Dr. Zach Buie is Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Music History at Boise State University.

Prior to accepting his position at Boise State, Dr. Buie was on faculty at Western Wyoming College, where he taught applied brass and directed the symphonic and jazz bands.

Zach was a three-time All-State trumpet player in the Bobcat Band and was a 2003 graduate of Hallsville High School.

Dr. Buie has performed extensively throughout the United State, Europe, Asia, and Central America in various genres.  He has performed with the Utah Symphony, Macao Orchestra, Helena Symphony, and is a former member of the Waco and Round Rock Symphonies.  He has also performed with Dallas Winds, Utah Festival Opera, Imperial Brass of Dallas, Brazos Valley Symphony, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and several commercial groups.

From 2010 to 2014, he toured with Soul Track Mind, a 7-piece original soul/funk band based in Austin. Featured on three of their albums as a trumpet player, arranger, and songwriter, Dr. Buie and the band were recognized by The New York Times as leaders in the resurgence of soul music. As a soloist, he has collaborated on commissions and performances and is active as a recitalist throughout the region.

In recent years, Dr. Buie led a public-school band program including junior high and high school ensembles in Marfa, Texas.  He has presented masterclasses at numerous institutions worldwide, including several developing countries.  Dr. Buie received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Austin, His Master of Music from Baylor University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Utah.

Jesse Casey, a distinguished figure in the Hallsville community, has dedicated his life to education, public service, and community engagement.

Born and raised in Hallsville, Jesse's journey began at Hallsville High School, where he graduated as an honor student in 1979. His academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious API Academic Scholarship.

Continuing his educational pursuits, Jesse earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1983. He holds teaching certifications in Mathematics and Physical Education, a testament to his commitment to academic rigor and physical well-being.

In 1999, Jesse furthered his academic credentials by obtaining a Master's degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin University, along with a Mid Management Certification.

Jesse's career in education spans over three decades, with 16 years as a dedicated math teacher and coach, followed by 19 years as an administrator at Hallsville Independent School District (ISD). His leadership was recognized when he was named Assistant Principal of the Year by Region 7.

During his tenure, Jesse served as Assistant Principal at Hallsville Junior High for 13 years before becoming Principal of Hallsville's first Virtual School and Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

Beyond education, Jesse has been a prominent voice in the local sports community, serving as a radio announcer for Bobcat football games for 17 years.

In 2017, Jesse took on a new role as the Mayor of Hallsville, bringing his passion for community service to local governance. His leadership extends beyond city limits, serving as the Texas Municipal League Region 15 President and a member of the TML ERCOT Advisory Board.

Jesse's commitment to regional collaboration is evident through his role as a board member of the East Texas Council of Governments. Additionally, he actively contributes to the spiritual and social fabric of his community as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church and as President of the Hallsville Lions Club.

Family remains central to Jesse's life. He has been married to Melissa Warren Casey for 33 years, and they are proud parents to Luke, Carly, and Jacob, all graduates of Hallsville High School. Jesse cherishes his role as "Big Daddy" to 11 grandchildren, finding joy and fulfillment in family gatherings and shared experiences.

Charlie Falconer is a 1979 graduate of Hallsville High School. Charlie is the son of the late Pete and Geneva Falconer. He has two sisters, Jan and Kathy, who both graduated from Hallsville. Charlie is married to his wife of 39 years, Wendee. They have two daughters, Megan and Cali, and three grandsons, Remington, Ryder, and Kash. They are members of the Rush Creek Baptist Church of Arlington, Texas.

Charlie’s hobbies include bird hunting, fishing, horseback riding, classic car shows, and playing music (banjo, guitar, harmonica) every chance he gets.

Charlie attended Texas State Technical College and received an Associate of Applied Science in Instrumentation & Process Control where he graduated Valedictorian in 1983. He also received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Charlie Falconer exemplifies the true meaning of a Hallsville Bobcat with his work ethic and intellectual and innovative mindset.  

Charlie has worn many hats in his career, serving as a technical support person, senior automation sales engineer, senior account manager, independent factory representative for Wadlow Electric, and independent distributor for Thermaloop Corporation, for which he received many awards and accolades at the national level.

In 2015, Charlie invented and developed a tool called a “hot Iron” for use in the production of the F-35 Strike Fighter Jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin Co. The tool is currently in its third generation of production and is now utilized by various domestic and international manufacturers of composite-based aircraft and drones, as well as the Navy, Air Force & Marine Corp branches of the United States Military. He has received a patent for the tool.  

Congratulations to Mr. Charlie Falconer for his very successful career and for being named as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School!

Ronnie Gideon is a 1982 graduate of Hallsville High School.

Ronnie is the proud son of Walt and JoAnne Gideon. Walt Gideon was a great role model and example for Ronnie since he served for many years as a coach and Athletic Director for Hallsville ISD. Needless to say, Ronnie gained a knowledge and love for sports from both his dad and mom, and has certainly excelled in his chosen baseball career.

Ronnie and his brothers Larry and Mark, and his sister, Tammy Gideon Draper, are all graduates of Hallsville High School. Ronnie is married to his wife of 38 years, Kim Ogle Gideon. They have three children; Shelby married to Kevin Dawson, Bailey married to Dylan Benge, and Ronnie Jr. married to Mikayla. They have been blessed with grandchildren, Luke and Katie Dawson; Brooklyn, Baylor, and Blakely Benge, and Owen Gideon with a new one on the way. Ronnie and Kim attend First Baptist Church in Hallsville.

After graduation from Hallsville High School, Gideon attended Panola College in Carthage, Texas on a baseball scholarship.  Ronnie was drafted in the first round (22nd) of the 1984 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Gideon spent seven seasons playing in the minors in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets farm systems. He then became a coach for the St. Lucie Mets in 1991 and Binghamton Mets in 1992. From 1993 through 2005, Ronnie was a Manager in the Mets and Rockies minor league system. He became the Colorado Rockies Minor League field coordinator from 2006-2011. In 2013 the Colorado Rockies added a “development supervisor” position for each of its minor league affiliates. Gideon was tabbed for the Tri-City Dust Devils in 2013, Tulsa Drillers in 2014, and New Brittain Rock Cats in 2015 in that role.

In 2017, he was named to the coaching staff of the major league Rockies with his primary duty being to work with Ian Desmond on his transition from outfield to first base.  In 2019, he added the first base coach responsibility to his duties and can currently be seen on the sidelines of all Rockies’ games behind first base.

Ronnie is also a member of the very distinguished “H” Association, which is the oldest in Texas. It was established in 1937 as an association for athletes from Hallsville High School.  In 1997 Ronnie was inducted into the H Association Hall of Fame for Hallsville ISD.

Congratulations to Mr. Ronnie Gideon on his very successful career and for being named as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School.

Dewey Greer Jr. was a 1969 graduate of Hallsville High School and the son of Dewey and Mozell Greer. He and his wife, Sandra, were married for 49 years and had two daughters: Jennifer Greer Wood, Hallsville High School Class of 1993, and Jill Greer McKinley, Hallsville High School Class of 1997.

Dewey made significant contributions to his field of expertise and was a catalyst for positive change in the community. He consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and compassion in both his professional and personal endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on many individuals. Dewey exemplified the values that Hallsville High School seeks to instill in all its graduates.

Dewey Greer worked for Eastman Chemical Company for 30 years, retiring as a training instructor. Notably, he was selected to travel to Singapore to assist with the training and startup of Eastman’s oxo-chemical manufacturing complex, the company’s first facility outside the United States. After retiring from Eastman, he began a second career in higher education at Kilgore College, where he established the Process Technology program and taught for over 10 years.

Hallsville High School students were among those fortunate to benefit from Dewey's guidance when he joined the Career and Technical Education advisory committee for HISD. His efforts were instrumental in solidifying the program, which has paved the way for numerous scholarships. Dewey’s obituary stated, “Dewey had a true servant’s heart and was an inspiration to all who met him.” He passed away on the morning of January 30, 2021.

Dewey Greer Jr. was an exceptional individual whose achievements, character, and contributions truly embodied the values and ideals of Hallsville High School. It is with Bobcat pride that we honor his outstanding accomplishments by adding him to the "Wall of Honor" as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School.

Dr. Jeff Hanson is a 1986 graduate of Hallsville High School. He is the son of Leland and Toni Hanson. Jeff and his wife, Amy, have two children, Madison and Jacob. Dr. Hanson is currently serving as an engineering professor at Texas Tech University.

After graduating from Hallsville High School, Jeff earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1992, followed by an M.S. in Industrial Engineering in 1994. In 2007, he completed his Ph.D. in Systems and Engineering Management from Texas Tech. He is recognized as an excellent teacher and mentor at Texas Tech University and has been described as a great person, student, and human being.

Dr. Hanson is the recipient of the H.A.N.S.O.N.S. Endowment (Helping All New Students Obtain Necessary Skills), a $125,000 fund created by his former students. He serves as Faculty Liaison for the Engineering Study Abroad program in Spain, where he teaches four courses every summer to Texas Tech students living and working abroad. Additionally, he is a member of the Department Leadership Team, the Department Curriculum Committee, the Departmental Recruitment Committee, and the Department Chair Search Committee. He also created the "Jeff Hanson" YouTube channel, which has over 230,000 subscribers and 28.4 million views, providing easy-to-understand explanations of course content that are watched by engineering students worldwide.

In addition to his contributions to education, Dr. Hanson holds several patents for various inventions and has been published multiple times. His many accomplishments and the recognition he has received make him a deserving recipient of the Distinguished Alumni honor from Hallsville High School.

Hallsville High School is proud to honor Clint Ingram as a distinguished alumnus. A standout athlete during his time at Hallsville, Clint's passion for football led him to the University of Oklahoma, where he further developed his skills and showcased his exceptional talent on the field. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Sociology.

Following his collegiate success, Clint made his mark in the NFL, playing as a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New Orleans Saints. Known for his tenacity and leadership, he became a key contributor to his teams, leaving a lasting impact on both his teammates and the game.

Clint credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his family and community. He is married to Dashandra Ingram, and they have a daughter, Honesti Washington. His parents, Les Ingram and Merline Newhouse Ingram, along with his stepmother, Betty Ingram, played pivotal roles in his journey. He shares strong bonds with his siblings: Metosha, Sherita Lindsey, Jennifer Johnson, and Justin Johnson.

Grateful for the love and support he received, Clint often reflects, "It took a village to raise me, but most of all, it was love." He draws strength from his faith, inspired by Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Clint’s journey from Hallsville to the NFL serves as an inspiring testament to hard work, dedication, and excellence. In addition to his football career, Clint is the owner and operator of Frenchy’s Restaurant in Houston and Longview. He also breeds Cane Corso dogs, which are considered among the top lines in the world. His accomplishments not only bring pride to his alma mater but also inspire future generations of athletes.

Congratulations to Mr. Clint Ingram on his very successful career in football and business. We are proud to honor you as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School.

Bobby Key is a 1969 graduate of Hallsville High School. He attended Prairie View A&M University and Texas State Technical College, where he earned a degree in Process Technology. Bobby was named to the Board of Regents Honor Roll at TSTC for maintaining a 4.0 GPA through graduation. In the past, he has participated in the HISD Mentorship Program, the HISD Special Olympics, and the Hallsville Area United Fund Committee.

Bobby is married to his high school sweetheart, Alice Key, a 1970 graduate of Hallsville High School. Together, they have two sons: Pastor Brian Key, an HHS 2001 Honor Graduate, and Dr. Thomas Key, the HHS 2003 Salutatorian. They also have two daughters-in-law, Dr. Kelly Key and Dr. Amy Key, along with four grandchildren. Additionally, they consider Lee Horace Bland and his wife LaShanda, as well as their daughter, as part of their extended family.

Bobby is a Christian and a member of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Longview. His favorite pastimes include fishing, gardening, traveling, spending quality time with family, playing dominoes with his sons, meeting new people, enjoying morning coffee outside with his wife Alice, walking in the woods, reading John Grisham novels, and cheering for his Dallas Cowboys.

Bobby worked at Eastman Chemical Company for 33 years. After retiring from Eastman in 2007, he taught Process Technology at TSTC Marshall from 2008 to 2012, and then at Kilgore College from 2012 to 2017. He was also a major contributor to the process technology program at Hallsville High School.

Congratulations to Mr. Bobby Key on his very successful career in the chemical and process technology industry.

Rob Key, a 1979 graduate of Hallsville High School, is the son of Robert and Jane Robertson Key (deceased). He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 45 years, and they have two children, Amber Killeen and Brian Key. They are active members of Midtown Fellowship Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Rob enjoys a variety of hobbies, including fishing, boating, hiking, playing drums, cooking, grilling out, and attending live concerts.

Rob attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches as a percussion specialist and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2002. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on negotiation from Belmont University in Nashville in 2006.

After graduating from Belmont, Rob began his career with William Morris Endeavor, working in publishing, management, radio, and at a label. He has represented artists such as Kane Brown, Granger Smith, Ryan Hurd, Zach Bryan, and the Marcus King Band, gaining valuable insight into building careers with both specificity and long-term strategies. In November 2019, Rob was promoted to Partner/Agent at the William Morris Agency. He is a member of the Country Music Association (CMA), the Academy of Country Music (ACM), and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Among his many accolades, he has been recognized as the agent who booked the most shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Rob credits his Hallsville teachers with sparking his initial love for music and live performances, which laid the foundation for his successful career.

In addition to his professional achievements, Rob has volunteered his time and resources for various charitable organizations, including UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House, the TJ Martell Foundation, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and Make-A-Wish.

John Martin is a 1987 graduate of Hallsville High School. John is the son of the late Thomas Lewis and Gwenda Nan Martin.

John is married to his high school sweetheart, Sherri Graves Martin, and they have been married for 32 years. They have three daughters, Bayli, Brilee, and Brinley, and three grandchildren, Bryant, Brenham and Brooklyn.

They are members of Mobberly Baptist Church of Longview, Texas. John’s hobbies include hunting, golfing, traveling, and supporting the Texas A&M Aggies either by watching on TV or going to the games, and remodeling his childhood home in which his family currently resides.

John attended Texas A&M University on a football scholarship under the leadership of Coach Jackie Sherrill. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from A&M, a Master of Education Degree from the University of Texas at Tyler, and his Superintendent's Certification from Lamar University.

Martin began his career in education with Jacksonville ISD and went on to serve in various roles at Hillsboro ISD, Waskom ISD and Pine Tree ISD before coming back home to Hallsville.  At his alma mater he has served as a Coach, Assistant Principal, Hallsville High School Principal, Chief Administrative Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and finally as the Superintendent for Hallsville ISD.

It is worthy to note that his office is in the same building in which he attended elementary school, so he has come full circle in his adventures at Hallsville ISD!

His support and loyalty to our school district, our community, our teachers & staff, and our students has been second to none. His innovative ideas and his work ethic have proven to be a major source of the continued progress of our school district.

John Martin is also a member of the very distinguished “H” Association, which is the oldest in Texas. It was established in 1937 as an association for athletes from Hallsville High School. In 1996, John was inducted into the “H” Association Hall of Fame for Hallsville ISD.

Congratulations to Mr. John Martin on his very successful career in education and for serving our school district with pride and integrity. We honor you for being named as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School!

Cory Miller graduated in the class of 2000 from Hallsville High School. Cory is the son of the late Coach Tommy Miller and Debbie Miller, and he has a sister, Courtney Miller Goswick and brother-in-law, Shane Goswick.

Cory went to Kilgore College and Texas A & M University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration. Prior to graduation, Cory interned with the Dallas Cowboys during the 2005 season as the in-stadium DJ. He even had the opportunity to DJ a birthday party for team owner Jerry Jones’s daughter.

Once the season ended he was asked to stay with the organization and work that offseason with the Dallas Desperados, an Arena League Football team that was owned and operated by the Cowboys. He served as the in-arena DJ along with handling all of the arena logistics as they pertained to setting up for games.

Cory served as the Dallas Cowboys as the Director of Event Presentation, where his responsibilities include executive producing all Cowboys home games as well as overseeing all other events that take place at both AT&T Stadium and the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

In 2021, Cory ranked No. 1 in game production in the National Football League and he produced three of the top 10 halftime productions across all games in the NFL. Cory has since been promoted to the Senior Executive Director of Events for the Dallas Cowboys.

Congratulations Cory as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School!  Go Bobcats and go Cowboys!

Scott Peace is a 1983 graduate of Hallsville High School. He is married to Gay Greer Peace and they have two sons, Zachary Peace and wife Katie; Seth Peace and wife Lauren and two grandsons Emmitt and Ellis.

Scott is the son of the late Johnny and Susie Peace.

Scott was the quarterback of the Bobcat Football team in 1983 and was chosen as Mr. Football; this was an honor bestowed upon a senior member of the varsity football team. He was also a member of the Student Council and was voted Most Likely to Succeed.

Scott attended Louisiana Tech & Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Health Education.  He attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where he received expertise in Basic Law Enforcement & Criminal Investigator Training. He also attended James. J. Rowley US Secret Service Training Center.

Scott served as a Federal Agent in the US Secret Service in Washington DC, where he provided protection & security for the President of the United States, the Vice-President, their immediate families, former presidents, their spouses & their children.

Scott served during the administrations of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and the 41st president, George H. W. Bush.

From 1990 to 2017, Scott served as a Special Agent to the US Department of Interior where he planned, directed, and conducted investigations of suspected violations of federal laws and regulations. He maintained a top secret security clearance for 30 years and received numerous Letters of Commendation & Recognition for various investigative and Law Enforcement Assistance.

Tommy Pool is a 1976 graduate of Hallsville High School. He is married to Lou Ann and they have two daughters, Tori Pool Rouse and Taylor Pool Miller.

Tommy is a businessman (Pool’s Chevron) and family man who has spent his entire life in Hallsville. He serves the citizens of Hallsville through his family-owned business and volunteers on many committees.

He has served on the Hallsville “H” Association board for 20-plus years, and the Hallsville Chamber of Commerce, where he was the 2022 Life Time Achievement Award Winner. He also has been a vital asset to the Hallsville Park Development, where he helped develop the amphitheater named the Tommy Pool Odeum in his honor.

Tommy is the son of the late Elgin & Virgie Pool, and like his father before him, Tommy hosts a group of men of all ages that gather at Pool’s Chevron each morning to discuss current events and talk about the “good old days”.

Tommy Pool is a friend to everyone and has helped many when they were struggling.  Likewise, he has hired many HHS students when they needed jobs. He is truly a man of integrity and is a vital part of our community.

Braeden Rountree is a 1999 graduate of Hallsville High School.

Braeden is the son of Randy and
Gail Rountree. His mother is a retired teacher who taught for 25 years at Hallsville ISD. He has one
sister, Brittany Rountree Simmons, who also graduated from Hallsville, and two nieces, Brinley
and Braelynn. Braeden’s grandfather, Mr. Jerry
Williams (Crow) also has been a major influence in the development and inspiration to Braeden
and his family.

Braeden and his wife Rachelle have been married for 9 years and they have two sons, Owen and Beau. They are members of the Midtown Fellowship Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Braeden’s hobbies include fishing, boating, hiking, playing drums, cooking, grilling out, and live concerts (obviously).

Braeden attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches as a percussion specialist and received a Bachelor of Music Degree in 2002. He later received a Master of Business Administration from Belmont University in Nashville in 2006 with an emphasis on negotiation.

After graduation from Belmont he began a career with William Morris Endeavor working in publishing, management, radio and at a label. Representing Kane Brown, Granger Smith, Ryan Hurd, Zach Bryan and Marcus King Band gave him insight into how to build careers with both specificity and long-range plans.

In November 2019 Braeden was promoted to a Partner/Agent for the William Morris Agency. Braeden is a member of the Country Music Association (CMA), the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He has received numerous awards and accolades, including the agent that booked the most shows and concerts at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Braeden credits his teachers from Hallsville with cultivating the initial love of music and live performances, which is the foundation of his career.

Braeden has volunteered his time and resources for various Nashville-based and global charitable causes, including UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House, the TJ Martell Foundation, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and Make a Wish of Middle Tennessee.

Congratulations to Mr. Braeden Rountree on his very successful career in the music industry. We honor you for being named as a Distinguished Alumni of Hallsville High School!

D’Wayne Shaw is a 1987 graduate of Hallsville High School. He is the son of Wayne Shaw (deceased) and Linda Lewellen. D’Wayne and his wife, Rhonda, have three children—Shelly, Toni, and Jon—and six grandchildren. Throughout his college years and professional career, D’Wayne has represented Hallsville ISD in an exemplary manner.

After graduating from Hallsville High School, D’Wayne attended Kilgore College and then continued his education at the University of Texas at Tyler, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree. In addition, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Development. He is currently employed at Kilgore College, serving as the Executive Dean of Professional and Career Education.

D’Wayne’s professional journey to his current position is a story of dedication, hard work, and a desire to succeed. He has diligently worked to learn, grow, and improve his skill set in order to achieve great things in his career.

Because of D’Wayne’s passion and commitment to ensuring that students are prepared for college and careers after high school graduation, he serves as a member of the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council of Hallsville ISD. His work on this council has opened many doors for Hallsville students, particularly in the area of dual credit. Thanks to his influence and input, Hallsville now offers dual credit courses in areas such as Automotive Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting, Criminal Justice, Education and Training, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighting, and Process Technology.

Congratulations to Mr. D’Wayne Shaw on his very successful career.

Jack Walton is a 1997 graduate of Hallsville High School. Jack is married to Erinn and they have 7 children.

Jack is the owner of Roofmasters roofing and construction along with several other local businesses that benefit Hallsville and the surrounding communities. Jack exemplifies the true meaning of a Hallsville Bobcat with his giving heart and never quit attitude.

Jack is always looking for avenues to help Hallsville ISD, and this community, by giving donations to Hallsville athletics, H Association, booster club sponsorships and any other organization that has a need.  

Jack has a strong faith and uses this to benefit others in need. Jack’s giving attitude is contagious and he wants only the best for all past, current, and future Bobcats.

Jack played a large role in forming the “Biscuits and Gravy” radio team and has supported these radio Bobcats since their inception.

Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in Heaven."

Keep shining bright Jack, and congratulations on your HISD distinguished alumni induction!

Dr. Catherine F. Whittington, PhD, is a 2002 graduate of Hallsville High School and is currently an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.

As a student at Hallsville, Catherine was involved in many different activities and received numerous honors across band, athletics, and academics. She was a 4-year member of the Bobcat Band and majorette line, and in her junior and senior years, she was Drum Major. Catherine was also a 4-year member of the Ladycat track and field team in the shot put and discus throws. She lettered all 4 years in track and field, and advanced to area track and field competition 3 times (2 in shot put, 1 in discus). Catherine excelled academically while at Hallsville, with her biggest accomplishment being named Valedictorian in 2002.

Over 4 years, she was also selected as an outstanding student in multiple classes and was ranked in the Top 5 students each year. Catherine was also a member of the National Honor Society and Z Club.

Catherine attended Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, LA) and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Catherine attended Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) for her doctoral studies, and she received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012 with a research focus on tissue engineering of small caliber blood vessels for wound healing applications.

After graduating from Purdue, Catherine joined Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis, IN) as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow after receiving the Lilly Innovation Fellowship Award (2013-2017). In that position, she worked jointly between Lilly Oncology and Purdue Biomedical Engineering to design better experimental models of breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer for improved drug screening and industrial and clinical translation.

In January 2018, Catherine joined the faculty of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI; Worcester, MA). At WPI, she runs a research group focused on designing experimental models of human disease, primarily pancreatic cancer and lymphatic vessel disorders, to improve understanding of how diseases develop, progress, and respond to treatment. In 2021, she received the highly competitive Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Career Development Award and the Genentech Research Award to fund cancer and lymphatic research projects.

In 2022 she received additional research funding awards from the National Science Foundation and National Cancer Institutes on related projects. Catherine also teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses. In 2022, Catherine also received the prestigious Romeo L. Moruzzi Award for Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching at WPI for integrating social justice into the introductory biomedical engineering course at WPI to broaden the educational experience to include diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical engineering design for early-career students.

Catherine currently lives in Worcester, MA with her partner, Derrick Daniels (Hallsville ’03). Her parents, C.L. Whittington, a former Hallsville ISD coach, and Winifred Whittington (Hallsville ’72) still reside in Hallsville.

Johnny Williams, a graduate of Hallsville High School, Class of 1968, was the son of Pat and Kathryn Williams and the brother of Paul Williams and Kathy Williams Keasler. It was at Hallsville ISD where he laid the foundation for a life marked by leadership, innovation, and community service. He attended LeTourneau University on a basketball scholarship and earned a B.A. degree. He later completed his M.A. in Accounting at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Johnny began his professional career as the head of the financial department at LeTourneau University, where he worked for seven years. He then served in a similar role for another seven years at Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Later, he moved his family to Oxford, Mississippi, where he became Vice Chancellor at the University of Mississippi.

His life took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with ALS while serving at Ole Miss. Despite the difficulties, Johnny's strong and steadfast faith in Christ remained the foundation that carried him through his illness and ultimately guided him to his eternal home. He passed away on October 8, 2006.

Johnny was married to Carolyn, and together they raised three children: Stephen, married to Whitney, with grandchildren Harper and Evan; Mark Williams; and Emily, married to Hunter, with granddaughters Tennyson, Carrington, and Loftyn. His family and faith were the core of his life and legacy.

Johnny’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He is remembered for his unwavering support of family and friends and for embodying the spirit of service that Hallsville High School instills in its students. While he was highly regarded as a financial expert, to many others, he was a leader, visionary, mentor, and friend. In 2005, Ole Miss named its electrical plant in honor of Johnny Williams, recognizing his instrumental role in its construction.

Today, Johnny Williams stands as a beacon of excellence and an inspiring example for future generations of Hallsville graduates.