JCHS Alumni Hall of Fame Biographies 2012 - 2020 JCHS Alumni Hall of Fame 2012 Dr. Ron Brooks - 1997 Graduate Ron graduated from Bellarmine University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then attended Indiana University School of Medicine followed by a move to New York City where he completed a residency and surgical research program through New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. Ron has been a shining academic example to his fellow classmates through high school, college and post-graduate level. His determination, hard work and relentless pursuit of academic, personal and professional goals have inspired many. During his surgical research, Brooks studied various aspects of breast cancer and these studies, in conjunction with his professional memberships are continuing to search for a breast cancer cure. Dr. Ron Brooks is currently working as a plastic surgery fellow at the University of Louisville. Rosemary Edens - 1970 Graduate After overcoming some seemingly insurmountable health problems and seeing her own daughters into their school years, Rosemary Edens attended Indiana University as an adult student and earned a Bachelor degree in English with a minor in sociology. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in counseling. In 1988, she came back to Jennings County Schools and proceeded to serve our school district for nearly 22 years. She became well-known for her enthusiasm, her ability to make learning fun, and her ability to reach all of her students. After “retiring” in June 2010, she and husband, Dennis had been enjoying grandkids and John Deere tractors until this past fall when she was recruited to return to JCHS for this school year and is currently teaching sophomore English. Bill Harmon - 1973 Graduate Bill was known during his high school days for his athleticism. He continued to add to that reputation as a four year letterman on the University of Louisville Basketball Team and a member of the 1975 Final Four Team. Today, he is better known as co-owner of Harmon Construction, Harmon Steel and Taylor Brothers Construction. Bill continually uses his leadership skills to help serve his community. Through their charity, “The Joy of Giving” various fundraising events are held, collecting money to help those in need. It has grown over the course of the last few years into a major asset for our community. Bill Harmon is a positive role model for and supporter of all students and people of our community. Jennings County is a better place because of his efforts. Jon Webster - 1975 Graduate Judge Webster diligently pursued his education upon graduation from JCHS. He attended the University of Louisville where he received his B.A. in political science, and then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville. Upon graduation from law school in 1982, he returned to North Vernon to practice law with his father. Judge Webster practiced law for fourteen years before he was elected Jennings County Circuit Court Judge in 1996 where he continues to serve. Judge Webster is known to be approachable and down to earth, friendly and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who may need it. He has volunteered in our community in numerous capacities. He understands that so much of his success has come from the time and effort that others were willing to sacrifice for him and that it is important to provide a role model for younger generations and to equip young people with tools necessary to build a successful career and life. Kendall Wildey - 1980 Graduate Kendall Wildey earned his Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College and his Master’s degree from Indiana University. He served Jennings County Schools for 22 years. Eight of those years were spent as the Principal of JCHS and 4 as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the district. Prior to becoming an administrator, Mr. Wildey taught English. In addition, he served as JCHS varsity boys’ basketball coach and varsity softball coach. In boys’ basketball, his teams claimed 5 Sectional titles, 1 Regional title and 1 Elite Eight appearance. As girls’ softball coach he has led his teams to 4 Sectional titles, 1 Regional title, and 1 Final Four Appearance. He is the school’s all-time leader in coaching victories of both sports. Kendall is currently an administrator for Columbus Christian School. Mr. Wildey has influenced countless lives through his efforts as both an educator and a coach. The Hall of Fame Committee has the option of inducting an Honorary member to each class. In its inaugural year, the committee thought is only fitting to select 2 Honorary Inductees whose names are synonymous with Jennings County High School. Our first Honorary Inductee is Mr. Don Pelkey Mr. Pelkey began his career as a teacher of health and physical education in 1950 at North Vernon High School. In 1951, he was called into military service. He returned to his teaching position in 1952. From 1953 until 1971, Don served in a variety of capacities to North Vernon High School by coaching a variety of sports and serving as Athletic Director and Guidance Counselor. During the 1970-71 school year, he served as the Principal of North Vernon Junior High School. From 1972 to 1989, Mr. Pelkey served as the Assistant Principal of Jennings County High School. He returned from retirement in 1989 to 1994 to serve as the At-Risk Coordinator for what was to become the Jennings County Education Center. The key word that describes Don Pelkey is the word "serve". His career has been one of service to the youth of this community and the people within it. Whether it was teaching, coaching, or guiding young people, or making sure facilities were ready for the public, he gave of himself to assure that these needs were met and the facilities were ready. Mr. Pelkey's service was never restricted to just the educational environment. His service can be seen through his involvement in community organizations, such as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, and the Jennings County United Way. The Second Honorary Inductee is a man who set the standard to which JCHS will always be held: Charles W. Hurley Mr. Hurley served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to Indiana University where he earned honors athletically and academically. Charles "Chuck" Hurley was a man whose physical stature often made him stand out among others, and whose stature was often dwarfed by his compassion for the youth and the people of this community. During his forty-three year tenure of service to the Jennings County School Corporation, Mr. Hurley distinguished himself as a teacher, coach, and principal. He taught and coached at both Hayden and North Vernon High School before becoming Principal at North Vernon. Mr. Hurley was named the first Principal of Jennings County High School in 1968, a position that he held until his retirement in 1993. Mr. Hurley has been known in this community and throughout the State of Indiana for his service and leadership. He was instrumental in the formation of The Hoosier Hills Conference and served as its first President. He also was an active member of the IHSAA Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the IHSAA Exeutive Committee. Accepting on behalf of Mr. Hurley are his children: Rita, Rock, Carmen, and Matt Hurley and Lorraine Vacketta JCHS Alumni Hall of Fame 2013 Lee Bridges - 1986 Graduate Retiring after 20 years of service to the United States Air Force, Lt. Col. Lee J. Bridges returned to his Jennings County roots in 2011. He is currently employed by Cummins Engine. Bridges ranked fourth in his class when he graduated from JCHS in 1986. He went on to attend college at Rose-Hulman where he earned his mechanical engineering degree in 1990. In 1998 Bridges earned a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 1991 Bridges joined the Air Force where he received many awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Award, Meritorious Service Medal with five oakleaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal, just to name a few. Bridges retired from the deputy commander role for the 46th Maintenance Group at Eaglin Air Force Base in Florida. He was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps. Bridges has served in a variety of maintenance assignments supporting numerous aircraft. He has filled roles as a maintenance officer in fighter squadrons as well as being assigned to headquarters. He commanded two maintenance squadrons. Bridges is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active with the volunteer service organization as he moved throughout the world serving at different bases. Currently he is involved with the St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus. Steve Elsner - 1976 Graduate A 1976 graduate of JCHS, Steve Elsner currently serves as the deputy manager of Program Control and Integration (PC&I) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). In this position, Elsner is helping NASA develop the next United States-led capability for crew transportation and rescue services to and from the International Space Station (ISS) and other low earth orbit destinations. As deputy manager of PC&I, he works closely with CCP's deputy program manager to provide leadership in business management, acquisition strategy, planning and execution of industry capabilities. Elsner began his career with NASA in 1982 as an aerospace engineer, serving as a guidance and control systems flight controller. During his 30-year tenure with NASA, Elsner has led teams within the agency's Mission Operations Directorate at Johnson, including the Mission Integration and Schedule Management Office, the ISS Flight Avionics Project, Communications and Data Systems Branch, Guidance and Propulsion Systems Branch, Communications and Instrumentation Systems Section and the Guidance and Control Systems Section.