ABOUT

What is the
Hilander Hall of Fame

The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is more than just a celebration of our past; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that has forged countless legends in our town. From the sports fields to the classrooms, from the stages to the streets, Kelso has been the birthplace of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community.

Now, it's time to honor these legends and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come. The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind initiative that relies on the power of our community to:

NOMINATE NOW

DONATE

ABOUT

What is the
Hilander Hall of Fame

The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is more than just a celebration of our past; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that has forged countless legends in our town. From the sports fields to the classrooms, from the stages to the streets, Kelso has been the birthplace of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community.

Now, it's time to honor these legends and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come. The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind initiative that relies on the power of our community to recognize and celebrate our local heroes. Legends aren’t born. They’re made in Kelso.

NOMINATE NOW

DONATE TO HOF

ABOUT

About
Hilander Democracy

Hilander Democracy is the innovative, rules-based constitutional democracy powering the Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame. Developed by Kelso native Chris McCoy and local leaders including Kelso Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Kelso Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Rick Davis, this system allows community members to nominate and elect extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Kelso. Managed by elected trustees, Hilander Democracy ensures transparent and fair recognition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Ratified in July 2024, it embodies a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and educational advancement, fulfilling a vision to "do something great for the kids of Kelso." This platform demonstrates how towns can use technology to preserve heritage, recognize excellence, and invest in their future. Learn more about Hilander Democracy at http://hilanders.org/democracy

ABOUT

About
Hilander Democracy

Hilander Democracy is the innovative, rules-based and supermajority digital governance powering the Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame. Developed by Kelso native Chris McCoy and local leaders including Kelso Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Kelso Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Rick Davis, this system allows community members to nominate and elect extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Kelso. Managed by elected trustees, Hilander Democracy ensures transparent and fair recognition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Ratified in July 2024, it embodies a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and educational advancement, fulfilling a vision to "do something great for the kids of Kelso." This platform demonstrates how towns can leverage technology to preserve heritage, recognize excellence, and invest in their future. Learn more about Hilander Democracy at http://hilanders.org/democracy

HILANDER DEMOCRACY

A Community-Run Constitutional Democracy for the Hilander Hall of Fame

HILANDER DEMOCRACY

ABOUT

How It Works

Step 1
DONATE

Support our mission with a tax-deductible donation. Every dollar fuels scholarships and programs for Kelso's youth via the Kelso Public Schools Foundation. A single donation yields 3 nominations per category – or 15 nominations total.

Step 2
NOMINATE

Nominate your Hilander heroes (August-October). $1 per nomination from an individual, $10 for families, and $50 for companies. Share their stories and impact on our community. Receive enough nominations and the individual moves to Step 3 for a final vote.

Step 3
VOTE

Cast your vote for Hall of Fame inductees (November-December). $5 per vote, $50 for families, $100 for companies. Your votes shape our shared legacy. Top vote getters earn induction into the Hall of Fame. Only one vote each in Hilander Democracy – no matter the size of donation.

NOMINATE NOW

ABOUT

Hilander Hall of Fame Categories

Kelso High School graduate who has distinguished themselves in an exceptional manner that positively reflects the values and beliefs of Kelso High School
Eligibility and nomination requires at least 10 years or more since graduation
Categories: arts & entertainment, community, business and industry, government, education, law enforcement, health care, etc.

Distinguished Alumni

Any former or current teacher, staff, administrator, school board member, community member, youth sports coach, or a friend of Kelso School District
Provided extraordinary meritorious services to the high school
Duty of great responsibility

Distinguished Service

Kelso High School graduate
Performed with excellence in high school sports and/or performed with excellence post-graduation
Must be a graduate and out of school for at least 10 years

Athletics (Individual)

Kelso High School team, group, or collective effort
Performed with excellence relative to peer groups during Kelso High School years
Must be out of school for at least 10 years

Team, Group, or Collective

Kelso High School graduate
Performed with excellence in academics and/or extracurriculars during Kelso High School years
Must be a graduate and out of school for at least 10 years

Academic (Individual)

County-level servants (sheriffs, judges, local media, local organizations, etc.) who serve Kelso are eligible even if their jurisdiction extends beyond city limits:

Provided exceptional service, leadership, or advocacy that directly enhanced the broader Kelso community
Demonstrated a lasting and meaningful impact through philanthropy, partnerships, service, or sustained community involvement
Not required to be a Kelso High School graduate or Kelso resident (past, present, future)

Community Hero

ABOUT

Why Hilander Hall Of Fame. Why Now?

The community owned Hilander Hall of Fame graphic

Hilander Hall of Fame 2026

2026 Recommended Nominees

Every name below is a Recommended Nominee. Trustees and Advisors have endorsed them based on this year's Advisory Recommendation Protocol. This is a head start, not a fast track. Each name still needs 10 percent of community nominations within their category to become a Qualified Nominee.

Athletics

Julia Lindsey
Seth Johnson
David Richie
Brian Graham
Kasandra Sims
Brandon Sitch
Casey Wend
Paul Richie
Carolyn Gilbert
Justin Sitch
Eric Garner

Distinguished Service

Bob Lucas
Dave Carpenter
Tom Adams
Rob Hippi
Bob Gustin
Dot Joslin
Joe Kinch
Carol Ackerman

Distinguished Alumni

Joel Lambert
Chris Mayeda
Joshua Wheeldon
Vernon Kondra
Ernie Donovan

Community Hero

Rick Roberts
Andy Hamilton
Dr. Harold Star

Academics

Mandy Turner

Team / Group / Collective

No recommended nominees yet. Community nominations are open.

Legacy

No recommended nominees yet. Community nominations are open.

NOMINATE NOW

RECOMMEND A NAME

LEGACY INDUCTEES

2025 Legacy Inductees

On July 9, 2024, our Trustees established that members of National, State, and Regional Halls of Fame would be automatically inducted as Legacy members of the Hilander Hall of Fame. This provision passed with 88.9% approval, recognizing Hilanders who had already achieved the highest honors in their fields.

LEROY FALING

Legendary coach, teacher, and athletic director at Kelso High School who epitomized what it meant to be a Hilander through his leadership and dedication to Kelso schools.

PAT HYMES

Celebrating Pat Hymes on his induction into the Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame. A dedicated KSD teacher for 33 years and KHS head coach for 17 years, Pat led his teams to a remarkable 103-64 record.

RON JOSLIN

For 32 years, Ron taught general music, orchestra, and band in Kelso School District. He helped promote the development of the Southwest Washington Youth Symphony, and also helped establish and maintain an outdoor school program for the district.

SEE 2024 INDUCTEES

DONATE TO HOF

Past Seasons ▼

Category	Name	Achievement
Academics	Josh Cracraft	Hilander valedictorian turned Harvard graduate whose brilliance inspired excellence
Academics	Darcy Wishard	Visionary librarian who transformed Huntington's library into a modern learning hub preparing students for high school success
Athletics	Michelle Mury	Hilander javelin champion and volleyball coach who brought home Kelso's first state trophy
Athletics	Kiana Davis	Three-time Hilander track & field record holder and two-time Olympic trials competitor
Team	1995 Baseball Team	Legendary Hilander state champions who brought the crown home to Kelso
Team	1984 Track & Field Team	Historic Hilander track & field team that set the gold standard for excellence
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI	Tommy Lloyd	Hilander point guard turned Arizona Basketball Head Coach and National Coach of the Year
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI	Jake Stewart	Hilander distance running champion building Gonzaga's national powerhouse, extending his father's legendary legacy
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE	Rick Ames	40-year educator who transformed Kelso's running culture
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE	Carl Wingate	Notre Dame graduate who made Latin come alive for decades of Hilanders

2024 Legacy Inductees

On July 9, 2024, our Trustees established that members of National, State, and Regional Halls of Fame would be automatically inducted as Legacy members of the Hilander Hall of Fame. This provision passed with 88.9% approval, recognizing Hilanders who had already achieved the highest honors in their fields.

Category	Name	Achievement
Legacy	Gerry Austin	Hilander quarterback legend who led UW in the 1944 Rose Bowl
Legacy	Monte Cummings	Beloved Hilander basketball coach who shaped three generations, Washington Coaches Hall of Fame inductee
Legacy	Rick Davis	Three-decade DECA advisor who developed state winners, state officers and a national president
Legacy	Bob Freund	Hilander wrestling legend who forged 20 state champions across three decades
Legacy	Tom D. Hall	Hilander band visionary who led international triumph, Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame inductee
Legacy	Otto Kofler	Hilander football innovator who ascended to PAC-10 coaching excellence
Legacy	Ed Laulainen	Legendary Hilander football coach with 182 wins, state championship, and youth program founder
Legacy	Bruce Gutgesell	Music educator for 28 years and influential WMEA President
Legacy	Gerry Malella	Six-time NAIA champion Hilander who transformed Kelso swimming
Legacy	Mike McMahon	Hilander softball architect of 330 wins and three state championships
Legacy	Howard Meharg	Hilander choral pioneer who founded Community Choir, Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame inductee
Legacy	Jim Schall	Hilander wrestling founder who produced seven state champions and launched UW program
Legacy	Jason Schmidt	Hilander pitcher turned MLB All-Star and San Francisco Giants legend
Legacy	Joe Stewart	Hilander cross country icon with 339 wins who launched 57 collegiate careers
Legacy	Ed Walstead	Twenty-time All-American swimmer who built Kelso's aquatics dynasty
Legacy	Dick Ford	Wrestling coach and official for decades. Kelso Youth League President for 28 years

Category	Name	Achievement
Academics	Tom Kaneko	Section Chief of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical Director of Lebanon Fresenius Dialysis Unit
Academics	Chad Zandi	Attorney practicing in Kelso/Longview with degrees in psychology and law from WSU and University of Tulsa
Athletics	Jeff Bailey	Baseball catching legend. '95 State Champion. 2nd round MLB draft pick in 1997
Athletics	Serena Settlemier	State champion pitcher, Big 12 MVP, All-American at Kansas, pro career U.S. and abroad, 2007 NPF All-Star
Community Hero	Larry Hembree	Started Fire Science Program, former school board member, 20+ year firefighter, current Emergency Management Services Director
Community Hero	Les Nelson	Three-term Cowlitz County Sheriff who led the county through the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption, saving countless lives
Team / Group	1983 Football Team	AA state champions defeating Sedro Woolley 11-2, coined "The truck stops here!" for their toughness and physicality
Team / Group	2000 Girls Softball Team	4A state runner-up. Future D1 athletes who grew up playing together in Kelso
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI	Cal Miller	Co-Founder of Pacific Tech Construction. Top local sponsor and philanthropist. Local coach building youth programs
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI	Terry Anshutz	Lexington Chevron owner. Decades of coaching, financial contributions, mentorship
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE	Gary Kinch	36 years teaching and coaching, 22 years as VP and athletic director, instrumental in Kelso High School remodel
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE	Tim Wines	Local businessman and cross country coach focused on life skills, supportive team environments, and athlete personal growth

2025 Legacy Inductees

On July 9, 2024, our Trustees established that members of National, State, and Regional Halls of Fame would be automatically inducted as Legacy members of the Hilander Hall of Fame. This provision passed with 88.9% approval, recognizing Hilanders who had already achieved the highest honors in their fields.

Category	Name	Achievement
Legacy	Leroy Faling	Legendary coach, teacher, and athletic director at Kelso High School who epitomized what it meant to be a Hilander through his leadership and dedication to Kelso schools
Legacy	Pat Hymes	Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame inductee. A dedicated KSD teacher for 33 years and KHS head coach for 17 years, leading his teams to a remarkable 103-64 record
Legacy	Ron Joslin	For 32 years, taught general music, orchestra, and band in Kelso School District. Helped promote the Southwest Washington Youth Symphony and establish an outdoor school program for the district

Hilander Hall of Fame

More Inductees

Community hero

Larry Hembree

Beyond emergency services, Hembree has been a pillar of local governance, serving as the Mayor of Kelso and a member of the Kelso School Board.

View Profile →

Distinguished Alumni

Joe Stewart

A 1972 Kelso graduate, Stewart attended Southern Methodist University where he graduated with a degree in history in 1977. There, Stewart he set the school's 3-mile record. Stewart taught U.S. History and served as a guidance counselor for 30 years.

View Profile →

Distinguished Alumni

Tommy Lloyd

Tommy Lloyd is one of college basketball's most successful coaches, with roots tracing back to Kelso, Washington, where he graduated from Kelso High School in 1993 and led the Hilanders to the WIAA state 4A tournament his senior year.

View Profile →

ABOUT

Hilander Democracy: Our Playbook

Hilander Democracy is our game-changing approach to honoring our past and shaping our future. It's a digital democracy where every Hilander, past and present, has a chance to call the plays. Here’s how it works:

The Soft-Consensus Rule

To build Qualified Nomination lists — the community's collective scouting report on potential Inductees — we need each Nominee to receive 10% of all Nominations for their category. All Nominees remain on yearly ballots for Hall Of Fame Election for 20 years. Learn more at http://hilanders.org/democracy

The Simple Majority Rule

Every year, the top two vote getters will be inducted plus others who receive a simple majority of the vote (51% or more). This ensures we always have new inductees to celebrate while maintaining exclusivity.

Team Roster

Every Hilander gets a spot on the team. Whether you're a current student, an alum, or a community member, you can nominate heroes and cast your vote. Individuals, families, and local businesses all play a part.

Scoreboard

We keep our game transparent. Check our website for live updates on nominations, voting results, and how we're moving the chains for our community.

NOMINATE NOW

ABOUT

Hilander Hall of Fame Trustees

Trustees are authorized to protect the sanctity and validity of the Hilander Hall of Fame on behalf of the community. Their responsibilities may include safeguarding the vote, updating processes for nominations and voting, adjudicating disputes, and more.

Chris McCoy • Rick Davis • Mary Beth Tack • Lacey DeWeert • Marin Fox • Sue Lantz • Makaio Mobbs • Kirc Roland • Jake Stewart

TRUSTEES

LEARN MORE

Bobby Freund • Brad Phillips • Cody Morrison • Jana Clarke • Jason Coburn • Joe Kinch • John Janke • Julie Toney • Keever Henry • Len Hiatt • Patty Wood • Paul Richie • Rebekah Kelly • Rick Ames • Robert Gustin • Rose Roden • Spencer Wiggins

ADVISORS

ABOUT

Our Shared History

Kelso Hilanders, our legacy isn't just history – it's a blueprint for greatness. From ancient roots to tomorrow's champions, we've always pushed boundaries. Now, we're not just honoring our past – we're launching into our future. Here's how our legend unfolds:

Tiahanakshih Roots (Pre-1800s - 1846)
The original trailblazers. Our foundation of strength.

Crawford's Frontier (1847 - 1883)
One visionary. Endless possibilities.

Birth of the Hilanders (1884 - 1908)
More than a name. The dawn of our destiny.

Timber & Grit (1909 - 1939)
Carving our future from wilderness and steel.

Greatest Generation Rises (1940 - 1969)
World-changers and hometown heroes united.

Hilander Rising (1970 - 1997)
New arena. Champion spirit. Unstoppable drive.

Unstoppable Hilanders (1998 - 2022)
Resilience personified. Excellence amplified.

Century of Gold (2023 - Present)
A hundred years strong. The legend continues.

Our Past. Our Present. Our Infinite Potential.

Dynamic Zig-Zag Timeline - Compact

Pre-1800s

Tiahanakshih Roots

Cowlitz village thrived

TRAILBLAZERS: Cowlitz tribe
LEGACY: Indigenous strength

1847

Crawford's Frontier

Peter Crawford's bold leap

TRAILBLAZERS: Peter Crawford
LEGACY: Pioneering courage

1884

Birth of the Hilanders

Kelso takes its name

TRAILBLAZERS: Peter Crawford
LEGACY: Community forged

Early 1900s

Timber & Grit

"Little Chicago" emerges

TRAILBLAZERS: Local workers
LEGACY: Unbreakable spirit

1940s

Greatest Generation Rises

Smelt fishing boom

TRAILBLAZERS: Local fishermen
LEGACY: Resourceful innovation

1983

Hilander Rising

State football glory

TRAILBLAZERS: WE ARE! Nation
LEGACY: Champion mindset

1998-1999

Unstoppable Hilanders

Triumph over mudslides

TRAILBLAZERS: Community united
LEGACY: Resilience embodied

2023

Century of Gold

100 years of Hilander pride

TRAILBLAZERS: All Hilanders
LEGACY: Enduring excellence

NOMINATE NOW

DONATE TO HOF

Hilander Hall of Fame nominations open for 2026

Presented by: