FRANKLIN
Nominations for Franklin High School’s Community Wall of Excellence, class of 2017, are now open, and may be submitted via the Franklin City Public Schools website or via hard copy, available at any of the three Franklin public schools, the school board office, or the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library.

The Wall of Excellence was established in 2016 to honor Franklin High School and Hayden High School graduates who have excelled or distinguished themselves through personal and/or professional success, and to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Franklin City Public Schools. Nominations are due by June 1.

There are five categories for induction into the Wall of Excellence this year. They are: academic or career accomplishment, athletic accomplishment, cultural or performing arts, outstanding service to Franklin High School or Hayden High School and special honorary achievement.

To be considered for the academic or career accomplishment award, a person must be a graduate of Franklin or Hayden high school at least 10 years prior to nomination, who has achieved outstanding accomplishments in his or her chosen career.

For the athletic accomplishment award, a person must be a graduate of Franklin or Hayden high school at least 10 years prior to nomination, with records achieved at the district level or above, 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 cultural or performing arts award, a person must be a graduate of Franklin or Hayden high school at least 10 years prior to nomination, who has been recognized for achievement in the performing arts or a graduate who has contributed to the promotion of cultural activities.

For the outstanding service award, a person must have supported and/or advanced the name and philosophy of Franklin or Hayden high school in a positive manner or had an exemplary influence on the lives of students. This person may or may not have graduated him or herself from Franklin or Hayden high school.

The special honorary achievement award may be given to an individual who may or may not have graduated from Franklin or Hayden high school who presents a special situation for which the awards committee may wish to use this recognition.

Nominees for the 2016 Wall of Excellence who were not inducted into the inaugural class will be automatically considered for the 2017 class.

The Wall of Excellence is located at Franklin High School adjacent to the gymnasium. No more than six people will be inducted per year.

The first class was inducted on Oct. 15, 2016 at a banquet at the Bank Porch and Grille restaurant in Franklin, and included Colgate W. Darden Jr. for the academic or career award; William H. Goodwin Jr., also for the academic or career award; Larry B. Rose for the athletic award and Peggy H. Wilkins for the outstanding service award.

The Wall of Excellence class of 2017 will be introduced at halftime during the Franklin vs Southampton football game on Friday, Nov. 3. The induction banquet will be on Saturday, Nov. 4. Tickets for the event will go on sale to the public this fall.

“The FCWOE had a very successful inaugural campaign, as you can see from looking at our 2016  inductees,” said Franklin Community Wall of Excellence Chairman Jim Hervey. “Our committee was overwhelmed by the community’s response at the number of applicants that have had such an enormous  impact on our schools and/or our community, or are graduates of Franklin and Hayden High Schools who have blossomed their careers all over the country.

“We are looking forward to recognizing, honoring and remembering a new class of inductees for 2017. We truly believe this venture will have a positive impact on our schools and community in the years to come.”

To submit nominations from the FCPS website, click the “about us” tab, scroll down and click “Wall of Excellence.” Then click “online nomination form,” fill out the form and submit. Or download the form and submit it via email as a PDF document to wallofexcellence@fcpsva.org or mail it to P.O. Box 1130, Franklin, VA 23851. Or pick up a hard copy from S.P. Morton Elementary, J.P. King Jr. Middle or Franklin High and mail it in.

In addition to submitting the nomination form, a resume or letter of recommendation must be emailed to wallofexcellence@fcpsva.org or mailed to Wall of Excellence, P.O. Box 1130, Franklin, VA 23851.

Franklin High School marketing students assisted with the Wall of Excellence by creating the logo for branding as well as a marketing plan that includes the use of local media, Facebook, Twitter, and FHS and HHS alumni associations.

For more information on the Wall of Excellence or assistance in submitting a nomination, contact Travis Felts, Principal of Franklin High School, at 562-5187, 651-9384 or tfelts@fcpsva.org.