The fifth Odin High School Hall of Fame event was held over the weekend, and it turned out to be the biggest crowd to attend any prior event. Six new honorees joined the Hall of Fame ranks.
Marge Decker, Terri Owens Lively, Robin Brooks, Eileen Shanafelt, Dr. Stan Morrison and Jeff Burton were all lauded during the evening.
Marge Decker thanked the school and those in attendance and her family. Marge ranks as one of the most beloved figures in school history, Every Odin graduate has a great “Marge memory” or two.
Terri Owens Lively recalled the sacrifices her family made to get her to and from ballgames. There were many obstacles for female athletes to overcome in the 1970’s, but Terri challenged every barrier and became the only 1,000-point scorer in Lady Eagle history.
Robin Brooks spoke of the importance of family and the quality education he received from the school and its athletic opportunities, as important factors in his many successes. Brooks is retiring this year as Selmaville School Superintendent.
Sherry Williams spoke for and accepted the plaque for her mother, the late Eileen Shanafelt. Offering a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a key figure in school history, who always did her important work behind the scenes. Eileen ushered the school into the computer age through her tireless efforts and intelligence. Over twenty of her family members were at the event to honor her legacy at the school and in the village.
Dr. Stan Morrison chose his wife, Diana Morrison, as the person to introduce and induct him into the Hall of Fame. Both are respected graduates of the school. Dr. Morrison spoke of his basketball career at the school. He was the first Odin Eagle to eclipse the 1,000-point barrier. He then spoke on how he turned all of his focus and attention to his college studies, and shared stories of the obstacles the young couple overcame along the way. Retiring from a long and successful dental career, the Morrisons’ have long been respected by all who were either dental clients, or members of their community and beyond.
Jeff Burton gave a lot of the credit to his success to his coaches. Jim Mulvaney, Rick Jackson and Larry Kelly, being the pivotal figures in his growth as an athlete and student. Known for his multiple talents as an athlete, it is his love for the school and his family, that really makes Jeff Burton Hall of Fame material.
There were also nice introduction speeches and some emotion and laughs along the way. The evening kicked-off in a fun fashion, when Odin junior-high cheerleader, Star Weber, ran through the crowd a number of times, waving a giant Odin Eagle flag, as the school loyalty song powered through the PA system.
Refreshments were served and enjoyed and many memories were preserved in photos. To simply say the event was a success would be an understatement. It was more than that. A meaningful and valuable experience to all who were there.
