Our Very Own Western Staff

Kim Runions 

District Librarian 

"I have been teaching at Western for 27 years.  I am married to Mr. Runions and we have two children who are in college and require lots of money.  I also have three cats that I also claim as children. In our spare time, when we have extra money that our kids have not needed, we love to travel to warm, beach resorts or go on cruises." 

Trent Harrop 

Jr. High Social Studies Teacher 

"I graduated from Ashland High School in Ashland, Ohio.  I kept busy in high school with football, basketball, tennis, and being a member of the Latin Club.  The son of two teachers I wanted to attend college and become a teacher myself.  I continued my education at Muskingum University and was a member of the basketball team and the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.  After graduation from Muskingum I began my teaching career at Muskingum High School.  Later I moved to Adams County to take over as head basketball coach and teach elementary at Peebles, before transitioning to Western High School.  At Western I have taught both high school and jr. high.  While at Western I have kept up my interest in sports by coaching basketball, baseball, gold, and cross country at different times.  In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and attending sporting events with my wife, Mrs. Harrop, who also teaches at Western High School.  

Interesting Tidbits

What was your first job? Groundskeeper at Landoll Publishing 

What is the most interesting place you've traveled? Italy or Alaska 

What are some of your hobbies?  Golfing, radio broadcasting, and watching sports 

Favorite T.V. Show?  Perry Mason and Ted Lasso 

Favorite movie? The Shawshank Redemption 

Favorite book? Blue Gold by Clive Cussler 

Favorite food? Beef (hamburger, brisket, steak) 

Favorite color? Blue 

Favorite song? 46 and 2 by Tool 

Dan Hood

Community Behavioral Health Worker 

" I was born at home in rural Northern California in the ancient days of the 1980's.  We were a poor family and we moved around a lot.  By the time I was an adult, we had moved at least 20 times., including some periods of homelessness.  When I was a wee lad, I got into trouble.  Punching pillows, punching walls, and punching my brothers were common past times for me.  Thankfully, I mellowed out in my late teens.  I got a job, graduated high school, and moved across the country to Ohio to get away from my crazy family.  Thankfully, they didn't follow me.  Mostly.  I loved to learn, so I enrolled  in the local Paragon of education, Shawnee State University.  In fact, I loved it so much that I returned two more times!  Somewhere along the way I married my beautiful wife, and we had two daughters that I love dearly.  Now I spend my free time going back to school and playing brain rotting video games. "    

Interesting Tidbits

What was your first job?  "My first job was a Taco Bell in Chico, California. Having not learned my lesson my second job was at Taco Bell in Piketon."

What is the most interesting place you've traveled? "I have traveled all around North America, but the most interesting place I traveled to was Pike County Ohio when I was 17 years old to meet a girl."  

What are some of your hobbies?  "I like to read, play video games, embarrass my daughters, compete in fantasy football, and do genealogy. " 

Favorite movie? Shawshank Redemption 

Favorite book?  ISOIAF

Favorite food? Burritos 

Favorite color? Blue, silver, green 

Favorite song? Depending on the mood either rock or punk.  

John Roush  

Principal 

"Dear Western Family, 

It is an honor and privilege to introduce myself as the new principal at Western High School.  I am truly excited to become a part of the community, which has already given me such a warm welcome.  The staff, the students and families have demonstrated this school is the focal point of the community and a unique and amazing place to serve, learn, and work.  I am truly humbled to be a part of the Western Family.  

I am entering my 32nd year in the education field.  I have served in leadership roles as an elementary, middle, and high school principal, as well as a college dean for 23 years or so, and the remainder as a K-12 teacher and university professor in the school of education.  I earned my under grad degree from Morehead State University, Masters from the University of Dayton, and my Doctoral degree from Ohio University.  

A little more on the personal side; I have an Angus based cow/calf operation and sell freezer beef to restaurants and individuals.  I spend most of my time, bailing, selling, and hauling hay and straw.  Along with enjoying the newest addition to our family my grandson, who is the 7th generation to be a part of the farm.  I enjoy sports, but my son and daughter are grown and married now, so I will now transition to cheering on the Western Indians.  

Western is by far the most student-centered organization I have ever had the privilege to be a part of.  Before officially accepting the position, I met with many students from the class of 2024 this spring.  This group of amazing young men and woman helped fully convince me how amazing this district is.  This district is a special place to learn and thrive, and more opportunities are on the horizon... stay tuned. " 

Gretchen Austin 

Full Time Substitute Teacher 

"Hello.  My name is Gretchen Austin and I started my career in 1987 with the Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer.  During my career, I have done a myriad of positions, with the last position before retirement as a Reentry Specialist, over 32 Southeastern counties in Ohio.  I have 3 college degrees that I earned while working full time and being a mother to my son.  I have an Associate's Degree in Applied Business from Ohio University Chilicothe, a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University, where I graduated Suma Cum Laude and a Master's Degree in Social Sciences from Ohio University Athens.  I have 4 fur babies, 2 dogs and 2 African Pygmy goats.  Zekie and Zoey are my dogs' names and Laverne and Shirley are the goat's names.  I have two grandchildren who live out of state, one is in JR high and the other is in high school. " 

Interesting Tidbits

What was your first job? Cashier at Kroger's in 1980

What is the most interesting place you've traveled? San Francisco 

What are some of your hobbies?  Training Dogs and watching crime shows 

Favorite T.V. Show?  Investigative Discovery 

Favorite movie? The Notebook 

Favorite book?  Alex Cross  

Favorite food? Casseroles 

Favorite color? Red

Favorite song? Angel in your Arms 

Grace Hornsby 

Para-Professional/ Intervention Aide for Indian Academy 

" Hi there, I'm Grace Hornsby, one of the para-professionals here at Western High School, and I've recently become part of this incredible team.  You might remember me from last year when I was working as a substitute teacher.  Before finding my way to Western, I was in the medical field.  

My world revolves around my family -my fiance and our little superstar, Amelia.  We're eagerly counting down the days until our son arrives in December. 

When I am not here, I'm all about coziness - blankets, fuzzy socks, and diving into a good book or catching up on TV shows.  On sunny days, I'm out and about, checking out cool places or just going on spontaneous adventures with my family.  And there's nothing better than chilling by a warm bonfire with some awesome music."  

Interesting Tidbits

What was your first job? Cashier at Kroger's in 1980

What is the most interesting place you've traveled? San Francisco 

What are some of your hobbies?  Training Dogs and watching crime shows 

Favorite T.V. Show?  Investigative Discovery 

Favorite movie? The Notebook 

Favorite book?  Alex Cross  

Favorite food? Casseroles 

Favorite color? Red

Favorite song? Angel in your Arms 

Julie Harrop  

Jr/Sr High Teacher  

"University of Kentucky is my first alma matter, where I earned an Associate's Degree, followed by University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor's Degree.  Since the degree was completed in early March of 1991, it enabled my career to begin as a substitute all over Adams county until I was hired as a long term sub to finish the school year in Avondale, Ohio.  By the following school year I was fortunate enough to be hired at Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington School District (RULH) as a math specialist for grades 1-8.  During that time I earned a Master's Degree from Xavier University, transitioned to 5th grade science for a few years, completed all of the coursework for Principal/ Administration through University of Dayton, and untimely transitioned to 7th grade math for the majority of my time at RULH.  Years down the road I accepted an opening at Western High School and agreed to add certification as an intervention Specialist, which was completed at The University of Rio Grande.  I have been teaching for over 30 years now, with the last 17 at Western.  My husband of 18+ years is Trent Harrop, who I was lucky enough to meet when I moved next door to him over  19 years ago!  I have two grown sons who have blessed us with five precious grandchildren ranging from 2 to 18.  We love to golf and play on the lake as much as possible.  

Interesting Tidbits

What was your first job? Math Specialist 

What is the most interesting place you've traveled? Alaska 

What are some of your hobbies?  Golf, paddle boarding, riding jet skis, reading, book club, hanging out with family and friends, canoeing, Jeep rides without the top or doors 

Favorite movie? The Princess Bride 

Favorite book?  The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff 

Favorite food? Gardon fresh corn on the cob