OCPS To Induct Third Hall Of Fame Class

by Rick · April 5, 2018

Orange County Public Schools has announced its third class of inductees to the Orange County Public Schools Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was founded in 2014 to honor individuals who have earned distinction and recognition from their former classmates, teachers, community members, the world of business and the world at large. From a lengthy and remarkable list of nominees submitted by citizens, parents, alumni and employees, the selection committee chose five new members to comprise its third class of the OCPS Hall of Fame. A gala will be held May 5, 2018, to honor three distinguished alumni, a distinguished educator and a community champion.

Meet the 2018 Inductees:

Glenda E. Hood (Oak Ridge High 1968), a fifth-generation Floridian, has championed civic leadership throughout her career. She served three terms as a commissioner for the City of Orlando and was mayor for 12 more years, a transformative growth period in Central Florida history. In 2003, Governor Jeb Bush asked her to serve as Florida’s Secretary of State. Today, she continues to focus on civic innovation through the strategic consulting firm triSect, LLC, for which she is a founding partner.

Dr. Marshall W. Nirenberg (Orlando High 1943) ranks among the most accomplished and renowned OCPS alumni, for winning a 1968 Nobel Prize in Physiology. He led a team of scientists at the National Institute of Health in “breaking” the genetic code. His achievements and contributions to the field of biochemistry genetics also resulted in a National Medal of Science in 1964 and a National Medal of Honor in 1968. Nirenberg died in November 2010. Note: Dr. Myrna Weissman, professor of epidemiology at Columbia University and widow of Marshall Nirenberg, or a member of their family, will attend the gala to receive the honors of Dr. Nirenberg’s Hall of Fame induction.

Judge Charles T. Wells (Boone High 1957) earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida, spent one year as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, opened a private practice in Orlando and then, in 1994, was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Governor Lawton Chiles. He served as the Chief Justice for two years during his 15 years on the bench. Retired, he continues to support Boone High as a role model to students in its law magnet program.

Senator Mel Martinez (Community Champion), a native of Cuba, started calling Orlando home in 1966. He earned degrees at Florida State University, practiced law for 25 years and gained immense insights into Orange County business and civic affairs. In 1998 he was elected Orange County Chairman. His “Martinez doctrine” became a massive benefit to the school district by ensuring home developers provided school space and impact funding to keep up with growth. Martinez went on to hold a Cabinet post under President George W. Bush; and win an election to serve as a U.S. Senator in 2006.

Joe Joyner (Distinguished Educator) The son of two educators, Joe Joyner served 23 years at Orange County Public Schools as a teacher, coach and eventually principal at Apopka High. By 1998, he was an area superintendent and a mentor to educators throughout the district. Colleagues say he personified the life of servant leadership. In 2003, he became superintendent of St. John’s County Public Schools in St. Augustine, Florida. Last August, he stepped up to the college ranks and is currently president of Flagler College.

The gala dinner and ceremony will be Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. Ticket, table, sponsor and historical information is available at HallofFame.ocps.net. “Early bird” pricing for tickets and tables is available through March 1.

Proceeds from this event will provide STEM enrichment for students experiencing poverty or homelessness.