The Central Lee Community School District celebrated its 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame classes on Saturday after a long wait due to COVID-related delays.
The Hall of Fame is part of the district’s alumni recognition program, launched in 2020. Through this effort, Central Lee honored 24 individuals who achieved excellence in academics, athletics and the fine arts during their time in the district.
“This might be my new favorite event of the year. To be in a room with such extraordinary talent and achievement filled all of us from Central Lee with a great deal of pride,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. “I am incredibly thankful for the inductees, families, friends and current and former staff who were able to attend and celebrate this first-ever Hall of Fame event.”
The Central Lee Academic Hall of Fame recognizes top scholars and staff from the past. The 2020 class included Timothy Lowenberg, Gerald Hoewing, Donald Kirchner, Carrie Schinstock, Amber Hohl, Deanna Lind and Marge Wilhelm. The 2021 class included Victor Spohnheimer, Justin Lightfoot and Ernie Schiller.
The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes top athletes, teams and coaches from the past. The 2020 class included Judith Finney, Larry Avery, Brian Wells, Angie Fransk and Brad Vogel. The 2021 class included Sara Weirather, George Allen and the 1966 Central Lee state championship cross country team.
The Fine Arts Hall of Fame recognizes students, directors and others who have excelled in band, choir, art and other areas of the fine arts. The 2020 class included Craig Wilkins, Flint Hawes, William Elliot Whitmore, Patrick Downing and Blythe Filar. The 2021 class included Daryl Coffin and Eliza Bangert.
“The Central Lee Hall of Fame event was amazing. The energy in the room before, during and after the celebration left people with a spirited high, as we were able to make connections with some fantastic Central Lee alumni and staff,” said Nadine Weirather, Central Lee TAG teacher and Academic Hall of Fame chair. “I am excited to continue these relationships and also meet new remarkable people as we recognize the greatness coming from our school district in future Hall of Fame inductees.”
Committees were established to help with the selection of inductees in each group. For individuals to qualify for a nomination, they must have graduated from Central Lee or have been a staff member. They also must be at least five years removed from the district. The committee will consider individuals nominated in years’ past as potential inductees for 2022 and future years.
Central Lee is now seeking nominations for the 2022 class. Nominations are due by Friday, June 17. To submit a nomination, visit https://bit.ly/CLHOFNomination.