Like the lyrics of a famous jazz standard, Stars Fell on Alabama, which refers to a spectacular meteor shower observed in Alabama in 1833 and described as “the night the stars fell,” a slightly different version recently happened again during Glenwood School’s inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
While the school might not be the biggest in the Chattahoochee Valley, they are mighty, as are several of its star graduates and those who have influenced the school’s success.
Some of those inductees may be familiar names reaching beyond the school’s address in Smiths Station, Alabama. Before they graced Glenwood, the grounds on Summerville Road were basically a cornfield. In 1970, in just a matter of months, the school’s first Headmaster, Mickey Tucker, helped to get the land cleared, build the school, and create a path forward to develop Glenwood into an accredited, non-denominational Christian school, which would provide a college preparatory education. During his tenure from 1970 until 1984, he was named “Phenix City Man of the Year.”
That foundation led to developing other stars in and off the field and basketball court, for music contributions, and recognizing successful inspiration and support through community leadership.
7 inaugural stars
Beyond Tucker’s induction, six other outstanding alumni and those who contributed to the school’s success were also honored.
Sammy Howard will be remembered in the community as a football player and coach, leading the Glenwood Gators to their first state championship. He used those successful skills in a 30 year career in banking. Howard also served as the Mayor of Phenix City from 1994 – 1996, which resulted in massive economic development, including building the Phenix City Amphitheater.
Denton Walker was a member of Coach Howard’s state championship team. He was an all-state linebacker and MVP of the Alabama State All-Star Football Game. He played at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was an All-Ivy League selection and received numerous academic awards. Walker is now a successful commercial builder in Dallas, Texas.
When you mention music in the Chattahoochee Valley, Bill Pharris comes to mind. He taught music education on both sides of the river and in schools across the state of Georgia. He started the band and choral programs at Glenwood, where his sons attended. Pharris was also voted into the National High School Band Directors Hall of Fame.
She excelled in not one but three sports for the Glenwood Lady Gators. Lisa McDonald, Class of 1977, was a standout in volleyball, track, and on the basketball court, where she led the team to state titles in 1975 and 1976. McDonald later opened a successful athletic equipment store, one of the only female-owned stores of its kind in the state.
Most Auburn Tiger fans have heard of Lewis Colbert. He was a standout baseball and football player who punted for one season at Glenwood with a 47-yard average. He was a walk-on at Auburn who went on to become an All-American for the Tigers. Colbert was born with a clubfoot, which led him to author his story, “The Unlikeliest Auburn Tiger.” He also punted for the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, and San Diego Chargers.
Tim Hudson was a baseball pitcher at Glenwood. He went on to be a star pitcher for CVCC and Auburn University. He graduated to pro status for the Oakland A’s, the Atlanta Braves, and the San Francisco Giants, where he helped win the 2014 World Series. One of the winningest pitchers in Major League history, Tim, now manages the Hudson Family Foundation to support children and families in need of physical, emotional, and financial assistance.
For the first time in Glenwood’s history, two jersey numbers were retired, both Colbert’s and Hudson’s.
Two Glenwood seniors, Ethan Henderson and Emma Barnes, were each awarded $2,500 college scholarships for their excellent academic accomplishments at the event.
Only the beginning
The Alumni Association was formed just over a year ago. Their work has just begun according to Angi Yarbrough, VP of the Alumni Board and a 1975 Glenwood graduate.
“We are proud of the success of the inaugural Hall of Fame induction, but there is so much more we want to accomplish, including meeting the needs of the school with equipment for the band and chorus and helping meet any other needs for Glenwood. We will also be awarding more scholarships,” said Yarbrough.
A golf tournament is planned for October 24 at Lakewood Golf Course. Hole and Tent sponsorships are still available. Click here for more information.
A permanent Wall of Fame has been constructed at the school to honor all inductees. At least three more inductees will be added each year.
