

''It will be totally free,'' said PSHS Principal Kevin Snyder. ''It won't cost the taxpayer or the district a penny.''

The electronic message display by Adams Electric Signs in Massillon will include full color and will be placed between two brick pillars.One pillar will include a cast aluminum plaque honoring Spiegel for his donation.

The new sign will allow for instant messages from authorized individuals. The sign will be wireless and remotely controlled. A person with authority can access it from anywhere and change the message.

The school district can put up a score of a playoff game minutes after it is over or add a congratulations for sports teams returning from a tournament. The uses are many, Snyder said.