Marion High School Hall of Distinction 2021 inductees named

Patricia GibsonMCS News, MHSAA News

Marion High School Alumni Association congratulates these outstanding Giants! Take at look at the news released by Marion Community Schools:

Marion Community Schools is pleased to announce the 2021 inductees to the Marion High School Hall of Distinction.

The selection committee chose six inductees:

  • Albert Faunce, Marion High School Class of 1956, who helped advanced the field of dentistry, with research and production of composite dental materials used all over the world, an author, a college professor, and a philanthropist
  • Clyde Thornell, Marion High School Class of 1965, longtime educator at Marion High School who helped usher the Business Department (and his fellow educators) into the computer age, provided vocational training for the community, and has been an active and essential community volunteer 
  • Barbara Stevens Mitchell, Marion High School Class of 1966, a well-respected and distinguished healthcare professional once known as “the face of nursing in Indiana”, who also helped bolster the nursing profession in the state through philanthropic and workforce development efforts
  • Judith Jackson, Marion High School Class of 1968, a pioneering social worker who worked to improve the lives of children in foster care and those with developmental challenges, the first female president of the National Association of Black Social Workers, and an advocate and advisor who helped promote policies to benefit children and families in several major U.S. cities
  • John Neeley, Marion High School Class of 1971, an internationally recognized leader in the pharmaceutical industry, helping to increase access to life-changing medications, and an active supporter of the missionary and outreach efforts who helped to grow a wide network of churches
  • Jason Taylor, Marion High School Class of 1992, president of events and promotions of at USA Today Ventures, part of international media giant Gannett, and a philanthropist committed to improving the communities he has called home


The 2021 inductees will be honored along with the 2020 inductees (whose honor was delayed by the COVID pandemic) at an induction ceremony set for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at the Walton Performing Arts Center at Marion High School, part of the Marion Giants homecoming weekend. More details and ticket information will be provided closer to the date of the event. Inductees will also be honored at the Giants’ homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 10.

The MHS Hall of Distinction gives lasting recognition to alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the achievements and prestige of Marion Community Schools. It also serves to help inspire current students to aspire to similar success.

Any MHS alumnus who graduated at least five years ago and who has made substantial contributions to the achievements of Marion Community Schools or whose exemplary actions reflect honor on MCS is eligible for nomination. The Hall seeks to honor men and women who have distinguished themselves through superb accomplishment on a local, state or national level in diverse fields of endeavor.

Non-MHS graduates may be afforded honorary status in the MHS Hall of Distinction.

Nominations are accepted year-round. Click here for more information, including nomination forms and details on previous inductees.