Comstock Park — Among the 1,000 names displayed on the walls of Comstock Park High School’s new Hall of Honor is Don Cadwell.
The 1955 graduate scanned the military honor wall for his name as he shared stories from his time serving in the U.S. Air Force.
“Family members would send (newspaper) clips about Comstock Park because I had to keep up with what was going on,” Cadwell recalled.
When he finally found his name, Cadwell paused, taking in the moment.
“How does it make you feel to see your name on the wall?” someone asked.
“It makes me pretty proud,” he replied.
For Assistant Principal Tony Pektus, moments like that are exactly why the Hall of Honor was created.
Pektus said the project has been in the works for more than a decade, as the school began to outgrow its previous athletic hall of fame and all-state recognition displays.
The district wanted to expand recognition beyond athletics to include academic achievements as well, with plans to honor valedictorians and salutatorians from the school’s more than 100-year history. Additional honors include performing and fine arts awards, the Hachmuth and Shew Award — given to the top two graduating seniors — and the Jansen and Snyder Award, presented to two outstanding athletes.
The project gained new momentum following the death of district graduate U.S. Marine Capt. Miguel Nava, who was killed in a helicopter crash two years ago.
“The vision for this project gained some clarity, and the scope and sequence began to take shape,” Pektus said to those who attended the Hall of Honor open house. “The part that we were missing was to have a military wall as well.”
From there, the community rallied behind the effort. Volunteers researched yearbooks and historical records, while others contributed materials and financial support to complete the wall, according to Pektus.
“We wanted our students to look at that wall and not see barriers, but see inspiration,” said Principal Kendra Faustin. “We wanted them to see representation of what they could do, whether that’s serving our country or serving our community.”
Pektus, one of the Hall of Honor organizers, said he hopes to eventually add codes to the name plaques that would link students to the individual stories behind each name, creating a deeper connection between students, the community and local history.
“I think it’s pretty neat,” said Nate Gould, high school special education teacher and 2006 Comstock Park graduate. “We have a big tradition of legacy and commitment to our school and community, so it’s nice to have a place to come back to and celebrate each other.”
Denise Clement, a 1973 graduate and Hall of Honor volunteer, said Comstock Park’s close-knit nature is reflected in the project.
“The Hall of Honor celebrates the legacy of the district and the community,” she said.
‘We wanted our students to look at that wall and not see barriers, but see inspiration.’
— Principal Kendra Faustin
New this year is a Distinguished Alumni Award, which will recognize former Comstock Park High School students for outstanding achievements after graduation in areas including science, business, military service, athletics and leadership.
Names will continue to be added, with submission forms available at the school and online. Plans also include display cases for class photos and additional awards, as well as murals on the doors.
Read more from Comstock Park:
• It took a village to help this graduate reach the finish line
• For this grad, it’s all about turning negative energy into positive actions
