Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Michael's on East: Today, individual members of the Class of 1987 and the members of the other classes that have graduated from Riverview own companies, hold office in local, state, and national government, practice law and medicine, sit on the bench of district and state courts, produce Emmy award winning programming, work in broadcasting and film, serve in every branch of the armed forces, educate others, and on and on.

      With such a wealth of talent…selecting two inductees into the Hall of Fame from the Class of 1987 was a difficult task requiring a comprehensive review of each of the formal nominations and the unanimous endorsement of the entire membership of the Hall of Fame Board. One of the two inductees into the Hall of Fame from the Class of 1987 traveled a road that led her from Sarasota to Canada to Washington, D.C. to Providence, Rhode Island, and then back to Canada before heading off to California and to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida before returning to Sarasota. The other inductee from the Class of 1987 left Sarasota to attend DePauw University in Indiana and later Life College in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to the Sarasota area to start his career and raise a family.
     As Chair of the Riverview High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Board, it is my honor to announce that the two official inductees from the Class of 1987 are Elyse K. Chaplin and Dr. William “Rocky” Aker! First, a few words about Elyse. Her history is unique in that she was diagnosed as dyslexic at the end of high school.  At the time, she was told that college might not be her calling. However, she was determined to disprove predictions and to achieve her academic and career goals. That determination helped Elyse earn a Master’s Degree in Secondary Learning Disabilities and Transition at The George Washington University in Washington D. C. and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Theory and Policy Studies at the University of Toronto.
     In June of this year, she joined the Education Foundation of Sarasota County as Director of College and Career Development. She works directly with the Sarasota County middle schools and high schools to assist principals, guidance counselors, and teachers towards developing, managing, and implementing comprehensive program initiatives and fundraising development strategies. She has also been charged with the vitally important task of designing strategies that will enhance student success as they transition to post-secondary education and/or employment.
     In addition to her 25 plus years of advocacy and support services work, she enjoys volunteer work with her 11 year old golden retriever, “Eddie,”…visiting women’s shelters, memory care units, nursing homes, veterans, and students. Recently, she has begun working on a book which showcases the biographies and words of wisdom written by successful professionals, both famous and locally here in Sarasota, whom have circumvented obstacles and have succeeded with dyslexia.
     At this time would Elyse please come forward to receive your Hall of Fame plaque. 

     The second Hall of Fame recipient honored tonight from the Class of 1987 is Dr. Michael Aker or ROCKY as he was referred to by all of those who knew him and loved him. After college, Rocky came back to the Sarasota area to stay. It is here that he set up his practice. It is here that he chose to begin a family of his own. It is here that he impacted the lives of so many. And, it is here that Rocky’s “bigger than life spirit” is so missed by all in this room!

His tragic death saddened not only the members of the Class of 1987 but the entire community that Rocky loved and that loved him. Rocky was the kind of person who would go out of his way to help a stranger, help friends in need, and truly lead by example. His warmth and attention would make you feel like you were his best friend. All of these qualities and so many more served as the cornerstones of Rocky’s legacy…a truly stellar personal and professional reputation.
     The RHS Hall of Fame Board is honored to present this plaque to members of Rocky’s family and to lend its support to the efforts to set up a Memorial Scholarship in Rocky’s name. At this time…would members of Rocky’s family come forward to receive his Hall of Fame recognition!