Richard A. Scherer, Williamsville North High School, Class of 1974   (Induct 2017) 

Richard Scherer is a Journeyman refrigeration mechanic and Project Manager who works with design-build construction and service projects. Many notable companies have sought his expertise on specialized projects including Lockheed Martin, Allied Signal, Moog, Chevrolet, Harrison Radiator, Rich Products, Bell Aerospace, Sea World, and Calspan. Mr. Scherer was instrumental in the systems design of the AeroClave Sterilization system patented in 2004. 

Mr. Scherer credits many teachers (e.g., Mr. Breen, Mr. Nehrbuss, Mr. White, and Mr. Hostetler) and school administrators (Mr. Firestone and Mr. Gang) for helping him discover his passion and developing the personal attributes needed to be successful in life. His career interest in technical and industrial trades began at Mill Middle School where a teacher, Mr. Edward Mock, introduced the young Scherer to technical trades, shop class, and sports. At Williamsville North, teacher and guidance counselor, Mr. Lloyd Cassidy, took Scherer under his wings, coached him on the swim team, and helped shaped his future in the tech field. Mr. Scherer became captain of the swim team and helped supervise a special education swim program. Forty-three years later, he still holds a shared school record for the 200 IM relay.

For his entire professional career, Mr. Scherer has worked with apprenticeship programs, embracing the legacy of those who taught and supported him by mentoring young people who have chosen industrial and technical career paths. He is an active community volunteer, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont, Florida, a sustaining member of the Florida Kiwanis Foundation, and a member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Many of the charitable and humanitarian projects he is involved in are focused on improving the lives of children such as Reading is Fundamental, ‘BUG – Bringing Up Grades’, K-Kids, Builders Clubs, Key Clubs, and college scholarships offered through his local Kiwanis club. Mr. Scherer is also a strong supporter of the Kiwanis International and UNICEF Eliminate project, which seeks to eliminate neo-natal tetanus in third world countries. Mr. Scherer now resides in Winter Garden, Florida with his wife, Kathy, and his mother-in-law, Bettie Rathel.