Honor the teachers, coaches, athletes, alumni, and community heroes who shaped Kelso's legacy. Nominations open to all community members | Nominate 2026
Larry Hembree is a dedicated public servant and educator who has spent over 45 years serving the Kelso and Cowlitz County communities. Known as a "systematic community safety builder," Hembree is most recognized for his 32-year career in the fire service and his role as the founder of the regional High School Fire Science program.
Larry Hembree is recognized as a "Systematic Community Safety Builder" for his long-term focus on protecting the Kelso and Cowlitz County area through education, emergency response, and policy.
Before entering public service, Hembree spent several years in the private sector as a manager at Keil's Food Stores, where he oversaw the meat department and service case. Seeking a more service-oriented path, he transitioned into firefighting, a career that would span nearly 32 years, including 24 years as a career firefighter and 8 years as a volunteer.
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.
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The 1995 Kelso Hilanders Baseball Team is widely considered the greatest baseball squad in the history of Kelso High School.
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.
View Profile →The 1995 Kelso Hilanders Baseball Team is widely considered the greatest baseball squad in the history of Kelso High School.
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