Tom Dever

2024 Inductee

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is Mr. Dever's email signature quote. The meaning of this quote highlights the importance of having a vision and a purpose in life. It embodies those traits of determination, hard work, and courage, which ultimately are the qualities which lead to success. It is these traits which Mr. Dever not only models with humility but also graciously instills into the youth of the Jets community.

Tom graduated from Northeastern High School in 1965. He retired from Navistar, where he was the Loss Prevention Manager. Tom is also retired from the Moorefield Township Fire Department where he served as a fire-medic for 35 years and finished his career as Assistant Chief. Since his retirement, Tom has become a certified substitute teacher and can regularly be seen in the halls of Northeastern High School. Tom and his wife, Pat, have been married for 54 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

Mr. Dever's 36-year tenure with the high school and middle school football programs have included the various responsibilities:

  • Assisted athletic trainer as a certified paramedic, providing injury care

  • Provided CPR training to all football coaches

  • Hauled equipment to all away football games

  • Set-up equipment at all home games

  • Made equipment repairs; maintained inventory

  • Greeted visiting team and referees

  • Helped visiting team carry equipment to field

  • Washed football uniforms

  • Helped maintain the financial records for fund-raising

  • Assisted with serving team meals

In addition, in 2019, Tom was honored when he was selected as "Friends of Athletics" by the Southwest District of OHSAA. He also received the 2004 OHSAA State Award for exemplary contribution of service, and Tom and his wife, Pat, were recognized as the 2002 Northeastern Golden Wing recipients.

The definition of a hero is someone who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, and who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. Thank you, Mr. Dever, for being our hero!

For his outstanding and dedicated service to the jet Community, the Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to honor Mr. Tom Dever as a 2024 inductee into the Northeastern High School Hall of Fame.