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Last updated on Saturday, October 13, 2012
(FRENCH LICK) - The third class of inductees into the Springs Valley High School Hall of Fame was honored during a ceremony on Oct. 3 at the high school auditorium.
New inductees are John "Butch" Emmons, presented at the ceremony by Bill Harris; Roger Fisher, presented by Brooks Galloway, and Gary Holland, presented by Steve Redenbaugh.
The school's hall of fame was initiated by the Springs Valley Education Association, a nonprofit entity that is separate from the school. Information provided by the association reads the purpose of the hall of fame "is to recognize those who have made significant contributions of time, ideas, expertise or finances to the advancement of programs, such as academics, arts or athletics at Springs Valley Community Schools."
Todd Marshall, the education association's president, provided the following information on this year's inductees:
Butch Emmons
Emmons graduated from Springs Valley in 1963. After graduation from Indiana University in 1968 and one year of teaching at Brown County, he returned to Springs Valley, where he would spend the next 41 years. Emmons served in many capacities over the years - from teaching business and driver's education classes to athletic director, assistant principal and high school principal. He coached golf, football and basketball. While athletic director, he received the Charles Maas Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana High School Athletic Association. After four years as principal, Emmons retired from school administration but continued to serve as the school's athletic director for six more years. Emmons also served as an IHSAA football official for many years, culminating in his officiating the Class 4A state championship game in 1988.
An email provided by Marshall reads, "Butch has dedicated his life to the betterment of Springs Valley schools and the enrichment of its students and has played a huge role in positively shaping Springs Valley students through his teaching, coaching and mentoring."
Roger Fisher
Fisher graduated from Springs Valley High School in 1963. After graduating from IU, he returned to Springs Valley to begin his teaching career. He taught language arts for 12 years. He then assumed an assistant principal's position at Mitchell High School before returning to Springs Valley as elementary principal for three years. Fisher then was named assistant superintendent at Paoli Community Schools. He returned to Springs Valley Community Schools as superintendent from 2000 to 2004.
He continued writing grants for Springs Valley for two more years. Outside interests have included teaching graduate school administrator courses at IU Southeast and serving as basketball official for the IHSAA.
Fisher has received honors from various state organizations, including the Indiana Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Indiana Association for the Gifted and Talented and Indiana Association of Music Educators.
Gary Holland
Holland began his teaching and coaching career at Springs Valley in 1970. He was a physical education teacher. He coached basketball, cross country and football. His most recognized roles were held from 1970-1973 as junior varsity basketball coach and two stints as varsity basketball coach (1973-1989 and 1997-2000).
He ranks first among former Springs Valley varsity basketball coaches in varsity basketball wins and winning percentage.
Since 1970-71, Coach Holland is the only coach to win sectional championships at Springs Valley. As Springs Valley boys' varsity basketball coach he won six sectional championships. Holland also has the distinction of coaching two Indiana All-Stars in Larry and Eddie Bird.
The boys' basketball program now awards the annual Gary Holland Mental Attitude Award to honor his dedication to helping every student succeed and giving every student a chance.
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