HALL OF FAME

The Best of the Bears.

The purpose of the Noble Public Schools Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have demonstrated significant accomplishments based upon academic excellence and achievement, career accomplishments, community service, personal excellence, and/or a dedication to lifelong learning. To be considered, nominees must be able to demonstrate a significant history of dedication to serving the Noble Public Schools Community. Each recipient is honored at the Annual NPS Awards (Hall of Fame) Banquet. Each recipient or recipient's family will be given a plaque to commemorate the induction. A duplicate plaque will be permanently enshrined at the NPS Administration Building or another area designated by the Superintendent of Schools. The awards will be purchased and donated by the Foundation.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

2024 - Hal Clary

Hal Clary was a devoted teacher and coach in a district that meant so much to him. Hal graduated from Noble High School in 1976. He was a great student and athlete with a special love for basketball. Upon graduating high school, Hal attended the University of Oklahoma from 1976 to 1980, where he received his bachelor’s degree in physical education. Prior to beginning his teaching career, Hal helped coach basketball with Noble Public Schools.  Before being hired as a full-time educator, his first position with Noble Public Schools was in the 1981 Spring Semester, as an In-House Suspension Supervisor.  In the Fall of 1982, Hal Clary would start his 40-Year career as a teacher for Noble Public Schools.

Hal was initially hired as a Physical Education Teacher for Noble Junior High School. He loved teaching PE and coaching but he had a calling for the classroom. With his love of science, Hal became certified in several biological sciences, and became the Junior High Science Teacher that he was well-known for by all his students. Hal continued coaching Junior High Boys Basketball for 30-years, and helped mold young athletes into the men they are today. During his time teaching science, Hal presented nationally for the National Science Teachers Association, as well as several trainings locally and at state conferences.  Hal always had a welcoming face for new teachers to Noble and was a strong mentor for several. In 2011, Mr. Hal Clary was recognized by the Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE) Junior High Teacher of the Year. 

In May of 2021, Mr. Hal Clary retired from Noble Public Schools, only to become a staunch advocate for public schools as a lobbyist for POE. Mr. Clary served as a POE Board Member for two years and served as a member on State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister’s Teacher Advisory Committee for six years. Mr. Clary’s love of science came about from his passion for taxidermy, which he has been doing for over 50 years. In January 2014, Hal was issued a Master of Masters Taxidermist, and in June 2018, was inducted into the Oklahoma Taxidermist Association Hall of Fame. Regardless of his accolades, Mr. Clary loved science, coaching and taxidermy, but more than all those things, it is clear he loved teaching. He loved building relationships with students, pouring into their lives and helping them accomplish their goals.

It is with great honor that the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence inducts Mr. Hal Clary into the 2024 Class of the Noble Public Schools Hall of Fame.      

Colonel Ron Ford - 2023

For the past 55 years, Ron Ford has been leading businesses, organizations, technical teams, and individuals in accomplishing significant missions focused on the national security interest of the United States. Following college graduation, he completed a distinguished 20 year career in the U.S. Air Force where he was a command pilot and attained the rank of Colonel. During his Air Force career, Ron accumulated over 2700 hours of flying time in various aircraft, including over 250 combat missions in Vietnam Colonel Ford led the development of highly classified missile systems and played a key role in the development and production of the F-16 fighter. Among his many military decorations is the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism in Combat where he is credited with saving the lives of 15 men in Vietnam. He held senior management positions in the aerospace industry serving the United States Intelligence Community during the Cold War working in the Space Systems Division of E-Systems/Raytheon and asPresident and CEO of three high technology small businesses. Ron is a long time practitioner, teacher and student of leadership and effectiveness. He is a certified instructor by the U.S. Air Force, and a certified Facilitator by the Franklin-Covey Leadership Center. He currently volunteers as an educator and counselor for veterans suffering from PTSD. He is Director of Research and Development for the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center and served as President of the Board of Directors for Central Oregon Veteran's Ranch.

Ron first attended Noble schools in 1958 and graduated in 1963. He was valedictorian of his senior class and was selected for the All-Conference teams for basketball and baseball in both his junior and senior years. In 2013 he established the Helen Freuling- Ford Scholarship in memory of this mother. As of this year, $35,000 in scholarships will have been awarded to deserving Noble High School graduates. This is now an endowed scholarship, which means this award will continue to honor his mother for perpetuity. Ron holds a Master of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a Distinguished Graduated of the Air Force Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School. He and his wife Sylvia live in Bend, OR where he enjoys reading, continuing his education and various outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, skiing, and playing with the family's two dogs. It is with great honor and pride that the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence inducts Colonel Ron Ford into the 2023 Hall of Fame Class of Noble Public Schools.

Joe Adams - 2022

Mr. Joe Adams was an outstanding lifelong member of the Noble Community and Noble Public Schools. Joe was a 12-year senior of NPS and graduated with the Class of 1985. He played football for the Noble Bears from 5 th -12 th grades. After graduation, Joe continued to serve the Noble Community in a variety of ways. Joe served as the President of the Noble Soccer Club for several years while also coaching. He was the voice of the Rose Rock Pageant for 26 years. Anytime there was a dance to be found in Noble, you just knew that Joe Adams would be behind the microphone, assisting whatever club, team, project, or endeavor, sponsoring the dance. Joe cared deeply about every person he encountered. He was never overbearing or interfering but was always available to lend a hand. Joe was the voice of Noble Bear Football for more than 14 years. Joe adjusted his work schedule many, many times to be able to be at Noble High School when the Friday Night Lights came on. While most announcers would be available only for their high school team, Joe served by announcing not only high school games, but everything from Pee Wee Football through neutral site playoff games. He loved being the Voice of the Bears! Joe was married to Kim Adams for 32 years. They raised three children in Noble Public Schools, Zach, Jake and Emma. They also have one grandson, Bojack. It is with great honor that the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence inducts Mr. Joe Adams into the 2022 class of the Noble Public Schools Hall of Fame.

Blake Virgin - 2022

Blake Virgin is a lifelong Oklahoman. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Central State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Blake married his wife, Cindy, in 1978. They have two children, Jeff and Emily, who are both proud graduates of Noble High School. While Blake was born in Tulsa and grew up in Moore, Noble is his chosen community. Blake was hired by the Noble School Board to serve as their legal counsel in 1992. He continues to serve in that role at the time of his induction to the Hall of Fame. Blake has always been an outstanding supporter of Noble Public Schools and public education in general. He served as Noble’s legal counsel through many school bond projects that improved the district for all students. His advice and counsel have been invaluable to the numerous school board members and superintendents he has served. In addition, Blake has served as the presiding municipal judge in Noble for over 30 years. His passion for public service and helping others has made him a valued and respected member of the Noble community.

It is with great honor that the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence inducts Blake Virgin into the 2022 class of Noble Public Schools Hall of Fame.

Lyndal & Susan Caddell - 2021

Lyndal and Susan Caddell retired from Noble Public Schools in May of 2020 after legendary careers. Both Lyndal and Susan were known as educators who had a passion for teaching students and modeling life long learning. Lyndal, a proud graduate of Noble High School, proudly served the students of Noble Public Schools for 45 years, while Susan, who loved music and English, served the district for 40 years.

Lyndal Caddell started his teaching career at Noble in 1975. He has been a member, officer, representative, attendee, presenter, learner, educator, and consultant in countless organizations in his school, district, state, region, and nation, as well as internationally. Mr. Caddell showed his students that he supported them not just as students, but developed relationships and was someone to encourage them on their path to their life goals. He attended hundreds of middle school and high school athletic and academic competitions, art displays, and music performances, and sponsored numerous clubs through his years teaching History in Noble. He and his wife, Susan, took small groups of students to events on the University of Oklahoma campus, to museums, and to natural and historical sites.

Susan Caddell started her teaching career at Noble in 1980. She was known for teaching her students how to learn, teaching attention to detail, and teaching and expecting excellence of them. Her background as a musician taught her the importance of fine details and accuracy, which are where harmony and beauty meet, rather than leading to the clashes of communication and chaos. Her love of music is what led Susan to a career in education. Teaching music in Kenya while she was in college was a life-changing experince, igniting a love for other cultures that, after teaching music for eight years, she brought into the English classroom, introducing students through reading to utterly foreign, yet in someways relatable, lives and experiences. Mrs. Caddell pushed her students rigorously to prepare them for college and to become professionals. Students would joke that they ”survived Mrs. Caddell’s class” but would return years later to thank her for pushing them and for how she prepared them to go on to further studies and jobs. After such an extensive career, several generations, including the children and grandchildren of former students, can all say that they were positively impacted by Mr. and/or Mrs. Caddell as teachers.

Dee Solomon - 2020

Dee Solomon was a devoted teacher and coach. She proudly served the Noble School district for 30 years. She was a caring individual to all of her students and had a special place in her heart for students with special needs. Not only did she enjoy teaching and coaching, she loved to read and cook.

Coach Solomon attended Ada High School and was a state champion basketball player. After graduation from high school, she continued her playing career at East Central University. She eventually moved to Norman and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Oklahoma. In the spring of 1989, Dee started her career at Noble Public Schools and was a teacher at Curtis Inge Middle School up until the day she left this earth to join her son Trevor in heaven.

Whether she went by Mrs. Solomon, Coach Solomon, Grand Dee, or Aunt Dee Dee, she was a friend to all who knew her. She was a devoted teacher, coach, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister who dedicated her life to helping others. She cared for everyone, regardless of their situations. Her house was not just a home to her own children, but to many other students that needed a place to stay. Her kitchen was always open, and her expertise in cooking always brought a smile to anyone fotrunate enough to experience her creations. She was always a Noble Bear!

Gary & Donnie Hicks - 2020

The Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence is proud to induct Mr. Gary Hicks, Mr. Donnie Hicks, and Tiffany’s Restaurant into the 2020 Noble Public Schools Hall of Fame. Through multiple decades the support of these gentlemen and their business have given to Noble Schools has been so important to our continued growth and success.

Gary and Donnie have given their time, their efforts, and their financial support to countless groups, clubs, sports, and activities within Noble Public Schools. Tiffany’s Restaurant and the Hicks brothers provide meals for players, coaches, and staff and will even come in on their days off to prepare meals for upcoming activities. This is just an example of their willingness to go above and beyond to help fulfill the needs of all. They are truly a model of a community partnership.

In addition to supporting Noble Schools, Gary and Donnie have supported the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence, the community, local law enforcement agencies, veterans, individuals in need, Senior Citizens, and the list could go on and on. They provide funding for awards for Noble Public Schools’ employees and students, and present a scholarship to NHS seniors in honor of their late mother. They are tirelesss advocates for the schools and local businesses. They work hand in hand to make a difference. Mr. Gary Hicks, Mr. Donnie Hicks, Tiffany’s Restaurant and the restaurant’s staff have all made a positive impace on Noble Public Schools.

Dale Estep - 2019

Coach Estep is a tremendous professional and an outstanding teacher, coach and administrator. He served the Noble School District for 35 years in these roles and has continued to work with students as a substitute teacher. Although he has been retired for 16 years, you will find him at practices, duals and tournaments, coaching and supporting our athletes.  Every wrestler that has gone through Noble High School since 1968 will offer testimony to his involvement in their personal career.  He cares deeply about every person who crosses his path.  He is never overbearing or interfering, but he is always available with words of encouragement. Generations of wrestlers, students, parents and peers will testify to his attributes. Coach Estep was a two-time State Champion at Geary High School and continued his wrestling career at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado.  He came to Noble High School in 1968 after being hired by John K. Hubbard as Noble’s first full-time wrestling coach. He served as Head Wrestling Coach from 1968-1990.  He served as Athletic Director from 1983 until his retirement in 2003.  Coach Estep was the All State Wrestling Coach in 1982.  He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018. Coach Estep has been quoted as saying “Every kid you come across is good-it is our responsibility as educators and coaches, to get that good out of them. Don’t ever give up on a kid. Ever”. One of Coaches mottos has always been “Just for kids”. It is with great honor that the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence inducts Coach Dale Estep into the 2019 class of the Noble Public Schools Hall of Fame.

Susan Winkler - 2018

Many people may not be aware but at least 65% of the students in Noble qualify for the free/reduced program. When Susan was hired by Noble Public Schools to be a speech pathologist in 1994 she too was unaware of this statistic. Daily Susan would work hard to ensure the academic needs of students with disabilities was being met. The problem is the social economic status of many of her students was standing in the way. Ruby Payne, a famous author, would say poverty has a huge correlation to academic achievement. Susan first hand knew the correlation between poverty and achievement, and wanted to be a change agent. Many of her students worried about how they were going to eat or if they had clean clothes for the next day. As educators, we all understand these things are an issue, but we lack the funding to fix them. That was not an excuse with Susan. Susan went to her administration and the board and started the Adopt-A-Child program. This was a first of its kind for Noble. No longer would a child who attended Hubbard Elementary have to worry about finding food, finding clothing, funding a field trip, getting a school picture, wearing a school shirt, picking out school supplies, buying a book from the book fair, and the list goes on and on. This club sponsored program would raise funds to meet the needs of those students. Susan would come up with various fundraiser to support her club. Everything from talking to business, an annual pancake breakfast, a silent auction, etc… Susan was constantly working after hours during the weekends and summer to raise funds, shop for children’s needs or set up doctors appointments she would pay for. This continued for 24 years until she had to medically resign due to stage 4 breast cancer this past year. As if starting and running the adopt-a-child program wasn’t enough, Susan wanted to do more. Susan was a big player in helping with Hubbard’s backpack buddies program as well. Backpack buddies is a program that ensures students in poverty go home with a backpack of food every weekend. Students no longer needed to worry about what they would eat over the weekend. When Susan wasn’t working with students with disabilities, or helping fund the needs of children in poverty, she could be found giving up her time to the Noble Wrestling program. Susan devoted 20 years of her life to meeting the needs of the Noble Wrestling program. She was a Mama bear who could be found raising money, washing uniforms, or even helping giving pointers to our pee wee and high school wrestlers.

We expect people when they are hired to do the duties within the job they are hired to do. Susan on the other hand went above and beyond every day for Noble Public Schools. If you want to know the impact she made in her 24 years at Noble, all you have to do is ask one of the following questions to the students she served. How did you feel when you got your new coat or shoes? How did you feel to get a backpack full of food for the weekend? How did you feel when you got to pick out your school supplies? How did you feel when you got eye glasses your family couldn’t afford? The list goes on and on…….

Many of us will never know the answers to those questions because we were born into different circumstances. Many of our students though can answer those questions due to one special lady MRS. SUSAN WINKLER.

Junior Calvert - 2018

One of 11 children, Junior Calvert, began high school at Noble High School, but actually finished his career at Mustang High School after his parents moved there. He wanted to graduate from Noble but his father told him no. During one of his high school basketball tournaments, he suffered from a ruptured appendix. The coach at Noble wanted to try and find Junior a basketball scholarship but after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, his athletic career was over. Doctors gave him differing opinions on whether he should ever even work. But for those who knew Junior, they all agreed that there was no one that would keep him from working. Junior loved sports and always remained young at heart. Junior owned his own company, Calvert Masonry employing up to 80 people at times. At times, they would often take a break and play a quick game of basketball. But he longed for the time to only be with his main crew, and went back to having his one crew for the remainder of his career. Junior and his crew began brick work at Noble High School in 2000. His goal was to provide a memorial brick pathway in front of the high school. He wanted to do his part to see that every young person wanting to college would be able to do so. Funding from the sale of the bricks would be put toward scholarships for those students. Junior Calvert was a friend to all that knew him and he wanted nothing more than to see the students benefit. Junior enjoyed his nine children and 40 grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his kids, he had a special attachment to Noble High School. Mr. Calvert joined the Alumni Association and was always involved in their fundraising activities as he was a great supporter. Later in life, Junior was saved and began to write songs to express the love for his family.

Pat Leveridge - 2017

Pat Leveridge graduated from Canyon High School in Canyon, Texas in 1961 and from West Texas State University with a BA in history in 1965. She taught school in Amarillo Texas and in Fort Payne, Alabama before coming to teach at Noble High School in 1969. From 1969 to 1996, Mrs. Leveridge taught American history, psychology, sociology, and international problems. Her students were coached, cajoled, and quizzed to high standards of performance in her classes. Mrs. Leveridge was happy to sponsor a variety of extra curricular activities over the years, exposing students to leadership opportunities in the Student Council, Model UN, and Mock Trials. She took high school kids all over the state to academic contests and workshops. Notable trips included the National Convention of Student Councils in Fort Worth, and a history tour of New York and Philadelphia in 1976 for the Bicentennial. In the 1970's  and early 1980's, Pat Leveridge was a leader among the first group of Noble teachers to participate in the important work of contract negotiations during the establishment of the Noble Chapter of the Oklahoma Teacher's Association (OEA). In the classroom and in her professional work, Mrs. Leveridge's intelligence, capacity for hard work, quick wit, and camaraderie have made her admired by many. Her colleagues, her students, and her family are grateful and proud of her work at Noble High School.

Charles & Marie McAtee - 2017

Charles ("Mac") McAtee received his agriculture journalism and agriculture education degree from Oklahoma State University, while Marie McAtee earned her teaching degree from Southeastern State University. They both began teaching in Noble in 1952. Mac taught Vocational Agriculture for 25 years, retiring in 1977. He implemented leadership activities, public speaking, soil and water conservation, and judging contests into the curriculum. During his tenure they were three time state runner ups in public speaking, had national judging teams in poultry, soil and water conservation, and earned "Superior" Chapter Achievement 19 times. During Marie's 26 years at Noble, she taught elementary school and later served as the Junior High Librarian until her retirement in 1978. Marie truly believed that reading was the foundation to all learning. She loved books and reading, and that love resonated throughout her long career. Their son, James Robert, as well as their three grandchildren, graduated from Noble High School. 

Donald Ray Holman (6/20/1965 - 1/4/2015) - 2016

Donald Ray Holman was born on June 20, 1965 and passed away on January 4, 2015. He moved to Noble in 1977 and graduated from Noble High School in 1984. He married Margie Williamson on January 17, 1985. They have two children; Kelli (married to Eric Cook) and DJ (married to Nikki Thompson). Donald was a huge family man and loved them dearly. His grandson, Caden, was his pride and joy. After Donald's passing, DJ and Nikki had a little girl named Zoey. She would have been the apple of his eye and would have ha him wrapped round his little finger. Donald's second love was Noble and being a Noble Bear. He took great pride in being a Bear. Donald played football, baseball, an wrestled for Noble High School. He was employed straight out of high school by the City of Noble, where he worked for 30 years. He then joined the Chain Gang for Noble Varsity Football. He loved the Friday Night Lights so much he ran those chains and cheered on his Bears for 30 years as a volunteer. He coached several little league teams including football, wrestling, and baseball. He was an active member of Noble Bear Down, the football booster club, since it started in 1999. If you needed Donald, you could just drive to the football field, and he would be there. When you needed something for football, you could always count on Donald to get it done. He was dedicated to the athletes, so much so that throughout the years, he and his wife Margie opened up their home to several students. Not just to feed them, but to provide them a home when they needed it and welcomed them into their family. Donald felt that every child should participate in sports or in extracurricular activities. He felt being involved in sports taught the kids teamwork, respect, responsibility, and to have a good attitude. Donald's last football season was the 2014 season. He worked through the last home game. He made sure all of Bear Down's duties were done, everyone was in their car safely heading home, the lights were turned off and the gates were locked. He was very sick at this time and knew this would be his last season under those Friday Night Lights. He stayed there for several hours afterwards and drove home. The 2015 Noble Bears football season was the first season Donald was not there in person to cheer on the Noble Bears in over 35 years, but those who knew Donald, know that he will always be there in spirit cheering on his Noble Bears for eternity.

Jeanette Smith (2/1991 - 2/2016) - 2016

Jeanette Smith retired from the school board as a 25 year veteran of the Noble Board of Education. She was honored previously by the Oklahoma State School Board Association with the status of All State School Board Member. During the years she faithfully served Noble Public Schools, she only had a child attending for two of those 25 years. She was simply a dedicated and giving Board Member. Mrs. Smith moved to Noble in 1984 to allow her children to attend Noble Public Schools. Her daughters; Sheridyn and Sabreana, are both graduates of Noble High School. Mrs. Smith was a leader on the Board of Education in numerous ways. She was a contributing member both in policy and creativity. She worked tirelessly with administration at the central office and all five school sites. Jeanette demanded integrity and accountability from all stakeholders in the district. Jeanette has been an active participant in our district concerning student issues and concerns. She was the instrumental leader in developing the Student Assistance Fund. This fund benefits students that have individual needs without the parents support to provide for those needs. She has been involved in developing character education and training for our students and works diligently to see those issues are addressed. She was often seen at NPS events, such as ballgames, concerts, and plays long after her children had graduated. Mrs. Jeanette Smith has set the standard for voluntary public service during the 25 years she has served NPS. She has always made decisions on what she believed was the best for students. To give of yourself personally for so long without anything other than intrinsic benefits, is a precedent that will be difficult for anyone to surpass. Noble Public Schools is forever indebted to Mrs. Jeanette Smith for her support and service.

Roy Calvert - 2015

Roy Calvert graduated from Noble High School in 1947. He lived and worked in the Noble area until his death in 1998. Mr. Calvert served on the Noble Public Schools Board of Education. He and his wife, Ruth, also a Noble graduate, were very involved in the education of their four children - Lynn, Gail, Dayla, and Kevin - throughout their school years at Noble. Mr. Calvert was actively supportive of all extracurricular groups, often chaperoning, providing transportation, and financing out-of-state- class trips, class parties, activities, and school events. As a national golf course designer and local landscaping contractor, Mr. Calvert offered his services in the athletic department for his version of "Summer Pride". He called his program "Calvert's Fun Far". From bailing hay to harvesting and planting Bermuda grass, the make athletes were kept healthy, fit , and ready for sports in the fall. Mr. Calvert donated the dirt work and grass for the baseball field at Maguire and Highway 77. In 1972, he donated the original dirt work and grassing on the current football field and the grass around the then hew High School. Later, he would donate the grass for Hubbard Elementary. It was a given that anytime Mr. Farris called, Roy was there to help with equipment, labor, and supplies. He was an avid supporter of all athletics and was himself a member of the Noble varsity basketball team. He was also a supporter of the Agricultural Department involving local FFA members at his cattle ranch. He loved Noble Schools. Today his family continues his commitment to Noble schools and will be enrolling a fourth generation of Noble students this fall.

Dale Horton - 2015

Oliver Dale Horton was born on December 5, 1946 in McAlester, Oklahoma. Dale attended schools and graduated from Norman High School. While growing up in Norman, Dale's father passed away, leaving a void that would need to be filled. Mr. Her Mackey, a Norman High School Agricultural Educational Teacher, became a mentor to Dale. This relationship propelled Dale to his career as Agricultural Education Teacher. In 1970, Dale received his Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University. After graduating from OSU, Dale working installing carpet. Remembering the impact that Mr. Mackey had on him as a teenager, Dale decided to give back by using his degree. in 1976, Mr. Horton became an Ag Teacher for Norman Public Schools. While at Norman, Dale was involved in several areas within the Ag Program. in 1979, Dales accepted an offer from Noble High School to help build their Ag Program. Under his leadership and with the support of the FFA Alumni Association, the Noble Agricultural Program thrived. Dale knew his subject matter well and instructed his students in all. Dale accepted all students regardless of their needs or abilities. Several students received state and national awards, as well as held several state and national offices while in the Noble Ag Program. While teaching at Noble, Dale served at the 1983 president for the Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teachers Association. He was honored for his commitment to Ag education by receiving the State Teaching Award form the OAETA. One of Mr. Horton's strengths was his ability to mentor his students, as well as other Agriculture teachers Dale mentored aspiring Ag Ed Teachers as student teachers from state universities. Mr. Horton would become known as a "teacher's teacher". Three of those Dale mentored went on to become public school superintendents. Many former student teachers continue to teach and influence students, just as their mentor had taught them. At the peak, eight former student teachers were active Ag Education teachers in the state of Oklahoma. After 28 years in Ag Ed, Mr. Dale Horton retired from Noble Public Schools. Because of Dale's commitment to mentoring and educating youth, he received the National Association Agricultural Education Region II Mentor Teacher Award in 2005. In 2007, Dale was elected into the Oklahoma Education Teacher Hall of Fame. He was and will always be a teacher, mentor, and supporter of Agricultural Education. Dale worked endless hours for the students of Noble Schools and retired as one of the most respected Agricultural Education Teachers in Oklahoma. To this day, you can find him supporting Noble students and the FFA program.

James Farris, Sr. - 2014

James Farris came to Noble in 1956 after graduating from Oklahoma State University and serving his country in the Navy, including serving in World War II. James coached for sixteen years at Noble High School, making appearances in the state tournament nine times in softball, three times in volleyball, and two times in girls' basketball. His teams were state champions in volleyball and softball as well as six time Canadian Valley Regional Champions in basketball. During his twenty-seven years in the school system, he served as a teacher of industrial arts and math, athletic director, principal, maintenance director, and transportation director. One of his biggest achievements was the planning a nd building of our first football field, field house, practice field, and track. What made this such a huge accomplishment is that the entire job was completed within the school system, including labor and personal equipment. Coach Farris set the bar very high as expressed in a quote reflecting his coaching philosophy, "Winning conference tournaments, invitational tournaments, or district tournaments mean nothing. If you don't go to the state tournament, you have a bad season." He also expressed many times, " The association with the ball girls meant everything to me." Coach Farris affected the lives of his athletes by not only coaching them in athletics, but by being a teacher and role model in life situations. Coach Farris maintains the love and respect of his "ball girls" and will continue to influence them for the rest of their lives. This is evident by the presence of twenty three of his former athletes at this award ceremony. James Farris is a man that made an impact on the paths he crossed and continues to cross. he was and will always be a teacher and coach of life. To this day you can find him supporting our Noble Bears at various sporting events.

John K. Hubbard, Sr. - 2014

John K. Hubbard was one of 16 children born to John Henderson Hubbard and Lillian Wilson Hubbard. He was born on October 21, 1909 in Wheeler, Texas. The family moved to Pocasset and then to Ninekah, Oklahoma where he graduated from Ninekah High School. John was encouraged to attend college by an older brother, Floyd, a longtime educator and employee of the Oklahoma Department of Education. John received a Bachelor's degree in Education from Central State College, a Master's in Secondary School Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and accumulated 20 hours towards hi s PhD in Education. John began his career in education at a small country school in Grady County where he taught for a year with his brother, Floyd. He then moved to a country school called Slaton in 1940. The school board president, Spender Bernard, later became the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. John met his wife, Ester, at Slaton Schools. Both sons, John W. and Don K. graduated from Noble High School. In 1940, John left Slaton schools and joined the US Border Patrol, then transferred to Immigration and Naturalization where he served until 1946 when he returned to Oklahoma to become the principal at Harrah High School until 1948. John had the steadfast philosophy that "kids are at school to get an education and you can't get it if you aren't in school." He also would not hire someone to teach who was a straight A student because they had not had enough extracurricular activity and would have a hard time relating to kids. He loved the kids, and they returned the love and respect. During his tenure, John replaced the High School building, which had been condemned, with the current Administration Building for $78,000. The bricks were hauled form the Oklahoma State Penitentiary bby school employees and the lumber came from mule barns from Camp Gruber. He also purchased the land where the current high school sits and built the original building and gym. This created quite an uproar because of a very large gully on the southeast corner of the property which has since become the beautiful football complex. With a total of 26 years, from 1948 until 1974, John K. Hubbard r3emains the longest serving superintendent for the Noble Public School District.

Ray Philpot - 2013

A life long resident of Noble, Ray Philpot has become one of the school district's greatest success stories. His love for and devotion to Noble Schools has only grown over the years through his unwavering allegiance, protection, and support of its children. After losing his mother at a tender young age, Ray was given extra care and guidance from several beloved Noble educators. Although he was known for being a generally mischievous student and for giving his teaches grief as a child, he never failed in adulthood to publicly recognize those who were so devoted to helping him eventually become a 1967 graduate of Noble High School. Ray has continued to pay his debt of gratitude to Noble Schools through many generous and philanthropic acts. Most notably, he served for a decade as a school board member where notably, he was instrumental in passing bonds, initiating overall school improvement efforts, and pouring countless tones of donated concrete. His love of the 4-h and the FFA programs has only increased through the years since his days as a student himself. Ray has also helped to raise thousands of Bonus Auction dollars each year for current 4-H and FFA students. Even though he has been a part of so many wonderful acts, Ray always made sure that raising his own two children came first. Ray is passionate about helping children with special needs and children who find themselves in similar challenging life circumstances as he experienced in his childhood days. Those children face a much brighter future because of Ray's quiet yet generous donations of time and financial support.

The Burkett Family of Educators - 2013

It is very clear that the Burkett Family values education. As former graduates of Noble High School, many members of the Burkett Family became educators and taught multiple generation of children in southern Cleveland County, including Noble. Their combined experience totals over 365 years . The first Burkett educator in Cleveland County in 1899 was Cora Burkett, a cousin of the Noble Burketts. Her career in education inspired several generations of Burketts. Lewis Burkett graduated from Noble Schools in 1920, followed by Orion in 1923, Chelsea in 1925, Nadine in 1927, Ethel in 1930 and Jesse in 1934. Many others followed in their footsteps an not only graduated from Noble but became educators in Noble. Orion was the Noble grade school principal;  for nine years, while hi wife, Ethel, was also a teacher. Chelsea taught and was a principal in Noble for 3 year; his wife, Jewel (Bugher, also a Noble graduate) taught in Noble schools for one year. Nadine Burkett Davis taught 24 years in a Noble first grade classroom while her husband, B.I. Davis, taught math at the high school. Pearl Burkett taught business classes at the high school. In the picture above, nine of those educators have a combined experience of 350 ears. They are (seated form left) Mrs. Lewis (Pearl) Burkett, Mrs. Nadine (Burkett) Davis, Mrs. Jesses (Wanda) Burkett, Mrs. Jewel (Bugher) Burkett, Mrs. Ethel Burkett (wife of Orion), and (standing from left) Dr. Jess Burkett, Mr. Chelsea Burkett, and Mr. B.I. Davis.

Commander Robert Lee "Bob" Miller (11/29/1924 - 2/21/2010) - 2012

Commander Robert Lee "Bob" Miller was born November 29, 1924, the grandson and great grandson of families who settled in Noble before statehood. He graduated from Noble High School in 1940 at the age of 15 after advancing two grades. Coming from humble and difficult beginnings, his accomplishments have been amazing. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy where he spent thirty distinguished years and received many medals for meritorius service in both WWII and the Vietnam War. Bob lived all over the world, did many things, knew many famous people, and has a dedicated memorial plaque in the new military museum at Pearl Harbor, but he never forgot his roots. Every year that he was able, he  returned home for the annual Noble High School Alumni Reunion. On February 21, 2010, Robert Lee died in Oxnard, California. He had no children, so he left his estate to be divided between two of his most cherished groups; his church and the Noble Alumni Association. The funds, totaling almost $250,000 are protected by the legal designation they can only be used for scholarships. Robert Lee Miller was a hero. He not only gave 30 years of his life helping to protect our right to a free education, he left the means to help some achieve it. Had his circumstances been different, Robert Lee would have loved the opportunity to go to college. There is no doubt that his intelligence would have carried him far. Instead, he made the most of the hand he was dealt; he lived a full and productive life, and was a respected leader of men in both war time and peace. In death, 70 years from the time he graduated, he is now helping give others an opportunity that he never had.

Mary Kersey - 2012

Mary Kersey is a lifelong resident of Noble, she attended Canada School just south of Noble through the 8th grade, and then came to Noble Schools for her high school education. Mary, her 4 brothers and sisters, her children, and three of her grandchildren are all proud Noble graduates. Mary graduated as Class Valedictorian in 1958. After earning her degree from the University of Oklahoma in Home Economics Education, she returned to Noble in 1963 and taught until retirement. During her years at the high school, Mary was very active in the school and the community. She served as faculty sponsor for several student clubs and organizations. She was also very active in the youth programs that her children were involved in and served as a parent volunteer in the All Sports Association, FFA parent committees, Little League, and others. Mary was honored as a District Teacher of the Year, served as the first Vice President of the NACT, and was active in the Oklahoma Vocational Education Association. Mary continued to substitute teach at the high school and serve as a test monitor until 2011. She continues to be active in the Cleveland County Retired Teachers Organization. She also enters many projects in the County Fair and still wins.

Chyrel Peters - 2011

Chyrel Peters served on the Noble Schools Board of Education for wo terms for a total of 10 years. Chyrel was also a founding charter member of the Noble PTA in 1986 and a founding member of the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence. Chyrel Peters moved to Noble with her family in 1981. Chyrels's two children, Josh and Chesnye, both attended Noble Public Scchools from kindergarten through graduation. Chyrel exhibited quality leadership skills throughout her children's school years and beyond. When Chyrel discovered that Noble did not have a PTA for the schools, she gathered her friends, held a charter meeting, and founded the first chapter of the Noble PTA. She was the President of the newly established PTA and then went on to represent Noble on the Oklahoma PTA State Board for many years. She was also instrumental in PTA implementing the first Project Graduation in 1994. Chyrel worked for the Cleveland County Record, a local newspaper, and became very active with the Noble Chamber of Commerce. Chyrel is still active in community service and works quietly and faithfully at the Back to School Breakfasts, Community Information Fairs, and the Awards & Recognition Banquets every year. Chyrel never seeks recognition and is always the first to give praise and credit to others. 

Ken King (2/18/1936 - 9/30/2004) - 2011

Kenneth L. King loved family, education, and banking. He was very proud that his daughter, Kim, graduated as Valedictorian of Noble's Class of 1978. His love of education was influence by his love or his mother, Alma, and his wife, Betty, both of whom were educators. He was able to combine all of these in his role as Chairman of the Board and CEO of First State Bank from 1969-2004. From the time his family move to Noble in 1970 until his death in 2004, he was an avid supporter of the Noble Public Schools in many ways. He personally provided financial support to many programs, including athletics, agriculture, music, and academics. He even took money out of his own pocket to purchase items needed by individual students. He taught many financial education classes at the schools. As a bank officer, he offered unerringly good financial advice to numerous superintendents and school boards. At his direction, the bank consistently purchased school bond issues, enabling the school to expand its facilities and services. He developed a stipend program for teachers to help them purchase teaching supplies. He was a founder and a Trustee for the Noble Foundation for Academic Excellence. He also made sure that hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated by FSB to the school and its activities during his lifetime. He was a co-chair of the Noble Library Expansion Drive, resulting in the current Noble Library facility, used regularly by many Noble students and their families. This facility also houses the Homework Helpers Program for the Noble Public Schools. Finally, his love for the Noble Public Schools and its students is continued through the Kenneth L. King Memorial Reading Project and many other works supported by his estate and First State Bank.

Terry Childress - 2010

Terry Childress is not only an outstanding graduate of Noble Public Schools, he is also one of the its most generous and loyal benefactors. Since graduating in 1969, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standard of civic responsibility by supporting both his beloved alma mater and the city of Noble itself. Through the years, Mr. Childress has generously donated countless meals and supplies to individuals or families in need, to school and civic groups, as well as, financially sponsoring numerous educational and athletic projects. In addition to employing many of Noble's students at his Sonic franchise, he has been instrumental in giving a record number of scholarships to them as well. What is less known about Terry is that our students with special needs have a very tender place reserved just for them in his heart. Their visits to his restaurant are    the highlight of their day and are full of good times, and of course, free ice cream!. Mr. Childress is also very active with the Noble Chamber of Commerce and is one of the founding members of the NPS Foundation. His quiet humbleness, combined with his devoted service and generous financial support of the school system is inspirational to us all.

Elmer Nemecek (11/2/1909 - 1/29/2003) - 2010

Elmer Nemecek served as a Noble School Board member from 1952-1972. Elmer and his wife Jeanie raised three sons, all of whom graduated from Noble and became tears in the areas of vocational agriculture and mathematics. Jeanie also worked for the school after Mr. Nemecek retired from the school board. Later in life, th couple deeded tow lots by their home to build a cafeteria and playground at KID Elementary School. Mr. Nemecek was very interested in every area of Noble's educational system, but was especially interested in the vocational agriculture program. in 1979, he led a committee of parents to raise money to build a show barn at the high school. Through the years, he was active in the Noble FVA Alumni, serving as president and secretary and as a State FFA district director. He led the FFA Alumni to offer scholarships to seniors majoring in agriculture, to students attending the Washington FFA conference, and to support the Bonus Auction after the county stock show. In 1987, the alumni decided to do some concrete work in the show barn, which required the existing floor to be lowered. Elmer volunteered to take the project on, and with a five-gallon bucket to sit on, a chisel, and hammer, he too the floor down to the desired level in two weeks.

Bill Nations - 2009

House Representative Bill Nations is a graduate of Noble High School, Class of 1960. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Oklahoma in 1964 an da doctorate degree from Baylor University on 1968. After honorably serving our nation in the US Navy from 1968-1970, he established a successful dentistry practice in Norman, Oklahoma. He is married to Teena (Kinsey) Nations, and together they have a daughter and two grandchildren. Since retiring from dentistry, Bill Nations has represented district 44 of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives with honor and distinction. Currently, he is serving as the Vice Cha of the Higher Education and Career Tech committee and is a member of the Government Modernization and Educational Appropriations and Budget committees. He has been widely recognized and awarded as a supporter and advocate of higher education, healthcare, agriculture, and aviation/aerospace. In 2007, he became a Friend of Safe Kids, and in 2008, he was inducted into the Child Advocates Hall of Fame.

Eugene Murnan - 2009

Eugene Murnan, a lifetime Noble resident, graduated from Noble Public Schools. Over the next 70 years, he and his wife, Emogene, would see four children, six grandchildren, and a great grandson graduate from Noble. All six grandchildren received college degrees with three of those being school teachers. Since he wasn't too keen on giving up playing football and showing livestock after graduation, he continued to assist FF students at sock shows and supported the school sporting evens by coaching summer softball, baseball and basketball. The Murnans were Senior Class sponsors and have consistently been found attending school events over the past 70 years. One of his big contributions to the school system was by being part of the football "Chain Gang" from 1966 to; 2004 alongside two of his sons. Eugene was one of the original founding members of the Noble Alumni Association on which he served until his death. Working with the school administration to do the Alumni directory was a thrill for him as he loved sharing his historical pictures and community knowledge. His blood may have been blue and gold as he certainly was proud of his beloved alma mater and his deep family roots.

Katherine Daily (9/6/1948- 5/4/2003) - 2008

Katherine I. Daily earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in August of  1970- and her Master's Degree in Administration  in August of 1980 from the University of Oklahoma. She came to the Noble School District in July of 1972 as a third grade teacher and was later a sixth grade science teacher. She became the principal of Crosstimbers Elementary School and served in that capacity for 26 years. Katherine's lifelong dream was to be a teacher like her mother. She was well known for greeting every child by name in the hallway every morning. She was well respected by students, staff, and parents. Katherine was very involved in education and the community of Noble. She attended school board meetings, was instrumental in chartering the very first Noble PTA and a founding member of the Noble Public Schools Foundation for Academic Excellence. In December 2002, Crosstimbers Elementary was renamed Katherine I. Daily Elementary in honor of her 32 years of dedicated service to the district. On May 4 2003 she lost her courageous battle against melanoma cancer and Noble lost a great educator. 

Billie (Hightower) Woods - 2008

After Billie Hightower graduated from Noble High in 1964, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree form the University of Oklahoma. She married Rick Woods in 1966/ Rick taught in Noble Schools for 16 years. All three of their children (Tammy, Mark, and Lisa) graduated from Noble High School. Before Billie started Loving Care Home Health and Hospice in her home, she owned Romper Room Day Care in Purcell. Her first business in Noble was Gold Key Realty where her family worked with her. While she earned her RN degree in 1991, she worked in ER and served as an administrator in hospitals in Oklahoma City and Purcell. Loving Care is one of the largest employers in Noble with 4 other offices in surrounding towns. Billie, Rick, Tammy, Mark and Lisa all work together to make Loving Care truly a family business. The family also owns and operates LC Land & Cattle. Billie and her family's interest in education, health, and farming are demonstrated by their support of many Noble School events and community activities too numerous to mention.