The Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame was created

http://www.polk-fl.net/community/recognitionprograms/halloffameinductees.htm

The Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame was created in 1985

to recognize former students who attended a Polk County public

school and have gone on to distinguish themselves in their careers

or communities. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has inducted

over 100 former students. Hall of Fame members are from the arts,

business, clergy, education, entertainment, government, law, military,

medicine, sports or other fields.

Nominations for the Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame are

sought annually from the public. Contact the Department of Public

Relations & Strategic Partnerships at (863) 534-0698 to find out more

about recommending someone for this honor.

2 Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame

Leslie M. Muma is co-founder of Fiserv, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that provides information management technology to � nancial institutions worldwide. He is also currently involved with many charitable, educational and cultural organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wisconsin, the Boys and Girls Club of Wisconsin, United Way of Milwaukee and the University of South Florida Foundation. Muma is a graduate of Winter Haven High and the University of South Florida. He attributes his successful career to the education he received at these establishments, and gives generously to ensure that future generations have the opportunities a� orded to him. In 2014, Muma and his wife donated $25 million to the University of South Florida’s College of Business, the largest single gift in the university’s history. � e gift funds business programs and also established the Muma Leadership Program, which provides professional development opportunities to students. Muma also funds full four-year scholarships to students from Winter Haven High to attend USF’s College of Business every year. Nineteen students have bene� tted from this scholarship since its inception in 1998. Muma’s contributions to the education of local business students provide a lasting impact both locally and globally.

Rear Admiral J. Adrian Jackson served his country for 35 years in both active duty and reserve assignments as a naval aviator and o� cer. Jackson has received several military decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He has overseen operations around the globe in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. During Operation Enduring Freedom, Jackson coordinated a humanitarian e� ort which supplied over $500 million in assistance for Afghani citizens’ basic needs. He later served as the Director of Coalition Coordination for U.S. Central Command coordinating the logistics and combat requirements for over 61 nations supporting USCENTCOM operations. After retiring in 2006, Jackson was elected as a city commissioner and twice served as mayor of the City of Bartow. He serves on the board of directors of Sun ‘n Fun, Inc. and served three terms as Chairman of the Bartow Municipal Airport Authority. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and also completed advanced studies at the U. S. Army War College, the U.S. Naval War College, National Defense University, the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies. Jackson is a Summerlin Institute alum.

2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

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Dr. Neriah E. Roberts dedicated his life to improving the educational system in Polk County and beyond. Dr. Roberts taught and coached at Rochelle Junior-Senior High School before becoming assistant principal and principal of multiple schools in Polk County. During the desegregation of Polk County Schools, Dr. Roberts used his skills as a gracious leader to build consensus and ensure opportunities for children and educators alike. Dr. Roberts served as Deputy Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools until his retirement in 1996. He served as executive director of the Association of School Based Administrators and also on the Polk State College’s District Board of Trustees. Dr. Roberts graduated from South Carolina State College, later obtained his Master’s Degree from Florida A&M University and earned his Doctor of Education at Nova University. In 2014 he published “� e Evolution of African-Americans, Lakeland, Florida (1883-2014).” Dr. Roberts passed away on March 6, 2016 and is survived by his wife, Yvonne, their son, Ronald, and many other family members and friends. He is a graduate of Rochelle High (now Rochelle School of the Arts).

Dr. J. Patrick O’Leary is the Executive Associate Dean for Clinical A� airs and Associate Vice President for Medical A� airs at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Following his graduation from Winter Haven High School in 1959, Dr. O’Leary attended Belmont Abbey College and then completed medical school at the University of Florida. An accomplished surgeon, he has worked and taught at numerous hospitals and universities across the country as an authority in the � eld of surgical gastroenterology. He has received awards for his teaching and many contributions to the surgical � eld, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Southeastern Surgical Congress. In his current role, Dr. O’Leary recruits and supports the clinical faculty for FIU’s College of Medicine. Dr. O’Leary is a proli� c writer and has produced more than 200 peer-reviewed scienti� c publications. He is also the author of four editions of the “Physiologic Basis of Surgery” textbook. Additionally, Dr. O’Leary actively serves with many regional and national professional organizations, holding leadership positions with the National Board of Medical Examiners, the Southeastern Surgical Congress and American College of Surgeons, to name a few.

2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

Major General H.D. Polumbo Jr., inducted 2014

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Otis Birdsong has distinguished himself in the realm of basketball for over thirty years. At Winter Haven High, Birdsong led the Blue Devils to the 4A State Basketball Championship in 1973. After high school, Birdsong played at the University of Houston, and later joined the Kansas City (now Sacramento) Kings in the 1977 NBA Draft. He remained in the NBA for twelve seasons and was selected to the NBA All-Star Team four times. Since retirement, Birdsong has served in multiple leadership positions with organizations including the Arkansas RimRockers of the NBA Developmental League and the Continental Basketball Association Oklahoma Calvary. He is a graduate of Winter Haven High School.

Hollis Hooks is a native of Polk County and lifelong advocate for public education. When his children were in elementary school, Hooks joined the Cleveland Court Elementary Parent Teacher Organization and later served as president of the Southwest Area Advisory Committee. In 1992, Hooks was elected to the Polk County School Board and helped draft the district’s � rst strategic plan. Afterwards, Hooks served as a board member for the Polk Education Foundation and has remained active on numerous boards including Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation, Polk Museum of Art and Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association. Hooks is currently senior vice president of the � nancial services company Morgan Stanley. He is a graduate of Lakeland High School.

Deric Milligan is the co-founder and executive director of Inheritance of Hope, a non-pro� t organization dedicated to inspiring hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. Milligan began his career as a professional musician, but his career took an unanticipated turn in 2003 when his wife, Kristen, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As a family with young children, they quickly realized the need to serve families like their own. Sadly, Kristen lost her battle with cancer in 2012, but not before

Inheritance of Hope was created. Since its inception, Inheritance of Hope has been recognized as a “Top 10 Children’s Charity in North America” and has been

named “Top-Rated” by GreatNonPro� ts.org each year since 2011. Milligan is a graduate of Lakeland High School.


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Barbara Harrison retired from Lakeland Regional Health Systems in 2007 after 42 years of service. Identi� ed as a leader early on, Mrs. Harrison quickly climbed the ranks in healthcare; and in 1995, she became the � rst black vice president in Lakeland Regional Medical Center history. Mrs. Harrison received her nursing degree from Polk Community College and a master’s degree in health-care administration from Central Michigan University. She is a graduate of Rochelle High (currently Rochelle School of the Arts).

Brigadier General Robert N. Polumbo is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, 12th Air Force, Air Combat Command, and Commander, Air Forces Southern, U.S. Southern Command, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Twelfth Air Force ensures the readiness of 10 active duty wings and one direct reporting unit for contingency operations, and oversees 17 gained Air Reserve Component units totaling more than 800 aircraft and 65,000 Airmen. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Winter Haven High.

Major General H.D. Polumbo Jr. entered active duty in the United States Air Force as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1981. He is Commander of the Ninth Air Force, Air Combat Command, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Ninth Air Force comprises eight active-duty wings and three direct reporting units in the Southeastern United States with more than 400 aircraft and 29,000 active-duty and civilian personnel. He obtained a master of science in aeronautical science technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a graduate of Winter Haven High.

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Colonel James E. Baker, Jr. attended the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned a bachelor’s degree in human factors engineering before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the United States Army. He holds a master’s from Webster University. Col. Baker’s military career includes numerous awards and decorations for his excellence in aviation and outstanding contributions to the Army Aviation community. Auburndale High graduate.

Larry D. Hardaway, Esquire practices law in the � rm of Larry D. Hardaway & Associates, P.A. He earned a bachelor’s from Davidson College before matriculating to University of Florida Law School. He is well-versed in the � eld of law, having served as a prosecutor, public defender, economic development attorney and private practice. Mr. Hardaway has received numerous accolades including the Dade County Bar Award, the Public Interest Law Bank Award and the Florida Bar Pro Bono Award. Winter Haven High graduate.

Joseph “Joe” G. Tedder, CFC was elected as Tax Collector for Polk County, Florida in 1996 and was subsequently re-elected for the next four terms. Prior to his role as Tax Collector, Mr. Tedder served in the Florida Legislature as State Representative, House District No. 64 from 1992 to 1996. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Florida Southern College and worked as an accountant for over 10 years. Lakeland High graduate.

Benjamin Stevenson is currently the executive director of the Lakeland Housing Authority and has over 26 years of experience in land use, transportation and urban planning. In 1993, he became the � rst black male urban planning supervisor in the history of the City of Tampa. During the Hurricane Katrina recovery e� ort in New Orleans, he was directly responsible for supervising the $500 million community redevelopment e� ort at the St. Bernard public housing community, now known as Columbia Parc of the Bayou District. It was voted the best a� ordable housing project in the country, received several national awards and was even visited by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and philanthropist Warren Bu� ett. He is a graduate of Mulberry High School.

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Grady Judd is a native of Polk County and currently serves as Polk County Sheri� . He started as a dispatcher eventually progressing through the ranks-holding every title from Sergeant to Colonel. He became Sheri� in 2004 and is committed to making sure the Polk County Sheri� ’s O� ce maintains the highest standards of public service and best practices in the nation. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Dr. George E. Lees is a Diplomat in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a professor in the Department of Veterinary Small Animal Clinic Sciences at Texas A&M University. He is a researcher in small animal medicine, specializing in veterinary nephrology and urology. Dr. Lees is known for his groundbreaking work on hereditary nephritis, an inherited kidney disorder seen in canines. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Kathleen Parker started writing a “lifestyle” column in the 1980s while working as a sta� writer for � e Orlando Sentinel. More than two decades later, she writes a column that is nationally syndicated and appears in about 450 papers including � e Washington Post and � e Ledger. She is a regular guest on television shows like “� e O’Reilly Factor,” “� e Chris Matthews Show” and “Larry King Live.” Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Michael Yon is a former Green Beret who reports from the war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2004, he’s been featured on “Good Morning America,” CNN, ABC and Fox. His work has appeared in � e Wall Street Journal, � e New York Times and hundreds of other major media outlets around the world. Mr.Yon worked hard to earn his reputation as “the premier independent combat journalist of his generation.” Graduate of Winter Haven High.

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Mayor Gow Fields was elected Lakeland Mayor in November 2009, the � rst African-American to be elected to the position. He served on the Lakeland city commission from 1992-2009 before

being elected mayor. Mr. Fields has been a prominent member of the local

insurance industry since 1988 as both an Allstate representative and operating his own

independent agency. He is the President and CEO of Fields & Company, Inc., d/b/a Fields

Insurance and Financial Group. He has received distinguished alumnus awards from Kathleen High and Polk State College. Kathleen High graduate.

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Mayor Gow FieldsLakeland Mayor in November 2009, the � rst African-American to be elected to the position. He served on the Lakeland city commission from 1992-2009 before

being elected mayor. Mr. Fields has been a prominent member of the local

insurance industry since 1988 as both an Allstate representative and operating his own

independent agency. He is the President and CEO of Fields & Company, Inc., d/b/a Fields

Insurance and Financial Group. He has received distinguished alumnus awards from Kathleen High and Polk State College. Kathleen High graduate.


Edgar Pickett Jr.,inducted 2011

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Senator Kay Hagan was elected U.S. Senator as a Democrat from North Carolina in November 2008. She served for ten years in the North Carolina state senate and for ten years worked for North Carolina-based NationsBank, the predecessor to Bank of America. While in the North Carolina senate, she championed middle class tax cuts, expanding access to healthcare and higher education and creating jobs. Senator Hagan has continued those platforms in Washington. Lakeland High graduate.

William “Ron” Jeffries was a high-level o� cial in the area of vocational and technical education with both the Florida Department of Education and Polk County Public Schools. He was a state vocational director and an Assistant Superintendent for Vocational and Adult Education for Polk County Public Schools. Mr. Je� ries’ contributions led to his inductions into both the Florida Vocational Association Hall of Fame and Florida FFA Hall of Fame. He was an early visionary implementing school-based and work-based learning activities supported by strong partnerships with the business community. Lakeland High graduate.

Edgar Pickett Jr. was among the � rst group of African-Americans with the Lakeland Police Department and worked for the department for more than 30 years. He made his mark as a � ngerprint expert during an era when � ngerprinting was done by hand and sight rather than computer. A Lakeland Police crime laboratory was named the Pickett-Moulden Crime Laboratory for Mr. Pickett and his long-time partner Herman Moulden. � e state’s Identi� cation O� cer of the Year at one point in his career, Mr. Pickett assisted many law enforcement departments, including the FBI. He is a Washington Park High (currently Rochelle School of the Arts) graduate.

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Dr. JoAnn Balingit is the state of Delaware’s 16th poet laureate, appointed by former Delaware governor Ruth Ann Minner in May 2008. As poetry ambassador for the state, she promotes the art of poetry throughout Delaware. She is involved with students at all levels in the state’s Poets in the Schools program and works with other poets to develop their skills and promote their work. Her work has been published in periodicals and anthologies and her poetry book, “Your Heart and How It Works” was nominated for a 2004 Pushcart Prize, a national awards program that recognizes literary work. She is a Lakeland High graduate.

Justice Charles T. Canady became the 82nd Associate Justice of the Florida Supreme Court on September 6, 2008. From 2002 to 2008, Charles was a judge on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. From 2001 to 2002 he was general counsel to Governor Jeb Bush, responsible for supervising all legal matters concerning the governor. His stints in elected o� ce include the U.S. Congress from 1993 to 2001 and the Florida House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990. Lakeland High graduate.

Justice Charles T. Canady became the 82nd Associate Justice of the Florida Supreme Court on September 6, 2008. From 2002 to 2008, Charles was a judge on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. From 2001 to 2002 he was general counsel to Governor Jeb Bush, responsible for supervising all legal matters concerning the governor. His stints in elected o� ce include the U.S. Congress from 1993 to 2001 and the Florida House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990. Lakeland High graduate.

U.S. Senator Kay Haganinducted 2011

Debi Einmo’s early career was in business management positions with some of the country’s largest companies including Johnson Controls, a diversi� ed technology company, and DynCorp International, a global government services provider. � ese experiences gave her expertise in the area of government contracting. She spent 18 years working with some of the country’s largest government contractors in locations that included Iraq, Kuwait, Asia, Eastern Europe and South Africa. Currently, she is a speaker, author and business consultant. Haines City High graduate.

� e arts building at Auburndale High was named after alumnus Robert Stackhouse in 2008. His art has been featured in more than 70 one-person exhibitions and his work has been displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Corporate collectors of his work include the Exxon Corporation, Citicorp, Newsweek Magazine and Hallmark Cards. Robert has been a visiting artist and professor at colleges, universities and art schools across the country including the University of Georgia, the Art Gallery of Toronto and the Kansas City Art Institute. Auburndale High graduate.

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Charles E. Canady played a major role in government and politics in both Florida and Washington, D.C. from 1970 to 1990. He was a legislative and administrative assistant to the late Lawton Chiles when Chiles was in the state Senate. Mr. Canady ran Chiles’ � rst campaign for U.S. Senate and after a successful election became Mr. Chiles’ chief-of-sta� . He was also campaign director for Senator Chiles’ re-election campaigns of 1976 and 1982. Lakeland High graduate.

Ronald Fussell’s career in avionics and engineering includes work for the U.S. Air Force, NASA and private companies. With NASA, he

contributed to projects that included the U.S. Space Shuttle, the Hubble Space Telescope, SpaceLab and a mission by astronaut John Glenn.

Mr. Fussell holds the primary inventorship for two NASA/Boeing applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark O� ce for space information management products. Auburndale High graduate.

Ronald Garl is one of the nation’s foremost golf course designers. His courses all over the world have been the sites for PGA, Senior PGA, LPGA, European, Asian and Canadian tour events. His courses have made Golfweek magazine’s list of the best 100 residential golf courses and Golf Magazine’s list of America’s Best 75 resort courses. In 1995, the International Network of Golf organization named Mr. Garl as Golf Course Designer of the Year. Lakeland High graduate.

H.E. “Bert” Schulz and his father founded the Florida Chemical Company, a Winter Haven company that is now an industry leader for producing solvents, chemical synthesis and other applications from citrus oils. Florida Chemical was the pioneer company discovering that a little-known citrus derivative could be used to reduce pollution from toxic chemicals. Florida Chemical products are used worldwide today in cleaners, paint, sanitizers, insecticides and cosmetics. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Mr. Chiles’ chief-of-sta� . He was also campaign director for Senator Chiles’ re-election campaigns of 1976 and 1982. Lakeland High graduate.

Ronald Fussell’s for the U.S. Air Force, NASA and private companies. With NASA, he

contributed to projects that included the U.S. Space Shuttle, the Hubble Space Telescope, SpaceLab and a mission by astronaut John Glenn.

Mr. Fussell holds the primary inventorship for two NASA/Boeing applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark O� ce for space information management products. Auburndale High graduate.

Ronald Garldesigners. His courses all over the world have been the sites for PGA, Senior PGA, LPGA, European, Asian and Canadian tour events. His courses have made Golfweek magazine’s list of the best 100 residential golf courses and Golf Magazine’s list of America’s Best 75 resort courses. In 1995, the International Network of Golf organization named Mr. Garl as Golf Course Designer of the Year. Lakeland High graduate.

H.E. “Bert” Chemical Company, a Winter Haven company that is now an industry leader for producing solvents, chemical synthesis and other applications from citrus oils. Florida Chemical was the pioneer company discovering that a little-known citrus derivative could be used to reduce pollution from toxic chemicals. Florida Chemical products are used worldwide today in cleaners, paint, sanitizers, insecticides and cosmetics. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Debi Einmo,inducted

2010


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Dr. J. Larry Durrence was the president of Polk Community College from 1998 to 2006. He is credited with increasing enrollment, improving the college’s credibility and visibility, adding facilities and campuses, adding degree and certi� cation programs and tripling the school’s endowment. Prior to PCC, he held positions with the Florida Department of Revenue, Florida State University, Florida Southern College, the Ridge League of Cities and Florida League of Cities. Lakeland High graduate.

Major Steven Flett’s military career includes high level positions with the United States Department of Intelligence. He conducted highly sensitive intelligence operations as a special agent and second lieutenant in Europe and the U.S. On September 11, 2001, he was at his post in the Army war room at the Pentagon and functioned as the senior intelligence o� cer present at the watch. Major Flett traveled with police escort to the Capitol on 9-11 to brief the U.S. Senate and Congress on the situation at the Pentagon during the attacks. Graduate of Auburndale High.

Dr. Mark Jaroszeski, professor in the department of chemical engineering at the University of South Florida in Tampa. In 2005, he was the USF Department of Chemical Engineering Professor of the Year, an award voted on by undergraduate students. In the 2005-2006 academic year, he was awarded the USF Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. He competed for and won a $1 million grant for a USF program to provide underrepresented minorities better access to research careers in the biomedical sciences. Graduate of Kathleen High.

Dr. Sanford Meeks, chief of radiotherapy physics for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando where he oversees the physics, dosimetry and radiation therapy sta� . Additionally, he served as the facility’s chairman of the institutional review board ensuring the protection and rights of patients participating in clinical research. Prior to joining M.D. Anderson, Dr. Meeks was director of physics and associate professor in the departments of radiation oncology and biomedical engineering at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Prior to Iowa, he was on the faculty at the University of Florida. Graduate of Auburndale High.

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Paul Hughes has dedicated his life to providing quality theatre at an a� ordable price for arts patrons in Polk County. As artistic director of the Pied Piper Players community group, now known as Lakeland Community � eatre, Paul was a jack of all trades. His skills ran the gamut—acting, singing, directing, producing, designing and writing. In addition, his expertise included set, lighting and costume design. During Paul’s leadership, the group grew from a small children’s theatre to a widescale community theatre with � ve main stage productions, a separate children’s theatre and numerous camps and classes throughout the year. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Congressman Adam Putnam was elected to Congress on November 7, 2000 at the age of 26. He has served as Chairman of the House Republican Conference and on the Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. Named by the National Journal in 2003 as a “Republican to Watch” and in 2004, one of National Journal’s Homeland Security 100 key government o� cials and outside experts. Congressman Putnam also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award, the 60 Plus Association Guardian of Seniors Rights Award and the Americans for Tax Reform Hero of Taxpayer Award. Graduate of Bartow High School.

to joining M.D. Anderson, Dr. Meeks was director of physics and associate professor in the departments of radiation oncology and biomedical engineering at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Prior to Iowa, he was on the faculty at the University of Florida.

has dedicated his life to providing quality theatre at an a� ordable price for arts patrons in Polk County. As artistic director of the Pied Piper Players community group, now known as Lakeland Community � eatre, Paul was a jack of all trades. His skills ran the gamut—acting, singing, directing, producing, designing and writing. In addition, his expertise included set, lighting and costume design. During Paul’s leadership, the group grew from a small children’s theatre to a widescale community theatre with � ve main stage productions, a separate children’s theatre and numerous camps

was elected to Congress on November 7, 2000 at the age of 26. He has served as Chairman of the House Republican Conference and on the Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. Named by the National Journal in 2003 as a “Republican to Watch” and in 2004, one of National Journal’s Homeland Security 100 key government o� cials and outside experts. Congressman Putnam also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award, the 60 Plus Association Guardian of Seniors Rights Award and the Americans for Tax Reform Hero of Taxpayer

Colonel Freddie Austin,inducted 2003

Dr. Clinton Wright served the students of Polk County for more than 30 years. He began as a teacher at Kathleen Middle in 1974 and later served as that school’s principal. He was the popular principal of Kathleen High before becoming an area superintendent in the northwest and southeast parts of the county. His accomplishments include a Florida Principal of the Year Award, Boss of the Year Award from the Lakeland chapter of the American Business Women’s Association and a NAACP Beacon Award. He was appointed by the Florida Education Commissioner to the Task Force for Blueprint 2000 committee, aimed at moving Florida education to higher standards. He was superintendent of Lake Wales charter schools from 2004 to 2007. Graduate of Bartow High.

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Dr. William N. Brown was in the United States Air Force and worked in counterterrorism, criminal investigations and protective services. Following his military career, he worked in the corporate world before becoming a university professor in China. He is the author of MBA textbooks and writer of magazine, newspaper and journal articles and television documentaries. Much of his written work is about China and traveling in China. He also wrote, directed and co-hosted a 63-episode mini-series for Chinese television. In 1993, he received the Friendship Award from Chinese Premier Li Peng, China’s highest honor for foreigners. Graduate of Bartow High.

Raymond Driver made his impact locally as one of the foremost historians on the phosphate industry. As a community leader in his native Mulberry, he led fundraising e� orts helping youth and preserving history. His energy and leadership enabled the Mulberry Historical Society to collect and preserve documents that have meaning for residents, business leaders and researchers. A leader and advocate for his alma mater, Mulberry High, Driver was instrumental in development of the Gray Panther Alumni, an active association of Mulberry High alumni.

Judge Ronald Herring was elected as county judge in 1988 and served until 1993. He was elected to the Tenth Judicial Circuit in 1994 and named Chief Judge of the Circuit Court in 2003. His written decisions, professional conduct and management of Circuit Court activities and procedures earn him respect throughout the legal community. Early in his career, Judge Herring was an assistant state attorney and assistant attorney general. As assistant attorney general, he prosecuted racketeers and corrupt organizations. His honors include recognition from the Florida Council on Crime & Delinquency, Fraternal Order of Police and the Polk County Family Lawyers’ Association. Graduate of Lakeland High.


Justice Charles T. Canadyinducted 2010

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Dr. JoAnne Whitaker, an internationally recognized research and teaching physician, had extensive fellowship programs in pediatrics, hematology, oncology, nutrition and psychiatry and taught in seven di� erent medical schools. Her work took her all over the country, including Sloan-Kettering and Bellevue hospitals (New York, N.Y.), Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Parkland Memorial Hospital and Children’s Medical Center (Dallas, Texas). She founded the Bowen Research & Training Institute locations in Lake Alfred and Pinellas County’s Tarpon Springs. � e Institute does lyme disease testing and research. Graduate of Bartow High.

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Vita Hinshaw helped to grow her family’s business, Lake Wales’ Chalet Suzanne, into a world famous country inn and restaurant. Uncle Ben’s Rice company named Chalet Suzanne as one of the nation’s Top 10 country inns and Chalet Suzanne has been named to Florida Trend Magazine’s Golden Spoon Award Hall of Fame. She fostered the relationship between the restaurant and NASA that led to the restaurant’s soups being served on Apollo 15 and 16 and the Apollo-Soyuz space mission. Chalet Suzanne’s Moon Soup was displayed at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum. Graduate of Lake Wales High.

Katherine Blood Hoffman earned a master’s from New York’s Columbia University and joined Florida State University’s chemistry faculty in 1940 when it was unusual for women to teach the subject at the university level. She was an instructor, assistant professor, full professor and associate chair of the chemistry department. She was also FSU’s dean of women and president of the FSU Faculty Senate. Upon her retirement, the FSU Department of Chemistry dedicated the Katherine B. Ho� man Teaching Laboratory. She and her husband established the $100,000 Katherine Blood Ho� man Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry. Graduate of Winter Haven High. Dr. Gerard Hubbell established Lakeland’s Hubbell Eye Clinic and Optical Division. Dr. Hubbell received the 1997 Vision USA Award, a presidential award presented to him at the Oval O� ce by President Clinton. He has represented companies including Johnson and Johnson, Acuvue, Ciba and Durasoft and was clinical physician for Bausch & Lomb and Allergen Pharmaceuticals. He has been honored many times for his community service work, providing eye care to the poor and indigent. Dr. Hubbell is listed in the platinum edition of � e American Registry of Who’s Who as a pioneer in the � elds of diagnostic eye care and contact lenses. Graduate of Winter Haven High. Dr. Michael Washington, industrial engineer with the Centers for Disease Control, was selected in 2005 by the Institute of Industrial Engineers as Most Outstanding Young Industrial Engineer in Business and Industry. In 2003, he was chosen as one of the top young engineers in the nation and one of 16 “New Faces in Engineering” by the USA Today newspaper and National Engineering Week magazine. He has also been honored by the University of South Florida’s College of Engineering for his engineering contributions to humanitarian e� orts and services. A graduate of Auburndale High, where he is also a member of the school’s Hall of Fame.

Whether in academics or business, quality is essential, but character matters most. We each have our share of adversity, but that’s character building.

~ Vita Hinshaw inducted 2005

Dr. Mark Jaroszeski,inducted 2008

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Judge J. Dale Durrance founded Polk County Teen Court, a program where juvenile criminal o�enders are diverted from the juvenile court system and referred to teen volunteers for punishment. Teen Court serves as a law enforcement and judicial diversion program for the juvenile justice system. Named Outstanding Judge of the Year in 1989 by the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency. Graduate of Fort Meade High.

Colonel William August Felt supervised chemical manufacturing plants and was involved in the transportation and shipment of chemicals during World War II. Later in his military career, during the 1950s and 1960s, he taught radiological, biological and chemical subjects to o�cers of the United States and many foreign countries. After retiring from the military, he returned to his hometown of Frostproof and taught chemistry, physics and biology at his alma mater Frostproof High. Kathy Fountain, WTVT FOX-13 news anchor and talk show host. Received honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and her community service projects include serving as honorary chairperson for the March of Dimes Walk America. A member of Polk Community College’s Hall of Fame and a graduate of the University of Florida where she was named Outstanding Female Journalism Graduate. Graduate of Kathleen High.

As Polk Schools Director of Elementary Education, Diana Myrick is considered a key facilitator in the focus on literacy. As principal at Southwest Elementary, the school was named as one of the nation’s best by Redbook magazine. She’s been nominated for the National Distinguished Principal award and was recipient of a Sylvan Learning Center’s Principal Award. She also served as Director for the Florida Elementary School Principals organization from 1991 to 1993. Graduate of Lakeland High.

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Colonel Freddie Austin, U.S. Army o�cer, professor of military science and Pentagon sta� o�cer. Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry, 173rd Separate Airborne Brigade in Vietnam and was an advisor to a Republic of South Vietnam Popular Forces Unit. He was President of the Washington Park/Rochelle Alumni Association and was junior partner of the Lakeland Association of Investors. Graduate of Washington Park High. Carol Jenkins Barnett, Publix Board of Directors and President of Publix Super Markets Charities. She also served as Co-Chair of Success by 6, a children’s initiative of the United Way. She received honors and awards from groups that include the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, the National Society of Fundraising Executives and the United Way of Central Florida. Attended Cleveland Court Elementary and Southwest Middle. Judge Charles A. Davis Jr., served as county judge, circuit judge and an appellate judge on the Court of Appeals. His law career includes work in private practice and as a public defender. He is a former Winter Haven city commissioner and mayor. He has also been on the Board of Trustees of Trevecca Nazarene University. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Understand that you do not need to mistreat others in order to be successful in this world. You don’t have to ‘step on other’s toes’ to climb the ladder of success. Hard work, dedication and determination will get you there.

~ Edgar Pickett Jr.inducted 2011

It is imperative that you maximize the opportunities associated with your educational journey. If you give it your best everyday it will prepare you for a very ful�lling life and open doors to an abundantly rewarding future.

~ Gow Fields inducted 2011


13

James Denmark received critical acclaim for his artwork and his work has been displayed in New York’s Harlem Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has been recognized as one of New York’s 100 black role models and was commissioned by the National Congressional Black Caucus as an Artist of Choice. His painting, “Sabrina,” was purchased by Oprah Winfrey. Graduate of Jewett High.

I N D U C T E D I N 2 0 0 2

Al Bellotto, leader in citrus and cattle industries. Held executive positions with the Florida Citrus Showcase, the national, state and local cattlemen’s associations. Named Farmer of the Year in 1995 by the Florida Farm Bureau. Recipient of the University of Florida’s Gamma Sigma Delta Award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture. He was inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame. Graduate of Haines City High.

George Gause was the �rst African-American city commissioner and mayor of Bartow and served on numerous Bartow city boards. Governor Reubin Askew appointed Mr. Gause to advisory boards of the State of Florida Council of Community A�airs and the Polk County Advisory Committee. He was also the �rst African-American to be elected to the Polk County School Board. Graduate of Union Academy High.

C. Fred Jones, elected to the Florida House of Representatives where he chaired the House Agriculture Committee, House Transportation Committee and the Community A�airs Committee. Recipient of the Ridge League of Cities Legislator of the Year Award and the Allen Morris Award for Most E�ective in Committee of the House of Representatives. �e Boy Scouts of America also presented him with a Distinguished Citizen Award. Graduate of Auburndale High.

I N D U C T E D I N 2 0 0 1

Dr. James Ammons served as Provost and Vice President of Academic A�airs at Florida A&M University and held multiple vice president and director positions at the Tallahassee school before becoming its president in 2007. Also an American Council on Education Fellow at Florida State University and author of numerous publications and articles about government and municipal services marketing. Was a member of the Leon County Public Schools District Advisory Council. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Bobby Braddock was inducted in 1981 as the youngest living member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Wrote songs for the Statler Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, Tanya Tucker, Willie Nelson and many others. He wrote “He Stopped Loving Her Today” propelling George Jones’ comeback and the song was twice named Song of the Year by the Country Music Association. Graduate of Auburndale High. Burke Kibler received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during World War II. After serving his country, he completed his college education and eventually earned a law degree. He served as General counsel of the Florida Citrus Commission, the Florida Phosphate Council, the Florida World’s Fair Authority and the Florida House of Representatives. He was also Chairman of both the Florida Council of 100 Task Force on Higher Education and the Council of 100 Business/Higher Education Partnership and Chairman of Florida’s Board of Regents. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Being able to make a living doing what you love is a blessing. No trials or tribulations are too great to overcome if approached with passion and a positive attitude. If you are able to reach out and help others, there is no grander gift than to give of yourself. And there is no richer life if you surround yourself with faith, family and friends.

~ Al Bellotto inducted 2002

I N D U C T E D I N 2 0 0 0

Glen Davidson, sales and marketing executive at both the Shae� er Pen Company and Sun Mark Industries, a Missouri-based candy manufacturer that included Jawbreakers as one of its products. An entrepreneur at heart, Davidson used his experience in the candy industry and returned to Polk County and opened Davidson’s of Dundee, a candy factory. Davidson’s is a popular spot for residents and tourists who visit and watch jams and jellies being made. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines IV, the world’s fastest man in the water in the 1980s. Won three gold medals and set two world records at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. NCAA All-American swimmer and was the Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Year in 1981. Swimming commentator for NBC, CBS, TNT and ESPN and a national spokesperson for companies that included Speedo, Walt Disney World and HealthSouth. NBC’s lead swimming analyst during coverage of the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Comedian and musician Jim Stafford had a series of novelty Top Ten songs in the 1970s including “Spiders and Snakes,”

a song selling more than 1 million copies. Other hits included “Swamp Witch” and “Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne.” Head writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and later hosted his own network television variety show from Hollywood. In 1990, he founded the Jim Sta� ord � eatre entertainment venue in Branson, Missouri. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 9

Bill Duncan, long-time Polk County educator. Principal of Winter Haven and Lake Wales high schools and served as an administrator in the superintendent’s o� ce. Known as “the father of discipline” in Polk County Schools. He retired in 1992, the same year that the Polk Opportunity Center was renamed the Bill Duncan Opportunity

Center. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Frances Langford, vaudeville singer and radio star in the 1930s. In the 1940s, her career took o� as a singer and actress working with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como and Don Ameche. During World War II, she toured with Bob Hope’s U.S.O. group, entertaining troops. During the Korean War, she toured military camps writing newspaper articles about her experiences. � e articles were the basis for a movie, “Purple Heart Diaries.” Attended Lakeland High.

Never forget to share your talents, time and � nances with your family and community.

~ Raymond Driver inducted 2006

a song selling more than 1 million copies. Other hits included “Swamp Witch” and “Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne.” Head writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and later hosted his own network television variety show from Hollywood. In 1990, he founded the Jim Sta� ord � eatre entertainment venue in Branson, Missouri. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

I N D U C T E D I N

Bill Duncan,Principal of Winter Haven and Lake Wales high schools and served as an administrator in the superintendent’s o� ce. Known as “the father of discipline” in Polk County Schools. He retired in 1992, the same year that the Polk Opportunity Center was renamed the Bill Duncan Opportunity

Center. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Frances Langfordstar in the 1930s. In the 1940s, her career took o� as a singer and actress working with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como and Don Ameche. During World War II, she toured with Bob Hope’s U.S.O. group, entertaining troops. During the Korean War, she toured military camps writing newspaper articles about her experiences. � e articles were the basis for a movie, “Purple Heart Diaries.” Attended Lakeland High.


Frances Langford,inducted 1999

15

Jerry Yachabach was named Inc. Magazine’s 1989 Entrepreneur of the Year. In 1983, he founded Protel, Inc., a Lakeland-based company providing pay telephone equipment, parts and software to telecommunications companies worldwide. In his early career, he worked in aerospace technology for projects that included the Apollo space missions and munitions development for the military. He and his brother also formed Teltronics, Inc. a Fortune 500 company that developed and manufactured pay phone products. Graduate of Lakeland High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 8

Dr. Edgar Canter Brown Jr., award winning author, public speaker and leading authority on 19th century Florida history. Won the 1992 Rembert W. Patrick Memorial Book Award from the Florida Historical Society for the best book on a Florida subject. Holds a law degree and was an attorney for the Florida House of Representatives and Deputy Legislative Counsel for the Georgia General Assembly. Graduate of Fort Meade High.

Dr. John E. Desmond, research associate for Stanford University’s Department of Psychology. Won the National Research Science Award and received the National Research Foundation Graduate Fellowship Award. Author of more than 60 papers or publications in psychology. Developed computer programs that Stanford laboratories used to analyze data. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Bob Murphy, professional golfer on both the PGA and Senior/Champions Tour. Later became an analyst on network television golf broadcasts. Won the 1996 Ben Hogan Award for coming back from adversity and also received Golf Digest’s Comeback Player of the Year Award. Was national spokesperson for the Hook-A-Kid on Golf program. Graduate of Mulberry High.

Develop your talents and abilities to give of yourself to others in our world.

~ H.E. “Bert” Schulz inducted 2009

Ronald Garl,inducted 2009

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 7

Hazel Haley was one of Florida’s and the nation’s most celebrated teachers. She began teaching English in 1938 and with her retirement at the completion of the 2005-2006 school year she inspired and taught students for 69 consecutive years. She taught all but one of those 69 years at her alma mater, Lakeland High. She was believed to have had the longest tenure of any Florida teacher and was the subject of dozens of news articles, features, interviews and documentaries in the local, national and international media.

Robert F. Harris, Vice President of Diversity Development for the U.S. Postal Service in Washington, D.C. Aide to U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles from 1973 to 1988 and U.S. Senator John Glenn from 1989 to 1994. Also was Chief Clerk on the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Spending Practices and Deputy Sta� Director of the Senate Committee on Governmental A� airs. Graduate of Rochelle High.

Dr. Kathryn “Kat” Quina taught psychology and women’s studies at the University of Rhode Island. Coordinated the psychology program at the school and was one of 50 psychologists invited to participate in the American Psychological Association’s 1991 conference on enhancing the quality of undergraduate education. Served on a Rhode Island governor’s advisory commission studying women’s issues and wrote numerous publications on women, gender and diversity. Graduate of Mulberry High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 6

Dr. John Allan Knight Sr., general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene. President of both Mount Vernon Nazarene College and Bethany Nazarene College. Served two terms as chairman of the Oklahoma Independent College Foundation and chairman of the Board of Directors

of the Washington, D.C.-based Christian College Coalition. Recipient of the Lily Foundation � eology Award at Vanderbilt University for two

consecutive years. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray served 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a jet radar intercept o� cer with Air Defense Command and as a navigator with Air Transport Command. Was senior pastor of the 15,000 member First African Methodist Episcopal Church

in Los Angeles. Dr. Murray’s church was honored as the 177th Point of Light by President George H.W. Bush

for its community service outreach. Attended Washington Park High.

Colonel Edythe Turner, chief nurse of the 306th General Hospital in World War II and Denver’s Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Tripler Hospital in Hawaii and Brooker Army Hospital in Texas. One of the � rst women to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. Prior to her military career, she held managerial and supervisory positions at Atlanta’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. Graduate of Mulberry High.

For me, there is something more to being in a theater than just being in front of people and entertaining. I have a true desire to communicate.

~ Paul Hughes inducted 2007

of the Nazarene. President of both Mount Vernon Nazarene College and Bethany Nazarene College. Served two terms as chairman of the Oklahoma Independent College Foundation and chairman of the Board of Directors

of the Washington, D.C.-based Christian College Coalition. Recipient of the Lily Foundation � eology Award at Vanderbilt University for two

consecutive years. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Dr. Cecil “Chip” MurrayAir Force as a jet radar intercept o� cer with Air Defense Command and as a navigator with Air Transport Command. Was senior pastor of the 15,000 member First African Methodist Episcopal Church

in Los Angeles. Dr. Murray’s church was honored as the 177th Point of Light by President George H.W. Bush

for its community service outreach. Attended Washington Park High.


Gow Fieldsinducted 2011

17

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 5

Dr. William Theophlus Brown, clinical psychiatrist and fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Psychiatry. Faculty member in the Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia and President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Founding member of the British Columbia Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Graduate of Washington Park High.

Forrest Sawyer, ABC News anchor and newscaster for “Good Morning America.” Anchor of “World News Sunday,” “Nightline” and other ABC News broadcasts. Covered the Persian Gulf War where he �led the �rst live video report from the battle�eld. Winner of three Emmys and a Peabody Award for excellence in news broadcasting. Graduate of Kathleen High.

Dr. Orene V. Schoenfeld, chief of sta�, North Florida Regional Medical Center and the �rst woman appointed to that position. While at the University of Florida, Dr. Schoenfeld was one of only three women in her medical school class and the �rst woman in the residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. Member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 4

Dr. Paul Sheffield, noted aerospace physiologist. In the U.S. Air Force, Dr. She�eld taught aircrews the medical aspects of high altitude. Helped to create the �rst Air Force medicine center studying the breathing of oxygen at pressures greater than normal sea level pressure. Published more than 100 scienti�c papers related to his studies. Graduate of Mulberry High.

Major General Joseph Kenneth Stapleton (U.S. Air Force), Deputy Inspector of the U.S. Air Force, O�ce of the Secretary. Earned his commission and navigator wings in 1960 through the Aviation Cadet program at Harlingen Air Force Base in Texas and �ew 191 missions in Vietnam. Stapleton was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star and the Combat Readiness Medal. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 3

Wogan S. Badcock Jr., son of Wogan S. Badcock Sr. and grandson of Henry Badcock, founders of W.S. Badcock home furnishings stores. Became the company’s president in 1963 and oversaw rapid growth as Badcock furniture expanded to more than 300 stores. Named chairman of the board in 1984. His list of philanthropic endeavors includes working with the YMCA, Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Florida Sheri�’s Boys Ranch and the Kiwanis Club. Graduate of Mulberry High.

Dr. James Gardner was the �rst black chairman of Florida’s Board of Regents and served as chairman for two years. Overall, was a Board of Regents member for nine years. Assistant to the president of Nova Southeastern University. First African-American appointed Assistant Superintendent in Broward County Public Schools. Also served as Broward Deputy Superintendent. Was President of the Florida State Teachers’ Association. Graduate of Union Academy.

Judge Stephen Grimes was a judge on the Florida Supreme Court and served as its Chief Justice. He was the �rst from Polk County to serve on Florida’s Supreme Court. An appellate judge on the Second District Court of Appeal before becoming a Supreme Court justice. Head of litigation for the prestigious Holland and Knight law �rm before accepting appointment to appellate court. Was president of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Bar Association. Received honorary Doctor Of Law from Stetson University College of Law. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Lead with your heart.~ Dr. JoAnne Whitaker

inducted 2006

E.M. Haynsworth, technology expert credited with helping to turn Florida and Polk County phosphate mining into industry giants. A mining engineer, Haynsworth was instrumental in pioneering processes used in virtually all phosphate mining operations. Mine manager and superintendent, the former Chicora Mine in Bradley was renamed Haynsworth Mine to mark his accomplishments in the industry. Graduate of Mulberry High.

Dr. James Morrison, founder and � rst president of the American Educational Research Association Special Interest Group on Postsecondary Education. Designed and implemented professional development seminars on strategic management and planning, issues management, institutional audits and forecasting for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University. A U.S. Army reservist, Dr. Morrison was awarded the highest award authorized for peacetime, the Legion of Merit medal, for his career contributions to army planning. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 2

Janyce Ahl, a science teacher for more than 20 years at Lake Wales High, was known as the First Lady of Lake Wales. She authored a book “Crown Jewel Of � e Highlands: Lake Wales, Florida.” Was a charter member of the Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, Lake Wales Historic Society and Lake Wales Museum and Culture Center. She was interviewed numerous times by national media on her historical knowledge of Lake Wales and considered the authority on the legend of Spook Hill. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Dr. Peter Bennett, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History and zoology professor at the University of Florida. Bennett was also president of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Taught at Harvard University and University of Kentucky. Was chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida State University. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Thomas Bryant, lawyer, state legislator and Lakeland civic leader who secured funding for road and government building projects including the Lakeland stadium that bears his name. As a student at

Lakeland High in 1907, he helped to organize the school’s � rst football team. Also named for him is the � omas W. Bryant Space Sciences Building on the

University of Florida campus.

Wilbur Pipkin, inventor of important citrus-related machinery, including a “peel oil press” that extracted oil to be used in � avorings and the “whole fruit juice extractor” still being used by many juice plants today. He attended schools in Medulla and Mulberry in the 1900s.

Ken Riley, star quarterback at Florida A&M University and Rhodes Scholar nominee. He earned All-Pro and All-AFC honors in the NFL with the

Cincinnati Bengals. Was an assistant coach

with the Green Bay Packers. Returned to

FAMU as head coach and later served as the school’s

athletic director. Graduate of Union Academy High.

Really successful people are problem solvers, everybody can do their job when things are going � ne.

~ Ronald Garl inducted 2009

government building projects including the Lakeland stadium that bears his name. As a student at Lakeland High in 1907, he helped to organize the school’s � rst football team.

Also named for him is the � omas W. Bryant Space Sciences Building on the University of Florida campus.

Wilbur Pipkin, inventor of important citrus-related machinery, including a “peel oil press” that extracted oil to be used in � avorings and the “whole fruit juice extractor” still being used by many juice plants today. He attended schools in Medulla and Mulberry in the 1900s.

Ken Riley, star quarterback at Florida A&M University and Rhodes Scholar nominee. He earned All-Pro and All-AFC honors in the NFL with the

Cincinnati Bengals. Was an assistant coach

with the Green Bay Packers. Returned to

FAMU as head coach and later served as the school’s

athletic director. Graduate of Union Academy High.


Ben Hill Gri� n Jr.,inducted 1985

19

I N D U C T E D I N 19 91

Wogan S. Badcock Sr., pioneer in the home furnishings industry after purchasing the business from his father. Received the Citation Meritorious for Service for Outstanding Leadership for his role in helping to develop the state of Florida. Graduate of Mulberry High.

Dr. Wendell Blake, known for his research in hypertension and cancer and published work on the issues in numerous medical journals and publications. Chief of General Surgical Services at U.S. Kenner Army Hospital in Virginia. Later had a private practice in Lakeland. Graduated as valedictorian at RochelleJunior-Senior High.

Dr. W. Clark Still Jr., a researcher and lecturer at Columbia University, an expert on synthetic organic chemistry. In 1984, Science Digest named him one of “America’s 100 Brightest Scientists Under 40.” Received the National Science Foundation’s Waterman Award for molecular research. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 9 0

Dr. Louise Cason, known for her work in the � eld of pediatric medicine. Chief of Pediatrics at Variety Children’s Hospital in Miami and clinical associate professor at the University of Miami’s medical school. Led a $50 million renovation project at Miami Children’s Hospital. Attended Lakeland High.

Gordon Judy, a scientist who helped to develop the Pershing II autopilot and � ight control systems. Helped to design guidance and control systems for missiles using computer simulations as part of the Star Wars government space program. Helped to design guid-ance systems for Patriot missiles used in Kuwait. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

Judge Charles Z. Smith, � rst African-American appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court. Law school dean, professor and director of the University District Defender Services at the University of Washington. Attended Washington Park High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 8 9

Gordon L. Dugger, noted authority on rocketry and combustion. At Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, he was deputy director of the thermal energy conversion program and supervisor of the hypersonic propulsion group studying rocket thrust. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

IQ is important in being successful in life, but it also requires a great amount of I WILL. Don’t be afraid of failure. It is better to try and fail, than to never try at all. Get up and keep going. Success comes from hard work, positive attitude, determination and a lot of perspiration.

~ Charles E. Canady inducted 2009

Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines IV, inducted 2000

A.J. Hackl led a leveraged buyout that eventually bought Her� Jones, Inc. and later was the company’s chairman and principal owner. Her� Jones is one of the country’s largest suppliers of class rings, diplomas, yearbooks, graduation caps and gowns. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

Floyd E. Lay helped shape policy for Florida school activities and was a leader in the Florida High School Activities Association. Served on state and national panels and committees that established rules, legislation and other policies governing sports and extracurricular activities. Graduate of Lakeland High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 8 8

Curtis Peterson was a state senator and public education advocate during his legislative tenure. Sponsored the RAISE act (Raise Achievement in Secondary Education) to improve public education. Named by colleagues as Most E� ective Senator in 1981. Also was Florida Nurseryman of the Year and president of the Florida Nursery and Growers Association. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Dr. Marvin Pipkin was a chemist credited on the invention of the frosted, incandescent lamp. During a career at General Electric, he worked on the development of light bulbs and the modern photographic � ash. He is noted in the World Almanac and by the Edison Foundation as being one of the world’s important inventors. Attended Summerlin Institute.

Dr. G. Leonard Tyler Jr. worked on the NASA Apollo projects and Mariner probes that orbited Mars. One of his roles included selection of the Viking spacecraft landing site on Mars. Stanford University professor and recipient of three NASA medals for Exceptional Scienti� c Achievement. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 8 7

Clarence Alexander Boswell Sr., namesake for Boswell Elementary in Auburndale, is one of the most celebrated attorneys in Florida and Polk County history. His law career spanned more than 81 years and he was Florida’s oldest-practicing lawyer at the time of his death in 2005 at the age of 102. His practice included civil law, estate planning, title work and real estate law. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

Please know that wherever life takes you, your friends, your family and your teachers have prepared you well for this exciting and important juncture in your life. If you fall, get up. If you fail, try again. But don’t ever stop trying. ~ U.S. Senator Kay Hagan inducted 2011

I N D U C T E D I N 19 8 7

Clarence Alexander Boswell Sr., namesake for Boswell Elementary in Auburndale, is one of the most celebrated attorneys in Florida and Polk County history. His law career spanned more than 81 years and he was Florida’s oldest-practicing lawyer at the time of his death in 2005 at the age of 102. His practice included civil law, estate planning, title work and real estate law. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

trying. ~ U.S. Senator Kay Hagan inducted 2011


Dr. Marvin Pipkin,inducted 1988

21

Lt. General William H. Fitch �ew F-4 Phantom Fighters and other jets as a Marine Corps pilot. He is credited on patents for the Multiple Carriage Bomb Rack, the Multiple Ejector Rack and the Triple Ejector Rack, all used in combat by most tactical jet aircraft. He graduated from Summerlin Institute.

W.H. Stuart was a leader in Florida’s cattle industry and established the Edward Crossland Stuart Scholarship Foundation which funded college scholarships at Erskine and Davidson colleges. For 25 years, he was chairman or president of the Polk County Youth Fair. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

Richard Downing “Dick” Pope Sr. is known as the Father of Tourism in Florida. �rough his vision and determination, Cypress Gardens was born in the 1930s. He was also responsible for the Sunday television program “Day of Discovery,” which was taped at the garden attraction. He graduated from Winter Haven High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 8 6

Judge Roy H. Amidon was Lakeland city attorney and a city judge before his election as a state circuit judge. A learned and intellectual man, Judge Amidon had a college degree in electrical engineering before earning a law degree. He earned a law degree while working full-time for the U.S. Postal Service. He was also an accomplished farmer, musician and journalist. Graduate of Lakeland High.

Marshall Holloway, sta� member of the elite, top-secret Los Alamos Scienti�c Laboratory for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Did research at Cornell, Purdue and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in air defense, computers, radar, communications and physics. Graduate of Haines City High.

Floretta Dukes McKenzie, �rst woman Deputy Commissioner for the U.S. Department of Education. She also was Superintendent of the District of Columbia public schools and served on an advisory board of the National Geographic Society. Graduate of Rochelle High School.

James Sweet built Scotty’s homebuilding stores to a chain of more than 100 and $500 million in sales during a 40-year career there. Scotty’s employed more than 5,500 people during his tenure. Fifteen-year member of the Florida Council of 100 business development group. Graduate of Winter Haven High.

I N D U C T E D I N 19 8 5

Charles O. Andrews was a U.S. Senator from 1936 to 1946, Assistant Attorney General in Florida, Circuit Court Judge and a State Representative. General Counsel for Florida Real Estate Commission and Orlando city attorney. He graduated from Summerlin Institute.

John Vincent Atanasoff is credited with the invention of the electronic digital computer. During his long career in science, he was Chief of the Acoustic Subdivision of the Naval Ordinance Laboratory in Washington, D.C. and was chief scientist of the Army Field Forces stationed in Virginia. Graduate of Mulberry High.

Lawton Chiles was one of Florida’s most popular governors and was nicknamed “Walkin’ Lawton” for his walking tours through the state while on the campaign trail. He was governor from 1991 until his death in 1998 and his political career included stints as a U.S. Senator (1971-1989) and member of both the Florida House and Senate. He graduated from Lakeland High.

It only takes one person to inspire success in someone else’s life. ~ Diana Myrick inducted 2004

Ben Hill Griffi n Jr. was a leader in Florida’s citrus and cattle industries and his businesses included grove management, fresh fruit packing and shipping, ranching and fertilizer manufacturing. He also served in the Florida House and Senate and founded the Lake Wales Country Club. He graduated from Frostproof High School. Spessard Holland was Florida’s governor from 1941 to 1945 and a U.S. senator from 1946 to 1971. He was a leader in helping to pass the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed the poll tax at elections. � e law school administration building at the University of Florida and a Polk County elementary school are named for Holland. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

J. Hardin Peterson was a U.S. Congressman from 1933 to 1951 and municipal attorney for several communities. Also served as county solicitor and prosecutor. Practiced law for more than 60 years. Was counsel to the state Department of Agriculture and special counsel to the territorial government of Guam. Graduate of Lakeland High School.

Park Trammell was U.S. Senator from 1917 to 1936. He advocated for bills and laws to bene� t the working man, including the Farmer’s Relief Law, helping farmers procure government loans. His career included terms as Lakeland mayor, state representative and senator, state attorney general and Florida governor (1913-1917). He attended Lakeland-area schools in the 1890s.

General James A. Van Fleet was a four-star general and Commander of the United States Eighth Army and a� liated Korean army and United Nations forces. Chosen by President Truman to direct the joint U.S. Military Advisory Planning Group in Greece that stopped Communist insurgencies in that country. Statues in his honor are erected in both Greece and Korea. Graduate of Summerlin Institute.

� e road of life takes many paths. Your character and morals determine the path’s successes and failures. But forever remember, that Morals and Character may only be validated when they become inconvenient and tested. ~ Dr. Gerard Hubbell

inducted 2005

Nominations for the Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame are sought annually from the public. Contact the Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships at (863) 534-0698 to � nd out more about recommending someone for this honor.

Photos of Colonel Freddie Austin, Frances Langford, Ben Hill Gri� n Jr., Dr. Marvin

Pipkin and Lawton Chiles are used in accordance with permissions from � e Florida

Memory Project. All other photos were provided by Hall of Fame inductees.


Lawton Chiles,inducted 1985

23

Janyce Ahl, 1992Judge Roy H. Amidon, 1986Dr. James Ammons, 2001Charles O. Andrews, 1985John Vincent Atanasoff, 1985Colonel Freddie Austin, 2003Wogan S. Badcock Sr., 1991Wogan S. Badcock Jr., 1993Colonel James E. Baker Jr., 2014Dr. JoAnn Balingit, 2010Al Bellotto, 2002Dr. Peter Bennett, 1992Otis Birdsong, 2015Dr. Wendell Blake, 1991Katherine Blood Hoffman, 2005Clarence Alexander Boswell Sr., 1987Bobby Braddock, 2001Dr. Edgar Canter Brown Jr., 1998Dr. William N. Brown, 2006Dr. William Theophlus Brown, 1996Thomas Bryant, 1992Charles E. Canady, 2009Justice Charles T. Canady, 2010Dr. Louise Cason, 1990Lawton Chiles, 1985Glen Davidson, 2000Judge Charles A. Davis Jr., 2003James Denmark, 2003Dr. John E. Desmond, 1998Raymond Driver, 2006Gordon L. Dugger, 1989Floretta Dukes McKenzie, 1986Bill Duncan, 1999Judge J. Dale Durrance, 2004Dr. J. Larry Durrence, 2008Debi Einmo, 2010Colonel William August Felt, 2004Mayor Gow Fields, 2011Lt. General William H. Fitch, 1987Major Steven Flett, 2008

Kathy Fountain, 2004Ronald Fussell, 2009Ambrose "Rowdy" Gaines IV, 2000Dr. James Gardner, 1993Ronald Garl, 2009George Gause, 2002Ben Hill Griffi n Jr., 1985Judge Stephen Grimes, 1993A.J. Hackl, 1989Senator Kay Hagan, 2011Hazel Haley, 1997Larry D. Hardaway, Esquire, 2013Robert F. Harris, 1997Barbara Harrison, 2014E.M. Haynsworth, 1993Judge Ronald Herring, 2006Vita Hinshaw, 2005Spessard Holland, 1985Marshall Holloway, 1986Hollis H. Hooks, 2015Dr. Gerard Hubbell, 2005Paul Hughes, 2007Dr. Mark Jaroszeski, 2008William "Ron" Jefferies, 2011Carol Jenkins Barnett, 2003Rear Admiral J. Adrian Jackson, 2016C. Fred Jones, 2002Grady Judd, 2012Gordon Judy, 1990Burke Kibler, 2001Dr. John Allan Knight Sr., 1996Frances Langford, 1999Floyd E. Lay, 1989Dr. George E. Lees, 2012Dr. Sanford Meeks, 2008Deric Milligan, 2015Dr. James Morrison, 1993Leslie M. Muma, 2016Bob Murphy, 1998Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray, 1996


Diana Myrick, 2004Dr. J. Patrick O’Leary, 2016Kathleen Parker, 2012Curtis Peterson, 1988J. Hardin Peterson, 1985Edgar Pickett Jr., 2011Dr. Marvin Pipkin, 1988Wilbur Pipkin, 1992Major General H.D. Polumbo Jr., 2014Brigadier General Robert N. Polumbo, 2014Richard Downing "Dick" Pope Sr., 1987Congressman Adam Putnam, 2007Dr. Kathryn "Kat" Quina, 1997Ken Riley, 1992Dr. Neriah E. Roberts, 2016Forrest Sawyer, 1995Dr. Orene V. Schoenfeld, 1995H.E. "Bert" Schulz, 2009Dr. Paul Sheffi eld, 1994Judge Charles Z. Smith, 1990

Robert Stackhouse, 2010Jim Stafford, 2000Major General Joseph Kenneth Stapleton, 1994Benjamin Stevenson, 2015Dr. W. Clark Still Jr., 1991W.H. Stuart, 1987James Sweet, 1986Joseph G. "Joe" Tedder, CFC, 2013Park Trammell, 1985Colonel Edythe Turner, 1996Dr. G. Leonard Tyler Jr., 1988General James A. Van Fleet, 1985Dr. Michael Washington, 2005Dr. JoAnne Whitaker, 2006Dr. Clinton Wright, 2007Jerry Yachabach, 1999Michael Yon, 2012



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Th e Honorable Kay Fields, Board Chair, District 5

Th e Honorable Hunt Berryman, Board Vice-Chair, District 1

Th e Honorable Lori Cunningham, District 2

Th e Honorable Hazel Sellers, District 3

Th e Honorable Dick Mullenax, District 4

Th e Honorable Lynn Wilson, District 6

Th e Honorable Tim Harris, District 7

Jacqueline M. Byrd,Superintendent

Th e Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships, Polk County Public Schools is proud to present the Hall of Fame and Honor Graduates Program. Special thanks to AT&T, Polk Education Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities, for their co-sponsorship. Th ank you for your generous support and for your commitment toward recognizing educational excellence.

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The Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame was created

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