Mr. Harry Wilcox, affectionately called “Wil” joined the Dexter Schools family in 2001 with the opening of the new Dexter High School to continue the development of the Drama and French programs. From 2001-2006, the DHS Drama Club was in the skillful hands of Mr. Harry Wilcox along with his equally talented wife, Jan.
“Wil” came to DHS to teach French and Drama after 30 years of teaching in Ohio Schools and directed the DHS Drama Club in the musicals “Guys and Dolls (2002), Once Upon A Mattress (2003), Damn Yankees (2004), Blood Brothers (2005), and How To Succeed in Business (2006). He also directed The Odd Couple (2001), Lend Me A Tenor (2002), Dracula (2003), Noises Off (2004), and The Miracle Worker (2005).
Jan and Wil continued their tradition of taking students to some of their favorite places including France, Quebec, New York, Stratford, Chicago, and London. While accompanying his class on a trip to France in 2002, Mr. Wilcox suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had the cancerous tumor removed in 2005 and underwent a series of radiation treatments, chemotherapy and physical therapy. He stopped teaching officially in 2006 and in 2008 moved back to Perrysburg, Ohio to be near friends and family. On Tuesday, June 2, 2009, Mr. Wilcox passed away at home with Jan at his side.
He was a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Masters Degree in education and became a teacher of French, Drama and English. He taught for 35 years, including 23 years at Rossford High School, 5 years at Dexter High School in Dexter, MI and was a member of N.E.A and O.E.A. Harry loved theater, directing plays and traveling with students. . Harry directed the Summer Theater for children in theRossford community for many years, was a member of theVillage Players and a member of the Fremont CommunityTheater. Harry was honored for his devotion to his work andstudents with the Rossford High School stage being named after him.
The Dexter High School Drama Club adopted the slogan “I Can, I Wil” to help keep alive the spirit and dedication Mr. Wilcox brought to Dexter High School. Long time friend and Dexter Teacher Mr. Matt Martello coined the phrase. "I Can, I Wil is the attitude that I want everyone involved with DHS Drama to hold true for this year, from the students, to the parents, as well as myself. Giving 100% to the program, without attitude, unselfishly and unconditionally in the name of Mr. Wilcox. Instead of making up excuses and reasons why something can't be done, we should all refer to the slogan... “I Can, I ‘Wil’.”
Every year since 2006, DHS teacher Matt Martello walks 20 miles with his "Walking for Wil" to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and a scholarship in Wil's name.
Facebook, a very popular networking site, has a group called “The Harry Wilcox Fan Club” with 468 members to date. Former students and friends use this forum to share their thoughts about Harry and how he affected their lives.
The Dexter Class of 2009 was the last to have worked with Jan and Wil. They have carried the spirit brought to Dexter by the Wilcox’s and passed it on to classes that follow. Let us all be thankful for the hard work and dedication of Mr. Harry Wilcox, now and always.
“If you feel like you look stupid, chances are you probably do.” – Harry Wilcox