April 30 is deadline to nominate top alumni for SPS Hall of Fame induction

Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
Updated ·2 min read
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Each year, the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame honors alumni who have accomplished extraordinary feats in their personal or professional lives.

The annual event, started in 2010, was created as a way to celebrate the success of graduates and to inspire current students.

Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft was among the first alumni inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame.
Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft was among the first alumni inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame.

The SPS Hall of Fame is seeking nominations now for the alumni — typically two and up to four a year — who will be inducted at a banquet Oct. 5.

The deadline to nominate a graduate is April 30.

One of the first inductees was John Ashcroft, a 1960 graduate of Hillcrest High School. He was the 50th governor of Missouri, a U.S Senator from 1995 to 2001 and U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush.

A few other notable inductees include:

  • Johnny Morris, 1966 graduate of Glendale High School, founder of Bass Pro Shops and the Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium;

  • Stewart Fulbright, 1937 graduate Lincoln High School, Tuskegee Airman and college dean;

  • Kim Crosby, 1978 graduate of Kickapoo High School, star of Broadway musicals;

  • Timothy Garrison, 1994 graduate of Hillcrest High School, former U.S. Attorney;

  • Lynn Craig McGrew, 1996 graduate of Parkview High School, guidance and flight dynamics engineer for NASA;

  • Gary "Peanut" Adams, 1988 graduate of Central High School, member of Secret Service protection team for former president George W. Bush and his wife Laura.

To be eligible, a nominee must have graduated from SPS at least 10 years ago and have attended all four years at one of SPS' five high schools.

More: Missouri Supreme Court chief justice, NBA player to be inducted in SPS Hall of Fame

Individuals may nominate a deserving SPS graduate by completing an online form at sps.org. A quality nomination will address how the nominee has:

  • Served as an outstanding role model;

  • Demonstrated a commitment to community service;

  • Achieved a level of personal or professional success that truly distinguishes him or her from other SPS graduates;

  • Made a significant impact on his or her community;

  • Served as an inspiration to others.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: April 30 is deadline to nominate top alumni for SPS Hall of Fame