Hall of Fame
Copy of 2023-24 Hall of Fame Nomination Packet.docx.pdf(see above for 2024 nomination packet)
Indian River High School
HALL OF FAME
The Indian River High School Hall of Fame was established to recognize Indian River High School graduates who have made significant achievements in their chosen fields or professional services and made noteworthy contributions to society on a local, national or international level. By honoring graduates who have become outstanding citizens, we hope to inspire current students in their areas of studies, community service, and extra-curricular opportunities.
CLICK HERE to see all members of our IRHS HALL OF FAME!!!
Congratulations to the
2023 Hall of Fame Inductees!!
2023 Hall of Fame Inductees Rep. Ronald E. Gray and Colonel Anita West-Werner pictured w/ Hall of Fame Committee co-chairs Bennett Murray and Devi Enerio-Ellant. Portions of Devi's induction speech included below.
Colonel Anita West-Werner ('92)
Without further ado, Our first Indian River High School Hall of Fame inductee for 2023 that I would like to introduce this evening is a 1992 graduate. She attended and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in pre-veterinary medicine. After a year of working in that interest, she made an about face and decided to pursue a career as a pilot. She entered the United States Air Force in 1999 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 2000 and received her pilot wings in 2001. During her 20+ years in the US Air Force, she has continued her education obtaining a masters degree in homeland security and expanded her knowledge and skills, and advanced in leadership roles. She works in the civilian sector as a 737 Captain for United Airlines. She continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve, as the “Team Chief" on the Air Force Crisis Action Team at the Pentagon where she is an advisor to generals. On top of all that she has a husband, a 7th grader at SMS and a freshman at IRHS. Many of you know her as "Mama West".
Rep. Ronald E. Gray ('73)
Our second inductee in the Indian River High School Hall of Fame that I would like to introduce this evening is a 1973 graduate of Indian River High School. He grew up in the Fenwick Island area and learned the importance of hard work at an early age. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and received his Master’s Degree from Indiana University. He worked for the Telephone company for 10 years before returning to Sussex County in 1990 to expand, build and operate several family businesses and a civil engineering business that still continues today. However, His true passion is helping others and the community. He has done this with his church, Lower Sussex Little League, Indian River Soccer boosters, OC Parks and Recreation and many more. If that was not enough, in 2012 he was elected to serve as the 38th District State Representative to the Delaware House of Representatives. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 42 years and has 3 children who all graduated from IRHS.
Congratulations to the
2019-2020 Hall of Fame Inductee!!
Faye Blake from IRHS Class of 1974
PRESS RELEASE-IRHS-AlumniHOFBlake20.docxCongratulations to the 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees!!
Pictured left to right: Brandon Donaway, Tracy Hilliard, Peter Schwartzkopf, Bethany Hall-Long
IRHS Hall of Fame to welcome four inductees
On May 23, 2018, four noteworthy graduates will step up to the podium to be inducted to the
Indian River High School Hall of Fame.
The Indian River High School Hall of Fame was established to recognize IR graduates who have
made outstanding achievements in this world. They demonstrate great character, citizenship and
leadership in a manner that will inspire students in the pursuit of excellence.
The inductees for 2018 are:
• Brandon R. Donaway, class of 1989, paramedic for Sussex County Emergency Medical
Services (EMS)
• Bethany Hall-Long, class of 1981, Delaware Lieutenant Governor
• Tracy D. Hilliard, class of 1985, principal of Centerville Elementary School, Frederick, Md.
• Peter C. Schwartzkopf, class of 1972, Delaware Speaker of the House of Representatives
Besides their career accomplishments, these individuals have made a difference as volunteers
and in other service to their community.
“That’s the kind of stuff you’re looking for: giving back to the community,” said Robert Daisey,
Hall of Fame Selection Committee chairperson. “That’s what it’s all about, and I think these
candidates are great.”
Previous inductees include artists, educators, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, athletes, first
responders and more. They’ve come from as close as Dagsboro and far as Texas and Michigan.
These four graduates were selected from a larger pool of nominations, submitted by the
community. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee was a diverse group, from far and near,
including student, alumni, teacher and community members.
The nomination process begins annually in winter and is facilitated by Indian River High School
Alumni Association. The nonprofit group formed in 2012 to connect alumni, while supporting
and promoting IRHS.
Congratulations to the 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee!!
JOHN SCOTT "J.S." EVANS JR (IRHS Class of '89)
Delaware trooper inducted to IRHS Hall of Fame
Indian River High School Hall of Fame welcomed the newest inductee for 2017: John Scott “J.S.” Evans Jr. of Frankford Del.
“I can’t think of a finer person to put in the Indian River High School Hall of Fame for what he has done for his community and how he has lived his life,” said Principal E. Bennett Murray IV.
Evans graduated from Indian River in 1989 and Delaware Technical & Community College in 1993.
He joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves from 1988 to 1994. Happily joining Delaware State Police in 1994, Evans has climbed the ranks, from recruit to sergeant at Troop 4 in Georgetown. He’s been a patrol trooper, detective, supervisor of both, K-9 handler and recently, supervisor at the Delaware Information & Analysis Center, supervising intelligence analysts who ensure information flows between Delaware and federal government for homeland security threats.
This May, he transferred back to Troop 4 as supervisor of the Criminalistics Unit, which processes major crime scenes for evidence.
DSP Captain Sean Moriarty described him as a good employee, leader and community member. Not only has he achieved many police awards, he has also helped guide others, like junior troopers, toward personal and professional improvements.
Evans has also volunteered with Ocean View Church of Christ and Lower Sussex Little League. After 10 years in active service, he remains an honorary member at Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company.
The Hall of Fame induction was part of the IRHS Annual Senior Awards Ceremony on May 24. Evans was presented with a wooden plaque designed and laser cut by the IRHS construction/technology department. His portrait will join the Hall of Fame gallery in the high school’s main hallway.
“What an honor … it’s also very humbling, as there are many other deserving Indian River alumni here,” Evans said. “I believe this recognition does not come for what I’ve done by myself, but by those who have guided me, stood beside me and walked with me.”
He attributed his success to his own faith in God, plus family, friends and colleagues.
Speaking before the graduates, Evans encouraged students to begin their path by setting goals.
“Back in middle school, one of my goals was to become a Delaware State trooper,” which meant path of volunteerism, college, work experience and Coast Guard Reserves.
“Each of those short-terms goals built upon each other to help me gain experience, maturity and wisdom to help me reach my long-term goal of becoming a trooper,” he said.
But reaching one’s dream job doesn’t mean the dreams end.
“I love being a trooper and after 23 years, I still love going to work every day,” said Evans, but he keeps improving. “The goals I never stop reaching for are to be a good husband, a good father, a good friend and a good citizen.” Those are the true long-term goals, the ones that will mean the most to you and the goals that you should always strive to be the best at.”
After all, “If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time,” he advised.
After his own award, Evans and his wife, JoAnna, remained in the audience to watch their older son receive scholarship honors. John graduated from IRHS this spring, and Joel is finishing seventh grade.
The Indian River High School Hall of Fame was established to recognize IR graduates who have made outstanding achievements in this world. They demonstrate great character, citizenship and leadership in a manner that will inspire students in the pursuit of excellence.
Previous inductees include educators, artists, civic leaders, athletes, first responders and more from across the country.
The nomination and induction process is facilitated by Indian River High School Alumni Association. The nonprofit group formed in 2012 to connect alumni, while supporting and promoting IRHS.
Indian River High School Alumni Association meets monthly and always welcomes new members, including graduates, parents, staff and other friends of the school. Free registration is online at www.IRHSAlumni.com.
Congratulations to the 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees!!
CLICK HERE to read the Coastal Point article:
VINCENT MUMFORD (IRHS Class of '83)
(Photo credit Coastal Point)
VICTOR "GRAIG" TEMPLE (IRHS Class of '93)
(Photo credit Coastal Point)
Congratulations to the 2014 Hall of Fame Inductee!!
DEVI ENERIO-ELLANT (IRHS Class of '87)
Click here to read the Coastal Point article:
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee!!
Terry Handy (IRHS Class of '84)
Click Here for an article from the Sussex County Post
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2012 Hall of Fame Inductee!!
SUSAN LYONS (IRHS Class of '73)