Medina High alumna selected as Fourth of July parade grand marshal

Medina City Schools and the City of Medina are recognizing Rear Adm. Janice Hamby, a distinguished Medina High School alumna, as grand marshal of the 2026 Fourth of July Parade.

A Medina native whose maiden name was Silva, Hamby graduated as valedictorian of the Medina High School Class of 1976 before beginning a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy.

After graduating from Medina High School, Hamby attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps program in 1980.

During her military career, she served in numerous leadership positions involving information technology, communications, command systems and global operations. Her assignments included Naval Base Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS George Washington, Naval Network Warfare Command, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Hamby's career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, innovation and service. Among her accomplishments, she was part of the initial assignment of women to naval combatants and later held key leadership roles supporting communications, information systems and military operations around the world.

Her honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Legion of Merit with two gold stars, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, among numerous other awards and commendations.

As part of Medina's America 250 celebration, Hamby will participate in several Independence Day events. She will attend the July 3 Fireworks Festival and, on July 4, take part in the Spirit of '76 celebration, serve as grand marshal of the parade and help direct a selection during the Medina Community Band concert that evening.

Medina City Schools and the City of Medina said Hamby's involvement provides residents an opportunity to honor one of Medina's most distinguished graduates while celebrating the values of service, leadership and patriotism.

The organizations said Hamby's selection as grand marshal recognizes her distinguished career, dedicated service and enduring connection to the Medina community.