Recognizing achievements with Hall of Honor

Our Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation has sponsored the Clovis High School Hall of Honor for the last decade “to recognize and honor former graduates of Clovis High School whose achievement, strength of character, and citizenship” have demonstrated exceptional contributions above and beyond in their respective areas of expertise.

The CHS Hall of Honor event is important not only to pay tribute to the accomplishments of former classmates, but also serves as an opportunity to showcase those successes for our current students as examples of what’s possible.

The 2020 Hall of Honor gala did not take place in May of 2020, not surprisingly, because of the pandemic. Not wanting to miss another opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of our former classmates, we’d planned a virtual celebration for this year, in which we’d combine both 2020 and 2021 Hall of Honor recipients. As restrictions have gradually relaxed, however, our event planning has evolved into an in-person event. We’re holding the Hall of Honor ceremony at the Civic Center, albeit with limited attendance and in strict compliance with health requirements.

A virtual live link will be available for registered remote “attendees.”

At this year’s Hall of Honor, both the 2020 and the 2021 Hall of Honor inductees will be recognized, and the “Top Cat” award also given to those who — while perhaps not a graduate of Clovis High School — have served the district well, going above and beyond in their support.

Recipients for 2020 and 2021 are:

2020 Hall of Honor: Leon Williams (1937 graduate); Becky Rowley (1982); Ernie Kos (1975); Gary Hamilton (1971); and Chris Bryant (1969).

2021 Hall of Honor: Gayla Brumfield (1971); Anthony McClaren (1996); Debbie Forster (1984); and Lee K. Howard (2001).

While space constraints preclude us saying all we would like to tell you, Honorees, let it be known we are proud of you, considering it a privilege to be able to acknowledge and celebrate your exceptional accomplishments. A testament, as well, to the excellent standards of CHS that’s provided quality educators to inspire, mentor, and encourage students, motivating them to reach higher, stretch further, and persevere longer to excel in their fields.

William James noted, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” It’s likely impossible to measure how much difference but know the impact has been made.

Hats off to our old friends and classmates. Well done.

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

[email protected]