Since leaving Arlington, Jim has devoted time and energy to his hometown, particularly through the AHS Alumni Association and the Arlington Historical Society—which honored him in 2003 with a writer’s award for his book, Thundering Herd, a history of the first half-century of COLT FOOTBALL. He served two years as president of the Association as it grew in number and in support for Arlington High.

Serving as President of the Texas Water Conservation Association and of the Permian Basin Professional Engineers Society, Owen’s ceaseless efforts merited him a reservoir and lake to bear his name. The O.H. Ivie Reservoir supplies water to San Angelo, Abilene, Odessa, Midland, Snyder and Big Spring. In addition, Lake Ivie serves as a fishing and recreation area for West Texas. In 1995, the Texas Water Conservation Association dedicated their 51st  Annual Convention to Owen, acknowledging at his retirement his lifetime of perseverance and devotion.

Marriage to his high school sweetheart Yvonne Bohannon, also Class of 1943, led to his extended family—three children, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren. We join them and his nominator Distinguished Alumna - Beverly Bohannon Reynolds, ’48, in celebrating Owen Ivie, Distinguished Colt Alumnus.

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JEFF DALTON, '80

Although Kearby’s exploits made national news throughout the country, very little was noted in Arlington. Perhaps because he moved here at age 13, and he and all his family had left town by 1932, Arlington gave up its claim on this man.

Two months later, Neel Kearby was killed in action over New Guinea.

With humility and gratitude, the Arlington High School Alumni Association proudly honors the memory of Distinguished Colt Neel Kearby.

DCA AWARDS 2011

Graduating in 1961 and 1966, respectively, MAC AND PEGGY MARTIN have remained active at Arlington High and in the city of Arlington. To honor their incredible spirit of generosity, Alvin and Martha Moseley nominated them as
Distinguished Colt Alumni.

PEGGY WOOD MARTIN's experiences as a band member in both high school and college, her inclusion on the Dean's list at David Lipscomb University, and her volunteer's heart have brought her back to her alma mater as a history teacher for more than 20 years. Her peers recognized her exceptionally innovative and creative teaching efforts when they selected her as AHS Teacher of
the Year in 1996. That same year the student body selected her as Teacher of the Month. Two of the many major awards Peggy has received include Arlington's DAR award and the Baylor University Most Memorable Teacher award. She mentors and advises teachers—both rookies and veterans. Peggy's students develop skills that ensure success in school and in life. Peggy's contributions to AHS guide her students to success which in turn develops successful future citizens of Arlington.

MAC MARTIN was active in the band, choir, drama, Key Club and Student Council during his time at AHS and he continues to support our Alumni Association. Along with classmates Judy Bond Joy and Don Mebus, he formed the trio known as the Mello 3 who crooned at many school activities during their tenure at AHS. As an alumnus, Mac's five-year stint as president and webmaster of the Alumni Association has led to enhanced events, new marketing initiatives, and a user-friendly website with lots of hooks for web browsers. Outside of AHS, Mac has served as associate producer for the Miss Teenage America Pageant, has been a managing partner of Dallas and Fort Worth based dinner theaters and is current owner of Incredible Productions. In addition to all Mac does for AHS and its alumni, he uses his production expertise to coordinate events for many local groups and institutions. He has served innumerable hours as emcee—which he has promised to be for the Alumni Association in perpetuity.

MAC and PEGGY, your friends, family and fellow Colts welcome you to the Honor Roll of Distinguished Colts.

ROBERT MILES, CLASS OF 1957, has written the book on what it means to be an AHS Alum. During his high school years, he was involved in a wide range of activities—choir, band, baseball, National Honor Society. Since graduation, he holds season tickets for football games, bringing his grandchildren whenever he can, and is a veritable encyclopedia of AHS football scores. Homecoming and pep rallies almost always find Robert close by.

Robert's love of music, fostered by Dean Corey and Jane Ellis, mark his current contributions
to AHS. He is a charter member of the Alumni Band and was nominated for Distinguished Colt
by the Alumni Band founder, Tanya Terrell Weideman. He helped get the Alumni Association
started by serving on the organizing committee in 1996. His involvement expands to include years of work with Arlington's Fourth of July Parade where he proudly joins the Alumni Band playing the Fight Song and "The Horse." For two years he served as president of the parade.

His love of all things Arlington continues as a member of the Arlington Historical Society.
Professionally, Robert has been a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor for 20 years and has been recognized for his achievements in the field. He has been named State of Texas Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Year and was nominated for the national award as well. His legislative advocacy for his clients has resulted in helpful
legislation in Texas.

Congratulations, ROBERT. You make us all proud to call you a Distinguished Colt Alumnus.

GERALDINE NASH MILLS, CLASS OF 1959, has devoted countless hours and fountains of energy to the historical preservation of Arlington. That is why W. O. Workman nominated her for this award.
In 1996, Geraldine began serving as coordinator of the Arlington Historical Society. The next year
she was its secretary. The year after that she served as president. For the last 11 years, she has been
Executive Director of the institution which refuses to let Arlington forgets its roots.

In addition to honoring all the ways things used to be, Geraldine has worked to raise awareness in
Arlington's cultural diversity. She has seen the Historical Society dedicate our city's only African-American cemetery. She has overseen the opening of Knapp Heritage Park, site of the Front Street Festival and a fertile teaching ground for Arlington's schoolchildren. On her watch, an exhibit memorializing Arlington's young men who died in World War II led to the discovery that one of our own—Neel Kearby, Class of 1928 —received the Congressional Medal of Honor before being killed in action over the Pacific. She also helped garner an historical marker for
Colonel Kearby's statue at the main library downtown which was dedicated last year.
Due to her tireless dedication to historical preservation and its resources which enrich us all, GERALDINE MILLS is recognized as a Distinguished Colt Alumna.

We honor BARTON THOMPSON, CLASS OF 1951, as a Distinguished Colt Alumnus. "To know Barton is to love him and to know of his love for AHS," say classmates Phyllis Forehand and Martha Jane Burnette, his nominators. Barton actively participated in many activities during school, most notably as an original Choralier.

After college he returned to Arlington and became an invaluable, contributing member to our
community. His wife Lucy taught in the Arlington ISD and together they raised two children—
Bart and Sarah—both AHS grads.

A successful businessman, Barton donated time serving on the City Council and the Downtown Rotary Club. His generosity after the Arlington Woman's Club building burned was substantial. His time, energy and resources helped the Club build its present beautiful building. First United Methodist Church has also played a big part in Barton's life. He was involved in securing the
church's new organ and has served on many committees.

There are many reason Barton joins the Honor Roll of Distinguished Colts, but we must add one more. Barton always has a good joke to tell. Congratulations, BARTON THOMPSON!