The newest inductees into the Anderson Community Schools Hall of Fame took time Saturday to reflect on how their alma mater helped shape their paths through life.
All eight honorees shared stories about the teachers and community members who impacted their lives while in Anderson, and they encouraged current students to strive to reach their potential.
During a ceremony at Anderson High School, the Anderson Education Foundation marked its 40th year and brought to 100 the number of former students recognized as members of the Hall of Fame.
“I want to welcome the inductees back to ACS,” Superintendent Joe Cronk said. “I’m proud to be the superintendent of a program that brought these eight people to the Hall of Fame.
“You don’t have to dig very deep to find excellence in ACS,” he said.
Alan Landes, the principal at Anderson High School, said the commons area where plaques honoring the inductees are displayed is the most visited area of the high school.
“I tell students they can someday be on the wall,” he said. “It encourages students.”
Inductee Ashlee Davis Brooks, a 2003 graduate of Highland High School, now works for a California-based technology firm. She said she was honored to be back in Indiana.
“There were people who supported me every step of the way,” she said. “I always tell students to ask questions and be willing to learn.”
Rev. Anthony Harris, a 1973 graduate of Anderson High School, serves as the pastor of the Church Upon the Rock. He said he loves Anderson.
“If we continue, we call all do this together,” he said. “Despite the politics, Anderson will survive.”
Michele Jackson DeVeydt, who runs an international adoption program, said the people in her life made it possible.
“It’s the teachers and the community as a whole,” she said. “The Anderson Education Foundation makes it possible for the students by encouraging them. They can learn, grown and hopefully made a difference in this world.”
Marion Teixeira, a 1973 graduate of Highland High School, currently serves as the president of Ascension St. Vincent Anderson. She recalled her days at Highland High School as a great experience.
“I grew a lot,” she said, “giving me the fortitude to go forward. The foundation I had at ACS led me to work at the Anderson Center in 1985.
“I’m most proud of being a part of this group. It’s a huge honor,” Teixeira said. “My family is invested in this community, and we want it to continue to grow.”
Brooks Townsend, a 1958 graduate of Anderson High School, continued his education through General Motors and was active with the local Soap Box Derby chapter for many years.
“I have been blessed by many people in my life that made a difference,” he said. “Growing up and attending Anderson schools meant a lot to me. Our schools need to be supported.”
Darla Sallee, a 1990 graduate of Anderson High School; Jason Williamson, a 1993 graduate of Madison Heights High School; and Jo Alice Walker Pierce, a 1968 Anderson High School graduate were also among the inductees.
Maria Alexander, executive director of the Anderson Education Foundation, said it was an important day because of the 100 inductees on the Hall of Fame and the organization’s 40th year.
“We think this is a pretty impressive group,” she said. “We want students to see that they can achieve success in their life.”
Alexandria said the inductees meet with students on Friday in the classrooms.
“The students got to ask very good questions,” she said. “I think it’s really neat for the students to hear positive stories.”
This article appeared in The Herald Bulletin.