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.
