Hall of Fame Inaugural Class
Honoring the alumni, educators, coaches, and leaders whose achievements, service, and influence have made a lasting contribution to The King's Academy and beyond.
Honoring a legacy more than a century in the making.
A Hall of Fame is a natural addition to the legacy of our 146-year-old institution. Outstanding educators have made significant impact on students, and thereby the world. Similarly, many alumni became influencers in the most positive meaning of the word. We feel strongly that we need to recognize and affirm these people and honor their legacy.Dr. Fred Eaves President & Head of School
The King's Academy President and Head of School Dr. Fred Eaves has announced the inaugural class of the academy's Hall of Fame. Twelve individuals will be inducted as members of the first class, with two additional distinguished awards presented during the ceremony.
Dr. Eaves initiated the establishment of the Hall of Fame early in his tenure, which officially began July 1, 2026. The Hall of Fame recognizes alumni, educators, coaches, trustees, and other members of the TKA community whose achievements, service, and influence have made a lasting contribution to the academy and beyond.
The inaugural induction ceremony will take place during TKA's annual Homecoming Week. Nine recipients are expected to be present for the presentations. Five awards will be presented posthumously, with family members receiving those honors on behalf of the recipients.
The public is invited to join The King's Academy as we celebrate these individuals and the legacy they represent.
Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Twelve individuals whose lives, achievements, and contributions have helped shape The King's Academy across generations.
Dr. D. Carter Davis
Class of 1959
Judge Dwight Stokes
Class of 1970
Dr. C.G. Bull
Class of 1902
Posthumous
Pauline Enix Tibbetts
Class of 1945
Posthumous
Estella Florez Simmons
Class of 1975
Andy Rittenhouse
Class of 1984
Coach Larry Watson
Served 1997–2010
Coach Lester McCarter
Served 1955–1982
Posthumous
Janice Mink
Served 1983–2023
David Mosher
Served 1985–2024
William F. Hall
Served 1926–1971
Posthumous
Hubert B. Smothers
Class of 1943
Served 1970–1984
A Legacy More Than a Century in the Making
The inaugural Hall of Fame class spans more than a century of TKA history. The timeline also recognizes the two recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Awards, shown separately in purple.
Dr. C.G. Bull
Graduated from The King's Academy.
Class of 1902
William F. Hall
Began a remarkable 45 years of service to TKA.
Served 1926–1971
Hubert B. Smothers
Graduated from TKA before later returning to serve the academy.
Class of 1943
Pauline Enix Tibbetts
Graduated from The King's Academy.
Class of 1945
Coach Lester McCarter
Began nearly three decades of service to TKA athletics.
Served 1955–1982
Dr. D. Carter Davis
Graduated from The King's Academy.
Class of 1959
Judge Dwight Stokes
Graduated from The King's Academy.
Class of 1970
Hubert B. Smothers
Returned to TKA and began 14 years of service.
Served 1970–1984
Estella Florez Simmons
Graduated from The King's Academy.
Class of 1975
Janice Mink
Began four decades of service to TKA.
Served 1983–2023
Andy Rittenhouse
Graduated from The King's Academy.
Class of 1984
David Mosher
Began nearly four decades of service to TKA.
Served 1985–2024
Coach Larry Watson
Began 13 years of service to TKA athletics.
Served 1997–2010
Kelsi Pratt Mower
Graduated from The King's Academy in 2012.
Class of 2012 Distinguished Award recipient, separate from the Hall of Fame class.
Brenda O. Burchfield
Began her service as a trustee of The King's Academy in 2016.
Trustee 2016–2023 Distinguished Award recipient, separate from the Hall of Fame class.The Inaugural Hall of Fame Class
TKA establishes a new tradition honoring twelve individuals whose lives, service, and achievements have shaped the academy and beyond.
12 Hall of Fame InducteesDistinguished Awards
Separate from the twelve-member inaugural Hall of Fame class, two members of the TKA community will receive distinguished awards during the 2026 ceremony.
Kelsi Pratt Mower
Class of 2012
Brenda O. Burchfield
Trustee, 2016–2023
Celebrate the Inaugural Class
Join The King's Academy during Homecoming Week as we induct the inaugural Hall of Fame class and present the 2026 Distinguished Awards.
The public is invited to attend.
View Official Press Release