Longtime Butler County educator celebrated after unusual 26-mile walk to Reds game

Tom Alf arrives at Great American Ball Park after walking 26 miles from Hamilton to Cincinnati to celebrate his 70th birthday. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Tom Alf arrives at Great American Ball Park after walking 26 miles from Hamilton to Cincinnati to celebrate his 70th birthday. SUBMITTED PHOTO

In his weekly Sunday column this week, Rick McCrabb wrote about Tom Alf, a longtime Butler County educator who did something unusual: Walked from Hamilton to a Cincinnati Reds game to celebrate his 70th birthday.

On Facebook, the story generated dozens of comments about Alf and their memories of him.

Here is a sampling:

Tom Alf was one of my students when he was in the third grade. Wonderful to hear he is still a great person. - Pat-Dave Spilker

Happy birthday to the one and only Tom Alf. Had him as Principal in Jr and High School, didn't see him for a few years, and then he came into my last job to pick up an order. Without hesitation, he asked how I was AND all my siblings, by name! Class act! - Dewey A Anderson

He subbed as the principal for quite a while at my grandsons school. Kindergarten was a big adjustment for him and this man was absolutely amazing! He had such a positive influence on my grandson and his stories are the best! - Cathee Simpson Heinrich

Had him at Garfield back in the 90's I'll never forget how he and some great Teachers were there for me when my Dad passed. Love them all! - Jason T Carpenter

Truth be told, I was my mom's worst kid. But Mr. Alf looked beyond that and saw the good in me. Such a kind, wonderful man. - Susan Baker McCord

Mr. Alf is amazing always had a smile on his face when he was my principal. This is pretty cool that he did this. I know i couldnt have done it - Becky Bargar-Phelps

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