Students of Winlock High School march during the Egg Days parade in this file photo. Winlock is currently seeking nominations for its Hall of Fame.
The Winlock Cardinals are seeking to honor the loftiest members of their flock in an effort to raise the expectations of future fledglings to new heights. For the second straight year, the powers that be at Winlock High School are soliciting the public for nominations to the school’s Hall of Fame.
“The Winlock High School Alumni Hall of Fame exists to recognize exemplary Winlock High School graduates as a lasting tribute to those who have brought honor to themselves, their school, and our/their communities,” explained Winlock Athletic Director Ben Suhrbier in an email. “Our intent is to honor their success and excellence and to inspire present and future students.”
Suhrbier said that the Hall of Fame committee is currently looking to induct between three and six new members to the school’s hall of fame. Those chosen for the honor would be inducted in the spring of 2018 at the Hall of Fame banquet.
A display honoring last year’s inaugural hall of fame inductees is currently set up in the school cafeteria. Those inductees include:
• Ed Leonard (1956) was a prisoner of war alongside Sen. John McCain before returning home to become lawyer and mayor.
• James Mann (1956) was a star on both the prep and collegiate track and football field. He later became a coach and superintendent.
• Steve Porter (1961) was the first FFA champion from Winlock as well as a two-time state football champion. He later joined the Air Force and once buzzed the clock towers at the Winlock and Evaline schools.
• Gene Wilber (1966) was a state title winning track participant and an all-conference basketball player. He received a full scholarship to Saint Martin’s University for both sports and later worked for Lewis County while volunteering as a youth coach.
• Mike Arth (1967) was a standout in football, basketball and baseball for Winlock. He later taught at Centralia Middle School for 30 years while coaching football, basketball and track.
• Eric Owen (1979) played football and ran track in high school and then joined the Air Force. He eventually became a physician’s assistant and began working at Steck Medical.
• Jenny Janke Owen and Julie Janke Reyes, graduates from 1980 and 1982, respectively, were world champion log rolling (burling) champions who earned a spot in a Mountain Dew advertisement. Jenny was world champion in 1979, 1980 and 1983. She went on to coach track at Rainier High School. Julie was an honor student who also participated in track. She was the burling world champion in 1978, 1985 and 1989. She works as a dental hygienist.
• Lisa Hoffman Collins (1980) was a member of the girls’ track state championship team in 1980 and a personal champion in shot put and discus. She went on to compete at Spokane Community College and Idaho State University. She teaches at Winlock Middle School.
• 1980 Girls Track and Field State “A” Champions. This “Mt. St. Helens” team, led by coach Lin McKenney, had five state qualifiers including the Janke sisters, Tracy Hanson Tingle, Heidi Laws and Lisa Hoffman Collins.
• Orlando Sanchez Montes (2000) became a doctor in neuropsychology. He was the first of his family to graduate and attend college and currently works with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
• Matt Silva (2000) was a standout athlete (football, basketball and baseball) and went on to become a doctor. He is active in community efforts, including volunteering for Red Cross and works as an orthopedic surgeon.
Nominations must be submitted on official forms no later than March 2, 2018. Forms received after that date will be considered the following year. Posthumous nominations are accepted, and any alumni officially nominated will remain under consideration until they are chosen for induction by the selection committee.
In order to qualify, a person must have graduated from Winlock at least 10 years prior to the nomination. According to the Hall of Fame criteria, top flight candidates will have “made meritorious contributions to society in general or to a specific segment of society,” and, “demonstrated a high level of achievement in his/her vocation and made significant contributions to that field.”
The selection committee is also seeking alumni who have served their community, or country, in a significant way. Leadership qualities, content of character as well as professional or community service will also be considered. Nominations should include a description of how the nominee demonstrates excellence, leadership, dedication and vision, in addition to the ways that the nominee is a good role model for future Winock graduates.
Nomination forms can be obtained at the Winlock High School office or by emailing Suhrbier at bsuhrbier@winlock.wednet.edu. Submissions should be mailed to Winlock High School, C/O Winlock Hall of Fame Selection Committee, 241 N. Military Road, Winlock. Additional information can be obtained by calling the high school at 360-785-3537.
