Honor banquet dazzled

The recent Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation Hall of Honor Banquet was a dazzling evening of celebration.

The large venue at the Clovis Civic Center was filled with warmth and sparkle, as many Clovis High School alumni as well as other community members and current CHS students met and mingled.

The sights and sounds were lovely, from the tables decorated in purple, white, and black to Jeff Lynn’s spectacular lighting effects. Music was provided by “Top Cats in the House,” easy listening sounds by CMS music staff: Karl Powell, David Rael, Keith Sacane, Daniel Perez, Jonathan Bjorkland, Brian Uerling, and Brandon Boerio, who also served as a most masterful master of ceremonies.

A sizable cadre of current CHS students were on hand, serving as escorts for Hall of Honor award recipients; presenting colors, and as an outstanding a cappella choir lifting their voices in perfect blending. Earlier in the day, the CHS Pro-Start students elegantly catered the informal reception for Hall of Honor recipients at Clovis High School.

The purpose of the Hall of Honor is to recognize and honor former CHS graduates whose achievements, strengths of character, and citizenship serve as models to inspire and challenge today’s students. Additional awards are given to “Top Cats,” community members who have shown long-term support for the schools.

The speeches introducing the Hall of Honor recipients were warm and heartfelt, and the acceptance speeches of the recipients themselves inspiring, with all mentioning teachers who had had an impact on their lives, contributing to their success.

Who is not moved by the power of written word (Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large); or the delightful, gentle humor of Veterinarian Dr. Stacee Longfellow; the success and philanthropic efforts of architect Tina Reames and former serviceman Rudy Garcia. And how about the painstaking research of Dr. William Phillips producing life-saving measures? We all relish the inspiring, triumphant stories of sports struggles and successes (Bubba Jennings).

Especially moving was Boerio’s honoring of this year’s Top Cat, John Charles Urban, who so loved this community and the Wildcats.

We enjoyed one last well-spoken speech by outgoing Superintendent Jody Balch, joined by his former teacher, mentor, and teaching colleague, Lonnie Leslie.

The common thread throughout the evening was the powerful impact of teachers; that special breed who spot a struggling student and offer an encouraging word; teachers, the often unsung heroes, who press on daily, offering acts of courage to change lives for the better.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at

[email protected]