Hall of Honor
Commerce ISD Hall of Honor
The annual Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony and Luncheon took place on September 22, 2023, which was CHS homecoming weekend.
This year’s inductees include:
Glenda Henderson, a former CHS teacher
Anthony Henry Sr., a CHS graduate and Commerce City Council Mayor Pro Tempore
P.J. Winston, a CHS graduate and current DEA agent
2023
2023 Inductees
Glenda Henderson
Commerce High School Teacher, 1999-2020
She touched the lives of many students inside her technology classroom and outside as lead sponsor of the National Honor Society and Student Council. She was chosen as CISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2012 and represented the district at the Region 10 Teacher of the Year program.
Other honors include being named Teacher of the Year by the CHS student body in 2016, 2018 and 2019. The senior classes of 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 selected her as Teacher of the Year. The junior class selected her as Teacher of the Year in 2021. She was the Commerce Rotary Club Employee of the Year for 2017 and she received the Gene Collinsworth Award for Kindness and Service to CHS in 2013.
When asked by a student teacher, “How do you know you want to be a teacher?” she replied, “If you don’t love students, you don’t need to teach.” She says the relationships she built with her students was her greatest reward while teaching. She has built lifelong relationships and she maintains contact with many of her former students.
As a pastor’s wife, Glenda was active with her husband, Johnnie, in the Baptist Student Ministry in Temple, Kilgore and Commerce where he was director. He also served as pastor at First Baptist Church in Commerce and Merit Baptist Church. She has taught accounting at Kilgore College and was the financial administrator at the First Baptist Church in Commerce before joining CHS.
Glenda has two sons who graduated from Commerce High School—Matthew, who is a teacher and coach for the district. He is engaged to Kodi Norris. Glenda’s youngest son Wesley and his wife live in Nashville where he is the screens producer for The Grand Ole Opry. She is an associate marketing manager for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Glenda’s small grandchildren in Tennessee are blessed with her presence every chance she gets.
Glenda says since she started teaching at CHS she never wanted to do anything else--saying students changed her life daily. She uses a phrase to describe students and educators at the school and we can use the same phrase to describe her. She is “Absolutely the Best of the Best.”
Anthony Henry
Class of 1986
In high school he participated in basketball and track. He said one memory stands out of his time at CHS—Steve Scroggin’s government class. Anthony said in Mr. Scroggin’s class he developed the drive to pursue participating in politics which has led him to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board and now the Commerce City Council, where he is currently Mayor Pro Tem.
His leadership is also felt in his role as a deacon at Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist Church and as manager of O’Reilly Auto Parts, where he has worked 25 years. He is an active leader of young men during monthly conferences held at the church. He enjoyed being a youth coach and referee where he participated in basketball, football, baseball and softball. He said, “I’ve had the opportunity to mentor several kids in our community and watching them mature into adults has been an absolutely humbling experience,”
Another hallmark of Anthony’s success is his family. His wife of 34 years, Rolonda, is a 1988 graduate of CHS. His son, Anthony “Tony” Henry, is a 2008 graduate of CHS and currently serves as dean of students at Commerce Middle School. His daughter, Christian, is a 2012 CHS graduate and was awarded her doctoral degree in August. He has five siblings who attended CHS. His sister, Sharice, was a 2016 Hall of Honor inductee.
P. J. Winston
Class of 1999
P.J. excelled in all four sports offered at the campus—football, basketball, baseball and track. He received numerous awards such as all-state, district and regional honors. In 1996, he threw two back-to- back no-hitters to advance the Tigers to the baseball playoffs. The 1997 football team went to state but lost the final game to its perennial rival, Sealy 28-21.
P.J. showed leadership as class president his senior year. He was named 1998 homecoming and prom king and selected for induction to the National Honor Society.
After receiving a scholarship to New Mexico State University, he started as wide receiver for three years, earning all-conference honors and leading the Aggies in receiving. He was selected to the 2003 All-Humanitarian Team. He continued his career in football in the professional leagues for seven years including the American Football League, Canadian Football league and the American Football League 2.
P.J. says his goal is to be a role model for the Commerce community, influencing the youth to make good choices and always give back to the next generation of kids. Through hard work and sacrifice, he has continued to break boundaries to promote positivity for everyone. He has been diligent in serving local communities and shelters wherever he may live as well as be an active member of the church. Speaking to under-privileged youth is a priority with his message being that hard work, sacrifice, good
choices and dedication will produce success.
P.J. has been married to Delilah Winston for 18 years and they have an 8-year-old daughter named Carter.
2022
2022 Inductees
Betty Casselberry
Director of Finance 1984 - 2000
Not only can Betty Casselberry’s impact on our community be measured by the millions of dollars she managed for CISD but also on the thousands of students whose lives she enhanced by offering them the best opportunities possible through her work as the director of finance at Commerce ISD.
Betty Casselberry was one of those people who came to East Texas State University and stayed after receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her 31 years of service in education began in Trinidad where she was a typing and shorthand teacher. As a beginning teacher in 1963, Betty was able to board in the home of a widow. Her future as an educator was in jeopardy when she announced that she would be marrying. The widow’s objection wasn’t because of Gene Casselberry but rather during that time teachers were encouraged to avoid matrimony.
Betty also taught in Paris ISD before joining ETSU as assistant dean of women. She was promoted to assistant director of financial aid where she stayed for 11 years. Her ability to manage funds and people was recognized when she joined Commerce ISD as the director of finance in 1984.
During her 16-year tenure at CISD, she oversaw the financial operations of a changing district with ever-increasing demands from the Texas Education Agency. The complexities of school finance law coupled with increased student information management demanded that she become much more than a bookkeeper. Her expertise in these areas elevated her influence across the county as well as throughout the state.
She successfully secured financing for many major school projects including the construction of Commerce Elementary School in 1991 and Commerce High School in 2000. A large part of her success can be contributed to her ability to instill trust among coworkers and the community. Her integrity is without question and her countenance and manner belied the heavy responsibility on her shoulders.
Since her retirement in 2000, Betty has continued serving through the Hunt Regional Hospital Auxiliary, the Bargain Box and is a 50-year member of Chapter AH of P.E.O. Betty and her late husband, Gene, were staunch supporters of Texas A&M-Commerce University Lions and the Commerce Tigers and could be found at many athletic events.
Betty has two children who attended Commerce schools--Matt Casselberry and Amy Williams who are in attendance today.
Amy Johnson
Class of 1978
Name any extracurricular activity at Commerce High School in the late 1970s and Amy Johnson was either the leader of it or a valued participant. She excelled in academics having won the honor of competing in the International Science Fair in Anaheim, California, and achieving the top spot in her class as valedictorian. She was editor of the SREGIT yearbook and submitted articles to the local newspaper. Amy was on the sidelines at Memorial Stadium reporting about Wade Wilson’s success on
the football field during a 10-0 season. An athlete herself, she played tennis and golf on Tiger teams.
the football field during a 10-0 season. An athlete herself, she played tennis and golf on Tiger teams.
Her success and involvement continued at the University of Texas in Austin where she graduated with highest possible academic honors and was one of 12 Dean’s Distinguished Graduates in Liberal Arts. Off she went to Harvard Law School where she completed her studies in three years, graduating with honors (cum laude).
A list of Amy’s activities follows:
● Clerked for Federal Judge William Wayne Justice in Tyler,
● Appointed as the first Public Insurance Counsel by Governor Ann Richards,
● University lecturer for Suffolk University in Dakar, and
● Received the Texas Outstanding Service Award.
● Clerked for Federal Judge William Wayne Justice in Tyler,
● Appointed as the first Public Insurance Counsel by Governor Ann Richards,
● University lecturer for Suffolk University in Dakar, and
● Received the Texas Outstanding Service Award.
Amy has been involved in several large profile legal cases over the last 23 years as a private environmental justice attorney. She led the Water Act Citizen Suit against Formosa Plastics Corp., Texas, which settled for $50 million. The settlement will be used to support projects to reverse water pollution damage in Calhoun County. The ongoing case was featured in the Netflex documentary, Dirty Money, Point Comfort. She can talk for days about nurdles, which are the plastic pellets found to be polluting the waterways and injuring wildlife. Cleanup begins this month under a $28-million contract.
Amy is the daughter of Commerce resident Norma Johnson. Her father Paul is deceased. Amy and her husband, Michael Savage, currently live in Portland, Oregon. Her daughter, Rachel Save, is completing her PhD in molecular biology at Harvard University.
Jimmy Ogden
Class of 1991
This honoree is known for setting high goals and accomplishing them as evidenced by his appearance as a Jeopardy contestant, cycling the Alps during the Tour de France and competing in the 76-mile RBC Gran Fondo cycling event from Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia not once, but twice.
Jimmy Ogden is a man of many talents and interests. Beginning at Commerce High School, Jimmy was captain of the undefeated 1991 Bi-District Champion basketball team during which he scored two key free throws in the final minute of the 88-85 win over Southlake Carroll to win the title. Jimmy was class president, valedictorian, a two-time state UIL science competitor and a National Merit Finalist.
While a student at the University of Texas-Austin, he received the Texas Excellence Award of Scholarship and Leadership scholarship, founded and served in the Texas Blazers men’s service organization and was named Cactus Yearbook Outstanding student. He had internships at NASA Ames Research Center, UT Austin’s Applied Research Laboratories and the German satellite manufacturer Dornier. He left UT with a BA degree with highest honors and BS degree in Aerospace Engineering.
From 1997 to 2012 he worked in the software industry primarily for Trilogy. He founded his own company in 2006 and in 2014 he had a start-up brewery in London. While in London he received a culinary degree from Leith’s School of Food and Wine.
At the present he is a stay-at-home dad while he continues to serve as a board member for fundraising for the Forty Acres Scholars Program.
Jimmy lives in Dallas and is married to his wife Kathryn and they have two children. His parents, Bill and Nancy Ogden, continue to live in Commerce.
Eddie Pannell
Class of 1992
“Big E” as he is known in his hometown of Commerce started with big dreams and fulfilled those big dreams as the owner of a successful full-service barber shop in Fort Worth called the Faded Blue Lounge. Through his innovation, he has expanded his small business to include men’s hygiene products and specialized grooming services.
In high school, Eddie was an all-around athlete competing in football as a right tackle, basketball as a strong forward and track, throwing the shot put and discus. After graduating from CHS, he attended Tyler Junior College, Texas College and Williams Barber College. Before setting up his own shop, Eddie served in the United States Army for 10 years.
In high school, Eddie was an all-around athlete competing in football as a right tackle, basketball as a strong forward and track, throwing the shot put and discus. After graduating from CHS, he attended Tyler Junior College, Texas College and Williams Barber College. Before setting up his own shop, Eddie served in the United States Army for 10 years.
Although staying abreast of the latest trends in men’s hair styling consumes his work life, Eddie’s main passion is helping others. He is a deacon at his church, The Potter’s House. Other activities include teaming with the Fort Worth Police Department to reduce domestic violence, offering free haircuts and mentoring young people.
The person nominating Eddie for this honor said, “Eddie is an example of hard work, learning a skill or trade and then taking it to the next level of a successful small business.”
Eddie is married to Karmen Cobbs and they live in Crowley, Texas. His parents are Eddie and Billie Pannell.
Jerry Speight
Class of 1958
So varied are the interests and accomplishments of our honoree Jerry Speight it would take hours just to highlight them all. But I’m going to give it a shot!
Having been born in the Scatterbranch community near Commerce in 1940, Jerry was set to be Commerce Tiger throughout high school. He was an officer of the school newspaper staff, student council and band. He won UIL competitions in typing, student conducting and band solos. After high school, he attended Draughon’s Business College in Dallas, specializing in engineering drafting.
Jerry delayed his post-secondary education when he joined the Air Force in 1959 where he received honors as well.
Here’s where we get busy…The person nominating Jerry for this honor stated, “no biography can come close to describing what a wonderful community servant he really is and does not begin to tell how much, on a daily basis, that he gives of himself to others.”
A list of his activities and accomplishments includes:
● Received a BS degree in Bible & Missions at Dallas Bible College, and was ordained in the ministry in 1969,
● Assisted coaches in founding the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Greenville High School,
● Co-owned the first ACE Hardware store in Hunt County while inventing, manufacturing, and
marketing numerous Underwriters Lab-approved wood burning stoves,
● Worked for over 15 years in audio and video media for national Christian publishers as well as the National Religious Broadcasters,
● Was one of the founders of the Greenville Christian School in 1976, serving on the Board of Directors for 17 years, and
● Founded a non-profit organization, Hope Center of Greenville, as an inner-city ministry to offer tutoring, mentoring, literacy and life-skills training at no cost to recipients.
Jerry married Brenda Gaines in 1960 and they have two grown daughters. The couple resides in Greenville.
We are adding another entry into his long and varied resume—a 2022 Commerce ISD Hall of Honor Inductee.
2019
2019 Inductees
Carolyn Burt
Class of 1955
If there was an activity at Commerce High School during the early 1950’s, Carolyn Burt was probably involved in it. She was editor of the Tiger Tips newspaper and a Sregit yearbook staff member. She exhibited leadership skills as Student Council
secretary, FHA District II vice president and class reporter. She was named a Fall Festival Duchess, football sweetheart and class favorite.
secretary, FHA District II vice president and class reporter. She was named a Fall Festival Duchess, football sweetheart and class favorite.
After graduation from CHS in 1955, Burt entered East Texas State University, receiving her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees. She returned to CISD as an English, health and physical education teacher for two years. She then started work at East
Texas State University as a graduate assistant in 1964. After going full time in 1965, Burt taught the rest of her career, 35 years, at the university teaching and coaching.
Texas State University as a graduate assistant in 1964. After going full time in 1965, Burt taught the rest of her career, 35 years, at the university teaching and coaching.
Burt began the women’s volleyball program for the university and served as its coach for many years. She also coached the women’s track team, including three All-American track and field athletes. In 2000, she was inducted into the Texas A&M
University-Commerce Athletic Hall of Fame because of her achievements as an athletic coach and mentor.
University-Commerce Athletic Hall of Fame because of her achievements as an athletic coach and mentor.
Burt has been a member of many community organizations and service clubs such as the Coterie Culture Club and the Charles Croxall Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Her work on the Commerce Schools Educational Enrichment Foundation board has helped award over $550,000 in grants to CISD teachers to enhance instruction.
Burt and her late husband Harold reared two children in Commerce. Wayne and Sherie graduated from CHS. She has our grandchildren.
Kristin Barker Hames
Class of 1996
The youngest-ever inductee into the CISD Hall of Honor, Kristin Barker Hames is a leader in music education in the state of Texas. She cultivated her love of music in Commerce as a member of the band beginning in middle school. At CHS, she was a drum major, performed in one-act play and was a cheerleader. Hames played softball after it was introduced at CHS and she was named to the All-District Softball Team.
After her graduation from CHS in 1996, she attended Texas A&M University-Commerce where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education with honors. She received her master’s from Southern Methodist University.
Hames is currently the Director of Bands at Hill Country Middle School. She has served as head band director at Stafford Middle School in Frisco and Richardson North Junior High in Richardson. Bands under her direction have received consistent
superior ratings at regional band festivals and the RNJH Symphonic Band was named first runner-up in the Texas State Honor Band competition.
superior ratings at regional band festivals and the RNJH Symphonic Band was named first runner-up in the Texas State Honor Band competition.
In 2008, Hames was named as the Phi Beta Mu “Outstanding Young Bandmaster.” She was named as a Richardson ISD Teacher of the Year in 2006 and has also been
honored with a PTA Lifetime Membership. While Hames was the assistant band director at Shepton High School in Plano, she was named the Beginning Teacher of the Year in 1999.
honored with a PTA Lifetime Membership. While Hames was the assistant band director at Shepton High School in Plano, she was named the Beginning Teacher of the Year in 1999.
Hames has conducted bands and workshops throughout the United States and in China. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu and Alpha Chi.
Of Hames, the person nominating her said: “Inspiring students, using positive and constructive teaching methods, Mrs. Hames has made her mark in our education community. Her kind heart, student-centered forethought and ability to motivate
others makes her stand out.”
others makes her stand out.”
Medley Wilson
Class of 1976
As a CHS senior during our nation’s Bicentennial year in 1976, Medley Wilson played basketball and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Wilson attended Henderson County Junior College where he received an associate degree in auto mechanics. He served as a City of Commerce firefighter for two years and in 1982 he began his career at L3 Harris in Greenville. He continues to
work there as a team leader.
work there as a team leader.
He is a member of the Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. For years, Wilson mentored young people as he coordinated basketball play at the old
Norris school. Mt. Moriah had purchased the school and Wilson opened it up most Sunday afternoons for students 9 through 18 years old to practice and develop their basketball skills.
Norris school. Mt. Moriah had purchased the school and Wilson opened it up most Sunday afternoons for students 9 through 18 years old to practice and develop their basketball skills.
Wilson also served from 2006 to 2012 on the CISD Board of Trustees.
Wilson continues to live in Commerce with his wife Barbara. Their two daughters, Angela and Deana, are also graduates of CHS.
Wade Wilson
Class of 1977
Excerpts taken from “From Commerce to Big D: Wade Wilson’s Story,” The Commerce Journal, Ryan Scott, December 29, 2016
In an NFL playing career that spanned 18 years, Wade Wilson started more than 60 games and was part of a team that won the Super Bowl. But, before that career began, Wilson was just a young boy born in Greenville and growing up in Commerce who wanted to make a name on the gridiron.
Wilson grew up a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He recalls taking part in a Punt, Pass & Kick competition as an 8- year old and getting to show his skills in front of a crowd at
the Cotton Bowl.
the Cotton Bowl.
By his senior year at CHS, he was the Tigers’ starting quarterback and team leader. In his senior season, Wilson helped lead Commerce to a 10-win season and a district
championship.
championship.
Wilson’s talent was not unnoticed. One of the college coaches that showed interest was Ernest Hawkins (now deceased), head coach at East Texas State University, known today as Texas A&M University-Commerce. At the time, the Lions were just five years removed from an NAIA National Championship, and were still a formidable force.
By his junior year at ETSU, Wilson was thrust into the starting role, where he flourished. In 1980, Wilson and the Lions roared out to a six-game winning streak to start the
season. East Texas finished the year with a playoff appearance, beating No. 1-ranked Central Arkansas in the quarterfinal round before falling in the national semifinals.
season. East Texas finished the year with a playoff appearance, beating No. 1-ranked Central Arkansas in the quarterfinal round before falling in the national semifinals.
The Lone Star Conference championship that year was the school’s first since 1972.
He played in the NFL from 1981 until 1998, drawing paychecks from the Vikings, Falcons, Saints, Cowboys and Raiders. He was voted into the Pro Bowl in 1988 and led the league in completion percentage the same year.
Wilson was the No. 2 quarterback behind Troy Aikman on the 1995 Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XXX.
He overcame the notion that a player diagnosed with diabetes could not play to the level required by the NFL. While a player and coach, he worked tirelessly to promote
diabetes education and research and has continually raised money for the American Diabetes Association.
diabetes education and research and has continually raised money for the American Diabetes Association.
Since retiring from playing, Wilson has worked as the quarterback’s coach for the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2006, and the Cowboys from 2000 to 2002, and again
from 2007 to 2016. In his most recent stint with Dallas, he has had the opportunity to work closely with Tony Romo and with rookie sensation Dak Prescott.
from 2007 to 2016. In his most recent stint with Dallas, he has had the opportunity to work closely with Tony Romo and with rookie sensation Dak Prescott.
Wilson died at the age of 60 on February 1, 2019, his birthday. The award will be accepted by Wilson’s father, Charlie Wilson.
2018
2018 Inductees
Chris Elliott
Class of 1980
Success at CHS was only the beginning of a lifetime of service and commitment for Elliott, a 1980 graduate. His leadership skills were fostered in Student Council, the National Honor Society and the Key Club. He was voted Class Favorite and Most Likely to Succeed during his senior year. He excelled in baseball and football, being named Second Team 15-AA All District quarterback in 1979.
Elliott attended Austin College in Sherman where he was awarded the Trustees Merit Scholarship and Hatton Sumner Scholarship in Political Science. He was a member of the Pi Gammu Mu honorary fraternity, president of Sigma Tau Epsilon social fraternity and he played baseball. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Political Science and Economics.
After working as legislative aide for State Senator Ted B. Lyon, Elliott attended Baylor University School of Law where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree.
His career has centered in Austin where he served as briefing attorney for Chief Justice Bob Shannon of the Third District Court of Appeals and general counsel for the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. He started the law firm of Ivy, Crews & Elliott, PC. He is currently a shareholder in the Austin law firm of Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody, PC, a firm consisting of 68 lawyers which handles cases involving probate litigation, personal injury litigation and commercial/business litigation.
He has received honors for ethics and legal ability and has served various leadership roles in legal associations. He has served on the boards of Austin Habitat for Humanity and the Capital Area AIDS Legal Project. He is the former chair of the Travis County Democratic Party and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin. His ties to Commerce led him to become supportive of the Commerce Schools Educational Enrichment Foundation in various ways.
Elliott is the son of Charles and Paula Elliott of Commerce. He and his wife, Tish Hinojosa Elliott, have two children, Lily and Boone.
Harry Turner
Class of 1964
An athlete and a scholar, Harry Turner was captain of the Class 1-A State basketball championship team and class valedictorian when he graduated from Norris School in 1964. He was awarded 13 scholarships to advance his education at Cisco Junior College and then East Texas State College.
When Turner was a youngster, the centerpiece of the community was Norris School and the local churches. The school, which had been built in 1952, comprised grades K-12 and employed many community leaders including Harry’s father, Warren Turner, and key administrators such as Harry Champion (Turner’s uncle) and A. C. Williams. The 1950s were turbulent times for African-Americans as segregation was the norm. It was through strong family ties and a supportive community that Harry began to understand life and thrive, according to his son, Dominic.
By the mid-1980s, Turner was called on by university students to share his experience as an African-American in the 1960s. He became a local spokesperson about the African-American experience in Commerce, sharing stories about when African-Americans did not have equal rights.
Turner worked at Raytheon, which became L-3, in Greenville for 22 years. He is currently a deacon and Sunday School superintendent at Mt. Moriah Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Commerce, where he has served since 1973.
Although he has long retired from L-3, he still does odd jobs for area churches and serves as a community leader and spokesperson when called.
Turner met Mary Hill while attending Norris School and they celebrated their 52nd anniversary this year. They have four grown children including Christopher, Dominic, Cory and Terra Camille.
Scott Williams
Class of 1991
Known as Andrew in Washington, D.C. and New York City, Commerce’s own Scott Williams joins his mother, Harriet, and father, Wyman, as Hall of Honor recipients.
Williams was involved in debate, theater and Future Business Leaders of America at CHS. His future was forecast the night he spoke at a CISD school board meeting following an attempt by a parent to remove books from the library. His talents to inform and persuade have served him well in the corporate and political arenas.
Williams was involved in debate, theater and Future Business Leaders of America at CHS. His future was forecast the night he spoke at a CISD school board meeting following an attempt by a parent to remove books from the library. His talents to inform and persuade have served him well in the corporate and political arenas.
After graduating from CHS in 1991, Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He then spent two years teaching English in a Japanese middle school and another year as traveling accountant on an 18-city tour of Japan with Toy Story on Ice.
In 1998, he began learning the ropes in Washington, D.C., working as an assistant to an economics reporter in the Washington Bureau of Japan’s largest daily newspaper Yomiruri Shimbun.
After two years as a reporter, Williams joined the Federal Reserve Board in Washington in September 2001 as an entry level public relations employee. This marked the beginning of his career as a crisis communications specialist in both Washington, D.C. and New York City, working with government institutions and some of the largest U.S. corporations, continually searching for a way to best explain to the public what these institutions were doing.
Williams had a ringside seat to the financial crisis that started in 2007 while working at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and then at the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington during the first two years of the Obama administration serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. Following his government service, he worked for General Electric as director of media relations and moved to Goldman Sachs as vice president for media relations in August 2012. He is currently Managing Director, Corporate Communications, Goldman Sachs, Greater New York City area.
Scott and his wife, Trisha, live in Brooklyn, New York, and have two children.
Wyman Williams
Class of 1965
Businessman, scholar, philanthropist, mentor, mayor—These are just some of the titles worn by Hall of Honor inductee Wyman Williams. After graduating from CHS in 1965, Williams chose to remain in Commerce, marry his high school sweetheart, Harriet Atchley, and raise his family here.
In 1969, Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology and Business from East Texas State University. He was owner and operator of Williams Motors in Commerce for 40 years. He sold the dealership in 2010 and joined the staff of Texas A&M University-Commerce where he is now Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Williams has been active in civic and university activities for many years being instrumental in helping establish the Northeast Children’s Museum, Commerce Leadership Institute, and the Commerce Schools Educational Enrichment Foundation. He has served on the TAMU-C Foundation Board, The Heritage Society and the Chancellor’s Council Century Club of the Texas A&M University System.
He chaired three successful school bond election committees which resulted in building CHS, Commerce Elementary School and A. C. Williams Elementary.
Williams received TAMU-C’s Gold Blazer Award in 1989 and the Spirit of Mayo Award in 2005. He was chosen Citizen of the Year in Commerce for the years 1989 and 2008.
In his nomination, a former colleague and friend said, “Wyman has spent much of his life in making this community, its schools, university and Hunt County a better place to live, work and raise a family. With a strong commitment, he has supported these efforts with an investment of volunteer time, physical effort and considerable financial support. It is my opinion that his strong leadership skills and ability to develop trustworthy communication skills has made this possible.”
Williams lives in Commerce with his wife Harriet. They have two grown children, Meredith Williams of Dallas, and Scott Williams of New York.
2023 Hall of Honor Inductees
Glenda Henderson
Anthony Henry, Sr.
P.J. Winston
2022 Hall of Honor Inductees
Betty Casselberry
Jerry Speight
Eddie Pannell
Amy Johnson
Jimmy Ogden
Hall of Honor activities were not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 Hall of Honor Inductees
Carolyn Burt
Kristin Barker Hames
Medley Wilson
Wade Wilson
2018 Hall of Honor Inductees
Chris Elliott
Harry Turner
Scott Williams
Wyman Williams
2017 Hall of Honor Inductees
Chris Clark
Janet John
Dr. Mary Thomas
Charlie Wilson
2016 Hall of Honor Inductees
Steve Lineweaver
Sharice Henry Chasi
Dr. Jerry Lytle
Neal Stewart
2015 Hall of Honor Inductees
Bruce Hineman
Anne Mills
Michael Oglesby
Billy Relford
2014 Hall of Honor Inductees
Donna Crosby
Conner John
Harriet Williams
2013 Hall of Honor Inductees
Myra Beadles
H. Dan Farell
Billie Garrett
Mary Spencer
2012 Hall of Honor Inductees
Buddy Jones
Sue Sheppard
Norris Tanton
2011 Hall of Honor Inductees
Alvis Alderman
Ann Champion
Bill Fuhrmeister
Mary Hendrix
Loretta Kibler
Janet Peek
2010 Hall of Honor Inductees
Harry Champion
Emmett Day Sr.
June Moore Dunn
Dr. Jack Pirkey
We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Commerce ISD Hall of Honor. The program recognizes former students of CHS or Norris School who have had distinguished careers and staff members who have made a significant impact on the students of CISD or Norris School.
Make up of the selection committee
Committee members are chosen initially by the superintendent and two community members. Members of the committee remain anonymous and must have been members of the community for ten or more years. The committee will be made up of not less than four members, but no more than five. Two members will rotate off every two years and will recommend a replacement. The entire committee will vote on new members each year.
Student Qualifications
- Nominee must be an ex-student of Commerce ISD or Norris School;
- Nominee must be out of high school at least ten years;
- Nominee, or family member if deceased, will be expected to attend the festivities for the day; and
- Nominee must possess good character throughout their lives.
Staff Member Qualifications
- Employed in Commerce ISD or Norris School for at least four years;
- Nominee, or family member if deceased, will be expected to attend the festivities for the day; and
- Nominee must possess good character throughout their lives.
Nomination Process
Persons wanting to nominate someone for the Hall of Honor may do so in the following ways:
- Download and complete a
nomination form.
Mail the completed form to:
CISD Hall of Honor
ATTN: Selection Committee
Commerce ISD
3315 Washington St.
Commerce, TX 75429 - Request an email or mailed nomination form by calling 903 886-3755.
- Deadline for 2023 nominations will be announced in the fall of 2024.
- The Hall of Honor Ceremony will take place as a part of the Homecoming festivities in 2024.