To nominate an individual for the Hilander Hall of Fame, please start by completing your charitable contribution to the Kelso Public Schools Foundation. Nominate for $1
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Three Special Events Honoring Excellence

FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 7th & 8th

Kelso High School &
Ashtown Brewing Company

NOMINATE
NOMINATE FOR $1
One donation allows you to make up to 3 nominations across each of our 5 categories, with a maximum of 15 total nominations.
Thanks for your support of community-powered historical Hall Of Fame -- a first of its kind!

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What is the
Hilander Hall of Fame

The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is more than just a celebration of our past; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that has forged countless legends in our town. From the sports fields to the classrooms, from the stages to the streets, Kelso has been the birthplace of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community.

Now, it's time to honor these legends and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come. The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind initiative that relies on the power of our community to:
DONATE
ABOUT

What is the
Hilander Hall of Fame

The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is more than just a celebration of our past; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that has forged countless legends in our town. From the sports fields to the class rooms, from the stages to the streets, Kelso has been the birthplace of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community.

Now, it's time to honor these legends and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come. The Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame is a one-of-a-kind initiative that relies on the power of our community to recognize and celebrate our local heroes. Legends aren’t born. They’re made in Kelso.
NOMINATE FOR $1
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About
Hilander Democracy

Hilander Democracy is the innovative, rules-based and supermajority digital governance powering the Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame. Developed by Kelso native Chris McCoy and local leaders including Kelso Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Kelso Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Rick Davis, this system allows community members to nominate and elect extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Kelso. Managed by elected trustees, Hilander Democracy ensures transparent and fair recognition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Ratified in July 2024, it embodies a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and educational advancement, fulfilling a vision to "do something great for the kids of Kelso." This platform demonstrates how towns can leverage technology to preserve heritage, recognize excellence, and invest in their future. Learn more about Hilander Democracy at http://hilanders.org/democracy
ABOUT

About
Hilander Democracy

Hilander Democracy is the innovative, rules-based and supermajority digital governance powering the Kelso Hilander Hall of Fame. Developed by Kelso native Chris McCoy and local leaders including Kelso Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Kelso Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Rick Davis, this system allows community members to nominate and elect extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Kelso. Managed by elected trustees, Hilander Democracy ensures transparent and fair recognition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Ratified in July 2024, it embodies a unique blend of technology, community engagement, and educational advancement, fulfilling a vision to "do something great for the kids of Kelso." This platform demonstrates how towns can leverage technology to preserve heritage, recognize excellence, and invest in their future. Learn more about Hilander Democracy at http://hilanders.org/democracy
HILANDER DEMOCRACY
HILANDER DEMOCRACY
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How It Works

Step 1
DONATE

Support our mission with a tax-deductible donation. Every dollar fuels scholarships and programs for Kelso's youth via the Kelso Public Schools Foundation. A single donation yields 3 nominations per category – or 15 nominations total.

Step 2
NOMINATE

Nominate your Hilander heroes. $1 per nomination from an individual, $10 for families,  and $50 for companies. Share their stories and impact on our community. Receive enough nominations and the individual moves to Step 3 for a final vote.

Step 3
VOTE

Cast your vote for Hall of Fame inductees. $5 per vote, $50 for families, $100 for companies. Your votes shape our shared legacy. Top vote getters earn induction into the Hall of Fame. Only one vote each in Hilander Democracy – no matter the size of donation.
NOMINATE FOR $1
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Hilander Hall of Fame Categories

  • Kelso High School graduate who has distinguished themselves in an exceptional manner that positively reflects the values and beliefs of Kelso High School
  • Eligibility and nomination requires at least 10 years or more since graduation
  • Categories: arts & entertainment, community, business and industry, government, education, law enforcement, health care, etc.

Distinguished Alumni

  • Any former or current teacher, staff, administrator, school board member, community member, youth sports coach, or a friend of Kelso School District
  • Provided extraordinary meritorious services to the high school
  • Duty of great responsibility

Distinguished Service

  • Kelso High School graduate
  • Performed with excellence in high school sports and/or performed with excellence post-graduation
  • Must be a graduate and out of school for at least 10 years

Athletics (Individual)

  • Kelso High School team, group, or collective effort
  • Performed with excellence relative to peer groups during Kelso High School years
  • Must be out of school for at least 10 years

Team, Group, or Collective

  • Kelso High School graduate
  • Performed with excellence in academics and/or extracurriculars during Kelso High School years
  • Must be a graduate and out of school for at least 10 years

Academic (Individual)

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Why Hilander Hall Of Fame. Why Now?

Hilander Hall of Fame 2025

2024 Inductees

Meet our inaugural class of inductees, selected through Hilander Democracy. These legends exemplify excellence in athletics, academics, and community service, chosen by the community they inspired.

Josh Cracraft

Hilander valedictorian turned Harvard graduate whose brilliance inspired excellence

Darcy Wishard

Visionary librarian who transformed Huntington's library into a modern learning hub preparing students for high school success

ACADEMICS

Michelle Mury

Hilander javelin champion and volleyball coach who brought home Kelso's first state trophy

Kiana Davis

Three-time Hilander track & field record holder and two-time Olympic trials competitor

ATHLETICS

TEAM/GROUP

1995 Baseball Team

Legendary Hilander state champions who brought the crown home to Kelso

1984 Track & Field Team

Historic Hilander track & field team that set the gold standard for excellence

Tommy Lloyd

Hilander point guard turned Arizona Basketball Head Coach and National Coach of the Year

Jake Stewart

Hilander distance running champion building Gonzaga's national powerhouse, extending his father's legendary legacy

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Rick Ames

40-year educator who transformed Kelso's running culture

Carl Wingate

Notre Dame graduate who made Latin come alive for decades of Hilanders

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

2024 INDUCTEES

Hilander Hall of Fame Legacy Inductees

On July 9, 2024, our Trustees established that members of National, State, and Regional Halls of Fame would be automatically inducted as Legacy members of the Hilander Hall of Fame. This provision passed with 88.9% approval, recognizing sixteen Hilanders who had already achieved the highest honors in their fields.

GERRY AUSTIN

Hilander quarterback legend who led UW in the 1944 Rose Bowl

MONTE CUMMINGS

Beloved Hilander basketball coach who shaped generations, Washington Coaches Hall of Fame inductee

RICK DAVIS

Three-decade DECA advisor who developed state winners, state officers and a national president

LEROY FALING

Transformative Hilander athletic director who shaped generations of excellence

BOB FREUND

Hilander wrestling legend who forged 20 state champions across three decades

TOM D. HALL

Hilander band visionary who led international triumph, Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame inductee

PAT HYMES

Hilander head football coach who led nine playoff runs, Washington Coaches Hall of Fame inductee

OTTO KOFLER

Hilander football innovator who ascended to PAC-10 coaching excellence

ED LAULAINEN

Legendary Hilander football coach with 182 wins, state championship, and youth program founder

GERRY MALELLA

Six-time NAIA champion Hilander who transformed Kelso swimming

MIKE MCMAHON

Hilander softball architect of 330 wins and three state championships

HOWARD MEHARG

Hilander choral pioneer who founded Community Choir, Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame inductee

JIM SCHALL

Hilander wrestling founder who produced seven state champions and launched UW program

JASON SCHMIDT

Hilander pitcher turned MLB All-Star and San Francisco Giants legend

JOE STEWART

Hilander cross country icon with 339 wins who launched 57 collegiate careers

ED WALSTEAD

Twenty-time All-American swimmer who built Kelso's aquatics dynasty
SEE 2024 INDUCTEES
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Hilander Democracy: Our Playbook

Hilander Democracy is our game-changing approach to honoring our past and shaping our future. It's a digital democracy where every Hilander, past and present, has a chance to call the plays. Here’s how it works:

The Soft-Consensus Rule

To build Qualified Nomination lists — the community's collective scouting report on potential Inductees — we need each Nominee to receive 10% of all Nominations for their category. All Nominees remain on yearly ballots for Hall Of Fame Election for 20 years. Learn more at http://hilanders.org/democracy

The Simple Majority Rule

Just like a team needs more than half to win, we need a simple majority vote (51% or more) to pass major decisions. This ensures we're all on the same page and protects every voice in our huddle.

Team Roster

Every Hilander gets a spot on the team. Whether you're a current student, an alum, or a community member, you can nominate heroes and cast your vote. Individuals, families, and local businesses all play a part.

Scoreboard

We keep our game transparent. Check our website for live updates on nominations, voting results, and how we're moving the chains for our community.
NOMINATE FOR $1
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Hilander Hall of Fame Trustees

Trustees are authorized to protect the sanctity and validity of the Hilander Hall of Fame on behalf of the community. Their responsibilities may include safeguarding the vote, updating processes for nominations and voting, adjudicating disputes, and more.
Chris McCoy • Rick Davis • Mary Beth Tack • Lacey DeWeert • Marin Fox • Sue Lantz • Makaio Mobbs • Kirc Roland • Jake Stewart
TRUSTEES
LEARN MORE
Bobby Freund • Brad Phillips • Cody Morrison • Jana Clarke • Jason Coburn • Joe Kinch • John Janke • Julie Toney • Keever Henry • Len Hiatt • Patty Wood • Paul Richie • Rebekah Kelly • Rick Ames • Robert Gustin • Rose Roden • Spencer Wiggins
ADVISORS
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Our Shared History

Kelso Hilanders, our legacy isn't just history – it's a blueprint for greatness. From ancient roots to tomorrow's champions, we've always pushed boundaries. Now, we're not just honoring our past – we're launching into our future. Here's how our legend unfolds:
Tiahanakshih Roots (Pre-1800s - 1846)
The original trailblazers. Our foundation of strength.
Crawford's Frontier (1847 - 1883)
One visionary. Endless possibilities.
Birth of the Hilanders (1884 - 1908)
More than a name. The dawn of our destiny.
Timber & Grit (1909 - 1939)
Carving our future from wilderness and steel.
Greatest Generation Rises (1940 - 1969)
World-changers and hometown heroes united.
Hilander Rising (1970 - 1997)
New arena. Champion spirit. Unstoppable drive.
Unstoppable Hilanders (1998 - 2022)
Resilience personified. Excellence amplified.
Century of Gold (2023 - Present)
A hundred years strong. The legend continues.

Our Past. Our Present. Our Infinite Potential.

General Settings Table
ERA YEARS MILESTONE TRAILBLAZERS LEGACY
Tiahanakshih Roots
 Pre-1800s Cowlitz village thrived Cowlitz tribe Indigenous strength
Crawford's Frontier
 1847 Peter Crawford's bold leap Peter Crawford Pioneering courage
Birth of the Hilanders
 1884 Kelso takes its name Peter Crawford Communiy forged
Timber & Grit
 Early 1900s "Little Chicago" emerges Local workers Unbreakable spirit
Greatest Generation Rises
 1940s Smelt fishing boom Local fishermen Resourceful innovation
Hilander Rising
 1983 State football glory WE ARE! Nation Champion mindset
Unstoppable Hilanders
 1998-1999 Triumph over mudslides Community united Resilience embodied
Century of Gold
 2023 100 years of Hilander pride All Hilanders Enduring excellence
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Hilander HOF Merch

‍Joe Stewart
Classic Long Sleeve
Tee
$23.99
Available in :
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Legends Aren't Born.
They're Built In Kelso Tee
$20.00
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Legends Aren't Born.
They're Built In Kelso Youth Tee
$17.50
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Legends Aren't Born.
They're Built In Kelso Baby Onesie
$20.00
Available in :
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EXPLORE MORE MERCH
VIEW BRANDING

All Hilander Hall of Fame donations are tax-deductible. They are donated to the Kelso Public Schools Foundation.

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ABOUT US

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Although completely separate from the Kelso Public Schools, the Foundation works hand-in-hand with the district to help students succeed.
360 501-1835
rick@hilanders.org
P.O. Box 344 Kelso WA 98626
Merch
Brand
Made with
for the kids of Kelso by
Made with
for the kids of Kelso by
-- with inspiration from great uncle  Kirby McCoy
(📷)
— with inspiration from great uncle Kirby McCoy
(📷)
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The early heroes of Chris McCoy's life: Great Uncle Kirby McCoy (1952-2010) and his older brother and Chris' Grandpa Jack McCoy (1936-2014)