Greg Ferrara was born in 1946 and raised in Canton, Ohio. Greg graduated from Glenwood High School in 1964 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University in 1969, followed by a Master’s in Education in 1979. He spent 30 years teaching social studies in the Plain Local School District, retiring in 1999. Though retired, he often reflects that he would still love to be teaching history or government today—though he suspects he might get into trouble for it.

In addition to teaching, Greg has served as a volunteer wrestling coach in Canton City Schools for over 20 years and continues to coach middle school wrestling in Canton today. From 2000 to 2012, he also spent 12 years at Walsh University supervising student teachers in social studies.

In 2016, Greg assisted his son Jeff, who was both the head wrestling coach at McKinley High School and in his first year as principal of the Stark County Learning Center. Watching Jeff manage both roles, Greg was especially struck when Jeff explained his motivation: “I want them to have the same opportunities I had.” That belief deeply resonates with Greg and reflects his own lifelong commitment—to education, to mentoring, and to providing opportunities for young people.