FRANKLIN
Nominations are being sought to recognize graduates of Franklin and Hayden high schools who have distinguished themselves in their careers, academic achievements, performing arts, service to their schools and yes, even athletics.

The committee that was formed to guide this new effort calls itself the Franklin Community Wall of Excellence, and will be responsible annually for soliciting nominations and choosing six names. The first group will be introduced during halftime at the Franklin High School football game on Friday, Oct. 14, with an induction banquet taking place on Saturday, Oct 15. The names will later be enshrined on a wall at FHS adjacent to the gym.

The catalyst for this recognition comes from Dave Lease, the athletic director at FHS, according to Travis Felts, coordinator of pupil personnel, testing and instruction. Felts said that a few years ago Lease was inducted into a wall of fame at United High School in Salem, Ohio.

“My mom did the nomination,” Lease remembered. “They gave me a plaque and they also have a big plaque of people inducted that year on the Wall of Fame. There was a dinner and we each spoke a little bit. My coach, John Ceciena, introduced me.”

“He brought the idea back to me when I was principal [at FHS],” Felts continued. “This year we pulled together a committee of Franklin and Hayden high graduates.”

Jim Jervey, who’s heading the organization, also referenced Lease’s experience as the inspiration for the project. He said the group — ranging from 13 to 15 people — began forming in November and became official in February. The idea was presented to the city school administration.

“We took it through them, just to let them know what we had in mind. They thought it was a really neat thing,” Jervey said.

Lease, who also serves on a committee, said that what he liked about the program back in Ohio is that wasn’t just about athletics, and for the local effort he also wants it be for everybody.

“Our committee was determined it wouldn’t be just athletic,” Jervey affirmed. “There are so many people who have come out of Franklin and have done great things in community, military and cultural arts, in addition to athletics.”

He noted that FHS marketing students helped with this project by creating the logo for branding, as well as establishing a marketing plan to use local media, Facebook, Twitter and FHS and HHS alumni associations.

“It’s just a neat thing to recognize people who have given a lot of time and themselves,” he said. “It’s going to fun.”

Jervey is also hopeful that the real examples will serve as an inspiration for other people to achieve more in their own lives.

In these three sections, nominees must have graduated from FHS or HHS 10 years prior to the nomination:

• Academic or Career Accomplishment: This person must be a graduate of FHS or HHS who has achieved outstanding accomplishment in his/her chosen career.

• Athletic Accomplishment: This person must be a graduate of FHS or HHS with records achieved at the district level or above, was a state winner or qualifier during their high school athletic career, or with recognized accomplishments at the post-secondary, professional or coaching level.

• Cultural/Performing Arts: This person must be a graduate of FHS or HHS who has been recognized for achievement in the performing arts or a graduate who has contributed to the promotion of cultural activities.

Although the Wall of Excellence will be at the high school, the project is not affiliated with the school division, and names are not strictly limited to just graduates of the two schools. Names of non-FHS or HHS graduates can only be accepted for the following:

• Outstanding Service to Franklin High School or Hayden High School: This category will honor worthy individuals who may or may not have graduated from FHS or HHS. This person will have supported and/or advanced the name and philosophy of the school in a positive manner or had an exemplary influence on the lives of students.

• Special Honorary Achievement: This category will honor worthy individuals who may or may not have graduated from FHS or HHS. This person may present a special situation for which the committee may wish to use this recognition.

In addition to submitting the nomination, a resume’ or letter of recommendation for the nominee is required in all categories.

Nominations are due by Sunday, May 1. Forms are available at the FHS website, www.fcpsva.org, and may be filled out online or downloaded for email or mail.

At the website, click the “About Us” tab, scroll down and click “Wall of Excellence” to find the desired method. If you choose to send the attachment via email, the address is wallofexcellence@fcpsva.org; via the Post Office, the address is Wall of Excellence, P.O. Box 1130, Franklin, VA 23851.

Hard copies are also available at FHS, J.P. King Jr. Middle School, S.P. Morton Elementary School, Franklin School Board Office, or the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library.

In addition to submitting the nomination, a resume’ or letter of recommendation for the nominee is required.

For more information on the Franklin Community Wall of Excellence or for assistance in submitting a nomination, please contact Felts at 304-5419 or e-mailing tfelts@fcpsva.org.