New additions to east hall of fame

New additions to east hall of fame

Natalie Glaid

Three years ago, East added a new feature next to the main office: the Wall of Fame.

The Wall of Fame was founded by the Columbus East High School Alumni Association Board, and it recognizes East Alumni who have been successful within their families, their careers and the community. The Wall of Fame is conveniently located outside the main office, so that students, teachers and visitors can view it with ease.

Principal Mark Newell says that the Wall of Fame was originally created by Douglas Moore, a previous counselor at East and past member of the Alumni Board.

Last Friday, February 12, the third round of nominees were inducted into East’s Wall of Fame. They were honored during the halftime of the JV boys’ basketball game, and were also invited to attend the reception following the game.

“Those inducted into the Wall of Fame are excellent examples to the students here at East,” said Librarian Deanna Glick, a current member of the Alumni Board. “When considering future inductees, [the members of the Alumni Board] prioritize the philanthropic impacts these East graduates have made over their career achievements.”

No one has made more of a greater philanthropic impact than Bryan Chappell Brown. In order to honor his deceased brother, Bryan decided to kayak the Descent of the Colorado River Watershed. This 2,400 mile journey consists of kayaking through multiple rivers, passages, and canyons. Bryan graduated from East in 1974, along with his wife Sandra. While her husband was involved with the community, Sandra was deeply involved with business. Sandra spent many years at school, and eventually, started her own company called SB Consulting. Before starting her own company, she was the CEO and head of several other major businesses.

Another new addition to East’s Wall of Fame is Amy Huntington. Huntington graduated from East in 1984, before going to Purdue. In 2008, she was given a prestigious award for all of her accomplishments. She is now an important member of two of Purdue’s councils.

The last person of this year’s group of inductees is Russ Evans. After graduating from East in 1975, Evans joined the military service. He served for a number of years, then decided to set his career aside to backpack around the world with his family. Unfortunately, Evans died in 2011 due to a heart attack; however, he was still able to complete a 600 mile “Pilgrimage to St. James” before passing.

“Hopefully, the Wall of Fame inspires students by proving that the hard work, time, and effort given in high school will pay off in the future,” Newell said. “We want students to live successful lives after high school, and a great example of this can be found in the Wall of Fame.”