Honor the teachers, coaches, athletes, alumni, and community heroes who shaped Kelso's legacy. Nominations open to all community members | Nominate 2026
The 1995 Kelso Hilanders Baseball Team is widely considered the greatest baseball squad in the history of Kelso High School. Their season is celebrated as a classic "underdog" story; after a mediocre 5–6 start, the team found their rhythm and went on a spectacular 16-game winning streak to close out the year.
The team’s "worst-to-first" journey—starting with a 5–6 record and ending with a 16-game winning streak—became a local legend. This turnaround is frequently cited by coaches and community leaders as the ultimate example of the "Hilander Way".
The story of the 1995 Kelso Hilanders Baseball Team is a classic "underdog to champion" tale, remembered as one of the most resilient runs in Washington state high school sports history.
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.
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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.
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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 →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 →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 →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.
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