Melvin "Mac" McCalister
York High School

Mr. Melvin McCalister is a 1950 graduate of York High School, who later went on to attend Erskine College before being called away to serve our country in the military.  As an athlete for York, Mr. McCalister participated in football for seven years and basketball for four years.  Achievements awarded to him for both sports are: '49 Shrine Bowl participant, '49 All State and '49 All Southern.  He was offered scholarships from the University of South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina State, Wofford, Presbyterian College, University of Miami, Syracuse, Citadel and Erskine.  Mr. McCalister is a retiree after 30 years from Duke Power.  He is also a former York Jaycee and York Lions Club member.

No Picture Available.

Leon Hope
York High School

Mr. Leon Hope is a 1971 graduate of York High School.  He was a football, basketball and baseball standout.  In 1971 he was selected for All State Football and played in the Shrine Bowl.  In 1972 he was selected for the North-South All Star Football Team.  He played football for the Clemson Tigers from 1972 until 1976.  Mr. Hope is currently a high school football coach in North Carolina.

Jay Good
Sharon High School

Mr. Jay Good is a 1939 graduate of Sharon High School were he was a baseball standout.  He went to Clemson on a full baseball scholarship.  Mr. Good lettered all four years while attending Clemson.  He also played in the textile league during college.  He has given back to his community by being a member of the York District One School Board for 20 years.  Nineteen of these years were as the Chairman.  He has also been a member of the Rotary Club, Crust Breakers and York Investment Club.  He served as director and board member of the Bank of York.

Kenneth Montgomery
Sharon High School

Mr. Kenneth Montgomery is a 1953 graduate of Sharon High School.  As an athlete he participated in football and baseball.  Mr. Montgomery was the captain of the Block "S" Club and captain of the first football team ever fielded by Sharon High School.  As a member of the baseball team he led his team to the District 4, Class C Championship with a .667 winning percentage.  He led the county team with a .500 batting average, including two homeruns.  He served as Company Clerk in the United States Army.  He presently owns Kenneth Montgomery Land Clearing.  He has sponsored local girls' teams and is a lifetime member of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church.

The family of Billy Martin and Dr. James Weldon Martin attended the ceremony in honor of both individuals.

Billy Martin
Jefferson High School

The late Mr. Billy Martin graduated valedictorian of his class at Jefferson High.  While attending 12 years of school, he never missed a day.  He went on to attend Chaflin College.  While attending college, he was a fixture on the Dean's List and was a Methodist All-American in football.  After college he went on to teach at several schools while earning a master's degree.  In 1960 he came to teach at Jefferson until its closure in 1969.  He was head coach of the Jefferson High Blue Devils from 1961 until 1969.  The team won several titles under the leadership of Coach Martin including a conference win for every year he was there and one State Championship.

The late Dr. James Weldon Martin, fondly known as JW, graduated valedictorian of his class at Jefferson High School.  While attaining several advanced degrees, he was the first African-American to earn a PhD in Biology from the University of South Carolina.  Mr. Martin was a teacher and head coach at Emmett Scott High School in Rock Hill.  He also taught at several universities.  He served as President of Vorhees College and was Executive Assistant to the President of the Medical University of South Carolina. 

Ms. Arsonia Stroud, a native of Lowrys and a 1970 graduate of Finley High School, graduated from Winthrop College in 1974.  Ms. Stroud is currently York School District's Substance Abuse Coordinator.  Ms. Stroud coached the Lady Cougar's Varsity basketball team until the 2003 - 2004 season.  During her remarkable 20 year career she made State Championship appearances in 1996, 2001 and 2002.  The Lady Cougars won the State Championship in 2002.  Ms. Stroud has also served as the York Girls Track Coach throughout her career.  She is currently the 7th grade girls' basketball coach.

Mr. Bo Bo Sexton is a 1985 graduate of York Comprehensive High School.  As an athlete at York, Mr. Sexton participated in football and golf.  He received all-area and all-conference honors.  He was a four year letterman and a medalist on the golf team for two years.  Mr. Sexton contributed back to his community by helping coach youth football.