Danville High School is accepting nominations for its Wall of Fame. Over 26 former students and graduates of DHS have already been honored. A framed biography and photograph of each Wall of Fame member is permanently displayed in the main hall of the school. The purpose of the Wall of Fame is to promote pride in Danville and its public schools, as well as to provide positive role models for current and future students. Criteria includes the following: a graduate of DHS or a former student who attended DHS for at least two years who has made his/her mark in one of the following areas:

1. business/industry/entrepreneur
2. entertainment/arts/sports
3. service professions (education, religion, politics, law, medicine, research, etc.)

Nominations are due August 28, 2009. A community committee under the supervision of the Danville Public Schools Foundation will review the nominations and make the selections for 2009. At least two people will be inducted each year.

2009 Wall of Fame Inductee:

Dr. Ronald Gillum (Class of 1956)

2008 Wall of Fame Inductee:

Ms. Nina Cottrell (Class of 1964)

2007 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Dr. John W. D. Kay (Class of 1956) and Steven F. Eckert (Class of 1970)

Dr. John W. D. Kay (’56) John Kay attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated from Danville High School in 1956.  He played tennis for four years at DHS and was captain of the tennis team during his senior year.  He also worked on the Maroon & White, serving as editorial page editor in his senior year.  He was active in Christian youth activities.  He earned his B.S. in chemistry at the University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1960 and completed his doctorate in biochemistry at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, in 1964. During his lengthy and distinguished career, he worked as a research/development immuno-biochemist developing and improving tests to diagnose infectious agents such as hepatitis B, rubella, Group A Strep, and N. gonorrhea.  His most famous pioneering work came in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  The first cases of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in the United States were diagnosed in 1981.  In 1984, HIV was identified as the cause of AIDS.  Within three months of receiving the viral materials, Dr. Kay’s team developed a test to identify the presence of the antibody to HIV in blood; this effort pushed all manufacturers to develop tests as soon as possible.  This was vitally important as the nation struggled to protect the supply of blood that was available for transfusions.  Within six months of introduction of the first test, he led a team that developed a test that was 300 times more sensitive than his original test, far more accurate than other tests on the market, and allowed the identification of HIV-positive patients 10-14 days earlier than the initial tests.  A major challenge faced by Dr. Kay’s team was to develop tests that would be both accurate and simple to read and could be used on various body fluids.  Ease of obtaining test results is important for rapid diagnosis and disease control.  His group developed tests for HIV in which adding a liquid to a processed sample resulted in a color change as a final indicator that HIV infection was detected.  This was an important breakthrough, particularly in third-world countries where special equipment may not be available. Dr. Kay is a devout Christian and his faith has impacted his life, in and out of his profession.  “When you take faith into the workplace, it’s amazing what will happen.  Faith in the Living God will affect your work. You pray to understand what’s right and then the Lord enables a solution to the problems.” Dr. Kay learned a valuable lesson at DHS that he has carried throughout his life.  At his father’s insistence, he studied Latin.  After a lackluster first semester he transferred to a different class.  His new teacher had students conjugate verbs competitively; this exercise caught his imagination and inspired him to work much harder.   “I accepted the challenge to learn well so I could do well.  It’s the opposite of the culture of doing as little as you can.  Putting in effort and activating your energy, not just showing up, makes the work more interesting.  It’s so much better in the long run of life.” 

Steven F. Eckert (’70) Over the past three decades, Steve Eckert has made life in our country safer by bringing issues to the public’s attention.  His reports have earned TV journalism’s top honors.  In addition to his Emmy awards, he has earned the Peabody, DuPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), RFK, Sigma Delta Chi, and National Headliner Awards. Eckert’s stories have done much more than win awards.  They’ve revealed wrong-doing, exposed hidden dangers, and prompted changes in local, state, and federal laws.  His hour-long investigation of counterfeit medicine in America, entitled “Bitter Pills,” was judged the best TV investigative report on any network in 2006 by Investigative Reporters and Editors. It marked the fourth time that Eckert’s investigations have won the prestigious IRE Award.  A national consumer group stated this Eckert investigative news production “…has done the nation a tremendous service.”  That report earned him the 2007 Emmy Award for Investigative Reporting.  Other investigations produced by Steve Eckert have changed lives, resulted in legislation, and earned national awards as well.  Following are just a few examples of his work: Within days after Eckert’s hidden cameras captured outdated eggs being repacked and re-dated as if they were fresh, the USDA issued emergency rules.  Within weeks, Congress passed new legislation and within months, the President signed a new law to protect public health (This production entitled “Shell Game” won several news awards).  He revealed fatal flaws in both the local 911 system and the Child Protection network, forcing major reorganizations in both systems (Edward R. Murrow & DuPont-Columbia Awards). Just four days after Eckert exposed “secret pardons” for convicted criminals, including child molesters, the Minnesota Legislature abolished the system (Murrow & Headliner Awards). Steve Eckert graduated from DHS in 1970.  He attended Liberty Elementary School and North Ridge Junior High School.  While a student at DHS, he was an editor for the Maroon & White and participated in the Radio Club.  His first newscasts were at WDAN radio.  He later became student news director at WPRB, the college radio station at Princeton University.  He worked in radio for two years, then switched to television. He has produced national investigative stories and newsmaker interviews for NBC News and Dateline NBC since 1993.  Looking back on his years at Danville High School, Eckert remembered, “My best memories… editing the Maroon & White…marching in the band at half-time of Viking football games…and helping revive the DHS debate team and nearly going to state finals in our second year. Looking back, two of my English teachers – John Sanders and John Watkins – stand out. They challenged us, expanded our horizons, and helped give us the confidence to keep exploring.”

2006 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Dr. James Westwater (Class of 1937) and Robert Gregory Meidel (ex 1971)

Dr. James Westwater (’37) was involved in swimming and the D Association when he was a student at Danville High School. An outstanding student. Westwater earned a competitive scholarship to attend the University of Illinois where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1941. Westwater was the first post-graduate student to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in 1948. Returning to the University of Illinois that fall, Westwater began his 40 year association with the university that culminated with his retirement 40 years later in 1988 as Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering. His research and study in the field of heat transfer in chemical engineering earned Westwater international recognition as well as benefiting both industry and the general population. Dr. Westwater’s work focused on “the processes that occur in the boiling of liquids and dropwise condensation. He pioneered in the use of high-speed photography, linking the camera to the microscope to study these processes. In 1955, he produced the first film made at the U of I using these processes. In succeeding years, he perfected the equipment so that by 1966 he could take pictures at the speed of 6,000 frames per second.” Honored by the university by having a chemical engineering chair endowed in his honor, Westwater remained as an honored member of the U of I faculty emertitus until his death on March 31, 2006. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth Keener Westwater (’37), and four children: Barbara Westwater, Urbana; Judith White, Champaign; David James Westwater, Albion, IA; and Beverly Moore, Marshalltown, IA.

Robert Gregory Meidel (ex ’71) attended Roselawn, Edison, North Ridge Junior High School, and Danville High School until he moved to California with his mother at the start of his senior year in the fall of 1970. When informed of his induction, Meidel reacted: “I’m thrilled to be honored by DHS. It’s a fabulous institution. Whatever success I’ve enjoyed in the entertainment industry was the result of my passion for arts, primarily television, which started with a field trip to the local TV station while attending DHS!“ Relating to his academic career in Danville, Meidel stated, “I’ll never forget my first grade teacher, Mrs. Yeazel. She was so sweet and insisted that I practice my A, B, C’s! I have fond memories of Mrs. Tobin at Edison, Mr. Black at North Ridge, and the one and only queen of all music classes, Miss Wolff at DHS!” Popular and well-liked by his classmates, Meidel earned a host of friends in Danville with his easy-going and friendly manner. Through a determined and tireless work ethnic as well as a keen sense of both business and people skills, Greg Meidel has risen to the top of the television profession, serving as President of Programming (Domestic Television) of Paramount Pictures of Hollywood, overseeing all programming and development activities for the entertainment conglomerate. Among the shows his division produces and distributes are the following syndicated offerings: Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight, ET Weekend, The Montel Williams Show, Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, and The Insider. Before his stint at Paramount Domestic Television, Meidel served as President, COO and partner of Massive Media Group, a technology driven company focusing on providing digital rights management for the convergence of content and technology over the internet. He also served as Chairman and CEO of Universal Television Group (1996-1998), President and COO of Twentieth Century Television (1992-1995), as well as a variety of increasingly responsible management positions at Paramount (1979-1992). Looking back at his years at DHS, Meidel remarked, “DHS is a remarkable high school. My memories are ones with great friends, a solid education, and a school and faculty that let you pursue your dreams. DHS has all the charm of being in a small town, but has the wherewithal to prepare a young adult for greatness at any university, career, or future endeavor…DHS is always a topic of conversation when I run into Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, Irving Azoff (when I need Eagles tickets!), and Gene Hackman.” When asked what he misses most about his home town, Meidel responded, “Danville is a special place. I miss friends, water skiing on Lake Vermilion, and Steak & Shake!” Greg Meidel resides in Hollywood with his wife, Nancy.

2005 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Dwight Lucas (Class of 1968) and Matthew Woodring Stover (Class of 1980, early graduation in August 1979)

Dwight Lucas has been a major force toward helping improve the lives of families in our community and the surrounding counties since the early 1970s. As police community relations advisor in the early 1970s, he, along with Dorsey Boyd, started the Dustbowl basketball tournament. This event has grown from a small gathering in Carver Park to an even now played at the Civic Center, with crowds numbering in the thousands and teams coming from as far away as California.

He is currently CEO of the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency, directing and coordinating programs and developing services to help move families toward self-sufficiency through a variety of efforts, including energy assistance, weatherization programs and small business loans. The Community Action Agency also offers a variety of programs to help prepare students for college such as tutoring, guidance counseling, campus visits and scholarships. Dwight Lucas directs initiatives that touch lives all the way from preschoolers attending Head Start to senior citizens. His agency provides emergency services for any family in need. The Community Action Agency is a major economic force with an annual budget of $9 million and over 110 full-time equivalent positions.

Dwight Lucas is one of a small number of Certified Community Action Professionals. This rigorous program, offered to executives of community action agencies, requires collection of letters of reference, a written thesis on management systems and program history, and completion of a 6-8 hour written test.

Not content with merely changing lives locally, Lucas has taken a leadership role at the state and national levels. He is Board Chair of the Illinois Community Action Association that provides membership services including training, technical assistance and resource information to 36 community action agencies. He also sits on the board of the six-state regional association.

In 2001, Dwight added further responsibilities to an already busy life when he became Executive Director of Laura Lee Fellowship House. During his tenure Laura Lee experienced a 50% increase in membership and 250% increase in building usage. He spearheaded and successfully completed a capital building campaign to raise over one-half million dollars to construct an annex to Laura Lee which will increase its program space by more than 50%.

Dwight was raised in public housing. As a child, he spent many happy hours at Laura Lee Fellowship House. After serving in the military, he worked hard to support his family and complete his education so he could offer a better life to his wife and children. "Danville has been good to me and my family. I never would have dreamed, growing up on Junction Avenue and in Carver Park , that I could end up where I am. Public housing was a temporary waystation, not a lifestyle. I lived in a village where the whole village looked after you. I have been blessed and feel I have a responsibility to give back. You have to do the best you can." Back to 2005

Matthew Woodring Stover is a successful author of science fiction/fantasy novels, seven of which have been published to date. His novels are Iron Darn (1997), Jericho Moon (a sequel to Iron Dawn, published in 1998), Heroes Die (1998), Blade of Tyshalle (2001), Traitor (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 13), published in 2002, Shatterpoint (Star Wars: Clone Wars Novel (2003), Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith (2005). A new novel, Caine Black Knife, will be published in 2006. One of his books, Revenge of the Sith, was on the New York Times bestseller list for 10 weeks and has sold over 600,000 hardcover copies to date.

Matthew Stover attended Roselawn Elementary school and North Ridge Junior High. Although a member of the DHS Class of 1980, Stover took early graduation in August 1979. Two of his former teachers, Barbara Cullen and Joyce Brown (Alexander) encouraged him to pursue writing as a career. Matthew Stover says, "Mrs. Brown was a lovely woman who taught an interesting class and took my writing seriously. She looked at what I produced in class and said I should consider pursuing that." He also cited DHS social studies teacher Bob Kay for igniting an interest in history that he still pursues today. Another source of inspiration was his mother, Barbara Stover, a rhetoric professor at DCC, who provided help, support and encouragement and was "a major sculptor of my life." He regularly read her Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine which printed stories written by previously unpublished authors and helped him see that authors develop over time, they don't just "spring full-grown from the brow of Zeus." He graduated from Drake University in 1983, where he earned a degree in theater.

Stover says, "My primary intention [when writing a novel] is to write something that, on first reading people are going to stay up all night to finish, but it'll stay with them so that they'll read it again in six months to find more in it. What you get out of a novel depends on what you bring to it. If you read the same novel at age 17, 25 or 35, it's a different novel because you are different. I want my stories to be a collaboration between the story on the page and the reader's imagination. I want to be a catalyst for something in the reader's mind.

Matthew Stover says his life was uniquely influenced by growing up in Danville because it provided "an intersection of a rural and urban childhood." There were many industries in town, but also a working farm close to his home. "I had the ability to walk out of my house and go someplace where all I could see was trees." He says that this varied background shows up in his writing "all the time. You never really get away from anything, no matter where you go." Back to 2005

2004 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Kim Crockett (Class of 1975), Margaret Jones Dugdale (Class of ex 1980), Glen Murphy (Class of 1938), William "Pee Wee" Summers (Class of 1961), John Swisher (Class of 1947), L. W. "Bill" Tanner (Class of 1937)

Kim Crockett stands on the shoulders of giants. A 1975 DHS graduate, she understands that as a beneficiary of opportunity, comes great responsibility. “I am indebted to the generations before me. Their perseverance and courage under intolerable conditions made the impossible, possible.” Ms. Crockett enjoyed a 20-year journalism career where she rose from consumer reporter to editorial writer, from two-time Pulitzer Prize winner to newsroom manager. Her favorite assignment was lead reporter for Nelson Mandela’s 1990 visit to Miami. Her greatest adventure was sailing around the world. Her most defining moment was integrating an all-white neighborhood in 1969. Her greatest achievement remains in the future. Growing up in Danville in the 1960s and 1970s, Ms. Crockett credits her family, Second Baptist Church and Danville High School for nurturing her self confidence and sense of adventure. At Danville High School, Ms. Crockett received one of the highest honors bestowed on a graduating senior: Best Girl Citizen. She served as News Editor and Features Editor of the Maroon and White newspaper. As a member of the inaugural Girls Tennis team in 1974, she earned athletic letters in her junior and senior years and qualified for state competition in doubles. In her senior year she was elected captain of the tennis team, shared Most Valuable honors and earned the High Scholastic award. Ms. Crockett also co-chaired the Human Relations Club and was chairman of the Improvement on Education Committee of District 118. Today Ms. Crockett is Director of Public Relations for the Arizona Education Association. Back to 2004

Margaret Jones Dugdale is an accomplished professional violinist who regularly returns to Danville to share her talent. She attended DHS in the late 1970s.
A founding member of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, she has also worked extensively with the Columbus (Ohio) Symphony Orchestra, the American Ballet Theatre, and the Opera Orchestra of New York. She has performed with a variety of well-known artists, including, Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Hope, Henry Mancini, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Bernadette Peters, Josh Groban, and The Moody Blues. While living in New York, she performed on Broadway in the revival production of Peter Pan and the Tony Award-winning Swan Lake. She spent four years touring the world with Mikhail Baryshnikov, performing with him as an onstage soloist, as well as with the White Oak Chamber Ensemble. She resides in Indianapolis where, in addition to her work with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and studio recording, she is in great demand as a soloist and chamber player with various ensembles. She also teaches privately and is on the faculty of the Chamber Music Institute at the University of Indianapolis. Ms. Dugdale returns to Danville frequently each year to perform as Concertmaster of the Danville Symphony Orchestra. She says it is very meaningful for her to play at Danville High School again. “It’s where I began; with the DSO, right on that stage.” While in Danville, she has held master classes throughout District 118 to work with individual students and groups of young musicians. Ms. Dugdale stated, “I had so much support and opportunity as a young person. Danville played a large part in my success as a musician. It is wonderful to be able to come home and give back some of what was so generously given to me.” Back to 2004

Glen Murphy spent his entire adult life serving others, particularly the youth of Danville. In his career with the YMCA, he organized activities such as games, sports, and camping trips to keep young people engaged in healthy behaviors. While a student at Danville High School, he excelled at softball, baseball, and tennis. He held after-school jobs delivering newspapers and working as an usher at the Fischer and Palace Theaters. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University. He worked at the Danville YMCA from 1948-1981. Under his leadership, the current Family Y facility was constructed. It was dedicated October 15, 1972. He encouraged noontime volleyball games and many other activities to promote adult fitness. He was active in his church, United Fund, the Red Vests, and Golden K. He also directed a camp for children with cognitive disabilities. He lived his life according to the YMCA creed: God first, other people second, me third. He died in December, 2003, at the age of 83. Back to 2004

William Summers

John Swisher: In the mid-1950s, DHS graduate John Swisher was a young man with a dream. He and his wife borrowed $25,000 from their parents and started a hog feed business which grew into a company that had $278 million in sales in 2003. He stated, “I never thought it would be this big. When you start down the path, you can’t see much but as you keep going, you can see more. Now my vision is big.” Many of his innovative business ideas later became the industry standards and many of his former competitors are no longer in the feed business. His company employs a highly educated sales force and engages in research to continually improve their products. He said, “I changed an industry; changed how feed is marketed. Then we got more into research and developed proprietary products.” At the time of his induction at age 75, Mr. Swisher was still very actively involved in the day-to-day operation of his business. Reflecting on his career, he stated, “It’s a noble thing to improve the food supply.” John Swisher graduated from DHS in 1947, having lettered in football, basketball and track. He was class president in his junior year and worked on the staff of the Maroon and White. He credits his teachers for helping prepare him for success. “I didn’t appreciate them then. Only after time, you look back and realize these were extraordinary people.” He recalls that successful alumni were brought in each year to talk to high school students. “Each one of these people centered their thoughts on hard work and ethics. Here I sit today and I would say the same thing. I don’t know how you get anywhere without hard work. I don’t know how you have a civilization without ethics.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1951 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in Animal Science from Purdue University in 2000. Back to 2004

Dr. L. W. "Bill" Tanner has the distinction of having delivered and cared for many of the citizens of our community. He graduated from Danville High School in 1937. While a student at DHS, he played violin with the orchestra and trumpet with the band. He was on the swimming team for four years. He was editor-in-chief of the Medley and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He credits the excellent teaching staff for helping him get off to a good start in life. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois. During World War II, he served with distinction as battalion surgeon with the fleet Marines in the Pacific, including the battle at Iwo Jima. In 1974, he was named head of the Family Practice Department in the School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Illinois and directed the residency training program in Danville during the ten years of its existence. A number of physicians who trained in that program remained in Danville to practice medicine. He was medical director of the health clinic at the Danville Correctional Center, which became the first prison health clinic in the country to receive accreditation from the American Hospital Association. He was named First Citizen of Danville in 1967 and has taken leadership roles in the YMCA, United Way, and the Vermilion County Medical Society. He has been very active in the Piankeshaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America and earned the Silver Antelope award, one of scouting’s highest adult awards. All five of his sons became Eagle Scouts. An avid gardener, Dr. Tanner has helped beautify the CRIS Senior Center and First Presbyterian Church as well as his own home. Dr. Tanner and his wife, Dr. Megan Tanner, are parents of previous Wall of Fame inductee, astronaut Joe Tanner. Back to 2004

2003 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Irving Azoff (Class of 1966), Dr. E. N. Hetherington (Class of 1941), Molly Melching (Class of 1967), and P. Kevin Strader (Class of 1973).

Irving Azoff is prominent in music and entertainment. He is the longtime personal manager of the Eagles, who were inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. He also manages the careers of Grammy Award winners Don Henley, Christina Aguilera, Glenn Frey, Seal, John Fogerty, and Paula Cole, as well as platinum artists Jewel, Charlotte Church, Journey, and Bush. He has guided the careers of other artists including the Eagles, Steely Dan, and Jimmy Buffett. He produced several motion pictures, including Urban Cowboy, Fast Time at Ridgemont High, Jack Frost, and The Hurricane. He has been honored by various groups for his work on behalf of charitable causes. Back to 2003

Dr. Edward N. "Pete" Hetherington is a local physician who practiced medicine in Danville from 1955 to 1992. In addition to maintaining a large private practice, he was instrumental in the formation of the Vermilion County Board of Health and served as medical director of the Vermilion County Health Department for many years. Under his guidance, the Health Department began providing vaccinations, created the Family Planning Clinic, and initiated an inspection process for local eating establishments, among other accomplishments. Back to 2003

Molly Melching has lived in Senegal for the past 28 years. She has written and published books for Senegalese children adapted to their culture and environment. She and her team use songs, stories, proverbs, theater, and other oral African traditions to entertain and teach children. Their radio program teaches families across a wide area with messages on health and environment. She created the non-governmental organization Tostan, which means "breakthrough" in the Wolof language. Its mission is to provide communities with skills necessary for positive socioeconomic transformation, including democracy, human rights, leadership, and problem-solving as well as literacy, math, health, and management skills. This program has been adopted on an experimental basis in other African countries, including the Sudan, Burkina, Faso, Mali and Guinea. Her programs have helped reduce maternal and infant health mortality rates and implement successful and sustainable income-generating activities for rural women. Through Tostan, remarkable progress has been made to end the centuries-old tradition of female genital cutting, which is still practiced in many countries and has caused much suffering and death among millions of African girls and women throughout the centuries. Melching was awarded the University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Prize in 1999 and the Sargent Shriver Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service in 2002. Back to 2003

P. Kevin Strader is a writer of books and programs for children. At Danville High School, Mr. Strader showed a penchant for drama and comedy. Though some of this passion made it to the auditorium via the drama club—most of it was practiced on friends, classmates and the Dean of Boys. While pursuing a responsible college major at Syracuse University (Communications), Kevin's entertainment ambitions lay dormant until he was asked to emcee the annual campus talent show. The showbiz bug stuck to him like a tick to the hide of a gnarly old dog. After college, Mr. Strader moved to New York City to try his hand at stand-up comedy, bravely taking to the stage with ideas that were funnier on paper. This experience taught him a valuable less: he was funnier on paper. Kevin began penning sketches and short plays for a very talented group of actors with the theatrical group Alarm Dog Rep. His odd brand of social satire and existential high jinx met with a steady following but precious little material reward. Upon the birth of his son, Mr. Strader sought a diaper-buying writing opportunity that his son could never point to and say "Daddy, why are you hurting the world?" He landed a job at the educational entertainment hothouse, Children's Television Workshop (creator of Sesame Street) ultimately serving as Associate Editor of Sesame Street Magazine. His poems and stories did not make children cry and brought praise from parents, peers and the Educational Press Association. Mr. Strader left Sesame Workshop to accept a writing position on a breakthrough new TV show hatching at Nick, Jr.: Blue's Clues. Doors in children's television opened wider. He has since gone on to write over 50 television programs that have appeared on PBS, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Noggin', HBO Family and television and cable channels in dozens of countries throughout the world. He also wrote the first season of Tellyvision: the Sesame Street Radio Show, books for Disney Publishing, a Sesame Street International Live Show and various CD-ROMs. For his efforts on one particularly satisfying TV program, Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House, Mr. Strader has earned four Emmy nominations. Kevin wishes to thank his family of eleven fun-seeking, irony-loving brothers and sisters and especially his son, for their eternal inspiration. He wishes to thank his loving wife for making nearly all of the above possible. Back to 2003

2002 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Reginald A. Weaver (Class of 1957); Douglas J. Mathisen, M.D. (Class of 1966); Scott Shaw (Class of 1981); Daniel James Olmsted (Class of 1970); Dr. David L. Fields (Class of 1953); LaVada Fields Thornton (Class of 1934); Honorable William B. Black (1959); Rear Admiral Joseph Taylor (1906-1963); Dr. Robert F. Lash (1925-1992)

Reginald A. Weaver, Educator and National Union President.

Douglas J. Mathisen, M.D., Thoracic Surgeon. Dr. Mathisen graduated from DHS in 1966 and went on to become one of the most-respected thoracic surgeons in the nation. He is a professor of surgery and thoracic surgery at Harvard Medical School. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and written over 100 textbook chapters. He has been a visiting surgeon and guest speaker in countries all over the world. While at DHS Doug Mathisen was an outstanding athlete. lettering in baseball and basketball. Back to 2002

Scott Shaw, Photographer. Scott Shaw graduated from Danville High School in 1981. Seven years later, at the age of 24, he won the Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism for a picture he took of toddler Jessica McClure shortly after she was pulled from a very narrow abandoned well following a 58-hour rescue operation. At the time of his induction into the Wall of Fame, he worked for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio as a photographer. While a student at DHS, Shaw worked for the DHS Maroon and White as well as the Danville Commercial-News. He attended Danville Area Community College and graduated from Southern Illinois University. Back to 2002

Daniel James Olmsted, Journalist. At the time of his induction to the Wall of Fame, Dan Olmsted was Washington Bureau Chief of United Press International (UPI), working on an investigative project about severe side effects and deaths associated with an anti-malaria drug. Before joining UPI in 1999, he was senior editor of USA Weekend, the 22-million circulation magazine that appears in 600 U.S. newspapers. As the cover story editor, he commissioned an investigation of the murder of a Vietnamese immigrant in Florida that won first place in the Asian-American Journalists Association awards. He was an original staff member and assistant national editor at USA Today. He worked for the Danville Commercial-News and won the Illinois Associated Press award for public service reporting. He graduated from DHS in 1970 and was editor of the Maroon and White. He is a 1974 graduate of Yale University. Back to 2002

Dr. David L. Fields, Educator. Dr. David L. Fields ended a 41 year career serving the children of Danville when he retired from the Danville District #118 Schools on June 30, 2001. Beginning in the fall of 1960 as a history teacher at Danville High School, he served as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator over the course of his years of service. His other positions included North Ridge social studies teacher, Dean of Boys at DHS, Title I Director, Principal of Northeast Elementary and East Park Middle Schools, Assistant Superintendent, and for the last 10 years, Superintendent of Schools of Danville District #118. A fair man who motivated staff and students to achieve high standards, Dr. Fields always gave the credit to others, but he was an integral part of the District’s success over four decades. Perhaps his greatest accomplishments included the focus that he placed on academics, the collaborative partnerships he built with the District’s employee groups and the community, and his leadership in moving the District from a $9 million deficit to solid financial footing. His child-focused decision-making, professionalism, successful planning for the long-term, and modesty all contributed to the positive impact he made. Besides his educational contributions, Dr. Fields has made nearly a lifelong commitment to the Laura Lee Fellowship House, either as the executive director or as a member of the Board of Directors. A community-minded citizen, he has served as chair of the United Way and has worked with the Danville Housing Authority, as well as numerous other groups and endeavors in the community. A member of the Class of 1953, Dr. Fields attended the Danville Schools for 12 years as well as working in the District for 41 years. District #118 and its children are the beneficiaries of the sustained commitment of Dr. David L. Fields to maintain and improve the high quality of education available in Danville. Back to 2002

LaVada Fields Thornton (1915-1999), Educator. LaVada Fields Thornton was a District #118 teacher who retired in 1985 after 18 years of service. Graduating from Danville Area Community College and Eastern Illinois University after her family was grown, Mrs. Thornton realized a lifelong dream. Her pleasure in teaching and being around children was immediately observed by those with whom she interacted. Later, she earned her Masters Degree from Illinois State University. She taught at Fairchild School, Liberty School, East Park Junior High School, and lastly, South View Middle School. After her retirement in 1985, Mrs. Thornton continued to teach. She was a familiar sight at Laura Lee Fellowship House where she tutored four afternoons each week. She also taught GED classes for Danville Area Community College at the Fair Oaks Housing Complex. She taught others until her death in 1999. Mrs. Thornton was selected as Outstanding Woman of 1971 by The Commercial-News. In 1992, she was honored as Layman of the Year at the Lincoln-Douglass-King Banquet at the Allen Chapel AME Church of which she was a life-long member. A life member of the PTA, she was also an active member of Altrusa International, Vermilion County Retired Teachers Association, American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the O.W.L. Club. A 1934 graduate of Danville High School, she demonstrated a love of music since she was a child, serving as a church pianist since the age of nine. Mrs. Thornton’s positive and cheerful outlook and effective instructional skills nurtured many Danville children through the years. Back to 2002

Honorable William B. Black, Civic Leader and Legislator. The Honorable William B. Black, a 1959 graduate of Danville High School, was elected to the Illinois General Assembly from the 105th District in November, 1986, after serving since February, 1986, at which time he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He earned his undergraduate degree at William Jewell College and his graduate degree from the University of Illinois. An educator for 22 years, Mr. Black taught at North Ridge Junior High School and was a counselor at Danville High School. He later served as an administrator at Danville Area Community College. He was a member of the Vermilion County Board from 1976 to 1986 and served as its chairperson in 1982-1983. Active in civic activities, Mr. Black was a past president of the Danville Jaycees and Danville South Rotary. His many activities have included service on the Danville Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Vermilion County Red Cross, Boys Scouts, Director of YMCA Youth Center, Danville Junior Achievement Board, and the Salvation Army. He was the recipient of the Danville Distinguished Service Award in 1972. His family has owned and operated a small business in Danville for over 60 years. He was active in the formation of the Danville Area Economic Development Corporation, now known as Vermilion Advantage. He was named the Outstanding Freshman Legislator in 1987 and was one of 10 outstanding state legislators named in 1991 by the NRLA. Representative Black was named Republican floor leader in 1991 and is currently Assistant Minority Leader in the House. Representative Black’s outstanding service to his district is evidenced by his strong commitment to serve his constituents. He is particularly known for his strong support for education and children. So successfully has he served his district that Representative Black has run unopposed in several elections. A man who believes in serving others, open government, and free expression, Representative Black has compiled a long and distinguished career in the service of others. Back to 2002

Rear Admiral Joseph Taylor (1906-1963), Naval Hero. Joseph Taylor, a 1923 graduate of Danville High School, achieved the highest rank in the U.S. Navy of any Vermilion County citizen, being the recipient of three Navy Crosses, a military honor second only to the Medal of Honor. He was an honors graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1927. He developed an interest in aviation and became a flier after graduation from the academy. Commander of a torpedo plane squadron on the aircraft carrier Yorktown early in World War II, his squadron sank a Japanese seaplane carrier in March, 1942, an accomplishment that earned him his first Navy Cross. Two months later, he was awarded his second Navy Cross during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Later in the war, as executive officer of the carrier Benjamin Franklin, he earned his third Navy Cross. While 60 miles off the Japanese coast, an enemy bomber slipped through the clouds and scored two direct hits on the carrier. As second in command, he assumed charge from the disabled captain and directed the crippled ship to safety. Having attained the rank of Rear Admiral, Joseph Taylor retired from the Navy in 1950. He died May 4, 1963. When writing to his parents after his heroic exploits at the Battle of the Coral Sea, he wrote, “There is one thing I am surely thankful for. I brought every one of my pilots back with me after the raid.” Back to 2002

Dr. Robert F. Lash (1925-1992), Physician and Emergency Medicine Trailblazer. Dr. Robert F. Lash, a 1943 graduate of Danville High School, distinguished himself in the area of emergency medicine. “A watchdog for disaster,” is how one long-time colleague described Dr. Lash’s role in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area. A tireless worker, Dr. Lash could be found at the site of any major wreck or disaster calmly assessing the options, then going into action. Dr. Lash’s medical career spanned four decades before his death on April 29, 1992. Dr. Lash graduated from the George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., in 1949. He then served in the U.S. Navy. Locating in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Lash served as chairperson and professor of the Department of Family Practice, director of the Family Practice Residency Program and the Emergency and Outpatient Departments, chief of staff, and from 1984 until his death, as director of Aeromedical Services (LIFESTAR). LIFESTAR, designed and named by Dr. Lash, is an acronym for Life, Shock, and Trauma Aeromedical Rescue. LIFESTAR was one of the first air ambulances. Dr. Lash became nationally known as an expert in toxicology, aerospace medicine, hypothermic injuries, snake bites, and scuba diving injuries. He investigated more than 140 aircraft accidents and delivered more than 200 lectures on medical aviation and accident investigation. After his death in 1992, the Knoxville, Tennessee, community raised in excess of $100,000 to fund the Lash Endowment of the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville in his honor. A representative of the endowment, Roger Redding, said in 1993 that, “Dr. Lash was a hero to us here in Knoxville and certainly left his mark in education and healthcare in East Tennessee.” Back to 2002