Special Honorary Achievement
In 1925, Simon Skorman along with his wife Stella opened “Ravenna Bargain Store.” For the next 52 years the Skormans and their three sons changed Ravenna with the discount store concept, “Miracle Mart.”
Albert – Class of 1935 – Senior Class President; Violinist in the County Philharmonic; WWII Veteran; Kent State President’s board; awarded Honorary Degree and Chairman of numerous large fundraising projects. He was a generous, kind and gentle man.
Milton – Class of 1936 – “Iron Man” tackle on the undefeated football team; WWII Veteran; Voted one of the top 10 best dressed men in the world in 1968.
Theodore –Class of 1940 – Class President (4 years); WWII Veteran; 16 time Rosemont Country Club Golf Champion; Country Club & Synagogue Board of Directors.
Ravenna High School graduates, Albert, Milton and Theodore Skorman became so successful with their “Miracle Mart” discount Stores that others copied their concept. Even Sam Walton of Walmart fame met with the Skormans to find their secret of success. Starting in Ravenna and then Kent, they expanded to 11 stores in Ohio. It all started when the brothers returned from the war. Albert was the principal buyer, Milton specialized in advertising and Ted reopened the Kent store that was closed during the wartime. Skorman’s newspaper ads brought shoppers to stores stocked full with weekly specials. The store had fifty departments including house wares, clothing, shoes and toys, to name a few. Skorman’s became Ravenna’s flagship retail store that drew in thousands with the promise of “values that will amaze you.” Ravenna’s other retailers prospered along with Skorman’s. They later grew into the Akron area where “Miracle Mart” brought bargains to a new audience. Their big print and black typed ads showed off large numbers of bargains on each page. Thousands were able to stretch their income, making their lives better because of Skorman’s. The Skormans were supporters of local schools, clubs and organizations. They were proud to be part of the Ravenna community. Ravenna High School is proud of Albert, Milton and Theodore Skorman.