Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Franklin Community Wall of Excellence will be honoring inductees from its 2020 and 2021 classes in early November, making up for some time lost due to the pandemic.

An organization press release stated that Franklin Community Wall of Excellence Inc., founded in 2016, recognizes outstanding alumni, staff and/or administrators who have been a part of Franklin City Public Schools and who have been successful in their careers, or who have made special contributions to the students in Franklin City Public Schools or to the community at large. 

“The Wall” is located at Franklin High School, adjacent to the gymnasium. Names and pictures of each inductee are 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. 

“This allows our students and citizens to honor and be inspired by some of the many successful people who have graduated from or served the city’s public school system and our community,” FCWOE officials stated in the release.

The community is invited and encouraged to nominate people each year for consideration in one of five different categories: academic or career; athletic accomplishments; cultural/performing arts; outstanding service to the Franklin City Public Schools system; or special honorary achievement. 

Each year the FCWOE Board carefully considers each of the nominees and selects those inductees who will be honored in that particular year. 

“Our pool of candidates has always been impressive over the years,” officials stated. “Past inductees have each, in his or her own special way, made a significant impact on our schools, our community and the quality of life for many people. This year has been no different.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the FCWOE was not able to have its annual induction ceremony. The board decided, however, that there would not be a lapse in the organization honoring some special people for that year. 

The Camp Family was selected as the recipient for the 2020 recognition. 

Over the years, the Camp Family — both individually and collectively — has made significant contributions not only to the educational program of the city’s public schools but also to the community at large. 

“One does not have to look very far to see what a beautiful legacy this family has left for the citizens of our community,” FCWOE officials stated.

Some of these facilities include the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library; the James L. Camp Jr. YMCA; the Camp Public Safety Building; the Texie Camp Marks Childrens Center; and Paul D. Camp Community College, now known simply as Camp Community College. 

Dozens and dozens of deserving students in the Franklin City Public Schools system have been the recipients of scholarships over the years given annually by the Camp-Younts Foundation.

“This family’s talent and generosity have truly helped to make a difference in the quality of life that those who live in Franklin and the surrounding communities are able to enjoy,” officials stated. “It is truly our privilege to honor such an outstanding family.”

The inductees for the 2021 year include the following: Donnielle Babb — athletic accomplishments; Earl Bynum — cultural and performing arts; James Holemon — athletic accomplishments; Louis P. “Packy” Jervey Jr. — outstanding service (posthumously); Samuel B. Jones — outstanding service; and Mark Richard — cultural and performing arts.

The FCWOE Board will introduce the inductees for the classes of 2020 and 2021 during halftime at the Franklin High School football home game versus Southampton High School on Friday, Nov. 5, and will include a pre-game tailgate party for honored guests and their families. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. 

The honorees will be officially inducted at a dinner being held at Cypress Cove Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 6. Tickets for the event will be sold to the public while available. Ticket prices have separate rates for adults and children 12 and younger. 

A social begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The formal induction ceremony will begin immediately after dinner. Following that, there will be a time for families, friends and acquaintances to visit and take pictures.

For those who would like to help FCWOE celebrate the honorees by purchasing a ticket to attend, contact Nancy Parrish at 757-562-2458 or 757-334-0476, or by email at landnparrish@gmail.com. They can also contact Travis Felts at 757-651-9384 or tfelts@fcpsva.org. 

Tickets will also be available for purchase in the main office at Franklin High School. Tickets are limited and must be purchased ahead of time.