2026 Troy Hall of Distinguished Alumni Inductees Announced
TROY, Pa. – October 27, 2026 – The Troy Area School District Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the induction of two distinguished individuals into the Foundation’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni for 2026: Paul Simcoe, a member of the Troy High School Class of 1969, and William R. Croman, who served as supervising principal of the Troy Area School District from 1915 to 1955.
Mr. Simcoe will be formally recognized during a student assembly at 1:00 p.m. on November 19, 2026, in the Troy High School Memorial Auditorium. Mr. Croman will be honored posthumously during the ceremony in recognition of his decades of leadership and service to the district. A commemorative plaque will be presented for permanent display at W.R. Croman Elementary School. Alumni and the general public are invited to the event. A reception in the lobby will take place prior to the program.
Paul Simcoe is a 1969 graduate of Troy High School. A standout multi-sport athlete at Troy High School and Lock Haven State University, he went on to serve the Coudersport Area School District as a teacher and coach for 35 years. During his 29 seasons as head football coach, he compiled a remarkable 204-78-8 record, becoming the first coach in District history to reach 200 career victories. His teams captured four District 9 championships, five league titles, two Allegheny Mountain Football Championships, and four PIAA playoff appearances. Beyond football, he coached multiple sports and youth athletic programs, mentoring generations of young athletes. His commitment to the community has included service as an EMT, leadership in local organizations, and ongoing service on the Coudersport Area School Board. His many honors include PA-NY Big 30 Coach of the Year, induction into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and the naming of Paul Simcoe Field in his honor. Most recently, he was inducted into the Lock Haven University Grid Iron Greats, recognizing his lasting impact on athletics and education.
William R. Croman is recognized for his 40-year legacy of service to the Troy Area School District and community. Beginning in 1915 as Supervising Principal, he taught science and mathematics, coached a variety of sports, and helped guide the District through decades of growth and change. He played a key role in rebuilding the current high school following the 1924 fire, as well as in overseeing subsequent additions and renovations. During his leadership, District enrollment grew from approximately 250 to 1,880 students. He steadfastly led Troy Schools through both World Wars while helping establish an expanding network of elementary schools to serve the region. Beyond education, he was a charter member of the Troy Rotary Club, serving for 50 years, including a term as president, and was actively involved in numerous civic and community improvement efforts. In recognition of his lasting contributions to education and community service, W.R. Croman Elementary School proudly bears his name.
The Troy Area School District Foundation was founded in 1999 to support academics at Troy Area School District and to assist Troy students K-12 and beyond. Some of these projects are: scholarships for graduates, mini-grant programs for K-12, early childhood literacy projects, financial assistance to all students taking advanced placement exams and dual enrollment coursework, Distinguished Alumni Awards, updated alumni class lists, and other special projects such as the reconstruction of the Taylor Street Alumni Gate and the grand piano at the Memorial Auditorium.
Donations help the Foundation carry out these missions. Any amount is welcome and may be designated for a particular program or activity. Donations are accepted through: online www.troypafoundation.org, by mail, TASD Foundation 68 Fenner Avenue Troy, Pa 16947 or at an event. All contributions are tax deductible.
Contact:Hillary Saxton, Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award Committee, ChairHillary.pautz@gmail.com
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