The red carpet rolls out for the 2024 Mount Vernon High School Alumni Hall of Fame. This year our Hall of Fame inductees represent a group of trailblazers and hometown heroes, whose impact spans from the football field to art galleries across the country.
First to the podium was Fine Arts Award Recipient Jude Smith, of the class of 1981. Her work in the art field spans more than 30 years. She was first inspired to go into the art field by her high school art teacher. Smith said, “The direction and course I have taken in my life is due to one art teacher, Donna Swenson.”
Next to the podium was Athletics Award Recipient Wayne Hormann, of the class of 1985. Hormann’s impact on the community has been one of “a powerful force,” said Alumni Association member John Rife (MVHS ‘60), who hosted the awards ceremony. Hormann played football for Coe College, and continued to contribute to Mount Vernon athletics even after his football career ended as the second honorary player for Mount Vernon High School football team.
Tom Wilkinson of the class of 1986 was the next inductee to approach the podium as the Community Impact honoree. Wilkinson has been a prominent figure in the community for nearly 20 years and his work as a Mount Vernon High School language teacher and as an archery coach has empowered him to lead his students to success. “For Tom success isn’t measured in medals or awards but the accomplishments of students,” said Rife.
The Service Award was awarded to James Moore of the class of 1953 next. His son, Robert Moore, accepted the award posthumously, and was able to speak to his father’s service on his behalf. James Moore dedicated his life to service. He served in the Air Force, and participated in the ROTC program as a volunteer. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves and acted as a chaplain in multiple capacities, including as a Chief of Chaplain services, where he oversaw the management of 800 chaplains of all faiths. Robert Moore said “Embrace change because the only thing constant in life is change” on his father’s behalf.
Lastly, Bill Yeisley of the class of 1952 was awarded the Achievement Award for his work in athletic officiating, and his impact on students within the community. Yeisley started work as a school teacher in 1964, eventually moving into school administration. He has always shown a strong passion for the Mount Vernon community saying “Mount Vernon is a wonderful community to grow up in, I’d love to do it again”. His love for the community, and for sports led him into officiating. Which he did for 34 years. Yeisley has been honored with a multitude of awards for his work in officiating, and hopes that this younger generation will embrace the athletic spirit, just as he did all those years ago.
