BCSD names 2023 Hall of Fame inductees

Dec. 20—Earlier this month, the Bakersfield City School District announced the 2023 inductees to the BCSD Hall of Fame.

Established in 2010, the Bakersfield City School District Hall of Fame recognizes former students noted for their professional accomplishments and community members who distinguished themselves through their service to the district. The program is meant to inspire BCSD students to achieve their goals through a life of strong purpose and value.

BCSD Hall of Fame recipients are permanently honored as part of the BCSD Hall of Fame display, located in the boardroom lobby at the Education Center, 1300 Baker St.

Darnell Abraham: Born and raised in Bakersfield, Abraham attended Thorner Elementary in the Bakersfield City School District as a child. A graduate of West High School and Azusa Pacific University, he moved to New York at the age of 18 to chase his dream of becoming an actor. During an open casting call in 2016, Abraham won the role of George Washington in "Hamilton," a role that changed his life and career.

Since then, he has received numerous accolades for his work, including a Berkshire Theatre Critics Award for outstanding lead actor in a musical and being nominated by the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) for a best actor award.

The BCSD alumnus refers fondly to his time in school as well as the support and encouragement of fellow Hall of Fame inductee Gladys "Elaine" Taylor.

Phillip Campas: Born and raised in Bakersfield, Campas attended Noble Elementary and Washington Junior High as a child. After graduating from East Bakersfield High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Afghanistan before graduating from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island as a drill instructor. Campas earned many awards during his military career including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon.

After he was honorably discharged, Campas then served his hometown as a member of the Kern County Sheriff's Office and also volunteered and mentored others. Killed in the line of duty in 2021, Campas has been remembered by his community and has been honored at East High and through the Deputy Phillip J. Campas Most Inspirational Award for the Devil Pups leadership program.

Lisa Driskill: For 33 years, Driskill served district staff, students and families of the Bakersfield City School District. She spent the majority of her career as executive assistant to the superintendent, working with six administrators including fellow Hall of Fame Jean Fuller, Mike Lingo, Rob Arias and fellow 2023 inductee Harry "Doc" Ervin. This exemplary and beloved leader endeared herself to those who had the pleasure of meeting or working with her.

Harry "Doc" Ervin: Ervin was named BCSD superintendent in 2016 and served in the role for five years. Prior to that, he was an accomplished educator and administrator with more than 25 years of experience in education.

Ervin dedicated his career to bringing equity and access to economically disadvantaged students from culturally diverse backgrounds. He held district staff to high expectations to ensure increased student achievement for every student in every classroom every year.

Under his leadership, BCSD established curricular, instructional and operational systems and structures to provide systemwide sustainability and support teaching and learning.

Gladys "Elaine" Taylor: Now retired, Taylor began her career with the district in 1971, passionately serving the students and communities of Mount Vernon and Thorner elementaries for 35 years.

She began the Thorner Performing Arts program, providing students with the opportunity to excel and master a wide variety of arts. These skills gave countless students — including fellow BCSD Hall of Fame inductee Darnell Abraham — the confidence and support to pursue careers in the arts. Taylor served as an educator and mentor, inspiring others and creating a space for children to express themselves and discover their greatness.

Joe Traynor: A longtime BCSD supporter, Traynor has contributed greatly to the Cato, Fletcher, Franklin, and Chavez campuses. Funding playground enhancements and educational equipment donations, the Traynor family has impacted the lives of countless students. Traynor has also donated his time to support students and could often be found speaking at a school science fair.

The 2023 class will be ceremoniously inducted during the Bakersfield City School District Hall of Fame Gala on March 3 at the Bakersfield Country Club. For ticket information, please contact the Bakersfield City School District at 661-631-4600.