The Central Lee Community School District has inducted three new members to its Academic Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022.
This year, the Hall of Fame is honoring a Central Lee class of 1973 graduate and two longtime educators, who each served Central Lee students for decades.
“Each of our inductees has made a lasting impression here in Central Lee and in their lives well beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. “We are honored to recognize each of these individuals, including two former educators who have made significant contributions to our community, along with a graduate who became a physician with a very impressive career.”
Inductee Howard Carter spent 31 years as a Central Lee educator, teaching social studies and math. He was named the 1980 teacher of the year, in part due to his innovative Multi-Occupations Cooperative (MOC) program through which students were placed with manufacturers in business for hands-on training. He also began a World of Work class that enabled students to learn about resumes and interviewing, advertising, filing taxes, and other key concepts.
Prior to his career in education, Carter spent four years in the Air Force and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University. Since retiring, Howard has served on the Keokuk City Council and spent 30 years on the Grand Theatre Commission, including six years as manager. Under his leadership, the Grand Theatre was restored to its original condition after a long period of decline.
Also inducted this year is Mary Sue Chatfield, a former first-grade teacher leader who presented various curriculum ideas at the Iowa Reading Council and Iowa Social Studies Conferences. Chatfield also served on the steering committee of the National Geographic Alliance of Iowa, along with the local Comprehensive School Improvement Plan committee. She was named Central Lee’s teacher of the year in 2004.
Chatfield’s leadership continued after her retirement, as she served on the Montrose Library Board, was a historian for Montrose Methodist Church, and sang in the Church Choir and St. Barnabas Choir. She helped form Montrose Riverfront, Inc. (MRI) in 2004 and was instrumental in coordinating fundraising efforts through grant writing and local events for the historic timeline murals on the downtown MRI building, the Hunold Heritage Center, a dedication ceremony for Revolutionary War Veteran Cato Mead, landscaping, and other local projects.
In 2011, she earned the Southeastern Community College Distinguished Alumnus Award. She graduated with honors from the school, previously known as Keokuk Community College, in 1960.
A graduate of the class of 1973, Dr. John Jabour has also been inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame this year. While in high school, Dr. Jabour was on the campus bowl team, earned an ACT score over 30, was named a State of Iowa Scholar, and received a National Merit Letter of Commendation through the PSAT program.
Dr. Jabour went on to attend the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the honors program. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with highest distinction, was the Merck Index award winner for being the top-ranked graduating senior in chemistry, and was a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society.
In medical school at the University of Iowa, Dr. Jabour was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Following residency in Florida, he practiced at Iowa Methodist and Methodist West hospitals and various outpatient surgery centers in the area. In 1997, he was the first anesthesiologist to become president of the Methodist medical staff.
The Academic Hall of Fame was created as a means of recognizing, preserving, and promoting Central Lee's rich history and tradition of excellence in academics. It emphasizes the importance of high-achieving graduates and former staff members who made a big impact on the school community during their time in Central Lee.
Community members, families, staff, and alumni are encouraged to nominate individuals for Hall of Fame recognition. A committee then reviews all nominations and determines each year's inductees. Central Lee also has Athletic and Fine Arts Halls of Fame.
For individuals to qualify for a nomination, they must have graduated from Central Lee schools or have been a staff member. They also must be at least five years removed from their time in the district. The nomination form is available at https://bit.ly/CLHOFNomination.