WE ARE FORT HILL
Honoring Our Past. Celebrating Our Present. Inspiring Our Future.
The We Are Fort Hill Organization was established by members of the Fort Hill High School community who shared a desire to recognize the accomplishments of those who have made a lasting impact on Fort Hill and to cultivate a strong sense of pride throughout the student body, alumni, and greater Fort Hill community.
Today, We Are Fort Hill continues that tradition by celebrating the people, accomplishments, and traditions that make Fort Hill High School special.
Mission Statement
The We Are Fort Hill Organization is committed to honoring the legacy and achievements of Fort Hill alumni by raising and stewarding funds that support meaningful recognition programs, including the Fort Hill Hall of Fame and Deeds, Not Words Awards.
Through responsible stewardship, community engagement, and a commitment to recognizing excellence, we strive to strengthen school pride and create meaningful opportunities that benefit Fort Hill students and the greater Fort Hill community.
Vision Statement
We envision a thriving Fort Hill community where alumni achievements are celebrated, traditions are honored, and every student is inspired by a legacy of excellence, service, and pride.
Through continued support and connection, We Are Fort Hill seeks to strengthen the bond between past, present, and future Sentinels—creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Questions? Contact Information
We are Fort Hill Committee | Fort Hill High School
Fort Hill Hall of Fame
The Fort Hill Hall of Fame honors distinguished Fort Hill alumni whose accomplishments, contributions, and achievements have brought pride and distinction to their alma mater and community.
Since its inaugural induction in 2011, the Hall of Fame has celebrated Sentinels who have made meaningful contributions through their professions, communities, and beyond. Each inductee represents the tradition of excellence and the lasting impact of the Fort Hill experience.
2011
- Class of 1937
2012
- Dr. James Deetz - 1948
- Dr. James E. Heavner - 1962
- Charles Lattimer - 1949
- Mark R. Manges - 1974
- Elwood "Woody" Norris - 1956
- CPT Russell L. Poling Jr - 1954
- Dr. Edward L. Root - 1958
- Steve Trimble - 1976
2013
- CWO4 James F. Combs - 1963
- Hon. George3 C. Eskin - 1955
- Dr. Roseann Weber Hannon - 1961
- Dr. John A. Harden - 1948
- Dr. Walter L. Henry - 1959
- Dr. Terri Ott Lally - 1976
- Hon. J. Frederick Sharer - 1956
- Glen R. Shipway - 1961
- Dr. Judy L. Twigg - 1980
- CDR Shannon Workman, USNR - 1984
2014
- John "Jack" A. Hamilton Jr - 1961
- Dr. Donald S. McCoy - 1948
- Dr. John M. Miller - 1974
- Dr. Linda Weber Dunbar - 1977
2015
- Mark A. Griffin - 1973
- Dr. Daniel P. Hunt - 1974
- Donald F. Nau Jr - 1978
- C. Michael Dicken, Ph.D. - 1975
- Vernon Wayne Grapes - 1975
- William Dillon Hahn - 1959
2016
- C. Michael Dicken, Ph.D. - 1975
- Vernon Wayne Grapes - 1975
- William Dillon Hahn - 1959
2017
- David A. Dawson - 1956
- Dr. Phillip Heavner - 1988
- Keith Fitzhugh McDaniel, Ph.D. - 1976
2018
- Regina Ferguson Dowling, R.N. - 1948
- Harold “Hal” Smith, Esq. - 1950
2019
- Greg Hare - 1970
- John S. Ketzner - 1939
- Dr. Susan Tasker-Weaver - 1968
2020
- Carl R. Harbaugh - 1957
- Stephen B. Jones, Ph.D. - 1969
- Glen Ray Sr - 1957
- Dr. Susan Babcock Stanton - 1974
2021
- David Ronald Lohr - 1971
- Dr. Melvin Lee Ritter - 1955
2022
- Larry D. Boggs - 1969
- CDR Jared T. Jacobs - 1993
- William E. Peck Sr - 1956
2023
- Hazel E. Lawler - 1974
- Francis “Pat” Yarnall - 1941
2024
- Donald E. Merritt - 1948
2025
- David R. Eyler, Ph.D. - 1958
2026
- Ted Pratt - 1977
Fort Hill High School Hall of Fame Requirements for Nomination
- Nominations must be submitted each year by January 31st to Fort Hill High School.
- The person nominating the individual must provide a resume of the nominee.
- Nominees must have graduated from Fort Hill 15 or more years ago.
- Nominations must be based on significant lifetime achievements.
- Each nominee may be nominated on his/her success in a variety of fields, including athletics, art, business, education, government/politics, invention, law, medicine, military, music, research, etc.
- A nominee may not be self-nominated.
- If not selected in the year of nomination, a nominee will remain in the pool for consideration for two more years.
- A nominee may be re-nominated after the three-year eligibility period has expired.
- Selection is by a minimum of 9 of the 12 voting members of the committee.
Deeds, Not Words Awards
The Deeds, Not Words Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained service to Fort Hill High School over an extended period of time.
Recipients do not have to be Fort Hill graduates. The award honors individuals whose dedication, service, and contributions have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the Fort Hill community.
Award recipients are selected through an internal process established by the We Are Fort Hill Organization.
Award Recipients
2015
- Victor D. Heisey
- Henry Walter "Bud" Roberson
2016
- John J. "Bobby" Cavanaugh
- William P. Hahn
- Paul D. Long
2017
- Dr. H. Overton Himmelwright
- Wilma and Don Lantz
2018
- Dr. Robert K. Poling
- O. Delbert Proudfoot
- Neil Smith, Betty Smith, and William "Bill" Smith
2019
- Paul F. Donahue
- Charles "Buck" Jankey
- Henrietta Snyder
2020
- Dave Christopher
- Paul H. Green
2021
- Carl Ritchie
2022
- Colleen Burke
- Paul Lapp
2023
- Ellen Proudfoot Arnone
- CW4 Jim Combs
- Mark R. Manges
2024
- Dorothea L. "Dottie" Appel
2025
- William M. Leeson
- Della and Fred Cook
2026
- Barbara Parsons Appel
- Martha Bender
- Sally Pratt Shreve
- Mildred Watkins
We Are Fort Hill
From the achievements of our alumni to the dedication of those who continue to serve our school, We Are Fort Hill exists to celebrate the people and traditions that make Fort Hill a special community.
