Inductees:

John Keller - GBHS Class of 1946

Olympic Gold Medal, Mens Bskt, Helsinki Finland 1952. Mr. Keller spent his life teaching and coaching in Great Bend.

Jack Kilby - GBHS Class of 1941

Inventor Integrated Circuit, 2007 Nobel Prize Physics

Skip Yowell - GBHS Class of 1964

C0-Founder JanSport, Inc.

Jack Bowman - Friend of GBHS

Educator and Coach (Track & Cross Country)

Sean Murphy - GBHS Class of 1988

US Airforce Pilot - Provides survivable communications control & command operations to the President of U.S./Secretaries of State & Defense during peace & war

Tim Weiser - GBHS Class of 1976

Athletic Director at East.Michigan/Colorado State/K-State, Deputy Commissioner of the Big 12

Jenny Alford - Friend of GBHS

An accomplished music educator for Great Bend, she shared her "gift" of music & love for youth through school, church, and community.

Glenn Opie - GBHS Class of 1944

Recognized for his community service, Mr. Opie was a respected attorney, iconic in GB for managing Argonne Rebels Drum & Bugle Corps, service to city council, school board, and immeasurable contributions. 

Don Halbower - Friend of GBHS

Significant contributions to Great Bend High School as a long-time administrator, champion of public education, and dedicated volunteer. 

Dan McGovern - GBHS Class of 1960

Recognized for his career achievement as an attorney, Mr. McGovern was also the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and author. 

Karla (Bender) Leibham - GBHS Class of 1968

Recognized for career achievement as an educator, Ms. Leibham worked as a principal, superintendent, and was named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Bill McKown - GBHS Class of 1974

Recognized for his contributions to community art and service, Mr. McKown was selected to President Carter's Comission for Handicapped, named Jaycees Outstanding Young Kansan, and many other Boy Scout and art awards.  

Allen Keisweter - GBHS Class of 1962

Recognized for career achievement through 36 years of service at the Department of State. Mr. Keisweter was a Sr. Foreign Officer, Scholar at Middle East Institute, and author. 

Celia LaBranche - GBHS Class of 1977

Recognized for career achievement as a chemist, Ms. LaBranche developed clinic trials to detect HIV antibodies and viral antigens.

Randy Goering - Friend of GBHS

Radio Broadcaster and long-time "Voice of the Panthers."

George Nossaman - GBHS Class of 1963

Recognized for career achievement in Aerospace Systems Engineering. Mr. Nossaman designed complex electronic system. 

Ty Cobb - GBHS Class of 1968

Recognized for career achievement as the United States Attorney, serving on the President's task force, member of the Grand Canyon Board of Trustees, and author. 

Shannon Schartz - GBHS Class of 1974

Recognized for his contributions as an educator and tennis coach. 

Jean Cavanaugh - Friend of GBHS

Recognized for her commitment to the youth of Great Bend. Ms. Cavanaugh served the community through a wide variety of avenues, especially focused on youth and minority inclusion. 

Mike Goss - GBHS Class of 1978

Recognized for career achievement in the industry of business and finance with several prominent businesses on the East coast. 

Larry Becker - GBHS Class of 1953

Recognized for his contributions as an educator and swimming coach. 

James (Jim) Calcara - GBHS Class of 1961

Recognized for career achievement as an architect. Mr. Calcara's projects include the H&R Block World Headquarters, NFL's New York Giants and Jets Stadiums, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

Matt Friedeman - GBHS Class of 1963

Recognized for his career achievements as an Evangelical Professor, political commentator, author, and columnist.  

Steve Gotsche - GBHS Class of 1979

Recognized for his career achievements as a professional golfer with over 70 career championships. In addition to his time with the PGA, Mr. Gotsche devoted many hours to supporting youth golf programs and fostering a love for the game. 

Jeff Langrehr, GBHS Class of 1982

Recognized for his career achievements as an athlete, teacher, and coach. Jeff’s overall coaching mark currently stands at 711 wins and 385 losses and is in his 35th year of teaching and coaching.

Willmar Meyer “Bill” Bledsoe, GBHS Class of 1939

Recognized for his distinguished athletic career and military service. 

Willmar served his country honorably as a Marine Corps Officer from 1943 to 1974, retiring as a Colonel. He served in Okinawa and China during World War II. He was a Company Commander in Korea and earned a Bronze Star with Combat “V” for Valor in Viet Nam. He also received the Legion of Merit and was a graduate of the Naval War College. He was buried with full military honors at Quantico National Veterans Cemetery following his death in 1989. He was survived by his now deceased wife Shirley Freeman Bledsoe, whom he married while at USC, and their two children. His son William T. Bledsoe lives in Leavenworth, KS and daughter Teresa Bledsoe Colonna lives in Norfolk, VA. There are 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.