More than 40 Chesty Lions returned to Lawrence High School on Sunday in tribute to fellow alumni and former classmates for the Lawrence Lions Alumni Assn.’s Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony.
Including a police officer to a former governor, the four honorees were lauded for their commitment to the community and success in their professions.
Broadcaster Max Falkenstien, the first person inducted into the hall in 1994, accepted the award for his friend, sports photographer Rich Clarkson. He then turned and introduced the family of late former Gov. Robert Docking, who also was inducted Sunday.
“We all went off to World War II and came back to KU,” Falkenstien said. “The name (Docking) became magic in Kansas. He served one, two, three, four times as governor. No one has been elected that many times, much less a Democrat in a Republican state.”
Accepting the award for his father, Tom Docking thanked the high school and the city of Lawrence.
“Our family has very long-standing ties to this town. We’ve always considered Lawrence our family’s hometown,” he said. “We’re very pleased you would remember my dad in this way.”
Marg Hadl introduced her daughter, Lawrence Police Sgt. Susan Hadl. Hadl was honored not only for her criminal-justice pursuits, but also for her involvement with community organizations.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone home after a pumped-up situation and remarked, ‘It doesn’t get any better than that,'” Hadl said in accepting her award. “I’ve enjoyed a very satisfying profession.”
Clinton Lake historian Martha Demeritt Parker brought her 92-year-old grade-school teacher with her to the ceremony. In her acceptance remarks, she praised the school and its role in her life.
“Every month 20 or 25 of us (alumni) have lunch together. I salute the class of 1945,” Parker said. “Cleaning out my house, I found this, my high school lock, and it still works. I have a grandson who will be coming here next year, and if he needs it, he can borrow it.”
