The Idaho High School Activities Association’s Hall of Fame annually honors individuals who have given many years of exemplary service to Idaho’s youth. Five such individuals will be inducted as the Hall of Fame Class of 2005. Phil Homer, Hailey; Rex Johnson, Meridian; John McCarthy, Pocatello; Roy Smith, Ririe; and Dale Thornsberry, Twin Falls will be honored at ceremonies during the 26th annual Hall of Fame banquet Wednesday, August 3, 6:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Riverside Hotel in Boise.

Other awards to be presented at the banquet include the Dick Fleischmann Memorial Award to Amy Walker, Idaho Falls; the Wes Lowe Memorial Award to Carl Peterson, Gooding; and the Duane D. Wolfe Memorial Award to Jack Buell, St. Maries. Distinguished Service Awards are given by each of six activity districts. This year’s recipients are: District I – Jim Kravik, Hayden; District II – Fred Mercer, Kamiah; District III – Duane Horning, Emmett; District IV – Jim Lewis, Hailey; District V – Leon Rindlisbaker, Bancroft; District VI – Leora Hansen, Blackfoot.

Banquet tickets are $20.00, available by advance purchase only from the IHSAA. Orders are due July 29. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Hall of Fame - Class of 2005

Phil Homer - Hailey A lifelong educator, supporter of Idaho high school activities, and advocate for school improvement, Phil Homer retired as superintendent of Blaine County Schools in 1999. During his thirty-eight years as a teacher, coach, building and district administrator, Phil held a variety of leadership roles on numerous committees and in professional organizations, including the Youth Endowment Board.

Rex Johnson - Meridian Instrumental in the development of sportsmanship programs throughout Idaho, and especially in the Treasure Valley, Rex Johnson spent his entire 35-year career as a teacher, coach, athletic administrator and principal in Meridian schools before retiring in 2001. Throughout his career, Rex was dedicated to providing students with opportunities for increased participation and personal growth.

John McCarthy - Pocatello Remembered as an outstanding leader, teacher, coach, principal, father and friend, John McCarthy devoted thirty-three years to serving students at Highland and Pocatello High Schools until retiring as principal of Pocatello in 2000. Prior to his death in November of 2003, John spent many years as a strong supporter of Pocatello athletics and as an enthusiastic community volunteer.

Roy Smith - Ririe Known for a keen sense of humor and his dedication to interscholastic activities, Roy Smith served the students of Eastern Idaho for thirty-four years before retiring as Ririe High School principal in 2003. Throughout his career, Roy was a valuable contributor to many professional organizations, and served five years as the state principals’ representative on the IHSAA Board of Directors.

Dale Thornsberry - Twin Falls After a distinguished 35-year career in educational administration, of which the final twelve were spent in Twin Falls, Dale Thornsberry retired as Director of Operations for the Twin Falls School District in 2000. A lifelong advocate for students, Dale continues to work part-time for the Idaho Association of School Administrators and supervises student teachers for Idaho State University.