- Judson Independent School District
- JISD Hall of Honor
Past Hall of Honor Inductees
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2022 Inductees
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Roy E. Wallace - Athletic
Roy Wallace dedicated 36 years to public education as a teacher, coach, campus administrator and athletic director. He spent 20 years in San Antonio ISD before moving to Judson in 1970 when he became the Head Football Coach/Athletic Director. A few years later, he became the full time Athletic Director, giving up his coaching duties. He remained the Athletic Director for 10 years, retiring in 1984.
Coach Wallace was not only a positive role model for coaches, but his commitment to the success of young people was what he lived for. Coach Wallace built the foundation for a high school athletic program that now ranks among the best in the state. Often referred to as a man of integrity, Coach Wallace led behind the scenes; he was the kind of person who thrived in the success of others rather than in his own credit or fame. His coaching and leadership style were based on sound values and morals. His influence instilled strong attitudes and character traits in each of his athletes. Judson ISD’s rich traditions and athletic history began with the leadership of Coach Wallace.
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Ed Franz - Civic
Ed Franz came to San Antonio in the late 1960s moving from Indiana after college and a battle with Hodgkin's. His doctors told him he needed to move to a warmer climate for the remainder of his life. The challenges with his health did little to stop the determination that Mr. Franz had in making a positive impact in the lives of children. He secured a job in Judson and was one of the first special education teachers in San Antonio. His passion for working with children, especially teaching them math, was second to none. Mr. Franz also played an instrumental role in bringing technology to the district and becoming the first technology director. Later he opened Candlewood Elementary as the principal. Even with a plate full of the responsibilities of being an educator, Mr. Franz found a way to keep the connection with students by volunteering his time locally.
Mr. Franz was one of the first tutors allowed on campus at the Boysville Children’s Home and Shelter. He spent a lot of his spare time there because he believed that all children deserved a chance at a quality education. His time of service there greatly influenced the future of so many, as you will hear about in a few minutes.
His service and dedication to this district, our community and the lives of children is still felt today, as he often visits his namesake school, Franz Elementary.
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2020 Inductees
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David Stickelbault — Athletic
David Stickelbault has been a leader in the world of caring for athletes for a long time. This individual is from San Antonio, but he grew up and went to school in another school district…but he ended up making a huge impact in Judson ISD athletics for many years and to the athletic training profession. Graduating from Jefferson High School he began to see his passion emerge in working with athletes to recover from injury, maintain their health and top performance. He received both his bachelors and masters degrees from Southwest Texas State University in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and secured a trainer position in 1983 at Roosevelt High School here in town. But in 1992 he made the jump to Judson ISD and became the head sports trainer for Judson High School. It was during this time that he worked with student-athletes for 26 years, not just helping them recovering from injuries, but he also encouraged them at times when getting hurt took a toll on their outlook as well. That’s the kind of person kids need around them when times get tough. Then 2005 came around…a time of transition in many ways for him. With the opening of Wagner High School, he decided to help Coach Gibbens and his staff in getting the Wagner Athletic programs rolling. He stayed there until 2014 when he came back to Judson High School until his retirement in 2018. He was head trainer for all of Judson’s State Football Championship teams and sites coaches Arnold, Rutledge and Principal Parsley as mentors and his inspiration. He is a past president of the Alamo Area Trainers Association and Region 4 Trainer of the Year and is currently with the San Antonio Football Pro Academy. Please help me welcome 2020 Judson ISD Athletic Hall of Honor member David Stickelbault.
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Anthony Hutchison — Athletic
Anthony Hutchison is an individual who overcame a number of obstacles in his life. He was the hyperactive boy of a single parent mom from Bay City, TX. Her hands were full, and she worked to provide for her children. Anthony was charged with the responsibility of babysitting his siblings. That all changed when CPS removed Anthony from the home and he was taken to live at Boysville in Austin. Because of the abuse he endured in Austin, he was moved to Boysville in San Antonio, the original location in Live Oak, TX. But it was when Anthony attended Judson schools, running track and playing football in Kirby Middle School, then going to Judson High School, would his life change for the better. What Anthony loved most about playing football was the camaraderie of the players led by Coach Jerry Sanders, and the feeling that winning brought everyone together. Anthony cherishes those times. When he graduated in 1979 Judson had an 11-1 season, losing in the playoffs, and then the recruitment started. He was being recruited by Norte Dame, Clemson, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. He chose Tech. In his junior year at Texas Tech he was the lead rusher, rushing over 800 yards that year. In 1984 he was drafted in the 10th round to the Chicago Bears. Mike Ditka was his head coach. After playing for the Bears, Anthony went on to play for the Buffalo Bills. When he finished his career playing professional football, Anthony returned to Texas and moved to Houston. He found work in landscaping and eventually owed the Anthony Lou Construction Company. From the Boy from Boysville, to the multi million dollar construction company, his story is an inspiration to many. Now a dad of a very successful daughter, Nicole Hutchinson, who is working as an anchor for Fox44 in Louisiana and hosts her show she calls "Hutch In the Clutch". We are extremely honored to introduce Anthony Hutchinson to the 2020 Judson ISD Athletic Hall of Honor.
This is the story of Anthony Hutchinson, who approximately 44 years ago, along with the class of 1979 Judson Rocket football, began the 44 year run of winning seasons, which continue today. Anthony's jersey number was #44.
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Col. Jerime L. Reid — Civic
Col. Jerime L. Reid comes from all over…he was part of a military family. Born in La Grange, Georgia, this individual came to San Antonio when he was 3 and to JISD in his middle school years attending Kitty Hawk and later Judson High School. Through the love and discipline of his father and mother he learned about work ethic and the reward of service to others. He also counts his training at football boot camp as incredibly valuable in preparing him for the challenges he faced. In fact, he sites Coach Mike Miller as someone who inspired him in ways of integrity, character, and leadership that served him well. After getting his diploma in 1991 at Judson, He went on to degrees in Journalism/Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 and a Masters in Tourism Management at the University of South Carolina at Columbia shortly after that. But in 2003 he entered Officers School at Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama. Making the Air Force his career, he became a 2nd Lieutenant in 1998 advancing through the years to a full Colonel in 2018 serving in operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. He is the 2012 recipient of the U.T. Athletic Department DeLoss Dodds Leadership Excellence Award. He is married to Christina Reid having 2 sons and 2 daughters. Please welcome the newest member of the Judson ISD Civic Hall of Honor, Colonel Jerime L. Reid.
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Carrie Hill — Civic
Carrie Hill has spent 35 years in Judson ISD in a number of roles. For many years this person made an impact in shaping Rocket Pride as it is known today. Originally from McAllen, Texas, she earned a Bachelors degree in Home Economics with a lifetime teaching certificate from Southwest Texas State University. She started out as a teacher and cheer coach at Kirby Middle School in 1983 where she spent several years before moving to Judson High School. There she served more than 10 years. Her responsibilities expanded later as she became the Spirit Facilitator for the entire district keeping all spirit programs and groups thriving…that even later expanded into developing positive staff morale. She was instrumental in the development of class officers, the senior committee as well as the now well-know Senior Olympics event. One other contribution of note that some of you may remember…our inductee this evening was vital in the development of Rocket Man, the Judson High School mascot. This included the orchestration of his debut when he was carried and lowered on to the football field by a helicopter for a grand entrance. She led Judson’s Cheer Team to 6 National titles and numerous state titles while also developing a successful FCCLA program at Judson. She is proud of her husband John and their daughter. She officially retired in 2018 from JISD and now works for Jostens and still substitutes in the district. Please help me welcome 2020 Judson ISD Civic Hall of Honor Inductee Carrie Hill.
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John Robertson — Civic
John Robertson is a music man at heart. This individual was born and raised in San Antonio. He graduated from Taft High School in 2000 and went on to the University of Texas at Arlington where he graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Music degree in 2005. Straight out of college he applied for an assistant band director position at Judson High School, but ended up being hired instead by Pflugerville ISD to teach at Westview Middle School from 2005-2007. He was then hired eventually as an assistant band director at Metzger Middle School, then shortly afterwards was given the opportunity as band director there. In 2009, the Metzger Symphonic Band was the first non-varsity ensemble in Metzger history to earn “Sweepstakes.” Which if you don’t know, is a big deal in UIL competition. The reputation has been built from there. Each year the Metzger Honors Band has been consistently awarded the “Outstanding In Class” and “Overall Outstanding Band” honors. But it’s more than the awards. One parent’s comment said this. “Some band directors measure success by the number of awards earned, but this man measures success by the number of students inspired to go into music education.” Our honoree tonight serves in many ways with the Texas Music Educators Association, but his bottom line is how can the student be served…and in many ways directly or indirectly, the family too. He is married to wife Erin and I know he has other family members here tonight as well. Please welcome this 2020 Judson ISD Civic Hall of Honor Inductee John Robertson.
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2019 Inductees
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Sterling Jeter — Athletic
Sterling Jeter served in education as a coach and teacher for 42 years. Twenty-Six of those years, he spent with Judson High School on the coaching staff and working with students in the classroom. He’s originally from Odessa Texas getting his diploma from from Odessa High School class of 1961 and graduating from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Before coming to Judson, he made coaching stops at Bridgeport High School, DeSoto High School, New Braunfels Canyon, and Katy High School. In 1984, he arrived on the Judson campus. During the next quarter-of-a-century, he served as offensive line coach and offensive coordinator and later the JISD Athletic Director for boy’s athletics from 2006 to 2010. He called the offensive plays for five state championships. It’s also important to know that while he coached at Judson, he was also a teacher…in what was called then “Adaptive PE” which was physical education for special needs students…and the kids loved him.
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Jimmy Dykes — Athletic
Jimmy Dykes made his way up the coaching ranks in Judson ISD over the course of the years 1981 through 2008…that’s 27 years. He attended high school at Irving MacArthur High School playing football as a running track, graduating in 1976. He went on to attend then Texas Lutheran College also participating in football and track there and finished in 1981. Out of college, he came to Judson ISD and became a pillar spending almost 30 years in the district. His first three years he spent at Kitty Hawk Middle School as an assistant football coach and later Head 9th Grade Coach where he was very successful and was promoted to Judson High School in 1984 to work with varsity football team receivers and the JV team. He subsequently worked with the quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends and was promoted in 2002 to offensive coordinator. He was part of the staff that won 1988, 1992, 1993, 1995, and 2002. As a track coach, he was part of 20 straight district championships and 13 regional titles. He coach three state champions in the high jump. In 2005, he left Judson with Coach Pete Gibbons to coach at Wagner.
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Melvin Boelter — Athletic
Melvin Boelter was born in Karnes City, Texas. He is the fifth child of 10. He graduated from Seguin High School in 1967, and made a mark as an All-State player at the linebacker position. He was an All-American at Texas Lutheran College in 1968 and 1969 and went on to graduate in 1971. He started his coaching career at Irving MacArthur with stops at Samuel Clemens, and Seguin before coming to Judson where he spent 27 years. He was also part of the coaching staff at Judson that earned state football crowns in ’88, ’92, ’93, ’95, and 2002. On the flip side, this coach was also an art teacher sending many students to the State VASE or Visual Arts Scholastic Event during his service. He is also a man of faith helping lead the Judson Coaches Bible Study group. He has a Master’s in Education and a Masters in Mid Management. He’s also in the TLU Hall of Fame and Seguin ISD Hall of Honor.
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Dr. Melinda Salinas — Civic
Dr. Melinda Salinas was a longtime resident in the district going to school throughout her years in JISD and graduating from Judson High School in 1987. She received her undergraduate degree in Education from U.T. Austin in 1990 and achieved her Masters and PhD in 2010 from UTSA. Her history in education has spanned the teaching experience. She taught at Candlewood and Elolf Elementary Schools and Woodlake Hills Middle School. She has also served in administration as an Assistant Principal at Woodlake Hills Middle School and later as a Principal at Coronado Village Elementary and Kirby Middle School. She went on to Poteet ISD as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. She was elected to the Judson ISD School Board in May of 2015 and became Board President in 2017. She recently departed from the board due to a move, but she left showing tremendous strength and compassion for our students.
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2018 Inductees
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Frank Arnold — Athletic
Coach Frank Arnold has been a leader in the coaching arena for a long time…his experience as a football coach spans 20 years…the last 4 of those years at Judson High School. He came from humble beginnings growing up on the south side of San Antonio and graduated from Burbank High School. In 20 years of coaching football he touched programs at San Antonio Sam Houston, Jefferson, Holmes and MacArthur High Schools. He eventually took over the Judson Rocket Football program from Jerry Sanders when District Athletic Director at the time, Roy Wallace hired him in 1980. That’s when the program went to another level.
Building on the success of Coach Sanders, this individual over the following four years went 42-and-9 culminating in a State Championship in 1983 when Judson beat Midland Lee 25-to-21. Shortly after that, when Roy Wallace retired, this coach stepped up as J.I.S.D. Athletic Director and served in that position with distinction for some 21 years. He has been inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor as a coach and as an athletic director as well as the San Antonio Sports Foundation’s Hall of Fame.
More recently he was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. He led the push that first took the Judson athletic program into that football promised land of a State Championship. Frank Arnold Athletic Center is named in his honor.
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Pete Gibbens — Athletic
Coach Pete Gibbens has spent more than two decades at Judson High School. He played his college football at Southwest Texas State University. As a coach, he started his time with Judson ISD at Kirby Middle School, later moving to Judson High School where he spent the next 23 years as assistant coach-defensive coordinator. He was a critical part of moving the Judson Football program forward with Head Coaches Arnold, Rutledge and Rackley orchestrating a potent defensive system that won championships. In fact, of all coaches that have worked on the Rocket Football staff, Mr. Gibbens is the only coach in Judson history to be a part of all six State Championship Teams. He was hired to be the Head Football Coach for Wagner High School when it opened up in 2005 putting the first varsity team on the field in 2006 for the Thunderbirds. He was the Head Football Coach at Wagner for the first 8 years of the school’s existence and during that time took the T-Birds to the playoffs 6 of those 8 years…even reaching the State Quarterfinals at one point. Retired from coaching in 2013. He has been a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association for 35 years and served on the organization’s Board of Directors and has even coached its All-Star game.
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Sonny-Peter Merrell — Civic
Since 2002 Mr. Sonny-Peter Merrell has been giving time to this district in the form of filling needs at schools in the district, serving on a myriad of committees…many times as a Chairperson or Co-Chair position. He has spent time on various Site-Based Committees and Campus Improvement Planning Committees and he has been very active with bond oversight of how taxpayer money is being spent on voter approved projects. Mr. Merrell is one that is committed to his community…he’s always at either City of Live Oak Council meetings, Judson ISD School Board meetings or at any number of district events where he likes to show his support. At his church, he is known as the “Food Man” because he runs a food pantry that serves more than 400 families a month. He is retired U.S. Army so he knows logistics and getting things done. He is also a past VITAS Hospice Volunteer of the Year multiple times at the San Antonio and National level.
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Teresa Ramon — Civic
Chief Teresa Ramon is someone who is widely known and respected across the state and has even received recognition on the national level. Chief Ramon is a member of the Texas School Districts Police Chiefs Association she was elected in 2017 as the organization’s first ever female president. In 2016, she was selected for the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award…an honor recognizing those who have established and sustained efforts to keep schools safe. That same year she traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in a White House panel focusing on women and the criminal justice system. She has been honored on a state level as an “Outstanding Hispanic Women Role Models” and was selected by then Governor Rick Perry for the “Yellow Rose of Texas” award for her impact on her community. Chief Ramon was the Judson ISD Distinguished Employee of the Year in 2007 and you may also know her by her annual collection of canned yams to benefit the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner.
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2017 Inductees
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Eric Brown — Athletic
Mr. Eric Brown is a home grown JISD product going to Kirby Middle School and was later a Judson graduate with the class of 1992. Mr. Bown was a major impact player on the 1992 Championship season, he was voted the team’s Defensive Captain by his coaches and teammates. He also gave Track and Field a try that last year at Judson and became very successful at the Texas Relays and an appearance at the Texas State Track Meet. After graduation he started out at Blinn Junior College on a track scholarship, but later made the school’s football team as a walk-on. That first year he became an All-American in football and accepted a full athletic scholarship to Mississippi State University. After college, he was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos as a strong safety. In 1999 with the Denver Broncos, he played to a Super Bowl Championship beating the Atlanta Falcons in Superbowl 33 by a score of 33-17. He is a Heads Up Football Ambassador for the State of Texas supporting Youth Football.
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Ron Faught — Athletic
Mr. Ron Faught spent 27 years as the track coach for Judson High School. Coming to Judson in 1986 he guided the school to 26 District Track Championships and 20 Regional Championships. But he wasn’t just a track coach…he was also a mentor to his student-athletes who learned how to push themselves to get the most out of their potential, personally, academically and on the track. Mr. Faught won two State High School Track Championships, his first championship as a track coach was in his very first year at Columbus, Texas in 1976. In 2013, they brought home the State Championship trophy to Judson. The first State Track and Field Championship for a San Antonio area high school since 1969. He retired after that essentially bookending his career with championships in 1976 and 2013
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Clint Rutledge — Athletic
Mr. Clint Rutledge is a 1994 graduate of Judson High School and was an All-City athlete in both football and baseball. He was one of the anchors in back to back State High School Football Championships in 1992 and 1993 at the quarterback position. He went on to Baylor University where he graduated with a double major in History and English. He eventually made his way back to JISD to become the quarterback coach at Judson High School. In 2002, he won his third State High School Football Championship as a coach as the Judson Rockets. In 2005, he left coaching to pursue a career in the business world and is currently one of the top realtors with the Keller Williams firm in the San Antonio area. He still is very active in the coaching business including “Stepping Up” and “All-Pro Dads.” He is also a published author with a new book “The Classroom: The Secret Behind a Texas High School Football Dynasty.”
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Wayne Harper — Civic
Mr. Wayne Harper has been involved with Judson ISD since at least the 1990s at the grass roots level. He’s been an elementary and middle school PTO president and a member of the JISD Building Committee and was also Chairman of the Public Action Committee that helped pass the 2006 Bond Package of $236 Million. He served as Vice President of the JISD Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2011. ROTC instructor at Wagner High School since 2012. Retired U.S. Army veteran of 22 years and is a recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Master Trustee Award. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Judson Education Foundation.
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Johnnie Harris — Civic
Mr. Johnnie Harris is a former JISD School Board member. He was initially appointed to the board in 1998 through 1999 and was later elected as the first African American Board Member of Judson ISD in 2000. He served on the board until 2011. During those years he was involved in the vision to reality process of such ambitious district projects such as the construction of Wagner High School, the concept of an early college academy now known as Judson Early College Academy or JECA. During his time on the board he also started the process of such initiatives as school bus advertising, school board meeting videos being posted on the website for the public to view at any time, as well as playing a big part in the creation of the Dual Language program for Kinder through 5th grade students. He also helped develop the JISD Youth Football Camp that has become a perennial Judson Education Foundation community and fundraising event. Mr. Harris also initiated the creation of the JISD Hall of Honor program that was approved by the school board.
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Janice LaFoille — Civic
Mrs. Janice LaFoille started volunteering at Park Village Elementary School in 1999 after starting out as a mentor there to some of the students. She eventually became more involved in the school library where she made some of her biggest contributions bringing more organization and technology that benefitted everyone that used it. She even served as the school’s librarian at one point when the school was still in the process of hiring a librarian…she kept it running and organized. She is a 2010 recipient of the Heroes For Children Award from the Texas State Board of Education and in 2016 the Park Village Library was named after her.
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2016 Inductees
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Kayone Hankins Carter — Athletic
Kayone is a 1991 graduate of Judson High School. She made the All-State Girls Basketball Team in 1991 and was named Most Valuable Player in San Antonio that year as well. She placed second in the 100 meter hurdles for AAU national track and field and later earned a scholarship to the University of New Orleans on a basketball scholarship where she set an NCAA record with 30 rebounds in a single game. She averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals a game her senior year at UNO. She went on to play professional basketball in Finland and Switzerland. After hanging up her sneakers professionally, she pursued a love of coaching, and teaching in JISD.
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Derwin Gray — Athletic
Derwin is a member of the 1988 graduating class of Judson High School. He was a member of the Rocket Football team that won the State Championship in 1988. He was also 1st Team All-State in Texas in 1988. He is a member of the All Time Brigham Young University Dream Team. After graduating from BYU, he was the 92nd pick overall in the 1993 NFL Draft. He played for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). After pro football he and his wife Vicki began a speaking ministry in 1999 and he went on to become the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina. He is a pastor, speaker and author of several books.
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Corey Sears — Athletic
Corey graduated from Judson High School in 1991. He was a three-year starter on the Judson Rocket Football teams in the late 80s and early 90s. After graduating from Judson, he started his college playing days at Navarro Junior College before ending up at Mississippi State University where he was an All-American Defensive Tackle from 1993-1995 and was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens first, playing six NFL seasons for the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans. After retiring from Pro Football he and his family moved to the Austin area.
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John Dyer — Civic
Our first new member of the JISD Civic Hall of Honor is a 1992 graduate of Judson High School. As one of the Air Force's top pilots, he has flown 140 A-10 Warthog combat missions supporting US and Allied forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In addition, He's worked 5 combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq and has trained NATO members in Combat Search and Rescue techniques and has attained the rank of Lt. Colonel.
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Dr. A Marcus Nelson — Civic
Dr. Nelson is a 1990 graduate of Judson High School. In 2006 he was honored with the "Change the World" award from Abilene Christian University 2009 ACU's Grover C Morlan Education Honor Society award for contributions to the improvement in education. In 2014 he was TASB's Superintendent of the Year. During his JISD tenure, he was part of the leadership team that helped quadruple the number of Recognized and Exemplary schools.
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Ivan Miguel Ruiz — Civic
Ivan is a 1996 graduate of Judson High School. He became a part of the 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron. Trained as a para-rescue man he is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism and the Air Force Cross both for extraordinary execution of his duties during his service in Afghanistan. Part of that honor of service was due to his extraordinary marksmanship in battle that provided protection and critical time to save fellow soldiers.
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2015 Inductees
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Mike Jinks — Athletic
Mike is a 1990 graduate of Judson High School, playing quarterback for three years including the 1988 State Championship year he was a junior when Judson was declared the eventual winner over Dallas Carter in a historic UIL decision. He later was the starting at quarterback for two years at Angelo State University. After earning a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Mathematics, he worked stints at several high schools across the state including 1998 at Judson High School under D.W. Rutledge as quarterbacks coach a year when the Rockets went to the State Championship game. He has gone on to be a successful head coach at the high school level and currently in the college ranks.
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Jim Rackley — Athletic
Jim is the coach who engineered the 2002 State Football Championship. At the time of his retirement as Head Football Coach at Judson in 2012, he finished up with a record of 136-72-1. He coach 42 seasons 18 as a head coach with stops at Antonian and SA Southwest before coming to Judson. He served on the coaching staff from 1980 to 1987 and from 1993-2001 as Assistant Head Coach under D.W. Rutledge winning four state football titles. As Judson Head Football Coach in 2002 he engineered the improbable comeback with seven seconds to go to beat Midland High 33-32 for the State Championship. He also took Judson to the state title game in 2005 and 2007.
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Dr. Douglas Davis — Civic
Douglas was a member of the Judson High School class of 1994. At Judson, he was a 3-year letterman on the District, Regional and State Runner-up Championship Track Team. Douglas graduated number 9 in his class. After graduating from St. Mary's University, he entered Yale University Medical School. He graduated in 2013, finishing his fellowship in Neuroradiology in 2014 and is now in private practice.
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2014 Inductees
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Adam Carter — Athletic
Adam is a 1997 graduate of Judson High School. He played on the 1995-96 State Football Championship team. Out of the possible 45 football games one could play in a 3-year period, including playoff games, he started and played in 44 of them. He was also an ace pitcher for the Rockets being selected "newcomer of the year" for the district his first year of varsity play and was selected to the All-State baseball team both his sophomore and senior years. He graduated in the top 20% of his graduating class, was an active member of student council and the National Honor Society and was selected by his peers as "Mr. Judson" his senior year. Building on that success through the years, he went on to work at the U.S. Department of Defense.
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Travis Houston — Athletic
Travis graduated in 2006 from Judson High School. He played on the Judson 2005 State Finalist Football Team as a defensive end. In 2006 he was named as one of San Antonio's top 10 High School Football Recruits graduating from Judson with honors and eventually signed to play for Texas State University. His senior year he was also named to the South High School All-Star Football Team. In college at Texas State he was part of the 2008 Southland Conference Championship Team and in 2009 was a semi-finalist for the College Football Hall of Fame's William V. Campbell Trophy. He graduated from Texas State University in 2011 with degrees in Computer Information Systems and Finance, with honors. He went on to work in the Finance industry.
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Dr. Kimberly McLeod — Civic
Dr. McLeod is an 1989 graduate of Judson High School. She was an officer on the Starlites Drill Team, ran track, was student council Chaplin and delivered the invocation at her graduation. After earning multiple degrees including her doctorate from Texas Southern University, she has served more than 2 decades in public education and higher education. She has been an advocate for the importance of Cultural Responsiveness, connecting with students in urban school settings.
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Dr. Michael Carletti — Civic
Dr. Carletti is a 1997 graduate of Judson High School. He played in two class 5A football championship games (winning one) and was a 1997 first team All-City Baseball selection. Graduating from TCU, he later earned his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2006. He has and still is serving our country in the U.S. Air Force currently as flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the legendary precision flight squadron.
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2013 Inductees
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Christopher Pryor — Athletic
Christopher was the driving force behind Judson High School's breakthrough 1983 Football State Championship. He was the recipient of a number of awards and recognition as a top flight athlete. One of the main reasons, he set a 5-A high school record for rushing with 28-hundred yards in 1983. He was an All-City Running Back, All State 1st Team, All American and Dr. Pepper Player of the Year. He also made the 1983 Sports Illustrated top 20 in the country. His jersey #35 is retired. He went on to become a local business owner in the Judson ISD area.
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Jerry Trees — Athletic
Jerry came to JISD in 1976. He coached on the first football state championship team and was the head track coach, which won district every year during his reign. He had many athletes come back and tell him what a difference he made in their lives. Our honoree went on to become an amazing administrator at Judson High School. He worked with students who struggled with truancy and worked to see each one went to school and graduated. To this day, students still thank him for caring about them and helping them get through high school.
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Cherice Cochrane — Civic
Cherice is a 1999 graduate of Judson High School. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, secured a total of 20 scholarships along with a $160,000 scholarship to Tulane University. She received the United Way Mayor's Youth Award and even authored a book, Me and My Mentor. In her sophomore year at Tulane University, she passed away of meningitis. Her family started the Cherice Cochrane Mentoring For Success Foundation.
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Dr. Milton (Rob) Fields III — Civic
Dr. Fields is a 1981 graduate of Judson High School. He was active in band, ROTC and track and field. He served as a teacher and administrator previous to coming to JISD and was honored as a campus Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year. He came back to Judson ISD and served as principal at Wagner High School successfully before becoming the JISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations.
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Nancy Robinson — Civic
Nancy is a 1978 graduate of Judson High School. After earning a bachelor's in Elementary Education from Texas Lutheran University and masters from Trinity University, she spent all but one year of her professional career in Judson ISD. She began as a teacher at Coronado Village Elementary School, moving up the ranks in the district to Assistant Principal, Principal as well as various district office positions. She was the JISD Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction before retiring in 2014.
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2012 Inductees
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Kathy Rakel — Athletic
Kathy graduated from Judson High School as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2003. While at JHS, Kathy was heavily involved with Judson's basketball program becoming team captain and starting guard, resulting in her selection as a member of the All-District team in 2003. In addition to basketball and academics, Kathy played golf on the varsity team. After high school, she received a coveted Presidential Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, she served as an intelligence analyst for F-16 fighter pilots. Kathy became an accomplished professional triathlete with a goal to represent Team USA at the 2016 Olympics. Kathy received the 2010 Air Force Female Athlete of the Year award for her accomplishments.
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Curt Young — Athletic
Curt graduated from JISD in 1992 with honors. He competed in football and track & field and was named to the all-district and all city teams during his Judson days. At Texas A&M, he received the GTE Academic Achievement Award from '94-97. He competed as a 400 meter hurdler in the 1999 IAAF World Championship games in Seville for his native Panama. As a two-time Olympian, Curt Young competed as a 400 meter hurdler in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 2000 Olympic games in Barcelona, Spain for the Republic of Panama. As a resident of San Antonio, Curt trained for the Olympics here.
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Teresa Neighbors — Athletic
Teresa graduated from Judson High School in 1985. She represented the Judson High School track team at the state meet in 1984 & 1985 in the 100h, 4x100, 4x400, 100h, and 4x400. She was named an All American at UTSA and was named to the 1989 World University team. She was a part of the 1990 U.S. Olympic Festival Team, 1990 Athlete of the year at UTSA, she placed 3rd in NCAA Indoor championships and ranked 10th in the U.S in 100m. In 1991, she placed 3rd at the USA Indoor Championship, she was on the USA vs Scotland team and placed 1st in 60m, she was a member of the U.S. Olympic Festival Team in 1991. In 1992, she was 3rd in 60m USA Indoor Championship, she ran on the fastest 4x100 team, and in 1993 she was 2nd in USA Indoor Championship and on the Olympic Festival Team in 1995.
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Thomas K. Brown — Civic
Thomas K. Brown graduated from Judson High School in 1979. He is an honors graduate of Howard Payne University and is a distinguished alumnus of that school. He later graduated from the Baylor University School of Law in 1986 and eventually founded the Brown Law Firm in Houston Texas. He was recently named one of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Attorneys in American by a prestigious legal journal and was selected by his professional peers to the honorable American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.
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2011 Inductees
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Jerod Douglas — Athletic
Jerod is a 1994 graduate of Judson High School who led the Rockets to the Class 5A Division I state championship in 1992 and 1993. He graduated as the top rusher in class 5A history with 6,188 yards and 85 touchdowns, including 2,967 yards in 1992, which was a 5A state record at the time. He was also a track standout and set a city record in the 200 meter dash of 20.58 in 1993. At Baylor University, Mr. Douglas had an excellent career from 1994 through 1997, rushing for 2,811 yards - second on the school's all-time list. He was an All-Southwest Conference running back in 1995 and set the school's single game rushing record in 1994 with 210 yards against Texas. He was inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a member of the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame (2011).
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D. W. Rutledge — Athletic
D.W. was the Head Football Coach at Judson High School for 17 seasons with a record of 198-31-5. Rutledge is one of the most successful coaches in Texas high school football history, winning four state championships in the state's highest classification. Coach Rutledge attended Texas Lutheran University, where he captained the school's 1974 NAIA Division II National Championship team, and was a Kodak All-American linebacker. Upon his graduation, he became an assistant at Judson High, serving as defensive coordinator for the 1983 5A state championship squad. Rutledge was named head coach in 1984, guiding Judson to a through a remarkable string of winning seasons. Rutledge is Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association and co-authored a book titled Coaching to Change Lives. The Judson ISD football stadium in Converse is named in his honor.
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LTC Karen J. Wagner — Civic
LTC Wagner was a 1979 Judson High graduate who died during the 2001 terrorist attack on the U.S. Pentagon. Lieutenant Colonel Wagner served 17 years in the military and worked in the Pentagon at the time of her death. Wagner was a medical personnel officer in the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army Office, and deputy chief of staff for personnel. During her years at Judson High School, Karen was active in the ROTC program, basketball and track teams. Wagner High School which opened in 2005 is named after her.
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Rex Brien — Civic
Rex is a 1990 Judson High School graduate who played football under the leadership of D.W Rutledge. After high school, Mr. Brien served his country in the United States Marines. After leaving the Marines, he became a child advocate working for Child Protective Services and later for the Children's Shelter. Mr. Brien is one of the founding members of Judson Youth Sports Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides children with a positive sports experience and each year partners with the Judson Education Foundation and JISD for the annual JISD Youth Football Camp.
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2010 Inductees
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Charles Bruce — Athletic
Charles is a 1985 graduate of Judson High School. During his high school playing days as a Rocket he was a wide receiver and defensive back playing for D.W. Rutledge and Frank Arnold and was a member of the first State Football Championship that Judson High School won in 1983. He also was a part of the Judson High School football coaching staff that won the State Football Championship under Jim Rackley in 2002. He moved over to Wagner High School when it opened in 2005 and was an assistant football coach there under Pete Gibbens while he was also the Head Track Coach. After a brief one year stint on the Steele football coaching staff, in 2013 he went on to become the Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator at Wagner.
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Aaron Carter — Athletic
Aaron graduated from Judson High School in 1993. During his years at Judson, he was a three year letterman in baseball and two year letterman in football and was a part of the 1992 5-A State Football Championship that saw the Rockets beat Euless Trinity 52-0. He was a member of the Rocket baseball team that year going deep into the playoffs too. He went on to St. Mary's University where he participated in two NAIA College World Series tournaments and was a two-time All American pitcher. He was inducted into the St. Mary's University Hall of Fame in 2010 and went on to be selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 27th round of the amateur baseball draft. He came back to JISD in 2015 as a coach and teacher at Veterans Memorial High School.
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Michael Fields — Civic
Michael is a 1983 graduate of Judson High School. After getting his Bachelor of Science degree from SWTSU in San Marcos in 1987, he earned his Law Degree from St. Mary's University. He soon joined the Harris County DA's Office and later the Texas Attorney General’s Office before starting his own law practice. He later became Judge Fields in 1999 in Harris County Criminal Court 14. He has served on numerous boards and foundations in the Houston area and is also an Adjunct Professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
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Ricardo Salinas — Civic
Ricardo was a 1992 graduate of Judson High School. At age nine he played in the Little League World Series and at 16 he was a black belt in Karate. He was a graduate of UTSA and had always wanted to be in law enforcement. At age 24, he was engaged to be married and was finishing up his probationary period as an agent for the U.S. Border Patrol when he and another Border Patrol agent were killed on July 7, 1998 in San Benito, Texas while searching for a murder suspect. Salinas Elementary School is named in his honor.