By: Jackie Hardy, NDG Contributing Writer
On June 16, Irving Independent School District (IISD) held it’s first Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Jack Singley Academy located at 4601 North MacArthur. According to Nancy Jones, Hall of Fame Committee Member, this was an initiative started by Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden.
The event marks the first of many IISD will host as a part of their goal to honor and recognize the achievements of IISD athletes, coaches, administrators and other contributors throughout the history of the district’s athletic programs. This year IISD chose to honor former football, wrestling and softball athletes, along with two coaches and one community member.
IISD created a Hall of Fame committee composed of seven members who met and reviewed the nominations.
“The choices were difficult because the stories were so inspiring. I believe the committee worked very hard on selecting candidates that represented the spirit of IISD through their outstanding athletic accomplishments. Being that it was the first year, we did not receive an enormous amount of nominations and we expect that not to be the case moving forward,” explained Jones.
The committee selected eight honorees as their inaugural group of inductees and the athletes included: Akin Ayodele; Cedric Colby; Alan Lowry; David Rose, and Deeanna Williams. Also honored were coaches Bob Harrell and Mike Farda, and Dick Lear a community member.
According to the IISD Hall of Fame committee, the eight honorees reflect the true meaning of competitiveness, sportsmanship, and drive to be an inspiration to the thousands of Irving ISD students involved in athletics every year.
”In Irving ISD, we’ve had a number of exceptional student athletes over the years. We are proud to recognize these eight athletes, coaches, and contributors. Part of the goal of the Hall of Fame is to connect the past with the now and build for the future,” commented Dr. Dana Bedden, Superintendent.
During the ceremony, Athletic Director Joe Barnett and a family member introduced each honoree. All inductees received a Hall of Fame plaque and jacket with the IISD Hall of Fame logo. Plaques will be displayed at the high school where each athlete played, in addition to the Irving ISD Athletic Office. IISD officials indicated the district will eventually erect a Wall of Honor at Irving Schools Stadium showcasing individual plaques in their honor.
“We look forward to inducting more deserving nominees in years to come. A good portion of the community has deep roots here in Irving and it was great to see all the supporters of the district come out and congratulate all the inductees who’ve made a difference in Irving ISD,” stated Bedden.
“Besides my family and my kids this was the greatest highlight of my life. We are the first ones and they can never take that away from us,” adds David Rose, former football player for Irving High School and 2012 Hall of Fame recipient.
For information on how to nominate someone for next year, visit IISD’s website at www.irvingisd.net then choose the Athletic menu page.
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