Nashville School District Honors Excellence at Annual Scrapper Hall of Fame Banquet

The Nashville School District celebrated its legacy of excellence Saturday evening with their annual Scrapper Hall of Fame Banquet, honoring both Hall of Fame athletes and Hall of Honors alumni whose lives and careers have made a lasting impact.

The event recognized distinguished former students in two categories: the Hall of Fame, which honors athletic achievement, and the Hall of Honors, which celebrates outstanding contributions in service, education, science, and leadership.

Superintendent Doug Graham shared his thoughts on the overall success of the event and said he was especially pleased with how things went this year.

Hall of Honors Inductees

Among this year’s Hall of Honors inductees was Reverend Willie Benson, an ordained minister since the age of 8, a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and a veteran of the Korean War.
Also honored was Mary Sue Williams, a graduate of the Class of 1930 and a longtime English teacher at Nashville High School.

Thomas Goodwin, from the Class of 1965, was recognized for his groundbreaking scientific work—he developed a molecule now part of a drug currently in clinical trials as a treatment for leukemia.
The final Hall of Honors inductee, Dennis Horn, Class of 1956, served as principal of Nashville High School from 1984 to 2000, leaving behind a legacy of educational leadership.

Hall of Fame Inductees

Athletic achievements took center stage as well, with numerous former athletes added to the Scrapper Hall of Fame.

Catherine Reeves (Class of 2006) was a standout in both basketball and softball, earning three-time All-District and All-Region honors.
Maurice Johnson (Class of 1994) earned All-State honors in basketball in 1993 and 1994, and played in the 1994 All-Star Game.
Nolan and Vaughn Tollett, graduates of the Classes of 1936 and 1937, were multisport athletes who both pole vaulted and played football.
Tyler Serrano (Class of 2008) was named 1st Team All-Conference, All-State, and earned a spot on the Arkansas Super Team.
Dr. Jamie Erby (Class of 1998) was honored for his achievements as an All-State football player in 1997.
Joe Goodrum (Class of 1950) stood out in both football and track.
Kayla Nesmith (Class of 2004) earned honors in four sports during her high school career.
La’Michael Pettway (Class of 2015) was named an ESPN 4-star football athlete, ranked 45th nationally and 8th in Arkansas.
Kay McClure (Class of 1969) earned two-time All-District honors in basketball.
Thomas Blaine (Class of 1963) was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, and track.