HOF Inductees | Academic

CHASE MILLSAP, ACADEMIC | FORMER STUDENT

Chase Millsap graduated valedictorian of Granbury High School’s Class of 2001. The son of a Granbury High School English Teacher was a remarkable high school student with a rare combination intellect, insight, and kindness, whose intellectual curiosity was boundless.

September 11th happened during Millsap’s Plebe Year at the United States Naval Academy. The tragic events ultimately shifted his ambition from becoming a pilot to serving as a Marine infantry officer. He deployed to Iraq, completing three combat tours in Al-Anbar Province as a Marine lieutenant. Later, Millsap transitioned to the U.S. Army, earning a Green Beret and leading counter-terrorism missions across Southwest Asia. After returning from service, Millsap was determined to help an Iraqi officer who saved his life during a sniper attack. HIs experience led him to co-founding the Ronin Refugee Project, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting wartime allies in securing refuge in the U.S.

In 2016, Millsap earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from USC’s Price School of Public Policy. Blending his military experience with his creativity, Millsap became Chief Content Officer at We Are The Mighty, producing content centered on military and veteran narratives. He contributed as a writer and consultant for a CBS sitcom and produced a National Geographic short.

Millsap is celebrated as a Marine, Green Beret, and storyteller who brings battlefield truth to Hollywood storytelling. Though currently in Ukraine working on a documentary, Chase otherwise resides in Los Angeles.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK GRANBURY, ACADEMIC | COMMUNITY

Founded in 1887, First National Bank of Granbury quickly established itself as a steadfast pillar of the Granbury community. True to its slogan, “Your Hometown Bank,” the institution prides itself on personalized service, integrity, and community relationships.

Over the decades, First National Bank has built a legacy of perseverance and support. By the late 1980s, the bank expanded its footprint across Hood County. Today, it operates 6 locations in the county, a full-service center in Cleburne, and recently announced its next branch location in Glen Rose.

First National’s commitment to education is evident through its philanthropy, especially throughout Granbury ISD. The bank’s century of commitment to the community reflects its core belief in investing in future generations. First National Bank of Granbury has exemplified what it means to be a hometown partner.

BIFF & NANCY PETERSON, ACADEMIC | FORMER STAFF

Biff and Nancy Peterson’s journey began at Robert E. Lee High School (now Tyler Legacy) where Biff, then the Head Baseball Coach, and Social Studies teacher Nancy were chaperones at the Winter Formal.

In 1986, Biff became the youngest Head Football Coach in Tyler Lee history and quickly led the school to its first playoff appearance. He became known not just for wins, but for building young men of character. As a classroom teacher, Nancy taught honors-level courses with high expectations and deep compassion for her students, providing stability at home and in the classroom, especially during football seasons.

In 1996, the Petersons made Granbury their home. Biff became Head Football Coach and Nancy joined the high school faculty. Their early years in the community were marked by hard work and a deep commitment to making Granbury home for their family of four.

After earning his principal certification, Biff began working with at-risk youth, bringing the same passion and coaching mentality that once led teams to the playoffs. To this day, former students stop him in town to say, “You were the first person who believed in me.” Nancy continued her career in curriculum development and teacher training before eventually returning to Granbury High School as Social Studies Department Chair.

Beyond public education, Biff and Nancy Peterson built a legacy through their quiet, consistent service. Though Biff officially retired in 2011 and Nancy in 2014, neither truly left service. Together, they’ve become pillars of the Granbury community. Biff served as President of United Way of Hood County, drove for Meals on Wheels, mentored through Rancho Brazos, Royal Family Kids’ Camp, and Granbury Middle School. Nancy volunteers with the Granbury Education Foundation, subs at GHS, teaches Ladies’ Bible Class, tutors for state testing, and continues to serve quietly wherever needed. Together, they serve twice weekly at the Granbury Church of Christ’s food pantry and continue to serve the community in countless ways.

"Pirate Pete", Granbury’s inflatable football tunnel mascot, bears Biff’s legacy in name, voted on by the student body in 2000 as a tribute.

Education runs deep in the Peterson lineage. Their daughter Kylee is a teacher at Granbury High School. Their son Kason is a high school ag teacher at Krum High School where he and his wife Kendall reside. Biff and Nancy are the proud grandparents of Miss Emma Jane Peterson.

Connor Adams

Connor Lively Adams is a 2012 graduate of Granbury High School. His academic achievements continued at Texas A&M University where he graduated cum laude in May 2016 with a BA in International Studies with minors in Chinese and Business Administration. Connor also spent four months in Beijing, China, at Peking University. 

He attended the University of Texas Law School and graduated in May 2019. Connor accepted a position as a law associate for Milbank LLP in New York City and is now a successful attorney at Latham and Watkins LLP in Austin, TX. His family still resides in Granbury. His mother, Pam Adams, is an elementary teacher in Granbury ISD.

Granbury ISD is honored to have Connor Adams as an alumnus and is proud of his accomplishments in academics and in his distinguished career.

Mitch LeMoine

Mitch LeMoine, a longtime principal at Granbury High School, was a favorite of students and faculty. His great school spirit and joyful personality made him an educator who touched the hearts and lives of thousands of people over his career.

Following his retirement from education, Mitch has continued to serve our community as a longtime volunteer greeter at Lake Granbury Medical Center. He flashes that big smile of his and automatically makes you feel you comfortable and safe. He enjoys talking with people as they come and go from the hospital and especially enjoys seeing many people he has had friendship with for years.

Mr. LeMoine is well remembered for his inspirational quote spoken daily over the intercom for years: Put a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and a pep in your step!

Bobby Mabery

Bobby Mabery, a Granbury boy born and raised, graduate from Granbury High School in 1971. He continued the tradition of bleeding purple by attending Tarleton State University. Rather than farming full-time as his father did, Bobby decided that his heart was in teaching. His first teaching job was at Tolar ISD, but he quickly returned to Granbury ISD where he remained for the rest of his 28 year career.

Bobby spent 11 years teaching history at various grade levels. He also served as an Assistant Principal at Granbury Middle School and Principal at Emma Roberson Elementary, Granbury Middle School, and Acton Middle School where he was the first principal.

Bobby passed away in 2021, but is fondly remembered for his dedicated service to the students and employees of GISD. His wife, Brenda, and his daughters, Molly and Sarah, are proud to accept this honor in his memory.