FRANKLIN
The names of six graduates of Franklin and Hayden High Schools to be inducted into the inaugural Franklin Community Wall of Excellence, a new means of recognizing graduates who have distinguished themselves professionally, academically, athletically, in the performing arts or in service to their schools will be announced at the Franklin vs. Sussex Central football game Friday, Oct. 14 at Armory Field.

The graduates will be formally inducted at a banquet dinner Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Back Porch Grille in Franklin. The Franklin Community Wall of Excellence will be housed at Franklin High School adjacent to the gymnasium.

This year’s inductees include Colgate W. Darden Jr. and William H. Goodwin Jr. for outstanding career, Larry B. Rose for athletic accomplishment, and Peggy H. Wilkins for outstanding service.

The names and pictures of each inductee will be displayed for generations of Franklin High School students and community members to see as they walk by on their way to class or an event at FHS.

Inductees are chosen by committee based on nominations. In order to be nominated for the academic or career categories, a graduate must have attended Franklin or Hayden High School and achieved outstanding accomplishments in his or her chosen career.

“The FCWE Committee is ecstatic that we can recognize, honor and remember those who have achieved excellence and/or made a positive impact on our community and local schools,” said Franklin Community Wall of Excellence Chairman Jim Jervey.

For the athletic category, a nominee must be a graduate of Franklin High School or Hayden High School with records achieved at the district level or above, have been a state winner or qualifier during his or her high school athletic career, or have recognized accomplishments at the post-secondary, professional, or coaching level.

For the performing arts category, a nominee must be a graduate of Franklin High School or Hayden High School who has been recognized for achievement in the performing arts or a graduate who has contributed to the promotion of cultural activities.

Individuals who may or may not have graduated from FHS or HHS who have supported or advanced the name and philosophy of either school in a positive manner or had an exemplary influence on the lives of students may be nominated for the outstanding service award.

They may also be nominated for the special achievement award for outstanding accomplishments in special situations.

All nominees for categories requiring graduation from either FHS or HHS must have graduated at least 10 years prior to nomination.

Nominees who were not selected for this year’s class will be automatically rolled over for consideration for the Class of 2017.  New nominations for the Class of 2017 are due by May 1, 2017.

To nominate someone, go to the Franklin City Public Schools website, click the “About Us” tab, scroll down, and click “Wall of Excellence,”  click “online nomination form,” complete the form, and submit, or download the form as a PDF and submit it to wallofexcellence@fcpsva.org or mail it to Wall of Excellence, P.O. Box 1130, Franklin, VA  23851.

Be sure to include a nominee’s resume or a letter of recommendation.