Carmel High School to Induct Three Distinguished Alumni into the Hall of Fame Class of 2026

CARMEL, IN – Carmel High School (CHS) is proud to announce the induction of three exceptional graduates into the CHS Alumni Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees, Mr. Mickey Brooks, Mr. Tom Ohmer, and Dr. David Olges, will be recognized for their significant professional achievements and lifelong service to the community.

The induction ceremony, which also celebrates the 2026 Distinguished Graduates, will take place on Monday, April 20, at 7:00 PM in the CHS Dale E. Graham Auditorium.

The Alumni Hall of Fame award was established to honor CHS graduates who have made a lasting impact in their chosen fields and through dedicated civic engagement. Each year, a student committee meticulously reviews public nominations to select inductees who embody the spirit and excellence of Carmel High School.

Meet the 2026 Inductees

Mickey Brooks (Class of 1971) Mr. Mickey Brooks has been a proud resident of Carmel since 1957 and a graduate of Carmel High School’s Class of 1971. A U.S. Army Vietnam-era veteran, he served at Fort Knox, Redstone Arsenal/Marshall Space Flight Center, and in Nuremberg, Germany. He built a successful career in the technology industry and later spent more than 18 years as a sales executive serving Fortune 500 clients. In 2002, he co-founded JLB Mortgage Group with his wife, Julia, supporting Carmel families and the local business community through 2015.

Deeply committed to civic life, Mickey helped establish the Carmel chapter of Sertoma International and served in multiple leadership roles. He has also contributed to preserving local history as a board member and speaker with the Carmel Clay Historical Society. A dedicated mentor, he continues to support students on Carmel High School’s TechHOUNDS robotics team. Representing a three-generation Carmel High School legacy, his life reflects a lasting commitment to service, leadership, and the Carmel community.

Tom Ohmer (Class of 1974) Mr. Tom Ohmer, a 1974 graduate of Carmel High School, has built a remarkable career that blends success in the entertainment industry with a deep commitment to public service. An accomplished actor and filmmaker, he has spent more than four decades working in film and television, appearing in over 100 productions, national commercials, and a wide range of roles that showcase his versatility and professionalism.

In addition to his work on screen, Tom served in the U.S. Army and dedicated more than 20 years to law enforcement, including time with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served his community with distinction and earned recognition for his service. His real-world experience has brought a unique level of authenticity to his acting, while also opening opportunities to contribute behind the scenes as a technical advisor, consultant, and mentor. Now retired from law enforcement, Tom continues to act while remaining deeply committed to giving back by volunteering his time, mentoring aspiring actors and filmmakers, and staying active in his local church. His journey reflects a powerful combination of creativity, discipline, and service, inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Dr. David Olges (Class of 1988) Dr. David Olges is an accomplished educator, counselor, and humanitarian whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing mental health care both nationally and globally. A graduate of Carmel High School in 1988, he has built a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, higher education, and international outreach, holding leadership roles at institutions including Purdue University, Butler University, Grace College, and currently serving as Associate Dean and Director of the Graduate Mental Health Counseling Program at Southern New Hampshire University.

His pioneering work in Ukraine has addressed a critical gap in the counseling field by developing frameworks for assessing and treating civilians in active war zones. He has trained counselors, collaborated with nonprofit organizations, supported Ukrainian veterans and families, assisted in reintegration efforts for abducted children, and consulted with international schools serving displaced youth. Additionally, he has worked with the Ukrainian Army to address combat readiness, trauma, and suicide prevention. Dr. Olges has shared this work through presentations, publications, and media, including a feature in Counseling Today. His contributions have earned national recognition, including the American Counseling Association’s Kitty Cole Human Rights Award and Indiana Counselor of the Year.