HOF Inductees | Academic

STUDENTS

Students must have graduated from Granbury High School or STARS Accelerated High School and have
accomplished notable academic achievements after graduation. Students will not be considered for induction until
the fifth year after graduation. Students will be judged on academic honors with a college or university, academic
achievements with a college or university, or professional achievements in which academics played a major role.

STAFF

Former teachers, administrators, or staff who are eligible for induction must have been employed in GISD for
ten or more years and influenced or inspired academic achievement in the students in GISD.

COMMUNITY

Community members who are eligible for induction may be individuals, businesses, or community
groups that have supported and encouraged academic achievement through donations, scholarships, or other
meaningful ways.

LEGACY

Individuals who have excelled in their field of expertise and made significant contributions and lifetime
achievements in their respective communities.

2025

2024

Perla Campos
Former Student

Perla Campos graduated as the salutatorian of the Granbury High School Class of 2008. In addition to serving as student body president, Perla excelled in sports, academics, and fine arts, and served as a leader in many student clubs and community organizations. She attended Stanford University as a Gates Millenium Scholar and graduated in 2012 with dual Bachelor's degrees in International Relations & Mexican American Studies, with honors. She also attended the Stanford University Graduate School of Education and received her Masters in International Educational Administration and Policy Analysis in 2013. Perla has been employed at Google since 2013, where she is currently a Group Global Brand Marketing Manager at headquarters in the California Bay Area.

A proud Latina and daughter of a Mexican immigrant single mother, Perla fondly remembers her childhood years in Granbury, having attended GISD schools from Pre-K-12th grade. She credits the unwavering support of key GISD teachers as instrumental in her journey towards achieving her dreams.

As one of her former teachers and someone who has known Perla most of her life, Granbury High School teacher Tammy Bodine said she cannot think of a more deserving person for the Academic Hall of Fame.

Granbury ISD is honored to have Perla represent the district as an alumna and is proud of her many accomplishments in academics and distinguished career.

Shari Guthery
Former Staff

Shari Guthery was a beloved Acton Elementary School teacher from 1988 to 2016. While pursuing an undergraduate degree in education, Ms. Guthery’s days as a Granbury Pirate began as student teacher under legendary teacher Mrs. Wanda Crossland. After college graduation, she spent three years teaching at another district before coming back to the district as Acton Elementary School teacher where she taught until her retirement.

Brandy Lillagore shared that Ms. Guthery provided a constant stream of encouragement and guidance as her mentor teacher at Acton Elementary School 26 years ago. The Lillagore family even attributes their son’s success and chosen career path as a scientist in the U.S. Forestry Service to the foundation and love for science acquired in Ms. Guthery’s class. Rachael Bufkin, former student turned colleague, said she loved learning with Ms. Guthery when she was a student in her class and is thankful for the unique opportunity to teach alongside her favorite teacher who continues to inspire to make an impact in the lives of her students. A former student and aspiring teacher Ashlynn Drysale said Ms. Guthery is the definition of what a teacher should be and that no one is more deserving of being a hall of fame honoree.

Today, Ms. Guthery resides in Granbury and continues working magic with students as a part-time tutor at Acton Elementary School.

Granbury ISD is honored to have Ms. Guthery represent the district as a former staff member and is proud of the impact she made in the lives of Granbury ISD students.

Dr. Barbara Herrington
Former Staff

Dr. Barbara Herrington’s impressive 50-year career in education included serving as Granbury ISD assistant superintendent from 1996 to 2002 and school board trustee from 2005 to 2023.

Dr. Herrington holds an undergraduate degree in education from Texas State University, a master degree in counseling from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a doctoral degree in education from Nova Southeastern University. The beginning of her career was spent as an instructional aide and library aide prior to becoming a language arts, journalism, and math classroom teacher. Her campus leadership positions include assistant middle school principal and high school principal. In 1981, Dr. Herrington was one of two female principals in the entire state. She spent 20 years as an assistant superintendent in four districts, all involving curriculum and instruction in some way. She said her favorite part of her career was working with teachers. After her retirement in 2002, Dr. Herrington continued her career in the role of adjunct professor at Tarleton State University until 2012.

A committed advocate for school children and public education, Dr. Herrington is well known for coining the phrase, “If it’s not for kids, it’s not for us.”

Dr. Herrington still resides in Granbury with her family and loves serving her community. She is a proud grandmother and aunt to three Granbury ISD graduates and has a great niece who is currently a Granbury Pirate.

Granbury ISD is honored to have Dr. Herrington represent the district as a former employee and school board trustee and proud of the influence she has in the school community.

Hood County News
Community

The Hood County News supports Granbury schoolchildren with meaningful recognition of student achievement through feature stories, photography, and sponsorships. A true hometown newspaper, the Hood County News provides quality reporting and photography of student achievement.

Under the leadership of Paul Hyde and Sam Houston in 2020, the newspaper has positively impacted the district by providing news and insights that educate, enrich, and entertain.

Granbury ISD is honored to consider the Hood County News a local business partner and proud of the many contributions they make to the community.

James Wann
Legacy Award

James Wann was a well-renowned leader of Texas public schools and a man of kindness and integrity. The final 17 years of his life were spent as a Granbury Pirate as Granbury ISD Superintendent from 1970 to 1987.

Mr. Wann held his undergraduate degree in agriculture business from Texas A&M University and graduate degree in education from Texas Christian University. He first became a Granbury Pirate in 1952 as teacher and coach before eventually moving to positions in Glen Rose and Tolar ISD. His first leadership position was superintendent at Tolar ISD in 1957, where he remained until moving to Rock Springs in 1961. In 1965, Mr. Wann accepted and successfully completed the challenge of leading Marble Falls ISD, a larger school district in desperate need of new schools. He returned to Granbury in 1970 so he could be closer to his family home in Paluxy, where he was the superintendent at Granbury ISD until his passing in 1987.

Just before his passing, the school board unanimously agreed to name the new gymnasium after the beloved, longtime public educator who spent 30 years serving as superintendent in Texas public schools.

His niece, Sara Galvan, remembers how well he loved and led his family, staff, and students, always encouraging them to dream big and set high expectations of themselves. Former district employee (and former Marble Falls ISD student) Jane Ann Blasingame remembers Mr. Wann as a highly respected man who made a huge impact on the school district and community. She recalls when computers first became popular, people joked that Granbury ISD already owned a computer named James Wann due to his remarkable, photographic memory. Former colleague Ray Crass said Mr. Wann was an influential leader in education who mentored countless school leaders, many who owe him credit for their career. Former school board trustee Ike Thomas remembers how much Mr. Wann’s staff loved him, recalling the time the entire maintenance department traveled together to be with Mr. Wann at his bedside in 1987.

Granbury ISD is honored to have James Wann represent the district and proud of the legacy he left Granbury ISD. Many of his extended family members proudly accept the Legacy Award in honor of his memory.

2023

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.

2014


Brad Hunstable Former Student	Rachel Matheny Former Student	Nancy Alana Former Staff	Boys and Girls Club of Hood County Community Member

Brad Hunstable

A 1997 graduate of GHS, Brad Hunstable learned the art of technology at an early age – creating a large dial-up bulletin board system when he was just 11. After his high school graduation, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and, in 2001, received a degree in engineering management.

Hunstable served five years in the U.S. Army, serving in various capacities for the army and the Department of Defense. Through his military service, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University in 2005. Following his departure from the army, Hunstable worked the Ross Perot-owned Hillwood Development, a real estate company developing master-planned communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

In 2006, Hunstable joined two others in co-founding Ustream as a way for deployed military service members to communicate with families back home. The trio had worked together previously on an Internet-based photo sharing website, but the project was ended when Hunstable and another were deployed to active duty in 2003. However, serving overseas and being away from loved ones prompted the new idea that led to Ustream.

Today, Ustream is the largest privately-owned video website in the world. Since its founding, the company has established itself as a socially fueled communications platform for businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals to easily reach an infinite audience and share experiences in real time. Hunstable serves as chief executive officer of the San Francisco-based corporation.

“Our son has been an inspiration to all of us,” his parents, Fred and Candy Hunstable, said. “His drive to succeed at West Point and then starting his company has never failed to impress us. We felt this recognition would in some small way honor his dedication and commitment to ‘God and Country.’”

His mother is the GHS attendance clerk. Younger siblings Ashlee and Nathan also graduated from Granbury.

Rachel Matheny

Rachel Matheny graduated from GHS in 2006 and attended Baylor University, earning a degree in anthropology and archeology with magnum cum laude honors. She later attended Oxford University in England and wrote a thesis on maritime transportation of metal cargoes during the Roman time period.

In 20112, she completed her Master of Philosophy in classical archeology. Matheny is currently attending Texas A&M University, where she is a doctoral student in the nautical archeology department and serving as a graduate teaching assistant.

For the past two summers, Matheny has worked in Turkey at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology helping to catalog artifacts from the Uluburun Shipwreck, which is the oldest fully excavated shipwreck dating back to about 1300 B.C. Additionally, she has assisted on excavations at a large Paleo-Indian site near Austin and at an ongoing Etruscan project in the Tuscany region of Italy.

Outside of her academic career, Rachel has volunteered with many charitable organizations including My Brother’s Keeper, a homeless shelter in Waco.

She is the daughter of Corey and Ruth Matheny, and her mother teaches first grade at Acton Elementary School. Two brothers, Ryan and Jacob, also graduated from GHS.

Nancy Alana

Nancy Alana only took a short break after her retirement as principal of Nettie Baccus Elementary School in 2008. After a year, she decided to run for the GISD school board to continue serving the children of the community.

The retired educator began her career teaching at Farwell in 1976. After moving to Hood County in 1979, she taught at Granbury Intermediate School, Acton Elementary School, and Oak Woods School before serving as an administrative assistant to former superintendent Dr. Gwyn Boyter. She left Granbury for three years to become a principal in Comanche. Upon her return in 1999, she was named the leader at Baccus.

As a principal, Alana received the Instructional Leadership Award from Tarleton State University in 2005. She was later nominated for the National Distinguished Principal Award by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. Alana also was honored with the Medal of Heroism by the Sons of the American Revolution in 1997.

“Growing up as the child of an educator, I always heard ‘I had your mom as my fourth grade teacher’ and I took it as just that - she was just their teacher,” said Alana’s son, John. “As an adult, I hear the comments of how she was their role model, how they knew that she loved them, the influences she had with memorable moments that changed her students for a lifetime.”

Alana is currently in her second term as a school trustee. Since her retirement, she also has written two children’s books and regularly speaks to students in Granbury and other communities.

Her husband, Don, is a retired GHS social studies teacher and coach. Both of their sons, Kelly and John, graduated from GHS.

Boys and Girls Club of Hood County

Great futures start with the Boys and Girls Club of Hood County, where Granbury schoolchildren go to after-school programs at both Decker Gym and the Rancho Brazos community center. Founded in 2002, the clubs also offer youth sports leagues and summer camps.

“Boys& Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun,” commented executive director Jeff Bates. “It is the place where great futures are started every day.”

Programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence.

Club leaders engage young people in activities with adults, peers, and family members that enable them to reach their full potential. Based on the interests and needs of the boys and girls they serve, clubs offer diverse program activities in five areas: character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports and fitness.

“I truly believe that the Boys & Girls Club of Hood County helps every student to succeed in their academic life, learn sportsmanship, and how to be a friend,” stated operations director Sarah Harvey. “This organization helps GISD with both the schools’ and the organization’s mission of engaging youth to be responsible, caring, and educated individuals of the community.”

2013


J. Jackson Davis Former Student	Jerry Durant Community Member	Carl Fricke Former Staff	Shirley Hayworth Former Student

J. Jackson (Jack) Davis

Jack Davis was destined for major accomplishments. His Granbury High School record was a clue. He was valedictorian, student council president, and an outstanding athlete.

Davis graduated in 1958 and earned degrees at the University of North Texas and St. Mary’s University.

He had a stellar career in the business and teaching world, guiding employees and students in a compassionate way. He was associate professor of management at the University of the Incarnate Word and St. Mary’s University. He also taught at colleges such as TCU and Our Lady of the Lake University. Davis also was an education and training officer in the Air Force.

"I have observed Jack as he climbed to the top of his teaching career," said his sister-in-law, Nancy Davis. "He is a champion for the underprivileged, a kind and caring man that has made a difference in many young people's lives."

Jack and his wife, Joyce, live in Selma, north of San Antonio. They have four children and four grandchildren.

Jerry Durant

Granbury native and 1965 GHS graduate Jerry Durant was introduced to the auto business early on. His father founded Durant Chevrolet in Granbury in 1960, and Jerry helped his dad through the years.

Then the younger Durant saw an opportunity. A car dealer in Weatherford went bankrupt.

"I told my dad I was going to buy it. I was 22," Durant recalled. The rest, as they say, is history.

Durant remains a staple in the North Texas auto industry with auto dealerships in Weatherford and Granbury. He sports then Chevy, GMC, Toyota, Cadillac, Buick, and Hyundai emblems.

Durant also is a horse enthusiast with successful cutting and race horses. He contributes to various organizations and has been Weatherford’s Citizen of the year.

Says longtime friend Don Allen, "You can't say enough about the the things Jerry has done in business and as a community leader."

Jerry and his wife, Vickie, have two children and two grandchildren.

Carl Fricke (Posthumous)

The late Carl Fricke was a longtime math teacher at Granbury High School.

He was described as the perfect example of a dedicated teacher.

"I saw him give up his lunch period on a routine basis in order to tutor students," said Don Alana. "He tutoried before and after school. He worked patiently with every student and made sure they received the health they needed."

Fricke always had a smile on his face and usually wore his trademark Hawaiian shirt. No one know how his love of Hawiian shirts started, his family said.

"He lit up the classroom, taught with enthusiasm, and he truly cared about his students," Alana said. "He was an inspiration to me, and I wish I had told him that."

Teaching ran in the family.

His mother taught 44 years, and her siblings were all teachers.

Carl and his wife, Cheryl, raised four children. They all attended Granbury schools from kindergarten through graduation.

Shirley Hayworth

To say Shirley Hayworth bleeds purple and gold is an understatement.

Hayworth was first a student and athlete at Granbury, then became a teacher and basketball coach for Granbury’s Purple and Gold Pirates.

"She touched the lives of so many students during her 32 years of teaching," said former student Karan Enlow. "Students who had Mrs. Hayworth were taught more than just the curriculum. We were shown how to be an outstanding person.

"She has an inner beauty that shines inside and out.

"As a teacher and coach, she always made you want to achieve the very best."

The popular Hayworth graduated from Granbury High School in 1955. She and her husband, Gerald, live on their farm north of Granbury.

They have two sons and five grandchildren.

"Mrs. Hayworth's motto was, 'Act like a lady on and off the court,'" Enlow said. "A definition of the word 'lady' would be Shirley Hayworth."

Article by Roger Enlow/Hood County News

2012


Hailey Hidalgo Former Student	Dr. John Knox Community Member	Dr. Larry Price Former Student	Emma Roberson Former Staff

Haley Hidalgo

Haley Hidalgo enrolled at Granbury ISD’s STARS Academy in 2000 at the age of 18 with no high school credits.

She had been home-schooled but did not receive credits she thought she had earned.

“Without complaint she began diligently working on coursework at her own pace,” recalls her teacher Rhonda Naylor. “We were amazed at her determination, intelligence and work ethic.”

Hidalgo mastered the state-mandated Texas Assessment of Academic Skills test and graduated fourth in her class in 2003.

While enrolled at STARS, Hidalgo participated in the Senate Scholars Program where students with exemplary academic records experience the Legislature during session. She was also involved in the Sister Cities International Program that actively engaged students from countries and cultures around the world. Her international experience includes Tunisia, Morocco, Hungary and Japan.

Hidalgo graduated with honors from the University of North Texas in 2012 with a degree in international studies. She is currently studying at The American University in Cairo, Egypt, and aspires to work for the U.S. government. Her areas of research at The American University include Middle East and North African politics, Islamist movements and ideologies, and civil-military relations in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Haley Hidalgo’s accomplishments and achievements are beyond distinguished,” Naylor praised.

Haley’s mother is Paula Quinn and stepfather is David Quinn. She has a brother, Matt Quinn.

Haley’s grandmother, Louise Hidalgo, is a retired Granbury teacher.

Dr. John Knox

Dr. John Knox is more than senior pastor of the Granbury Church of Christ.

He enjoys volunteering in the schools and community.

“Dr. Knox generously gives of himself, his time and his facilities to Granbury High School students and staff whenever asked,” said his nominator Donna Williams. “He has been a tremendous Godsend to the GHS debate team in years past.”

Knox has been coaching high school debaters on a volunteer basis since 1981. He also assists with Teen Court and serves on the Hood County Substance Abuse Council.

He is volunteer chaplain of the Granbury Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.

Knox was raised in Lubbock where he graduated from Montery High School. He received a bachelor’s degree from Lubbock Christian University and completed his master’s and doctor of ministry degrees from Abilene Christian University.

He and his wife Jan have three sons. Randall lives in Hollywood, Calif., and is a 2007 Granbury High graduate. Daniel is a student at Oklahoma Christian University and is a 2010 Granbury High grad. Mitchell is a GHS junior.

Dr. Larry Price

Family and friends know Dr. Larry Price as a compassionate and patient man.

So it stands to reason that his patients know him as a highly compassionate and patient doctor.

“What I like most about what I do is bringing good news to my patients,” said Price, a 1972 graduate of Granbury High School. “Many of our procedures have very high success rates and are often curative. There’s nothing greater than being able to tell a patient he or she can look forward to getting better.”

Price was nominated by Lilly Boulanger.

A talented cardiac electrophysiologist, Price first pursued a career as an interventional cardiologist and critical medicine specialist.

Price was drawn to electrophysiology during a critical care fellowship at Mayo Clinic. He focused the remainder of his training and his entire practice on cardiac electrophysiology.

In 1987, following post-graduate training, Price joined the senior staff at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple. He served as Chief of the Section of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab and Director of the Pacemaker Clinic.

In 1997 Gov. George W. Bush appointed Price to the Texas Medical Board. In 2003 Gov. Rick Perry reappointed him to the post, and Price currently serves as the board’s vice president.

Price, an Austin resident, graduated with honors from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and interned at the Fort Worth Osteopathic Medical Center.

Larry and his wife Michelle are parents of three sons – Stephen, a geologist in Tulsa; Jason, a clinical specialist for a medical device company; and Justin, a medical student in Temple.

Emma Roberson (Posthumous)

If students didn’t learn in Emma Roberson’s Granbury High School math class, they probably weren’t paying attention.

The use of props and other innovative teaching methods made Roberson one of the best teachers in GHS history.

“Best teacher ever!” praised Sandra Godwin who nominated her mentor for the Alumni Hall of Fame. “She is the reason I am a math teacher!”

Godwin has taught math 44 years.

The Granbury school district named a school in Roberson’s honor, Emma Roberson Elementary.

Roberson, who died in 1990 at the age 84, began teaching in 1925. She taught at Edna Hill, Wilson, Alexander, Seagraves and Granbury for 45 years.

In 1936 and 1937 she taught the last two years of school held in the deCordova Bend School.

Roberson taught math 35 years. In addition to teaching in Granbury schools, she also served as principal, UIL slide rule and number sense coach and girls basketball coach.

She was born on Feb. 25, 1906, in Edna Hill (near Dublin) and married Clyde Roberson on Dec. 21, 1929. They moved to Granbury in 1942 with their daughter Winnie. Clyde was a Granbury barber; Winnie also taught in Granbury schools for several decades.

Roberson’s dedication to her students is reflected in a 1981 letter to the editor she wrote after attending a class reunion.

“My 45 years of teaching have given me a storehouse of memories that I cherish. I loved and appreciated my students while I was teaching and still do. Thanks to each of you who gave me the challenge to try to give you what you needed to succeed in all areas of life.”

Article by Roger Enlow/Hood County News