ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the Aberdeen Central High School Hall of Fame Class of 2022:
Academics/Achievement
Dr. Arlo F. Fossum, Class of 1964 – A pre-eminent international research scientist and engineer, Fossum has received numerous accolades for his work at Sandia National Laboratories developing revolutionary paradigms, structural analysis methods, and material models for NASA, BP and other industries.
Dr. Susan M. (Adams) Keil, Class of 1985 – Keil owns and operates her own state of the art small animal and equine ophthalmology clinic. She specializes in cataract surgery, corneal disease and ophthalmic manifestations of systemic disease.
Dr. David Woodruff Smith, Class of 1962 – An author, teacher, international presenter and philosopher, Smith is widely published in his specialty areas of phenomenology (studying structures of conscious experience) and ontology or metaphysics (studying structures of reality).
Athletics
Elizabeth “Betsy” (Graf) Babbitt, Class of 2001 – A multi sport athlete who lead and excelled in volleyball, basketball and track, Babbitt received 13 varsity letters and was an All-ESD performer in all her sports. She was an All-State basketball player and a 5-time state track champion.
Gene Brownell, ASD 1977-2021 – An outstanding track and cross country athlete at NSU, Brownell earned 8 letters as part of 6 conference champion teams. After teaching and coaching in Aberdeen for 21 years, he became Central’s Athletic Director in 1998. As a role model and servant leader, Brownell developed exceptional students, athletes, and facilities at Central High School.
1972, 1973, 1974 Boys Varsity Tennis Teams – These tennis teams were a tennis dynasty. They won every match and tournament for three years straight. The Golden Eagles who comprised these teams were interchangeable with no holes in their lineup.
Fine Arts
Terry Finley, Class of 1981 – Starting as part of the Dan Reed Network team, Finley has honed his craft and traveled the world as tour manager for a number of groups including Little River Band, Chicago, Pat Benatar and Tower of Power.
Dr. James Weaver, Class of 2001 – A teacher and administrator at the district, state and national levels, Weaver oversees student participation and professional development for over 19,500 high schools as Director of Performing Arts and Sports for the National Federation of High School State Associations.
1965 Varsity Debate Team – Mentored by Coach Joe Farnham, the team earned the first State A Championship in Debate for Aberdeen Central. Team members: Carol Mary Dixon, David Hilgemann, John Kline, Eric Lautzenheiser, Gregory Lauver, Lance Sloan, Paul Solomon, and Debra Olson Sowell.
Distinguished Service
Duane Alm ASD 1962-2022 – Sixty consecutive years of service to the Aberdeen School District as a teacher, administrator (principal at Simmons, C.C. Lee and Howard Hedger), and school board member. Alm is a devoted and passionate advocate for students and public education on the local, state and national level.
These eight individuals and two teams will be inducted into the CHS Hall of Fame during the banquet on September 17, 2022, in conjunction with CHS Homecoming Week activities.
The CHS Hall of Fame is a special project of the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation. For more information, contact the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation at (605) 725-7118 or visit the foundation website at www.AberdeenPublicSchoolsFoundation.org.
“What an honor to be able to recognize these outstanding CHS alumni and their accomplishments,” said Gretchen Sharp, Executive Director of the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation.
The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in education by forging a partnership among the schools, community and alumni.