LakeWalesNews.net - Communication Builds Our Community

The second annual Highlander Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30, and Shelli Jacobs, secretary of the Highlander Booster Club, is excited about the event.

"The Lake Wales community is deeply rooted in its love for everything Highlander," Jacobs said in announcing the event, which will take place at Lake Wales Country Club. "If you are from this area, you wear the tartan plaid or orange and black colors with sincere pride. If you are new to the area you can't help but yearn to be a part of these traditions," she added.

Bill Crews attended the University of Florida in 1934, where he became the Captain of the Gator Track Team. After graduation he was hired in 1938 to teach physical education at LWHS where he was a stalwart educator as well as a respected and successful coach for 30 years. Here he poses with the 1932 Highlander basketball team prior to hosting the district playoffs.

At the inaugural Highlander Hall of Fame the Lake Wales community honored Nancy Denton, Pat Borders, Dick Howell, Lorenzo Hampton, and Buford Long. This year it will be Marvin Pavy, Rod Shafer, Hubert Morrow, Bill Crews and Wade Davis who will be initiated as Hall of Fame honorees.

"This will be a night to recognize individual LWHS alumni, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves as outstanding representatives of any LWHS athletic team through accomplishment, leadership, support, service and/or character," Jacobs said.

The event will begin at 6:00 pm and includes a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and an elegant dinner. Tickets to the event are $75.00, and there are also sponsorship levels available for those who wish to support the effort. For sponsorship, ticket and nomination information please check the Highlander Booster Club Website, phone Jacobs at 863.528.8381, or write to her at [email protected].